Policies

The objectives of the Access to Bulk Water from Council Water Mains Policy are to:

• Set out the conditions and charges for the supply of bulk water for construction purposes and for filling swimming pools.
• Mitigate the illegal drawing of water from Council Water Mains and prevent contamination of the water supply.
• Direct bulk water carters/tankers to Rous County Council for all filling requirements.

One of our initiatives to help deliver affordable housing for our community is to collect contributions from landowners when their land is upzoned.

The Byron Shire Affordable Housing Contribution Policy sets out how landowners can make an affordable housing contribution using a planning agreement. 

The Affordable Housing Contribution Procedure provides more detail about how we operate the contribution framework.

The other pathway we have for collecting contributions is through the Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme.

The purpose of the Asbestos Policy is to outline:

• the role of council and other organisations in managing asbestos
• council’s approach to dealing with naturally occurring asbestos, sites contaminated by asbestos and emergencies or incidents
• general advice for residents on renovating homes that may contain asbestos
• council’s development approval process for developments that may involve asbestos and conditions of consent
• waste management and regulation procedures for asbestos
• waste in the LGA council’s approach to managing asbestos containing materials in council workplaces
• sources of further information.

A link to the Register of Council-owned buildings that contain asbestos is also provided below.

The objective of asset management is to maximise asset service delivery potential and manage related risks and costs over an asset’s entire life.

Asset management is about intervening at strategic points in an asset’s life cycle, optimising the performance of the asset and minimising the cost to maintain it.

This policy deals with the prevention of backflow of water from customers properties back into the potable water distribution and reticulation systems.

Preventing this flow reversal (backflow) reduces the possibility of contaminants entering the potable water supply.

The Building in the Vicinity of Underground Infrastructure Policy provides guidance to:

• Developers
• Consultants
• Designers
• General public.

It defines what we deem acceptable for building near or over underground infrastructure. 

This includes:

• Sewer and water mains.
• Stormwater drains.
• Utilities.
• Access structures like manholes.

The Building Information Certificates Policy provides a framework for consistent and equitable assessment of applications for Building Information Certificates.

The objectives of Byron Shire Council’s Busking Policy are:

1. To encourage activities that contribute to the colour and life to the town centres and provides opportunities for public performances
2. To provide an equitable system of use for popular busking sites in the town centres among the buskers earning a living through their art form.
3. Identify and qualify locations suitable for different busking types.
4. Minimise complaints, criticism and other problems associated with buskers operating in the Byron Shire area.

Hello Pumpkins!

Community gardening can be a great way to develop a community hub that supports its members to: 

• improve wellbeing,
• connect with their community,
• grow your own supply of nutritious food,
• increase physical activity, 
• support local biodiversity, and 
• share your tips and learn new skills. 

There are multiple community gardens within the Byron Shire: 

• Mullumbimby Community Gardens
• Ocean Shores (Shara) Community Gardens
• Suffolk Park Community Gardens

Community gardens are valuable social assets. We support the promotion, development, and management of community gardens across the Shire in accordance with best practice guidelines. 

Thinking about starting a new community garden? Read our Byron Shire Community Gardens Policy and Guidelines. 

Want to discuss a proposed new community garden? Contact the Sustainability Team: sustainability@byron.nsw.gov.au

Grow well!