Byron Bay Australia

Not just another tourist destination. Some people actually live here!

There's enough tourism based websites in Byron Bay already. So we've got a new plan for byronbaynow.com.

The truth is, Byron is extremely diverse culturally. We figure the best way to show people exactly how diverse, is to grow byronbaynow.com to include more timely information about the issues facing the people of Byron Bay and the Shire. So in the coming weeks you'll see some changes around here. The next generation of the site will shift in focus to the issues that makes Byron Bay unique.

We'll be sure to keep the information our visitors already find useful - such as accommodation and other guides.

If you'd like to chat to some locals - feel free to pop over the forum at Bayweb and say G'day.

Byron Bay Community Issues & News

Friday, July 29, 2005
Byron Bay Holiday Houses

Holiday Houses in Byron Bay have been around for a loooong time, probably becoming more prevalent in recent years to help accommodate the towns increasing number of visitors.

From what I hear, Byron Shire Council has decided to NOT allow full time holiday letting in Byron Shire (that is, houses can no longer be available for holiday letting throughout the year). I believe this went against the Council Staffs recommendations of allowing Holiday Letting in some areas with a development application.

The Councilors public reasoning (in the local papers) started with 'too many noise complaints', and has shifted to a more general 'eroding community amenity'. Their ammunition seems to be based on residential zones do not permit commercial activities. Apparently, this will be clearly stated in the soon to be on display Draft LEP.

From what I've heard there are a few, very grey, legal issues yet to be tested in the courts.

Without a doubt, some holiday makers make too much noise and create too much garbage.

However, many holiday makers cause no trouble at all - which leads me to believe, with proper management the noise and garbage issues could be minimised, and with some sort of registrar - repeat offenders could be dealt with.
Many of you would have seen plenty of press on this issue already, and here's my gripe;

1. If holiday houses are not allowed in residential zones - why has council waited so long to do anything about it?

2. Why has Council done so little research? When noise complaints were first mentioned about 18 months ago I rang and asked Council for the list of noise complaints. I was told that I was the first person to ever ask for them - not even the Councilors had the list! (FYI from what I could tell - about 10% of the 200 or so official noise complaints over a 20 month period had anything to do with Holliday Letting)

3. Why is this already in the media when the Draft LEP hasn't even been on display yet? Negative press will damage Byron's tourism industry - regardless of the outcomes.

If I sound pro-holiday houses, I am - as long as they are well managed and in appropriate areas. I feel holiday houses play an important role in Byron attracting the mix of visitors it does, else it may end up like so many other one trick pony destinations - boring!

posted by byronbaynow @ 12:30 PM