Byron Bay Sample Food Festival
This year’s Sample Food Festival is taking place at Bangalow Showground on Saturday, 6th September 2025. It marks the 12th annual celebration of this fantastic festival, which is shaping up to be an
A new independent Council for Byron Shire
December’s local Council elections saw Michael Lyon, an independent, voted mayor of Byron Shire with a clear 54.32% majority. This outcome means that the Greens’ primary vote more than halved, indicating a significant change in leadership for our region.
Our new, majority independent, centre left, progressive Council is focused on a collaborative, innovative approach that reflects the changing sentiment in Byron Shire. As a result, we can expect to see environmentally sensitive yet pragmatic decision-making that reflects our town’s growing appeal as a global property investment and lifestyle destination.
Doing the best for our community
With the independents in the driving seat, we’ll benefit from the passion and dedication of experienced councillors who want to work together to develop policies that will positively affect Byron Shire.
Protecting the planet
Our new Council supports environmentally progressive policies and aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2025. They’ll manage the Bring Back the Bruns project, regenerating riverbanks and removing the causeways that prevent fish swimming upstream. Plus, they’ll fund the solar farm at Myocum and create an Australian-first bioenergy facility to process local green waste into energy and compost.
Strong financial leadership
Michael Lyon has already shown a talent for financial management, which has helped improve Council’s relationship with state and federal government. Good governance will undoubtedly benefit the community today and, in the future, as a strong financial position will inevitably attract more funding.
Improving local infrastructure
Building on the success of the new bypass and moving the bus terminal out of the town centre, we can expect Council to further develop community infrastructure. There will be a continued focus on fixing roads, footpaths, cycleways, and playgrounds. At the same time, we can look forward to additional community facilities that will enrich the lives of local residents.
Addressing the affordable housing crisis.
Affordable housing is a big issue for Council and a pressing problem that needs strong management and a firm commitment to do the right thing for the community. The housing crisis has forced many locals out of the area. And it’s affected many businesses that can’t get staff, putting additional pressure on our local economy.
Proposed 90-day cap for short-term holiday accommodation.
Last year, the government announced a new rental cap of 180-days on short-term holiday accommodation in New South Wales. However, because of the high number of holiday properties in town, Council requested this cap be reduced to 90-days in Byron Shire. A detailed economic impact assessment has been submitted to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, laying out the impact of this cap on hosts and operators with an outcome expected by the end of January.
Sensitive management of growth and development
Managing the growth of Byron Shire is a topic that everyone has an opinion on. Of course, we need more affordable homes. And we need more jobs for our growing population. However, we also need to protect our beautiful region, ensuring Byron doesn’t fall victim to the anything-goes approach that’s affected so many other coastal areas.
Council will have their work cut out as they navigate the challenges ahead. However, they have the strong support of the local community behind them, and we wish them every success as they steer Byron Shire towards a sustainable future.
Stay safe, stay healthy, everyone.
All the best
Ed
Latest Posts
-
-
Byron Bay Writers Festival
22 July, 2025 -
Newrybar bonfire and fireworks night is back!
14 July, 2025 -
Big win for Byron Yoga Centre
20 May, 2025 -
Bluesfest’s last stand in Byron Bay
13 November, 2024 -
Discover the Byron Twilight Market
30 October, 2024
RELATED ARTICLES
Byron Bay Writers Festival
It’s time to get ready for Byron Writers Festival 2025! Now just days away, this year’s festival promises a vibrant program where high-profile storytellers and new voices will contemplate a life well lived…
Newrybar bonfire and fireworks night is back!
Newrybar fireworks night is all set to light up the night sky on Saturday 2nd August with its annual fireworks and bonfire spectacular. This popular fireworks and bonfire night takes place in the…
Big win for Byron Yoga Centre
It’s long been said that Byron Bay might just be the yoga and wellness capital of Australia — and it’s not hard to see why. The retreats, the studios, the sunsets, the community… and of course, the incredible teachers.
Bluesfest’s last stand in Byron Bay
For over three decades, Bluesfest Byron Bay has been the beating heart of live music in Australia. But next Easter long weekend marks the end of an era as Bluesfest hosts its final festival at Byron.
Discover the Byron Twilight Market
The Byron Twilight Market is a must-visit event during the summer months. Held every Saturday evening from 4 pm to 9 pm at Railway Park, this social initiative run by the Byron Community Centre
BOOK A PROPERTY APPRAISAL TODAY
We offer an obligation-free market appraisal, which includes a property assessment, a report outlining recent comparable sales, and an estimate of your property’s value together with a price guide.
Get in touch to discuss the value of your property
Get in touch to discuss the value of your property