Making it easier to hold events at Council’s Cavanbah Centre

Published on 22 August 2023

The ink is dry on a planning proposal aimed at making it easier for people to hold events at Byron Shire Council’s Cavanbah Centre on Ewingsdale Road.

The aim of the changes is to fast-track approval for a range of outdoor events such as markets and live music to reduce the cost and time for event organisers.

While organisers will still need to apply for approval for the event, the changes to the Byron Local Environment Plan (LEP) mean they will not have to submit a development application.

“The aim is to stream-line the process for organisers of events that are generally regarded as low-impact and that don’t use permanent structures or have impact on the surrounding native vegetation,” Shannon Burt, Director Sustainable Environment and Economy, said.

“Staff will of course need to assess each event proposal and will take into consideration noise restrictions, hours of operation and anticipated crowd numbers as part of the approval process.

“Events are an important part of the local economy and Councillors believe the outdoor spaces at the Cavanbah Centre could be used more for a range of different activities,” she said.

“They believe its location, at the entry to Byron Bay, is a perfect venue with ample parking and space available,” Ms Burt said.

Sporting activities will continue to be the priority for the Cavanbah Centre with the changes to the LEP designed to maximise usage of the facility.

The changes came into effect on 4 August 2023.

For more information about holding an event in the Byron Shire visit Council’s website.