Byron Bay’s development looks to minimise impact on biodiversity

The proposed update to Byron Bay Shire’s Development Control Plan (DCP) aims to support its biodiversity values with the Shire being home to more than 600 native animals and 1,500 native plants, including 305 threatened animal and plant species.

With the Byron Shire attracting more and more tourists, as well as people who want to live there, the Shire’s natural environment is under pressure and Council’s challenge is to make sure it is retained, preserved and protected for future generations

Having 23,300 hectares of high ecological value vegetation the Byron Shire is one of the most biologically diverse regions in Australia.

The new DCP for Biodiversity is on public exhibition and staff are hoping everyone with an interest in the environment, biodiversity and climate change, will take the time to read it and provide feedback.

Council’s Director of Sustainable Economy and the Environment, Shannon Burt advised that this new DCP specifically looks at minimising the impact of new development on the ecological values of the Shire adding “the DCP for Biodiversity is based on no net loss to biodiversity, aiming to make sure that the planning and design of new development maintains or improves ecological values.

“This DCP for Biodiversity is an important planning control as it defines, and spells out, how to avoid and minimise the impacts of development on important vegetation and wildlife habitats.”

The DCP for Biodiversity is on exhibition until 15th November 2020.

For more information on the DCP for Biodiversity click here

Image: Byron Bay red eared slider turtle