Voice of Byron

Story by Hans Lovejoy, Echonetdaily

Read Echonetdaily’s full story here

THE NEXT stage of creating a train service from Belongil into Byron’s CBD has passed its latest hurdle with Byron Shire Council allowing a change in condition that will allow for railway infrastructure, including a rail shed, two railway platforms and tree removal.

While the development approval (DA) was granted on September 17, 2015, the applicant Byron Bay Railroad Company (BBRC) came back to council to request the deletion of a condition which requires the landowner (TfNSW) to place a coastal-erosion restriction on the title of the land.

At last Thursday’s council meeting, the Greens all voted in favour of the motion – Crs Jeanette Martin, Michael Lyon, Sarah Ndiaye, Simon Richardson – along with independent Crs Basil Cameron and the Nationals’ Alan Hunter. Crs Cate Coorey (independent), Paul Spooner and Jan Hackett (both Country Labor) voted against.

It sparked concern from residents likely to be affected by the train service; the Sunrise Progress Association (SPA) and Belongil Action Group Association (BAGA) said in a statement on Friday that the ‘unprecedented action’ allows an exemption for the proponent, the Elements of Byron resort, from ‘a core requirement to adhere to the shire’s coastal erosion policy.’

Previously they claimed that if approved, it would be unfair on everyone else who is compliant with the shire’s current coastal policy.

Byron Bay Railroad Company Ltd (BBRC) is a not-for-profit enterprise owned by the people behind Elements of Byron Resort

BBRC intends to re-establish a train between Sunrise Beach, just outside Elements of Byron Resort, and Byron township.

Their final approval was achieved 17 September 2015, with 8 of 9 Councillors approving their DA for a shed and two platforms.

Read the full story at Echonetdaily…