Hinterland vistas to be protected – have your say

Published on 02 October 2018

Byron Shire has some spectacular hinterland and these views and vistas are much loved by residents and visitors.  Protection of the rural landscape values, including scenic amenity, was one of the key messages expressed by the community during preparation of the Byron Rural Land Use Strategy.

Much of the rural scenic escarpment is zoned 7(d) Scenic Escarpment  but changes to NSW Government legislation means councils can no longer apply an environmental zone to protect scenic or aesthetic values.

“Council understands the need to protect scenic escarpment and it is important that people do not assume a new zoning will allow inappropriate development in areas that are currently protected,” Shannon Burt, Director, Sustainable Environment  and Economy, said.

“The community has repeatedly told us how much the rural scenic escarpment is valued, and we agree,” Ms Burt said.

“The rolling green hills are a great asset, contributing to the well-being of our community and the economy of the Shire and Council now needs to provide a new zoning for scenically important land that reflects current legislation,” she said.

The proposed RU6 Transition in the Byron LEP 2014 seeks to maintain the existing development controls around suitable land uses in these visually prominent areas.

“The RU6 Transition zone is currently not in use in the Shire and would act as a transition zone between the productive rural areas and the environmental zones,” Ms Burt said.

Land owners who will be directly affected have been asked to provide feedback on the proposed zone changes.

Council would also like to hear what the wider community thinks about the proposed changes and how they would like to see their hinterland protected.

Frequently Asked Questions are available on Council’s website to provide more information on the proposed change. Council planners are also available to take questions on 6626 7315.

Feedback is invited until Friday 5 October. 

For more information contact Council’s Land Use Planning section on 6626 7126.