Ask the Candidates 2021 – Byron Shire Mayoral Candidates

1. The NSW Government have announced a stateside Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) planning policy, effective 1 November, 2021.  Byron Shire Council is preparing a Planning Proposal, due 31 January 2022 and will be exempt from the policy till then.   It’s anticipated the proposal will overlay an economic and social impact assessment in mapping which properties can be let 365 days a year or 90 – 180 days a year.  

Q: How do you anticipate this will support affordable rental properties and benefit the local community?

Do you (or you and your partner) own short term rental properties as Airbnb?  

If yes, would you consider offering your short term holiday accommodation as a long term rental opportunity for locals?

(AH) No, We don’t own short term rental properties, but I am interested in the concept that any residential rental available for less than 12 months be required to provide on-site management to avoid the negative impacts in the neighbourhood and accommodation for locals.

(AP) Capping holidays rentals at 90 days is an important policy but it is not the panacea for housing affordability. It will help break the business model of people who have purchased whole homes purely for holiday letting which will hopefully free these homes up to be part of the rental pool instead. We never rented any property for holiday rental.

(BC) Under the plan, 365 day letting will be restricted to existing built areas. This may prevent investor created STHL pressures occurring in new areas. Restricting STHL to 90 or 180 days may increase rental stock but many such properties are often owner occupied and would not be a long term let. My residence is my only property. I would allow STHL for the short periods I am absent.

(MS) I do not have a STHL property. The 90 or 180 day caps are no panacea for our housing crisis. STHL businesses should pay commercial rates. ‘Grannie-flat’ approvals should be enforced.  A bed tax and vacancy tax should be lobbied for with other affected LGAs.  A voluntary levy can be revisited.  We must lobby to ‘recycle’ stamp duty and land tax for housing here. There is no substitute for direct investment in housing.

(ML) By increasing the supply of long-term lets back into the pool there will be an impact on affordability down the line. It will have an impact but a range of other measures will be required in order to address the affordability issue. I have a property which could be used for short-term let but I prefer to long-term let.

Members of the Business Community have expressed their frustration as to the length of time it takes for a DA to be processed, sometimes up to 12 months or more:

Q: What will you do to address the bottleneck of submissions, currently impeding reasonable and timely processing for Development Approvals? 

(AH) Council needs to develop a fast track system for complying development in the shire.

(AP) I would introduce a Community Service Charter that outlines the expectations and obligations of council in delivering for the community. This would include communication, consultation, response times and DA processing times. In addition I would work with staff to introduce a triage system for DAs that would have a separate fast track for simple applications. A significant issue that has been raised with me is the uncertainty of timeframes for larger or more complex applications. Businesses require certainty.

(BC) 16 years as a Solicitor for Coffs Council and 8 years as a State member of the Joint Regional Planning Panel  enabled me to see best practice in scores of Councils. Byron did not rate. I plan to review and restructure Council and apply proper performance requirements to ensure planning approvals meet appropriate timelines as with the JRPP.

(DD) All sectors of the community are frustrated.  We are committed to correct DA assessment but with decent turn around, commensurate with DA complexity rather than in order of lodging.  We’ll reinstate the ‘fast lane’ approach and KPI’s, so improvement is measured.  We’ll consider extra funding, especially for the current backlog.  

(MS) We urgently need a review of service delivery. We need time limits (eg 6 months) after which approvals are deemed to be granted, for typical domestic DA approvals, at least. The transformation at Service NSW standards show how government service can be improved –that kind of sea-change is required.

(ML) One of the impacts of the housing crisis is the inability to hire and retain good staff and therefore we are having to use contractors. We have created a triage system in order to process smaller, easier applications quickly. There is a large amount of development pressure and ambit claims being submitted as well so this creates delays. Having said that, Council approved 90 DAs last month which has helped address the backlog.

State government has recently changed the ‘exempt development’ rules for outdoor dining – to make the application process easier for cafes, pubs and small bars. https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Alfresco-restart-package

Q: How do you plan to resource council to support local business to leverage the Alfresco-restart package application process in a timely manner?

(AH) I have successfully moved in allowing businesses adjacent car parking spaces the opportunity to apply to council for their use in dining after 5pm until the end of the COVID restrictions in social distancing. This could be extended at any time and for any term. This would not require any significant amount of resourcing and it could be implemented quite quickly.

(CM) One of my first actions as Mayor will be to call a meeting with business people to ascertain how council can support quicker turn around times and reduce red and green tape for business operators.

State government is supporting local councils with funding for community events, activities and place activation initiatives. The Festival of Place… in your streets | NSW Dept of Planning, Industry and Environment

Q: How do you propose to leverage this opportunity and engage with local event and activation expertise to bolster the local economy?

(AH) This would require a conversation with the business community in a joint approach through the application process to seek government support.

(AP) We need a new 10 year economic vision for the shire. Tourism is important, but we should include 3 more pillars to our economic future. This policy fits with pillar 4 – supporting arts, performance, music and a film industry that works for locals. With a proper long term vision, council will be able to leverage these types of government programs in a strategic way to support business and jobs.

(CM) Byron Shire could and should be a place for Eco Tourism. In that respect places like “The Farm”, Rainforest Action and Mullumbimby Community garden will be supported as places where tourists can visit and interact with projects that have a good environmental outcome .  I would also like to see more music events coupled with art and culture.  Aboriginal art and history should also be a significant part of our tourist industry.

North Byron [Ocean Shores, Billinudgel, South Golden Beach, New Brighton, Yelgun] is a significant part of the Byron Shire, with a vibrant business and residential community.  The business members of North Byron Business Chamber note little attention from Council and have identified a range of issues [not limited to] as follows:

• There is no Master Plan for North Byron 
• lack of consultation e.g. Place Planning Committee has no representation from North Byron
• eroding infrastructure e.g. poor state of Strand Ave bridge; No Surf club facilities to encourage increase lifesaving training and services over Summer.
• ongoing major drainage and flooding issues 
• beach parking issues in New Brighton side streets, e.g. Ocean Ave, New Brighton
• bike and foot paths need to be completed and dangerous sections with no paths need to be addressed urgently [New Brighton Rd to Kolora Way]
• poor beachfront road management and beautification required [Pacific Esplanade – South Golden Beach], including unsealed dirt road at beachfront [North Head Road]
• Lack of Place Making initiatives and investment e.g. advance the plan for a footbridge from Ocean Shores Shopping Village across the canal, improving access to the beach and exercise routes; Placemaking improvements to Waterlily Park has been largely driven and initiated by the community [Tidy Towns Ocean Shores] rather than council 

Q: What North Byron issues have you identified and explain how you plan to address them? 

(AP) These issues are not new to the North of the Shire. For too long Ocean Shores, South Golden and New Brighton have had no representation on council. Our Labor team is one of only two that have Ocean Shores representation. We are  calling for a discussion about bring back a ward structure so that all communities can elect their own representative that come together to make decisions for the whole shire.

(BC) BSAG candidates, Gary Deller, owner of the Happy Dolphin Cafe, and Janine Khosid  are residents of the area and have drawn attention to each of these issues as well as the problems with the STP. Residents see it as the forgotton part of the Shire with little return on their rates and the prospect of paid parking. Drainage and flooding problems have been ignored by Council. To rectify years of neglect we propose a re-prioritisation of Council’s works budget and an active programme of sourcing special grants from the State Government.

(CM) If elected I will form a Council/Community working group to address the above issues.  In particular I will push for the Byron Shire to develop Community Wealth Bank that has the same commercial powers as private bank.  The Community Wealth Bank could fund projects that benefit the community and also give loans to low income people for social housing.

(DD) We are very aware of North Byron and issues listed in your question, including deterioration of Strand Avenue bridge.  New Committees start next year and we’ll welcome applications.  Duncan has watched Marshalls Creek flooding and our northern coast for decades, and works to look after residents affected.  

(MS) North Byron – especially Ocean Shores – needs to be brought into the fold. Residents emphasise drains, footpaths, parking, bike paths. I want to see a bridge connecting Bruns to the North.  The past has shown a lack of engagement. We need to budget for a Master Plan and Place Making, now.

(ML) Improved financial performance of Council and addressing the infrastructure backlog on roads is essential in order to free up money for other infrastructure like drainage and footpaths. More footpaths like at Balemo Drive are needed. I have been working with local residents to ensure that adequate beach parking is restored at the Esplanade and surrounds. Masterplanning in all our major centres is something I encourage and then ensuring they are funded is essential.

Tourism and hospitality is intrinsic to the local economy, delivering $445.8 million is sales in 2019/20, but we know it has consequences.  The rate base of the council can’t sustain all the pressures that come with being such a high demand town and region.

Q: Could you please each expand on your proposal to address this funding gap?

(AH) The funding gap has in the past 5 years been mostly filled with government support to the value of over $80 mil, much more than any bed tax of parking fees could raise. This support needs to be at least maintained. We need to stop wasting money on projects like the train, poorly thought out consultancy fees on projects that don’t eventually get a guernsy, and no win court battles.

(ML) The implementation of pay parking in all areas it can be justified, like Brunswick Heads, Mullumbimby and Bangalow, as well as prime beach locations, will ensure visitors pay their fair share toward infrastructure and allow investment in our infrastructure and to fund town centre masterplans.

We know Council does not have a huge or exhaustive reserves of funding.  

Q: What are your plans to improve this and to optimise council’s spend?

(AH) Council needs to restrict spending on projects that don’t have and identified funding source to complete and to sell the works depot in Bayshore Dr and relocate the works to Tyagarah which should raise in excess of $40 mil.

(BC) Council is in a deteriorating financial position due to ongoing losses in Operating Result before Capital Grants and Contributions. With a growing backlog on infrastructure assets, a limited capacity to borrow and already the highest rate in the region the only viable solution is to actively seek additional special grants from State and Federal Government. I would be using my long experience and contacts within Government to maximise such funding.

(CM) Ever increasing Council rates are not sustainable.  We need to explore the possibilities of a small tourist infrastructure contribution being made where tourists are spending money.  Pubs restaurants, shops, motels could have a 3% surcharge on goods and services sold to tourists.  People living in the area could be exempt from this contribution via a locals card.

(ML) Expanding the pay parking scheme to other towns and making it free for locals will net extra funds for infrastructure spending. Working constructively with developers rather than fighting in courts at great cost is essential in order to ensure we do not deplete Council finances.

We’ve seen an improvement to a number of cycle paths to support public transport options.  However, bus transport currently maintains limited timetables and in many cases, does not accept the opal card due to private operators.  This contributes to more cars on the road and impacts the ability for locals to travel to and from work in a sensible timeframe. 

Q:  What is your view on improving public transport options for the region?

(AP) We need a public transport plan that integrates with our bike plan. Small regular buses are essential to better public transport. Getting around the school bus business model will make this difficult, but you have to start somewhere. Noosa have funded their new free bus system with a levy on ratepayers, we would have to look at other funding options.

(BC) A Transport Action Plan should have been a priority 20 years ago as growing traffic congestion and lack of connectivity affected every resident. Our detailed Transport and Connectivity Plan proposes:

1.Creating a Strategic Transport Plan as a model to seek Government funding.

2.Establishing a system of on demand public mini buses

3.Access to the rail trail by GPS restricted e-bikes and e-scooters

4.Additional bike paths and safe pedestrian pavements

(DD) We will lobby the state government including through our six Greens MP’s, for an equitable share of funding for public transport.  We support the rail corridor being used for public transport, of any kind.  We will lobby for more flexible bus regulations (shuttles).  We support exclusive bus lanes where feasible.

(MS) We need to think laterally and develop an electric mini-bus service. School buses anchor our current public transport but the model should be the network of community buses (clubs, aged care etc). An innovative Council led public-private partnership should be explored, supported by local investors.

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail has been a project on the books for the Region for some time as a tourism driver and has received strong support in the community for reinstatement. 53km is now fully funded with a $9.9million contribution for the Bentley to Lismore section (stage 1). Ballina Council have approved a motion to develop a circular walking/cycling path to connect to the rail trail coming in from Lennox, and Bangalow to Newrybar.  

Q: What is your position on the restoration of the rail link with the Byron LGA?

(AP) Taking away the trains was a terrible decision, but they are not coming back. We need to use the corridor as a community asset before it just rots away. Designing its use in conjunction with communities along the line is essential to making it work for locals. These paths could easily connect to the Lismore, Tweed and Ballina proposals.

(CM) Full Support! A restoration of the rail line Murwillumbah to Sydney is also worth exploring.

(DD) Byron Greens is committed in priority order to keeping:

1. the corridor intact and in public hands; 
2. it for public transport; 
3. the rails there for possible future use.  

We want to identify where off-formation shared pathways are possible in Byron Shire and we’ll support such pathways being built

(MS) We must get onboard the Rail Trail and join up with our neighbours. I will propose a Notice of Motion in early 2022 following the example of Tweed, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Ballina. The Rail Trail must remain in public ownership. Maintenance can be funded by rent from business tenants along the line.

(ML) I believe the long term plan for Ewingsdale Rd has to be dual lane with the second land dedicated for buses. We must ensure the benefits of the bypass remain which, given the visitation trends, means we need to find other ways to remove cars off the road. Park and Ride from the highway and improved local bus services need to be in our future planning, especially given the anticipated growth in housing that is required in order to house our key workers.

(ML) I still wish to explore the rail between Mullum and Byron for another 12 months to see if we can make it happen. If after that time there is no prospect for its return then I will be happy to look at the rail trail on that section. This could be linked with housing outcomes along this corridor. North of Mullum and South of Byron are probably unlikely to see a return of rail so I would support the rail trail here.

Byron is a community heavily invested in creating a greener future, and well poised to support innovative agricultural and food enterprises, if effective policies are in place to bolster renewables and sustainability.

Q: How do you plan to support allocation of agricultural land for sustainable land use for new farming and food enterprises and the introduction of further renewable energy initiatives?

(CM) The Byron Shire can be a model for Renewable Economies based on:  1.  Turning our  Waste to Wealth Organic waste can be turned into Biochar and green energy and sewage waste can be turned into green energy and fertiliser for agriculture.  If elected I will set up a Council/Community working group to design and establish Renewable Economy projects that are integrated and work to create new clean green wealth for the Byron Shire.

. 

(MS) Council must support our farmers, especially small scale and organic, and the supply chain into farmers markets. Council must earmark land for future use and explore an agricultural land trust. We can work with ARENA to boost localised energy production and storage. The Myocum Solar Farm should incorporate an organic vegetables farm.

Coastal erosion poses enormous risk to our community and private property valued in excess of $1billion. Byron Shire Council received $271,811 Coastal & Estuary Grant funding to support the development of a Coastal Management Plan (CMP).

 Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce have advocated to both state and local government for the delivery of the Byron Shire CMP ASAP and implementation of a range of medium and short term beach nourishment solutions.  If Planned retreat is the default position of Council, the community also needs to know what land is actually set aside for homes and businesses to retreat to.

Q: What is your position on actions to be taken to address the risks associated with coastal erosion? 

(BC) Firstly, “planned retreat” is not a policy but an abrogation of the responsibility to our businesses, residents and visitors to maintain our iconic beach and town centre. Council’s failure over the past 25 years to finalise a Coastal Management Plan has deprived the community of both practical solutions and relevant Government funding.  I would:-

1. Prioritise the Plan 
2. Use interim measures such as a sandbagging and regular removal of beach debris to maintain the beach.

(CM) Retreat should be a last resort.  We possess the technology and funding to “Reverse Greenhouse”  by growing carbon using Rainforest regeneration and mass planting fast growing plants such as Bamboo & Hemp to produce most of our consumer good.  We can turn all most of our organic waste into green energy and Biochar for sequestering carbon. By demonstrating the viability and success of these processes we can inspire the rest of Australia and the world to do the same. We must also be aware that the activity of the sun does at times have a greater impact than our human activities. Let’s look at the big picture.

(DD) Byron needs its beaches to remain intact and attractive.  Conflict arises when land parcels are developed too close to the beach.  Planned Retreat is the right principle because the alternative is walls like at Belongil and Collaroy.  Unlike global temperature, sea level rise is locked in – we need to prepare.  

(ML) Planned retreat was developed as a policy in the late 80s to allow development to take place where it was required. Prior to this the threat of coastal erosion was preventing development. I will work hard to ensure that the new CMP is delivered within the next 12 months and take a collaborative approach with all parties to try to move on from the disputes of the past.

Coastal erosion poses enormous risk to our community and private property valued in excess of $1billion. Byron Shire Council received $271,811 Coastal & Estuary Grant funding to support the development of a Coastal Management Plan (CMP).

 Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce have advocated to both state and local government for the delivery of the Byron Shire CMP ASAP and implementation of a range of medium and short term beach nourishment solutions.  If Planned retreat is the default position of Council, the community also needs to know what land is actually set aside for homes and businesses to retreat to.

Q: What is your position on actions to be taken to address the risks associated with coastal erosion? 

(BC) Firstly, “planned retreat” is not a policy but an abrogation of the responsibility to our businesses, residents and visitors to maintain our iconic beach and town centre. Council’s failure over the past 25 years to finalise a Coastal Management Plan has deprived the community of both practical solutions and relevant Government funding.  I would:-

1. Prioritise the Plan 
2. Use interim measures such as a sandbagging and regular removal of beach debris to maintain the beach.

(DD) Byron needs its beaches to remain intact and attractive.  Conflict arises when land parcels are developed too close to the beach.  Planned Retreat is the right principle because the alternative is walls like at Belongil and Collaroy.  Unlike global temperature, sea level rise is locked in – we need to prepare.  

(CM) Retreat should be a last resort.  We possess the technology and funding to “Reverse Greenhouse”  by growing carbon using Rainforest regeneration and mass planting fast growing plants such as Bamboo & Hemp to produce most of our consumer good.  We can turn all most of our organic waste into green energy and Biochar for sequestering carbon. By demonstrating the viability and success of these processes we can inspire the rest of Australia and the world to do the same. We must also be aware that the activity of the sun does at times have a greater impact than our human activities. Let’s look at the big picture.

(ML) Planned retreat was developed as a policy in the late 80s to allow development to take place where it was required. Prior to this the threat of coastal erosion was preventing development. I will work hard to ensure that the new CMP is delivered within the next 12 months and take a collaborative approach with all parties to try to move on from the disputes of the past.

Separate the market relocation to Railway Park and the new Rail Park corridor, a number of CBD business believe that the closure of Jonson Street will be  be detrimental to their trade and customer experience.  

Q: Do you support the closure of Jonson Street on market days?

(DD) We recognise the issues and will revisit this decision, including consulting owners and leaseholders.  We know costs for in-street businesses are huge and margins tight.  We will ensure costs and benefits plus other impacts on existing businesses are assessed.  We apply the precautionary principle on complex issues like this.  

(ML) I support the trial of the closure of Jonson st and the market, subject to the final DA around traffic and parking management being acceptable. We can assess the move during this time and I am optimistic that it will actually be of benefit to businesses in the area.

The Byron Bay War Memorial Pool has an average of 80000 local and tourists visitors who enjoy the convenience of the facility  per year. The facility was built by community fund raising and not government funds. The facility is in great need of upgrades and to date there has been much talk of selling  the asset land and relocating the facility  to the Cavanbah Centre adding more congestion and traffic in that area.  

Q: What is your vision for this valuable community asset and its need for an upgrade ? 

(ML) I am in support of upgrading the pool and retaining it for community use.

(AH) My team, The Byron Alliance, is focused on restoring a vibrant and proactive business community able to meet the demand for their services with a totally supportive local council working together in a speedy recovery from the impacts of COVID 19.

(AP) As discussed in other answers, we need a new 10 year economic vision for the shire. We need to diversify our economy to make it more resilient and create the new jobs of the future. I look forward to working with businesses across the shire to bring this new economic vision to life.

(BC) Council is facing a crisis and with only 15,000 ratepayers servicing 2 million visitors a year  there is a need for expertise in leadership. With sixteen years as Solicitor to Coffs Council, a decade as an Executive Director in Project Finance and National Government Advisory at PwC and E & Y, eight years as a State Member of the Joint Regional Planning Panel  and Managing partner of law firms I alone have the expertise in finance, government, infrastructure, governance required to meet our challenges.

(CM )Byron Shire could and should be the centre for renewable Economies and Eco Educational Tourism.  If elected mayor I will do my utmost to work with the chamber and the community to make the Byron Shire a desirable clean green place to live and enjoy.

(DD) We support our local businesses to thrive, and thus keep our Byron flavour intact.  We’ll listen to the Chamber as voice of the business community, and to businesses themselves.  Please join Council committees.  And let’s collaborate on lobbying state and federal governments to ensure Byron Shire is heard and respected.

(MS) Local government needs to be reset so the realities of our economy and the key role of tourism are addressed. Prosperity needs planning and management. A community needs infrastructure to match its size and growing needs. Council must move past infighting and indecision to a new era where we all flourish together.

(ML) The Mayor needs to take a balanced and fair view across all the different sectors, including business. I have been very vocal in the last 12 months on behalf of business in the face of some rather unfair and unclear requirements due to COVID and some unnecessary periods of lockdown. To do this job properly you need to have had the experience of being on Council for a term as Councillor first.