COMMUNITY LAND at Suffolk Park which was to be sold by the NSW Education Department is now officially safe for the future.
“Our residents’ voice was very strong in letting the state know that this piece of land was of high social value and should remain in community hands, and we are grateful this was respected,” said the Mayor.
“Whilst the land could not be gifted or donated to council, the purchase price of $900,000 was considerably lower than the price originally asked and we thank Mr Franklin for his unwavering support in helping us secure the land at the best available price.”
The $900,000 purchase price comes with a bonus: it will be invested in school infrastructure in the local area.
The land purchase will be funded from developer contributions that have been collected exclusively to fund open space projects in this area.
The successful purchase means that Byron Shire Council will now develop a Plan of Management consultation with the Suffolk Park Community, to determine the preferred uses of the site. The land will be designated ‘Community Land’ and retained, in perpetuity for community use.
“The community of Suffolk Park should be proud. Councillors voted as one to support you. All major political parties worked diligently to support you. You rallied and spoke with one powerful voice – and it was heard – the park is yours!” declared Simon Richardson.
Ben Franklin, himself a Byron Bay resident, was also thrilled with the campaign’s win.
“This is a wonderful outcome for the community. They have argued passionately that this land must remain open space and the government has listened,” he said.
Two weeks ago Mr Franklin convinced Education Minister, Adrian Piccoli, to withdraw the land from public sale and to negotiate instead with Council.
Mr Franklin concluded “Best of all, the $900,000 paid for the land will be reinvested in infrastructure for schools in the local area – another great outcome for the community.
“I thank Byron Shire Council, Mayor Simon Richardson and all members of the community who wrote letters, made phone calls and signed the petitions. This critical piece of public land will now remain in public hands forever more.”