Public Consultation Opens on Beach Naming and Boundary Updates in Byron Shire

The Geographical Names Board (GNB) is inviting residents and stakeholders to provide feedback on a proposal from Byron Shire Council to formalise and update the names and extents of several key beaches within the Byron Local Government Area (LGA).

The proposal seeks to officially name Brunswick Heads Beach and Tyagarah Beach, while amending the boundaries of the already established Belongil Beach and Main Beach, which were first named in 2002.

• Brunswick Heads Beach is proposed to extend from the southern breakwater of the Brunswick River to the northern boundary of the Tyagarah Nature Reserve.
• Tyagarah Beach would span approximately 6.3km from the nature reserve boundary to the mouth of Belongil Beach, traversing the suburbs of Brunswick Heads, Tyagarah, and Byron Bay.

The name Tyagarah derives from a local Arakwal word and is widely used by the community to refer to the beach along the Tyagarah Nature Reserve’s seaward edge.

Proposed boundary changes also aim to clarify:

• Belongil Beach will be defined as extending 2.8km from Belongil Creek to the rock groin near Jonson and Bay Streets.
• Main Beach will extend approximately 950m, from that groin to Clarkes Beach, bordering Massinger Street.

According to NSW Surveyor-General Narelle Underwood, “The Geographical Names Board is committed to formalising established names that are in use by the local community. Ensuring consistent and accurate place names is essential for clear communication and avoiding confusion.”

Locals are encouraged to review the proposed changes and provide submissions by 16 May 2025. Suggestions for alternative names are not being sought at this time.

View the proposal and submit feedback:
🔗 Geographical Names Board Website
✉️ Or mail written submissions to:
The Secretary, Geographical Names Board, 346 Panorama Ave, Bathurst, NSW 2795

Help shape the way Byron Bay beaches are identified—for locals, visitors, and emergency services alike.

Byron Bay Named First Regional Entertainment Precinct in NSW

Byron Bay will officially become the first regional town in New South Wales to trial a Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP), in a landmark initiative that aims to support and preserve the town’s vibrant nightlife.

Announced by the NSW Government as part of its ongoing vibrancy reforms to rejuvenate the state’s night-time economy, the Byron SEP will provide a dedicated entertainment zone where live music, extended trading hours, and cultural experiences are encouraged—and protected from increasing development and resident complaints.

The SEP will cover Byron’s central entertainment district, including Bay Street, Jonson Street, the rail corridor, Middleton and Browning Streets—home to some of the town’s most iconic live music venues. These include The Backroom at the Great Northern Hotel, which has hosted The White Stripes and Paul Kelly, the Beach Hotel, once graced by Nirvana and Midnight Oil, and The Rails, a favourite for The Whitlams and The Cruel Sea.

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said Byron Bay has long been synonymous with great nights out and the SEP will protect and elevate that tradition.

“A night out in Byron Bay has been a special part of the lives of so many people. This initiative ensures those classic days continue well into the night.”

The Byron Shire Council is one of six regional councils in NSW exploring SEPs, following successful implementations in Enmore Road (Sydney’s Inner West) and approvals for Fairfield and Burwood in western Sydney. The Byron initiative is bolstered by a $162,800 Special Entertainment Precinct Kickstart Grant, which will fund community and business engagement, and planning for new sound and trading rules within the precinct.

The significance of the SEP lies in its ability to streamline the process for hospitality and entertainment businesses. Once established, venues within the precinct won’t need to submit new development applications to extend trading hours, saving time and money. It also safeguards existing nightlife culture through NSW’s ‘eyes wide open’ reform—ensuring new residents and property buyers are informed about moving into an entertainment-rich area.

Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye welcomed the funding, describing the SEP as an opportunity to strengthen the town’s after-dark economy:

“This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with our community—our artists, venues, businesses, and residents—to shape a night-time economy that’s vibrant, welcoming, and truly reflective of Byron’s creative spirit.”

“With so much change over the past few years, this funding comes at the right time to support fresh ideas, local jobs, and a safe, inclusive after-dark culture.”

The SEP forms part of the Minns Government’s broad vibrancy reforms, which include:

• Permanent relaxation of outdoor dining rules (even on car parks and greenspaces)
• Extended trading hours and reduced licensing fees for live music venues
• Noise regulation reforms, including a single regulator and a threshold of five complaints for investigation
• Major Events Act amendments to support recurring festivals and streamline approvals
• The removal of the 5km club membership rule
• Increased flexibility for special event trading across Sydney and regional NSW

24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said Byron Bay’s participation in the SEP program is a clear sign of regional leadership:

“This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach—it’s about empowering local councils to support their own cultural identities while boosting economic outcomes. I look forward to seeing how Byron leads the way.”

The announcement comes as Byron Bay continues to attract over 2 million visitors annually, despite rising costs and real estate pressures. The precinct will serve as a blueprint for other regional centres looking to enhance tourism and foster a more inclusive and culturally rich night-time economy.

For more information on Special Entertainment Precincts and how they work, visit:
🔗 https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/office-of-24-hour-economy-commissioner/vibrancy-reforms/seps

Lismore Poised for Construction Boom with $46 Million in Development Approvals in March

Lismore is entering a period of rapid construction growth, with more than $46 million worth of Development Applications (DAs) approved in March alone, propelling the total value of developments for the 2023–24 financial year toward an expected $100 million milestone—a figure typically achieved only in a strong full year.

Mayor Steve Krieg Lismore City described the March approvals as a “phenomenal sign of business confidence” in the city’s future, noting that the 34 DAs approved included not only significant local projects but also new developments driven by external investors who recognise Lismore’s growth potential.

Among the notable March approvals were:

• A $8.5 million office development in the CBD
• A $2.7 million community facility
• Two large-scale residential projects by the Arch Diocese
• Stage 2 of Eastwood Estate, a $10 million development comprising 176 residential lots

“These are not just rebuilds—they are entirely new investments from outside Lismore,” Mayor Krieg said. “It’s a sign that confidence in our economy is returning, and Lismore is once again seen as a smart place to invest.”

He praised Council’s planning team for their efficiency, with 80% of DAs approved within expected timeframes and an average approval time just under 80 days, well ahead of many other regional councils.

Following the devastation of the 2022 flood event, Council has focused on sustainable urban growth and resilience. A recent audit of Lismore’s inner CBD shows that occupancy rates have remained stable despite ongoing economic pressures.

“These figures show we’re not just rebuilding—we’re growing,” Mayor Krieg added. “Lismore is open for business and ready for long-term investment.”

Man Charged After Brutal Machete Attack in Coffs Harbour

A man is facing multiple charges following a horrifying home invasion in Coffs Harbour that left a 59-year-old man with his hand severed.

Emergency services were called to a unit on Toormina Place, Coffs Harbour, around 6.45am on Wednesday, 16 April 2025. Upon arrival, paramedics discovered the man’s left hand had been severed during an alleged assault. He was stabilised at the scene before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.

Two women, aged 58 and 80, were present during the incident but were unharmed.

Police from the Coffs/Clarence Police District launched an investigation and were told two men had allegedly forced entry into the property and assaulted the victim with a weapon.

Later that evening, at approximately 9.45pm, officers patrolling South Grafton spotted a vehicle without registration plates. When the driver failed to stop, a pursuit ensued. The vehicle became bogged on nearby playing fields and police arrested an 18-year-old man at the scene.

He was taken to Grafton Police Station and charged with several offences, including special aggravated break and enter with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, police pursuit – fail to stop, and possession of a prohibited drug.

A machete recovered from the vehicle has been seized for forensic examination.

The accused was refused bail and is due to appear at Grafton Local Court today, Thursday 17 April 2025.

Investigations into the identity and whereabouts of the second alleged offender are ongoing.

Kyogle Council Unveils $61.3 Million Budget Focused on Growth, Infrastructure, and Future Prosperity

Kyogle Council has handed down a responsible and forward-focused $61.3 million draft budget, which Mayor Danielle Mulholland says will lay the foundations for sustainable growth and long-term prosperity across the region.

Adopted for public exhibition from Monday, 14 April, the draft budget earmarks major investments in infrastructure, essential services, and community facilities while reinforcing the Council’s vision for Kyogle as a place of lifestyle and opportunity.

“We are investing in the future of our communities,” Mayor Mulholland said. “This budget ensures Kyogle remains a great place to live and work — with the infrastructure needed for a growing and thriving population.”

Major Infrastructure Commitments

• $2.68 million for regional road projects
• $4.1 million for rural local roads
• $5.4 million for bridge upgrades
• $17 million over two years to construct a new sewerage treatment plant (STP) for Kyogle
• $6 million (forward estimates) to sewer the villages of Wiangaree, Tabulam, and Mallanganee
• $2.5 million toward a new water supply for Tabulam

Crucially, a 10% increase in sewerage rates is proposed to help raise $4.25 million, a condition required to secure a $12.75 million State Government grant to fund the new STP.

“The current treatment plant is classified as high risk and no longer meets environmental standards,” Cr Mulholland explained. “A new plant is vital to meet compliance and expand Kyogle’s capacity for growth.”

Community and Cultural Investments

The budget also includes allocations for community infrastructure and services:

• $783,674 for urban street upgrades
• $141,500 for the Roxy Gallery
• $614,490 for library and mobile library services
• $725,213 for maintaining the Council’s three public swimming pools
• $1.48 million for parks, gardens, and village maintenance
• $166,620 in financial assistance and community donations

The budget includes a general rate increase of 4.1%, consistent with the NSW rate peg limit.

Community Consultation Now Open

The draft budget is on public exhibition until 13 May 2025, with Council inviting community feedback. Full budget documents are available at:

• Kyogle Council Administration Centre, 1 Stratheden Street
• Council website: www.kyogle.nsw.gov.au
• Local distribution points including Wadeville store, Woodenbong, Tabulam, Cawongla, Mallanganee, Wiangaree, and Bonalbo Post Offices

Written submissions must be received by 4pm, 13 May 2025, and should be addressed to the General Manager via:

• PO Box 11, Kyogle NSW 2474
• Email: council@kyogle.nsw.gov.au

“With this budget, we are planning for a stronger future. It’s about providing the core services and capacity that make the Kyogle LGA a destination for lifestyle, opportunity, and growth,” said Mayor Mulholland