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

Final Call for Registrations: Byron Coastal Charity Walk Set to Make a Difference

With just weeks remaining until the Byron Coastal Charity Walk on Friday, 3 May 2025, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is putting out a final call for participants to register and support a cause that saves lives across the Northern Rivers and beyond.

The walk invites locals and visitors to experience the breathtaking coastal route between Byron Bay and Ballina, all while raising much-needed funds to keep the rescue helicopters flying and delivering critical care in emergencies. The track is in top condition and welcomes walkers of all abilities, offering distances of 12km, 24km, or 36km to suit everyone from casual strollers to serious hikers.

Walking in Gratitude: A Personal Mission

Among the hundreds preparing for the challenge is team Bunch of Choppers, led by Mark Stephenson and his 16-year-old son, Cooper. Their involvement is deeply personal—Mark was airlifted by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter after a serious water ski racing accident in early 2024.

“You never know when you might need the service,” Mark said. “It’s a great cause, and they helped me a great deal in my incident. Being able to give back in this way is really special.”

The team has already raised a remarkable sum, thanks to generous contributions from friends, family, and members of the water ski racing community. But for Mark, it’s about more than money—it’s about paying it forward.

“The response has been amazing—everyone has chipped in. When I was in hospital, the amount of people that visited showed how much support was out there. This walk is our way of giving back and making sure the service is there for others when they need it.”

A Walk That Saves Lives

Every dollar raised from the Byron Coastal Charity Walk goes directly to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, helping fund lifesaving missions across the region. The service provides critical aeromedical support 24/7, and relies heavily on community fundraising to remain operational.

With five weeks to go, organisers are encouraging individuals, families, and workplace teams to sign up and take part in this iconic community event.

“Any support helps keep the choppers in the air. You never know if you or a friend will need it,” Mark added.

Whether you’re walking in memory, in gratitude, or simply to enjoy the stunning views from Byron to Ballina, your participation will help save lives.

Register Today

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring event. Choose your distance—12km, 24km, or 36km—and take steps that matter.

To register or find out more, visit:
👉 https://events.rescuehelicopter.com.au/event/byron-coast-charity-walk/home

Lace up, step out, and help keep the helicopters in the sky.

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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