Last week Byron Shire Council passed a resolution in support of a negotiated outcome on the Wallum development at Brunswick Heads that aims to maximise environmental benefits, minimise the development footprint, and improve housing diversity and affordability.
Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon brought forward a Mayoral Minute to update the community, and Council, about recent negotiations with Clarence Property. He previewed a proposed site map of the Wallum development that was drafted following discussions between Clarence Property representatives, and Councillors Michael Lyon, Asren Pugh and Cate Coorey.
"These discussions explored ways to protect more of the environmental values of the site whilst improving the affordability of housing lots by shrinking the footprint of the development and reducing some of the lot sizes. The total development footprint would reduce from 12 to 11 hectares and increase the eastern buffer by 1.8 hectares," Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon said.
"This would allow for the different types of housing that are needed in Byron Shire, including smaller dwellings for singles, couples and empty nesters."
The revised footprint also creates a larger buffer between the development and the most significant population of Wallum froglets, west of Simpsons Creek. This re-arrangement can save more than half of the scribbly gums, including all the oldest specimens in this eastern section.
"With an approval from the Northern Rivers Planning Panel, Clarence is not compelled to make any changes, nor is it in their interest financially. All that Cate, Asren and I could do was try to persuade them of the proposal's overall merits," Mayor Lyon said.
"Whilst some people are set against the developer of this site, to not talk to Clarence Property was not an option because there is no other way to get a better outcome and we have looked into all options. Most of us would rather see no development on this site, but sadly that's not possible. I am happy that Clarence is taking us seriously and considering our proposed changes," Cr Cate Coorey said.
"Unfortunately, our environmental laws are very weak when it comes to protecting precious endangered species. This site approval, for a much larger development footprint, was given over a decade ago and we look forward to the passing of the proposed Federal National Environment Laws currently under community consultation. We have seen examples, like at West Byron, where a negotiated outcome has meant a much better result for the environment than taking an all-or-nothing approach. Let's hope that the same can be achieved here," Cr Asren Pugh said.
"I want to thank all of those involved in the discussions to date. The ecologists that have given their time, the staff from Clarence Property who came to our discussions in good faith and are, I believe, open to different ideas to resolve this issue and Cr Coorey and Cr Pugh who brought different perspectives to the discussion that were very important", Mayor Lyon said.
"It needs to be recognised that Clarence have already reduced the development footprint significantly compared to the original approval in 2013 as part of the DA process. Clarence have undertaken to also consider this revised footprint in the context of the site constraints, and there are still many things to work through, however discussions have been positive so far and they have expressed openness to the concept," Mayor Lyon said.
"I believe that with goodwill and a willingness to compromise from all stakeholders and the community, including those passionately campaigning, we can negotiate a better result for the environment and for housing diversity," he said.
