A statement of the aims and objectives that led to the developing the Byron Bay Master Plan as a public discussion paper.
AIM
This study aims to assess the Byron Bay town centre structure and meaning to recognise the needs and aspirations of the people, the land, and our future direction. Byron is part of the Northern Rivers of NSW and is not dictated to by commercial or political interests or driven by convention.
We look at the location and structure of the existing Byron Bay township to establish the natural structure, form and functions which can be summarised in a constraints analysis to outline the positive and negative factors that form the basis of our town.
This will lead to an assessment of the public domain throughout the town, which essentÍally covers the areas where people live and play and enjoy our environment.
With the structure and character of these spaces we can then assess the practical needs of movement, transport, access and community facilities for all people including locals, itinerants, commercial and visitors.
The natural environment is retained, enhanced, rehabilitated and used for community benefit. The commercial built environment is covered by the Council LEP and planning documents, and the freedom within thîs plan should encourage private interests to create a synergy with the public domain for the mutual benefit of all.
Our whole philosophy is based on Zero Carbon where we aim for a Town Centre that produces and uses its own energy, collects, treats and re-uses its own water, composts and recycles its own waste, produces its own food, converts and builds all buildings as zero energy structures, in a fully sustainable natural environment which replicates and rehabilitates the biodiversity of its location, with people living in harmony with each other and co-creating with nature to produce all our needs.
This is all feasible with current proven technology and the collective economy of the community
Each of the four major open space focal areas will be assessed and a concept plan drawn to suggest ways to achieve different functional areas for people to work, play, communicate and enjoy.
They will represent one idea but there are many other ideas and concepts in this intellectually fertile town which should all be put forward and the pros and cons assessed with emphasis on spirit, natural environment, sustainability and social benefit to establish our collective vision for the place we have chosen to live.
It will then be a privilege to welcome all visitors to share and enjoy our wonderful home and take with them the feeling of what we enjoy every day.
To recognise the spirit of Byron, its land and people and allow this spirit to flourish is the purpose of this study. The will and inspiration of the people will make it happen.
To summarise these aspirations, we aim to present a master plan that:-
- Honours the traditional owners
- Respects the spirit of Byron - the land, the water and the people
- Reflects the natural energy lines
- lncorporates sacred geometry
- Creates, stores and uses its own energy
- Collects, treats and re-uses its own water
- Treats and recycles its own waste
- Generates zero carbon for all buildings and services
- Enhances and maintains the natural environment
- Extends nature throughout the town
- Grows food for the town with zero food miles and food security
- Continues Cavanbah as a meeting place for all peoples and ideas
- Encourages spontaneous forums for locals to interact
- Provides pedestrian priority within the town
- Allows free use of skateboards and bikes
- Gives full access to all facilities for people with disabilities
- Supports youth and respects elders
- Encourages visitors to enjoy lifestyle - not dictate it
- Provides tourists with an inspiring experience in nature
- Efficiently provides all services for local residents and tourists
- Honours all people, creatures, animals and nature
- Manages the land using nature's intelligence.