Biodiversity and climate change the focus of new DCP

Published on 23 October 2020

With 23,300 hectares of high ecological value vegetation the Byron Shire is one of the most biologically diverse regions in Australia.

It is home to more than 600 native animals and 1,500 native plants, including 305 threatened animal and plant species.

The proposed update to the Shire’s Development Control Plan (DCP) aims to support these biodiversity values.

The new DCP for Biodiversity is on public exhibition and staff are hoping everyone with an interest in the environment, biodiversity and climate change, will take the time to read it and provide feedback.

Shannon Burt, Director of Sustainable Economy and the Environment, said this new DCP specifically looks at minimising the impact of new development on the ecological values of the Shire.

“The DCP for Biodiversity is based on no net loss to biodiversity, aiming to make sure that the planning and design of new development maintains or improves ecological values,” Ms Burt said.

“With the Byron Shire attracting more and more tourists, as well as people who want to live here, there is no doubt that our natural environment is under pressure and Council’s challenge is to make sure it is retained, preserved and protected for future generations.

“This DCP for Biodiversity is an important planning control as it defines, and spells out, how to avoid and minimise the impacts of development on important vegetation and wildlife habitats,” Ms Burt said.

The DCP for Biodiversity is on exhibition until 15 November 2020. 

For more information on the DCP for Biodiversity go to Council’s website.

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