Construction of Byron Bay Drainage Upgrade due to start in 2025
Published on 04 December 2024
The finish line is in sight for the design element of the Byron Bay Drainage Upgrade Project, with the full detailed design set to be completed by early next year.
Christopher Soulsby, Manager Assets & Major Projects, said he was pleased to see that planned investigative work was now complete.
“The services location and geotechnical work has now been completed. We will use the information gathered from the investigative work to finalise the detailed design for the construction of Byron Bay’s upgraded drainage system. Early stages of the drainage system have been designed and are already under construction at the Sandhills Wetlands, and Lawson Street has recently been completed. We hope to begin construction of the next stages in the Town Centre Catchment early to mid-2025,” he said.
“Byron Bay has a history of flooding during heavy rain, and this affects businesses and residents, this upgrade will reduce the risk of flooding in parts of Byron Bay.
“During construction there will be impacts. We have already communicated with businesses and residents, and other stakeholders, and will do our best to minimise impacts where possible. If anyone has any questions about the work, please contact us now so that we can discuss the project with you,” he said.
People can contact Council on email at majorprojects@byron.nsw.gov.au or by phone on 02 6626 7225 to make an appointment. Council also plans to host information sessions before construction of the next stages start.
Further information about the Byron Bay Drainage Design Project, including a map of the work areas is available on Council’s website. You can also sign up to an e-newsletter, which will provide you with project updates.
The upgrade to drainage will require the works to be completed in stages to match the available funding and to minimise the disruption in the town centre.
$11.8 million dollars for the project was jointly provided by the Australian Government through the Emergency Response Fund administered by NSW Reconstruction Authority’s Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program 22-23. $7 million dollars has been jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund.
Council will need additional grant funding to complete construction of the remaining stages in the Shirley Street Catchment.