Have your say on draft concept plans for Mullumbimby’s Stuart Street

Published on 25 January 2021

Mullumbimby businesses and residents are invited to look at draft concept plans for the Stuart Street Green Spine Project and tell Council what they think.

The Green Spine Project aims to provide a leafy boulevard that connects Stuart Street from Heritage Park through the town centre to the Mullumbimby Recreation Grounds and community garden.

The project was identified as part of the Our Mullumbimby Masterplan, a document developed in partnership with the Mullumbimby community that provides the direction for future projects in the town.

The draft concept plan for the Green Spine projects includes:

• A defined cycleway in both directions • More footpaths • Landscaping and planting • Parking layout in the town centre

The draft concept plan can be viewed online at www.yoursaybyronshire.com.au and everyone is invited to take the survey.

Phil Holloway, Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, said this is the first step towards making Stuart Street more user friendly for pedestrians and cyclists.

“Stuart Street is a busy street with a lot of competing interests such as parking, trucks unloading goods for local shops, as well as people walking and riding,” Mr Holloway said.

“The aim is to make it more of a safe, shared space for everyone, complementing and enhancing the Mullumbimby CBD which is known for its relaxed, laid-back, sometimes quirky, country feel,” he said.

The initial budget of approximately $1.2 million is funded by Council ($327,000), the NSW Government via an Election Commitment Grant ($660,000) and the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program ($300,000). 

This funding will allow for the concept development for the whole of Stuart Street as well as work on a section of Stuart Street between Burringbar and Whian Streets. 

The extent of works will be confirmed during detailed design and will be subject to budget.  The project will be completed in stages as grant funding opportunities arise.

“Council knows that for businesses, parking is a premium in Stuart Street but on the other hand people want improved footpaths, landscaping and bike paths and this is why we are hoping people will take the time to look at the draft concept plan and tell us what they think via an online survey,” Mr Holloway said.

• The draft Stuart Street Green Spine plan and survey are available at Your Say Byron Shire.  • Staff will be in Stuart Street on Friday 29 January from 9am-12pm to talk to people. • An information session will be held on Tuesday 2 February (2pm-3pm) at Council Chambers.