Have your say on Byron Shire’s new Coastal Management Program: Stage 1

Published on 17 December 2019

Council invites the community to have a say on the Stage 1 Scoping Study of its long-term Coastal Management Program (CMP) which is available for public comment until 3 February 2020.

The purpose of the ‘Draft CMP Stage 1 Scoping Study for Cape Byron to South Golden Beach’ is to set out the scope of the overall CMP consisting of five stages that will ground-truth the current situation for this stretch of coast, build on existing work and previous plans, and identify any knowledge gaps.

“With the NSW Government’s new coastal legislation now in force, Council is moving forward to develop its long-term strategy for our coastline and this scoping study is the first important part of this work,” Council’s Coastal and Biodiversity Manager, Chloe Dowsett said.

“The study will untangle the complex management arrangements of the coast so we can get a clearer picture of what we need to focus on in our new Coastal Management Program, and it will provide a business case, forward plan and costings for the program,” she said.

The study area encompasses the shoreline from the northern tip of Little Wategos Beach to our northern boundary, immediately to the north of South Golden Beach.

“It includes the near-shore coastal waters and beaches, and extends landwards to the maximum potential year 2100 coastal hazard lines as developed by Council for the study area in 2013,” Ms Dowsett said.

“This Stage 1 scoping study primarily focusses on coastal hazards and the two areas of concern on the open coast between Cape Byron and South Golden Beach where property and/or infrastructure are at risk, including Belongil Beach and New Brighton Beach,” she said.

“However, the CMP will also aim to conserve and promote the natural, social and cultural values of the coastline through planning for a resilient coastline that addresses multiple challenges.”

“Everyone with an interest in the management of this coastline is encouraged to review the scoping study and email any feedback to Council,” she said.

For more information about the Stage 1 Scoping Study, see Council’s website: www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Services/Environment/Coast-and-waterways/Coastal-planning

If you would like to provide feedback or chat with our Coastal & Biodiversity Coordinator, Chloe Dowsett, please contact Council on 02 6626 7128 or [email protected].