BYRON SHIRE Mayor Simon Richardson has hit back at allegations that sporting clubs will be denied use of the Byron Bay Memorial Recreation Grounds.
In a comment on the Facebook feed containing some of Byron Bay residents’ fears, Simon says, “This is simply wrong and a disgraceful misrepresentation.
“I’ll say this clearly and people can believe me or not – that is out of my control.
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“There is NO push, desire or thoughts of stopping any sporting activity in the recreation grounds. None.
“There is no desire or push to move any club off and away from the recreation grounds.
“There is no desire to move the monthly markets onto this site, or have any markets that may damage the fields.
“In case truth may get in the way of a good story: below are the pertinent strategies and actions listed in the DRAFT plan of management that is seeking community submissions until December 21.
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Simon then pointed out the salient facts in the Draft Master Plan relating to the Rec Grounds:
Active Recreation
Maintain and enhance use of the land for appropriate active recreation as a local facility within the broader shire – wide network of active open space.
Passive Recreation
- Maintain and enhance use of the land for a wide variety of passive recreation uses.
- Provide inclusive ancillary infrastructure to meet the needs of all age groups for example playground facilities, exercise opportunities, seating
- Install drinking bubblers and water bottle refill stations.
- Improve the children’s playground to meet the needs of young children in Byron Bay.
- Maintain seating appropriate to the levels of active and passive use of the BRGG.
- Install additional waste and recycling bins.
- Commercial use of buildings and land that are consistent with this Plan and the core objectives
We don’t question the Mayor’s word, sincerity or intentions, just the content and intent of the plan…
Here are just a few of the more alarming passages
“A key driver for reviewing and updating the Plan of Management is Council’s desire to shift the focus
of use of the Recreation Ground from sport towards recreation and community uses.” or
“• transition to a secondary sporting facility, which is used for a range of compatible activities for
all ages, but with a focus on children and youth.
• focus on local sporting activities, particularly flexible, informal recreation opportunities.” or
“Work with user groups who require District or Regional scale fields or infrastructure to transition to the appropriate District or Regional facility”.
Then there is the extensive list of proposed commercial uses.