Funding expected for around $3.8 million repair of roads damaged in late 2024

Flooding and bad weather last November and December caused significant damage to around 40 roads across the Byron Shire.

Council and contractors will be out in force fixing them over the next several months after the NSW Government retrospectively declared the event a natural disaster (AGRN1172). Council is expected to receive almost $3.8 million for repairs.

Samuel Frumpui, Council’s Manager of Works, said that Council staff and contractors are already busy repairing roads.

“Council staff and contractors have already begun repairing roads that were damaged by flash flooding late last year. This will be the key focus for us until early March,” Mr Frumpui said.

“Due to guidelines, we need to get work completed as soon as possible, this may mean our other maintenance work is delayed for a short period of time, but we will be working our way through everything as quickly as we can.”

“We have completed Burnetts Road, Beacoms Road (east) and Dry Creek Road, and are currently working on Huonbrook Road and Main Arm Road,” he said.

Other roads to be repaired include:

• Beech Lane
• Blackbean Road
• Blindmouth Road
• Buckleys Road
• Campbell Street
• Cedar Road
• Charltons Road
• Chinamans Hills Road
• Clays Road
• Coopers Lane (west and south)
• Coopers Creek Road
• Coral Avenue
• Dudgeons Road
• Durrumbul Road
• Englishes Road
• Harkness Lane
• Hollingsworth Lane
• Marri Avenue
• Mcphails Road
• Mill Road
• Montecollum Road
• Motts Road
• Myocum Road
• Richards Lane
• Riley Lane
• Settlement Road
• St Helena Road
• Studal Lane
• Synotts Road
• The Saddle Road
• Waltons Road
• Wanganui Road
• Ward Lane
• Yankee Creek Road

“It is expected that repairs to additional roads will be approved shortly. It’s a massive amount of work and I want to thank all staff and contractors involved in the repairs. I also want to thank residents for their patience while we fix the roads,” Mr Frumpui said.

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Byron Shire Council Adds New EV Chargers in Mullumbimby and Byron Bay

By Jeff Gibbs

Byron Shire Council has installed four new Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers in carparks at Mullumbimby and Byron Bay, supported by $18,000 in funding from the NSW Government’s EV Destination Charging Grants program.

The carpark adjoining the Council’s Mullumbimby offices and library now features two new 22kW AC chargers, bringing the total number of charging stations at the site to four. The Mullumbimby chargers are powered by a 99kW solar array, ensuring a greener energy source for EV users.

In Byron Bay, two new 7kW charging units have been installed at the Lawson Street North carpark, behind the Byron Bay Pool. This complements the existing EV charging station at the Byron Library carpark, which serves two parking spaces.

Boosting Local EV Infrastructure

Council’s Sustainability Officer, Rachel Thatcher, said the new charging stations are part of the Council’s ongoing efforts to reduce transport emissions and support the transition to electric vehicles.

“We see the shift to electric vehicles as playing an important role in reducing transport emissions in the Byron Shire, and we were thrilled to receive funding for these additional charging stations,” Ms. Thatcher said.

Byron Shire already has the highest EV ownership in the Northern Rivers and ranks second in regional NSW, with 517 EVs registered locally—a number expected to grow steadily.

“As a tourist destination, we also need to be ready for the needs of our visitors. Reducing ‘range anxiety’ is key to encouraging more people to adopt EVs,” Ms. Thatcher added.

Aligned with Sustainability Goals

The expansion of EV infrastructure aligns with the Council’s Net Zero Emissions Action Plan and the Power Up Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Strategy, which aim to support continued EV uptake in the region.

“Increasing EV infrastructure in the Shire is key to supporting the transition to a low-emissions future,” Ms. Thatcher said.

For more information, visit the Byron Shire Council website.

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‘Give It Your All’: Future Students Invited to SAE Byron Bay Info Night on January 16

By Robert Heyward

Future creatives, get ready to kick off the new year with inspiration and direction at the SAE Byron Bay Info Night on Thursday, January 16, 2025. This exciting event offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Australia’s top creative tertiary education providers and is set to be a night of discovery, learning, and connection.

From food trucks to student success stories, attendees will explore the vibrant world of creative media and technology at SAE’s six campuses across the country.

Discover Your Creative Path

Whether you’re a budding designer, filmmaker, animator, or aspiring music producer, SAE Info Night is the perfect opportunity to dive into your passion. Explore SAE’s wide range of creative courses, including:

• Design
• Film
• Music
• VFX & Virtual Production
• Animation
• Audio
• Computer Science
• Creative Industries
• Games

Guidance and Insight from Experts

SAE faculty will be on campus to offer one-on-one guidance, helping future students find the right course to match their aspirations and career goals. Attendees will also have the chance to connect with SAE’s student services team, who provide support ranging from academic assistance to career advice.

Bronte Dunning, a 2022 SAE Graduate and owner of Bronte Dunning Creative.

Real Stories, Real Inspiration

One of the highlights of the night will be the student and alumni speakers, sharing their journeys and achievements since studying at SAE. At the Byron Bay campus, guests will hear from Bronte Dunning, a Bachelor of Film Production graduate who has been running her own videography and photography business since graduating in 2022.

“My biggest career highlights are definitely filming Blues Fest Byron Bay for the past three years and working recently with NITV for the Australian Women in Music Awards,” Bronte shared.

“SAE gave me the skills and confidence to start my own business and connected me with a wide network of creatives. My advice for new students? Apply yourself in every class and give it your all. What you put in is what you get out. And most importantly, have fun with it!”

A Night to Explore and Enjoy

Attendees will get to tour the campus, enjoy delicious bites from local food trucks, and connect with faculty, staff, and current students. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the creative environment that SAE is known for and discover how to turn your passion into a career.

Join the Creative Community

Don’t miss this opportunity to step into the world of creative media and technology. SAE Byron Bay Info Night is open to all future students or anyone curious about a creative career.

For more information and to register, visit the SAE website.

Take the first step toward a career that lights you up!

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Court Orders Holiday Letting Business at Kinabalu Farm to Shut Down

A remote holiday letting operation in the bush at Middle Pocket has been ordered to close after the NSW Land and Environment Court ruled that its dwellings were unauthorised and did not meet safety or building standards.

The owners of Kinabalu Farm, located at 333 Skyline Road, had been operating since 2022, offering visitors a rustic experience with basic cabin-like dwellings, including a handmade treehouse called The Treepod. Described as “the ultimate nature lovers and wilderness experience,” the site was accessible only by four-wheel drive and was nestled deep in heavily vegetated bushland.

Council Takes Legal Action

Late last year, Byron Shire Council brought legal action against the owners, citing serious concerns over the safety and legality of the accommodations. The case was heard by Justice Nicola Pain, who found in favour of the Council.

On November 15, Justice Pain ordered the immediate cessation of all holiday letting activities at Kinabalu Farm, including the use of five unauthorised buildings: four cabins and The Treepod.

Serious Safety Concerns

In her judgment, Justice Pain noted that the property’s location posed significant risks, particularly with the imminent bushfire season.

“The location of the property is in a heavily vegetated area, with limited access,” Justice Pain said. “The main usable road access is by four-wheel-drive only. There is a potentially serious environmental issue.”

Photo courtesy of newsouthwaleshotels.net

An inspection by a building certifier revealed extensive non-compliance with building standards, including:

• Balconies without balustrades.
• Access ways lacking railings.
• Absence of fire-rated and ember-retardant materials.
• Windows opening directly to the ground.

Additionally, the court found there was no development consent for the dwellings to be used for short-term rentals, nor was there a publicly registered management plan to alert emergency services to the site’s existence.

Immediate Action Ordered

Justice Pain directed the owners to:

• Cease advertising the unauthorised dwellings.
• Remove all promotional materials.
• Allow Council to inspect the property with 48 hours’ notice to ensure compliance.

Failed Defence

While the owners’ solicitor suggested they intended to rely on existing use rights as a defence, no formal case was filed. Justice Pain noted that the business had been given ample time to substantiate this claim but failed to do so.

Community and Environmental Impact

The court highlighted the potential dangers posed by the remote, heavily vegetated location, particularly during bushfire season. The case underscores the importance of adhering to planning and safety standards, especially in environmentally sensitive and high-risk areas.

Kinabalu Farm has been ordered to halt all bookings and operations until the dwellings comply with regulations, marking a significant victory for Byron Shire Council in safeguarding community and environmental interests.

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Strengthen Your Community: Volunteer with a Local Community Resilience Hub

By Jeff Gibbs

As storm season looms, the recent wet weather serves as a timely reminder of the importance of preparedness. Across Byron Shire, 11 Community Resilience Hubs (CHUBs) are actively working to support their communities in preparing for emergencies and recovering from disasters.

The CHUB volunteer teams are part of the Byron Shire Community Resilience Network, a collaborative effort involving local organisations, government agencies, and emergency services. These dedicated volunteers provide vital support in areas such as emergency preparedness, planning, and recovery.

Active CHUB Locations

The CHUBs are spread across the Byron Shire, ensuring localised support in the following areas:

• Main Arm
• South Golden Beach, New Brighton, Ocean Shores
• Wilsons Creek, Huonbrook, Wanganui
• Federal, Goonengerry, Eureka
• Mullumbimby
• Bangalow
• Minyon (Upper Coopers Creek)
• Broken Head
• Suffolk Park
• Coorabell

Building a Resilient Byron Shire

“The aim of the CHUB groups is to strengthen the overall resilience of the Byron Shire by making the community better prepared and connected in localised pockets, making them more equipped to face future challenges,” said Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye.

Since the 2022 floods, CHUB volunteers have been working tirelessly, planning, training, and building their capacity with support from Council, emergency services, Plan C, and the Australian Red Cross.

How You Can Get Involved

Volunteering with your local CHUB is an opportunity to:

• Help your community prepare for and recover from emergencies.
• Build strong connections with neighbours and local organizations.
• Gain valuable training and experience in community resilience.

If you’re interested in joining an existing CHUB or starting one in your area, reach out to Sarah Boulle at Byron Shire Council via council@byron.nsw.gov.au.

Together, we can make the Byron Shire stronger, safer, and more resilient to future challenges.

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