Looking at biodiversity conservation in Byron Shire

Published on 14 November 2018

Byron Shire has an extremely high level of biodiversity with this north eastern part of NSW known to support high numbers of rare or threatened flora and fauna. 

“The protection of biodiversity is one of our community’s most serious considerations and Council also shares this concern,” Byron Shire Mayor, Simon Richardson, said.

“The loss of biodiversity is one of the most serious of environmental problems and it is vital that Council does all it can to ensure our children, and their children can experience the majesty and beauty of nature and this is why we are developing a new Biodiversity Conservation Strategy,” Mayor Richardson said.

“It is intended that the Strategy be a key document which provides a framework to guide Council and the community in managing Byron’s biodiversity,” he said.

The Strategy will come to provide an ongoing framework and action plan with a wide range of actions intended to ultimately eliminate threatening processes and protect and restore the native environment.

“We need to avoid, minimise or reduce known impacts on biodiversity including habitat clearing, inappropriate fire regimes, pressure from pests and domestic animals and pollution as well as increase habitat connection, but we can’t do this alone,” Mayor Richardson said.

“Staff are hoping the community will get involved and help us with this Conservation Strategy because our current one is outdated.

“It is almost 15 years since the 2004 Strategy was adopted and 84% of the actions have been implemented.

As part of the development of the new Biodiversity Conservation Strategy it is necessary to review the existing one to see how effective and relevant it still is and what new management approaches might be helpful in the Byron Shire.

The review will also ensure the Strategy is reflective of current knowledge and national, state and regional conservation strategies.

Council wants to hear from the community about what its priorities are when it comes to biodiversity conservation.

An informal world café-style public workshop is being held at the Mullumbimby Civic Hall on Wednesday 5 December 2018 from 5.15pm to 7.30m.  Bookings are essential.  Go to https://www.yoursaybyronshire.com.au/biodiversity-conservation-strategy.

For more information contact Council’s Environmental Project Officer, Peter Boyd, on 6626 7253 (Monday – Wednesday).