Lockdown a blow for Byron Shire residents and businesses

Published on 21 September 2021

The announcement that Byron Shire will go back into lockdown at 5pm this afternoon, is a blow for residents and businesses.

Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, said many were hoping the school holidays would be a time to get out of the house and back to work but unfortunately those plans are on hold now for at least seven days.

“We are a long way from Sydney and I think there needs to be more consideration for the impact of people leaving COVID hotspots and coming to areas like the Byron Shire,” Mayor Lyon said.

“Sydney businesses and residents have really been doing it tough over the last several months but as we are seeing, just one infected person is shutting down our businesses, putting thousands of people off work and cafes and restaurants have fridges full of food that could end up in the bin.

“I echo the call from the Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith, to have a vaccination hub set up in the Byron Shire, like what is available in the Lismore and Ballina local government areas.

“It’s vital that everyone in the Byron Shire who wants a vaccine can get access to it because when NSW opens up there is little doubt people will be heading north and bringing COVID with them and our community will be vulnerable,” Mayor Lyon said.

“The health and wellbeing of residents is Council’s priority so if you are not well please ensure you follow the Public Health Orders and we will get through this,” he said.

From tomorrow 22 September Council’s office in Mullumbimby will be closed to the public but staff will be available on the phone or via email to help.

Other changes to Council services include the closure of:

Information about COVID-19 and changes to services is on Council’s website.

For media interviews contact Michael Lyon, Byron Shire Mayor, on 0435 646 365 or Annie Lewis, Media and Communications Coordinator, on 02 6626 7320.