Voice of Byron regular, Maxine Hawker, shares her thoughts on tourism in general, and tourism in Byron Bay, in particular.
Maxine says, “As we well know, tourism in Byron Shire and specifically Byron Bay is a double edge sword. It provides jobs and income for many residents and non-residents. Without tourism, we wouldn’t have the amazing food and entertainment choices that we have. However, at certain times of the year, tourist numbers are beyond saturation, our home is overrun and residents’ ontological security is threatened. Start this conversation with a local and it almost becomes a game of one upmanship – who has the most outrageous story of tourist behavior.
“I believe as residents we need to take back some power and bring inappropriate behavior to account.
“Having regularly witnessed people and particularly males urinating in various places, I recently reached my tipping point. Whilst cycling into town from Sunrise, I was shocked and appalled to come across a young man, staying at the Discovery Caravan Park, urinating through the fence facing the path. This unexpected, face to face encounter with a stranger’s penis early one morning started my cognitive wheels turning. Why did he think he didn’t need to use the toilet block just a few metres away? Would he whip out his dick in his home town and pee where and when he felt like it? Why should I have to look away when I come across this behaviour? Why did he think it was ok?
“An acquaintance told me that living in town, they regularly see this and much worse. People regularly camp in their vans in her street. They are often seen cooking their breakfast in their undies while school kids walk past on their way to school. For fear of sounding like a curmudgeon, it surely reflects a disrespect of residents.
“Call me a prude but I don’t think it is appropriate behavior to walk around a stranger’s house in my underwear. (I save that kind of behaviour for my friends who I know can cope with the ordeal). Moreover, I know for sure that I wouldn’t dare even consider squatting on a stranger’s front lawn.
“So I have decided to call out inappropriate behavior. Please join me in yelling at these offenders “Byron Bay is not a toilet”. This now extends to smokers who dispose of their butts in the street. I sigh and moan, look them in the eye and say calmly, mildly and sincerely ‘do you realize that is probably going to end up in the ocean? It is also illegal. As a resident I find it distressing that you do that’. If they don’t pick it up, I then say ‘if you don’t pick it up, I will.’ It is really important not to get angry as locking horns with anyone just becomes a push and shove and attitudes rarely change. Most often the offender will pick it up. Some offenders have even commended me for my vigilance and passion- seriously!
“The broken windows theory can be applied to our town. Let’s not ignore bad behavour. And rather than simply complaining, let’s try and do something to change it. I think it is time to claim our home back. If nothing changes at least we can say we tried.”
Where are the rangers? Is this not illegal behaviour? If council wants more revenue from tourists this is a perfect opportunity and it can teach these inconsiderate oafs to treat our town with respect. Council cn get a boost in being able to pay the rangers for this patrolling. Maybe we need more rangers out in force during holiday time.
Yes, Its hard not to feel like a grumpy old curmudgeon but I agree. It is on the beach as well. Particularly upsetting when days after day you see used abandoned condoms on the tideline and yesterday twenty pieces of toilet tissue in one area alone….and every day pick up three bags of rubbish..cans and broken glass. Nobody objects to people having fun, but no need to behave like a mindless pig.