Byron Wetlands closed

Published on 27 March 2020

Public access to Council’s Byron Wetlands is now closed in further response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.

Byron Shire Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway,  said the closure is necessary to ensure the safety of the community and Council staff at the adjacent Byron Sewage Treatment Plant.

The constructed wetlands are frequented by bird watchers, local residents and visitors who enjoy the 200+ species of water and shore birds that inhabit the area.

Situated within the 100 ha Byron Integrated Management Reserve, the wetlands are an important part of the filtration process for Byron Bay’s treated wastewater.

“The public access closure is an unfortunate and difficult decision but necessary in the current climate,” Mr Holloway said.

“Council personnel are operating on-site at limited capacity to continue delivering essential services to the community, such as treatment of sewage.

“Council’s priority is to protect the health and safety of staff and the community while maintaining this service.”

Access to the wetlands is normally via a coded gate system with pre-arranged tags from Council staff.

“Although there is contactless entry for community members who already have gate passes, having members of the public passing through this operational area or congregating in these areas in the current climate could unnecessarily increase the risk at this Council-managed facility,” Mr Holloway said.

The closure is consistent with this week’s emergency response and changes to other Council-managed facilities, services and venues that have now also closed to the public.

Council is urging people to seek the latest information about COVID-19 from NSW Health and the Australian Government.

For further information on Council-run facilities and services, see the COVID-19 page on our website at: www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Community/Public-health-and-safety/Coronavirus-COVID-19.

For media enquiries contact Annie Lewis, Media and Communications Coordinator, on 6626 7320.