21 October 2011
The first state significant site proposal since the change of state government has been placed on public exhibition.
This proposal seeks the declaration that the site is of state significance and then the rezoning and subsequent development of approximately 100 hectares of land for urban purposes.
The proponent argues that the need for rezoning and development of the West Byron urban land release area arises from the matters including:
- the fact that there has been no residential rezoning in Byron Shire since 1988 and the majority of residential zoned land identified in the current Byron LEP was approved for subdivision by the mid-1990s;
- the lack of substantial land release for approximately 15 years has lead to a long term restriction of residential land and housing;
- diversity in housing choice, and particularly demand for small lots and dwellings, is not well catered for in Byron Shire. The majority of housing in the residential areas of Byron Bay is in the form of detached houses on large lots, or strata units (dual occupancy or apartments); and
- additional housing supply should provide some relief on housing affordability pressures in terms of supply, and in terms of choice.
The West Byron study area is identified in the State governments Far North Coast Regional Strategy as a potential future urban release area and the proponent argues that the site presents an opportunity to create a highly walkable self-sufficient community.
The study states that the land release area will generate approximately $300 to $400 million in economic turnover which will translate into immediate and flow-on local and regional economic activity. It is suggested that this will generate approximately 1,800 jobs in construction activity.
It’s interesting to note that Byron Shire Council has deferred several important planning matters, in some cases for several years, due to lack of staff resources and evolving priorities. Council had identified the lack of resources as a reason for not progressing the rezoning of West Byron. The state significant site process has enabled this important planning matter to proceed without reliance on the local council. Further information, including the exhibition material can be accessed from here.
