Byron Shire Council responses to COVID-19

Published on 23 March 2020

In response to the evolving situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic Byron Shire Council will this week be closing the Main Beach and Clarkes Beach carparks

Council-managed community halls will also close for three months, along with a temporary three-month suspension of all busking licences.

Byron Shire Mayor, Simon Richardson, said the decisions have been made in light of the social distancing protocols set out by the Australian and NSW Governments to try to flatten the curve on COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of our communities.

“The carparks at Main Beach and Clarkes Beach are popular gathering points and groups of people continue to park their cars and congregate in these areas and we need to do what we can to stop this from happening.

“We also have enormously talented local musicians and with pubs, clubs and venues closed, authorities fear that buskers will be a drawcard for large crowds and while some people might see this as an over-reaction we cannot be too cautious.

Council-managed halls, including the Bangalow A&I hall and Marvell hall were closed from 5pm today.

Councillors were today briefed on the current situation including discussions with State Government authorities and the roles of each level of Government plays in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic with Byron Shire.

The further measures that may be taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic were also discussed and will be followed up this week.

“I would like to take this opportunity to assure the community that Council is well-prepared and will continue its emergency response with a strong focus on the delivery of essential services for the community including water, sewer and infrastructure during the challenges we are facing.

“Council’s Crisis Management team has been meeting for weeks, to ensure there is no disruption to essential services.

“Council offices and customer service areas remain open for now, with social distancing in place, though we request that people call us or contact us online as much as possible from now on.

“It is critical, at this uncertain time, for all of us to do what we can in relation to the protocols put in place by the State and Federal authorities and this includes observing the new rules surrounding events and social distancing.

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

Effective from midday Monday 23 March, Byron Shire’s indoor sporting venue, The Cavanbah Centre will be temporarily closed until further notice. 

To adhere to the Australian and NSW Government’s bans on non-essential gatherings, all of the Shire’s community halls are also now closed. 

Libraries are also closed, along with those in the Lismore, Ballina and Tweed Shires who are also a part of the Richmond Tweed Regional Library.

Byron Shire’s outdoor pools remain open at Mullumbimby and Byron Bay.

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.