Heritage Park Upgrade Begins in Mullumbimby

Ian Roberts

The Byron Shire Council has commenced a significant $850,000 upgrade of Heritage Park, as part of the Heritage Park Landscape Masterplan. This project includes several new features aimed at enhancing the park’s appeal to the community.

Key improvements include:

• New Pathway and Boardwalk: A 2-metre-wide pathway will link the entrance at Brunswick Terrace to the playground at Mill Street, offering better accessibility.
• Play Equipment: A new climbing structure for older children will be installed, along with additional nature and imaginative play features.
• Seating and Shelter: More seating will be added, and the existing shelter will be refurbished.
• Off-Lead Dog Area: The section along Mill Street, currently an unofficial carpark, will be turned into an off-lead dog area with new turf, providing a safe space for dogs and their owners.

Malcolm Robertson, Manager of Open Spaces, said the project is based on feedback from the community and aims to improve the park as a valuable community space.

The work is expected to take around six months, and certain areas of the park will be closed during this time.

For more information, visit the Council’s website at Heritage Park Accessible Pathway and Playground Upgrade.

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Northern Rivers Safe Havens Extended Until End of 2025

By Robert Heyward

Residents of the Northern Rivers region will continue to have access to vital mental health support and counselling services, thanks to the extension of all four Safe Havens across the area until December 2025. These Safe Havens, located in Lismore, Murwillumbah, Mullumbimby, and Woodburn, offer free, compassionate, and non-clinical mental health support for adults in a welcoming “drop-in” environment.

Originally commissioned in 2022 by Healthy North Coast as part of the NSW Government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Flood Recovery Package, the Safe Havens were established in response to the devastating floods that hit the Northern Rivers region. Since their inception, these centres, operated by The Buttery, have provided over 15,600 hours of counselling to more than 14,400 participants.

The extension was announced by The Hon Rose Jackson, Minister for Mental Health and North Coast, during a visit to the Mullumbimby Safe Haven. She emphasised the importance of these services to the community, particularly in the aftermath of the region’s recent natural disasters.

“The mental health and wellbeing of every individual is a top priority, and the NSW Government is committed to improved mental health outcomes on the North Coast. The extension of these four Safe Haven sites is crucial—they’ve been embraced by the Northern Rivers community not just for the expert mental health support they provide, but as safe and welcoming spaces during times of disruption,” Minister Jackson said. “We are pleased to keep these services running until the end of 2025.”

Safe Haven Northern Rivers – Photo sourced from Safe Haven North Coast

Monika Wheeler, CEO of Healthy North Coast, highlighted the ongoing need for these services: “More than 700 people connected with the Safe Havens during June alone, showing us that these services are still essential for the community. With floods and droughts expected to increase in intensity and frequency, it is vitally important that Safe Haven services remain available to those still feeling the impact of the 2022 flood events.”

Healthy North Coast, in collaboration with the NSW Government, has adjusted service activities under the funding agreement to ensure the Safe Havens will remain open until 31 December 2025. These sites will continue to offer both clinical and non-clinical support to the community from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Leone Crayden, CEO of The Buttery, expressed her gratitude for the extension, noting the importance of the Safe Havens to the community. “It is welcome news that we can continue to keep the doors open at the four Safe Haven sites until 31 December 2025. The counselling and wellbeing support have been very well received, and our co-location agreements with other providers allow the community to access additional support for housing, flood recovery, and social activities such as local BBQs or network meetings. Safe Havens offer a place to connect, which is important for wellbeing.”

Dee, a Peer Worker at one of the Safe Havens, echoed these sentiments: “It’s great news that the Safe Havens are being continued in the heavily flood-affected communities we work in. Mental health services are both valued and needed. The drop-in, no-appointment-needed space that people can access without referral is a refreshing and much-needed approach in mental health, especially with the easy access to Peer Workers.”

For more information, visit safehavennc.org.au or visit your community’s Safe Haven:

• Lismore | 46 Magellan Street (next to Lismore Regional Gallery)
• Mullumbimby | 15 Tincogan Street (Behind the Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre)
• Murwillumbah | Shop 10-12/41-45 Murwillumbah Street
• Woodburn | 114 River Street

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Mullumbimby’s Future Water Supply Secured with Regional Network Connection

By Robert Heyward

The future of Mullumbimby’s water supply has been secured, with Byron Shire Council approving a permanent, full connection to the regional water network managed by Rous County Council.

This decision ensures that Mullumbimby’s water will be sourced from the same regional supply that currently serves the rest of Byron Shire, as well as the communities of Ballina, Lismore, and Casino.

Phil Holloway, Byron Shire Council’s Director of Infrastructure Services, explained that the decision to connect to the regional water supply was strongly recommended by both water management consultants and Council staff, following comprehensive environmental, economic, and social assessments.

“The consultant’s report highlighted that Mullumbimby’s water demand is expected to rise due to ongoing development and population growth. The current local supply would be insufficient to meet future demand, likely leading to more frequent and severe water restrictions,” Mr. Holloway said.

“Transitioning to the regional supply offers several advantages over maintaining the local supply in Mullumbimby. These include a reduced environmental impact, lower ongoing energy consumption, and minimised infrastructure costs, ultimately providing better value for ratepayers.”

Photo by José-Antonio López Vieira

Mullumbimby’s current water supply is drawn from the Lavertys Gap weir, constructed in the 1920s, and flows through an open channel to the Mullumbimby Water Treatment Plant (WTP), which was built in 1940. However, the existing system has been deemed incapable of reliably meeting demand beyond 2027.

During the Ordinary Council Meeting on Thursday, 15 August, Council considered two main options for Mullumbimby: connecting to the regional network or continuing to rely on Lavertys Gap, supplemented by a 200ML off-stream storage dam and a new water treatment plant.

Updated cost estimates for the 30-year total construction and operation of each option revealed that connecting to the regional network would cost approximately $90 million, while the alternative off-stream storage option would require an investment of around $128 million.

The exact timeline for Mullumbimby’s connection to the regional network has yet to be determined. In the meantime, minor upgrades will be carried out at the Mullumbimby WTP.

The Lavertys Gap weir and its channel are listed on the NSW State Heritage Register, and the Mullumbimby WTP holds local heritage significance. The Council will explore long-term management options for these structures following their decommissioning.

At Thursday’s meeting, Councillors also resolved to continue supplying reticulated drinking water to properties currently connected to the main line between the Mullumbimby WTP and the Azalea Street reservoir.

Additionally, the Council voted to retain the extraction licence at Lavertys Gap reservoir to preserve future use options for the resource.

For more local Mullumbimby news, click here.

Byron Greens Endorse Rail Trail as Part of Integrated Transport Solution

The Byron Greens are thrilled to announce their strong support for the development of a rail trail through Byron Shire, viewing it as a vital component of an integrated and sustainable transport solution. This endorsement aligns with the Greens’ commitment to addressing the evolving regional context, supporting local businesses, and realising the community’s vision for the Shire’s future.

Quotes Attributable to Cr Sarah Ndiaye, Deputy Mayor and Byron Greens Mayoral Candidate:

“The Rail Trail is more than just a path; it’s a symbol of our community’s resilience, vision, and commitment to a brighter, more connected future. By embracing this project as part of a comprehensive transport strategy, we honour our past, celebrate our heritage, and pave the way for a healthier and more inclusive Byron Shire. Let’s come together to build not just a trail, but a legacy of innovation and unity for generations to come.”

Quotes Attributable to Elia Hauge, Greens Candidate for Byron Council and Engineer:

“I’m excited to see the rail trail as a key component of an integrated transport network. It’s not just about creating a beautiful cycling path through our stunning hinterland; it’s about seamlessly blending public and active transport. Key to our plan is a commitment to keeping the rail corridor in public hands and taking a multi-modal approach where possible. Rail transport between Mullum and Byron alongside a rail trail is possible and would be amazing for our community. We will prioritise making that happen if we’re elected to Byron Council.”

A Vision for Sustainable, Integrated Transport

The Byron Greens’ vision for the Rail Trail includes:

• Public Ownership and Sustainable Funding: Ensuring the rail corridor remains in public hands and exploring business partnerships to support ongoing maintenance and development.
• Integrated Transport Strategy: Advocating for funding for local public transport, including sections of rail and an on-demand bus service, alongside comprehensive active transport, including the rail trail.
• State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Building a resilient and well-designed trail that meets the highest standards of safety and usability.
• Multi-Modal Approach: Supporting a dual-use rail and walking trail between Byron and Mullumbimby, and a rail trail from Byron to the south and Mullumbimby northward.
• Indigenous Engagement: Incorporating Indigenous artwork and signage and creating job opportunities for Indigenous community members in the trail’s development and maintenance.
• Environmental Sustainability: Prioritising environmentally sustainable design and construction, including the planting of native species.

Join Us for a Community Celebration

To celebrate this exciting initiative and gather community ideas for the Rail Trail, the Byron Greens invite you to join them at the upcoming event:

• What: Rail Trail Vision Celebration
• When: 5-7pm, Friday 30th August 2024
• Where: The Paddock Project, 64 Argyle St, Mullumbimby

This event offers residents a chance to meet the Greens candidates, share their thoughts, and help shape a Rail Trail and integrated transport strategy that reflects the community’s values and enhances the quality of life in Byron Shire.

Visit here to RSVP.

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Council close to negotiating licence on rail land in Mullumbimby

Council is getting close to signing a licence with the NSW Government to secure the future use of land in the rail corridor on the fringe of Mullumbimby’s central business area.

For several years Council has been negotiating with the NSW Government for approval to use some of the land at the back of Station Street to provide public parking and a new community open space and amenities.

The land runs along the railway line, between Station Street and Prince Street, and has been flagged as a key area for revitalisation and use in the Mullumbimby Masterplan.

“We have been working with the NSW Government on this since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

“The land was identified in the Mullumbimby Masterplan as having potential for parking and other community uses,” Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, said.

“The land, which does not include the temporary housing village, is close to the main street and will provide much needed periphery parking for the town.

“Importantly, it is only a short walk from there to all the shops and facilities in the town centre,” Mayor Lyon said.

“If people can park along the existing rail line I am confident that this will see less cars trawling along Burringbar Street, trying to find the elusive parking spot.

“Securing the land will also be a significant plus for the rail trail in the Byron Shire, boosting our funding application because we will be able to show that we manage what will be one of the key features of the trail – the entrance to Mullumbimby,” Mayor Lyon said.

Negotiations with NSW Government are ongoing, but Council is hopeful the licence will be issued by the end of the year.

For more local Mullumbimby news, click here.