NSW · Northern Rivers · Local council, made simple
Byron Shire Council
A coastal Northern Rivers council of around 37,800 residents — but home to Byron Bay, one of Australia's most famous tourist towns, plus Mullumbimby (the council seat), Bangalow, Brunswick Heads and Ocean Shores. The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, roads, water, beaches, parks, planning — and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, then the stuff that affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Open for your feedback
See all →Things Byron Shire Council wants your say on right now. Your view counts for more before the deadline.
- Open — see source for the closing date
Invest in Us
Have your say → - Open — see source for the closing date
Policies on Public Exhibition
Have your say → - Open — see source for the closing date
Byron Shire's Financial Future
Have your say →
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how it compares across NSW, and why bills differ.
2025–26 rate peg: 5.0%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 6 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetyByron's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
3 of 12 major offences below the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Sarah Ndiaye (Greens)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, and how voting works.
Next election: Sat 9 Sep 2028
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council and report a problem.
Customer service: (02) 6626 7000
Open →Shire profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~37,800 (2023–24)
Open →What's happening
61 updatesAuto-collected from Byron Shire Council's public channels and drafted in plain language (pending review).
- Policy
NSW Govt grants for safety improvements on Raftons Road
Published on 28 October 2026 Road safety improvements on Raftons Road at Bangalow will start in January 2027 after the NSW Government recently confirmed grant funding for the project. It follows the tragic death of a Bangalow resident in July last year, who was hit by a car on Raftons Road while walking home late at night.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Waste
Do you wheelie know your bins?
Published on 29 October 2026 Sorting our waste into the different kerbside bins can often seem too hard or confusing. Can a coffee cup go in the recycling bin?
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Don’t get a raw deal!
Published on 29 October 2026 The theme for Australian Food Safety Week 2026 (7 to 14 November) is ‘Raw Food – know the risk’. Sarah Nagel, Council’s Manager Public and Environmental Services, has encouraged the community to be aware of the risk of eating raw or risky foods.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Call out for curator to shape public art on Byron Bay Foreshore
Published on 29 October 2026 Byron Shire Council is seeking expressions of interest from curators, consultants and creative practitioners to develop a Public Art Scoping Study for the Cavanbah (Byron Bay) Foreshore.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
New toilets at Apex Park
Learn more Last updated: 28 Oct 2026 New toilets at Apex Park We have now received funding from the NSW Government Crown Reserves Fund for the new toilets at Apex Park.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Byron Shire
- Have your say
Lot 32 Tuckeroo Avenue Mullumbimby
Learn more Lot 32 Tuckeroo Avenue Mullumbimby Provide your feedback on a planning proposal to make changes to Byron Local Environmental Plan 2014
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Byron Shire
- Have your say
Have your say on the Draft Byron Shire Overland Flood Study
Published on 26 October 2026 The Draft Byron Shire Overland Flood Study is on public exhibition. The study is a technical document that focuses on overland flooding which is generally caused when drainage systems in towns and villages in the Shire can’t cope with heavy rain during storms and water can’t get away quickly.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
A year in review: Council releases Annual Report
Published on 26 October 2026 Byron Shire Council has published its Annual Report for 2025 to 2026, highlighting a year of significant achievements in delivering infrastructure flood recovery works, environmental protection, and community programs.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Belongil & Tallow Creek Floodplains
Learn more Last updated: 4 Nov 2026 Belongil & Tallow Creek Floodplains We're developing new Floodplain Risk Management Studies and Plan for the Belongil and Tallow Creeks. Following your feedback, a report will go to Council in late 2026.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Byron Shire
- Event
Expressions of Interest open for Re-Market (Tip Shop) workshops
Published on 22 October 2026 Do you have an interest in running workshops that inspire people to repair, reuse or upcycle? Byron Shire Council is seeking expressions of interest from skilled individuals, community groups and organisations to deliver hands-on workshops at the Re-Market (Tip Shop), located at the Byron Resource Recovery Centre, Myocum.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Council’s Move to Reuse dishwashing project wins NSW Tidy Towns award
Published on 21 October 2026 Byron Shire Council’s efforts to reduce single-use food and beverage containers caught the eye of the judges in the 2026 NSW Tidy Towns Awards. The Tidy Towns awards celebrate organisations and individuals who make their communities a better place.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Draft Byron Shire Overland Flood Study
Learn more Draft Byron Shire Overland Flood Study This study focuses on flooding caused when drainage systems in our towns and villages can't cope with heavy rain during storms.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Byron Shire
- Policy
Byron Bay Masterplan Guidance Group looking for new members
Published on 20 October 2026 Byron Shire Council is calling for expressions of interest for new members for the Byron Masterplan Guidance Group. The Guidance Group is made up of up to 25 community members who represent the diverse community of Byron Bay.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
What impact will the SRV have on Council’s long-term plans?
Published on 19 October 2026 It’s estimated an SRV would generate an additional approximately $8,600,000 over three years excluding revenue raised by normal rate pegging that would go towards the maintenance of essential infrastructure and more resilient facilities for the community.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Mullumbimby Road closed to outbound traffic for three days in Nov
Published on 19 October 2026 Mullumbimby Road will close to outbound traffic, except for buses and emergency vehicles, for three days from 16 to 18 November. The road will remain open to inbound traffic although there will be delays of up to 15 to 20 minutes at times.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Culvert remediation works to commence on Coolamon Scenic Drive
Published on 16 October 2026 Repairs to the damaged culvert on Coolamon Scenic Drive, between Dudgeons Road and Synotts Lane, will commence on 20 October 2026. The remediation works will address damage that has restricted traffic to one lane through the affected section.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Fish kill at Belongil Creek
Published on 15 October 2026 Byron Shire Council is reporting a fish kill following the opening of Belongil Creek on Monday 12 October. The creek was opened to prevent flooding after high water levels in Belongil Creek were causing inundation of stormwater culverts and drains.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Volunteers wanted for Burringbar Street Spring clean
Published on 13 October 2026 The Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce, with support from Council, is inviting community members, local businesses and volunteers to take part in a Mullumbimby Main Street Clean-Up from 8am to 10am on Sunday 25 October 2026.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
A busy productive season across Byron Shire
Published on 13 October 2026 Council is delivering a lot right now, from major drainage and road works to community grants and places to enjoy as the weather warms up. Mayor Sarah Ndiaye thanked residents for their patience with traffic changes and detours around the Shire.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Council prepared to open Belongil Creek at first opportunity
Published on 09 October 2026 Byron Shire Council staff are on standby to open Belongil Creek to the ocean at the first available opportunity. While the creek is generally a tidal waterway, a sand build-up at its mouth is currently acting like a dam, holding back water that has risen due to recent rain.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Event
Applications open for Council’s Events and Festivals Sponsorship Fund
Published on 09 October 2026 Applications are now open for the Byron Shire Council’s Events and Festivals Sponsorship Fund. The $50,000 fund is designed to support local events and festivals that have a positive impact on the community.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
See you at the Council Expo in Mullum on 13 October
Published on 08 October 2026 Come one come all to the inaugural Council Expo at the Mullumbimby Civic Hall on 13 October 2026. The aim of the Expo is to show the breadth of services Byron Shire Council provides to residents.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Councils unite to oppose proposed cut in Financial Assistance Grants
Published on 08 October 2026 Four Northern Rivers councils, together with MidCoast Council, are calling on the NSW Government to pause proposed changes to the 2027/2028 Financial Assistance Grants methodology, raising concerns the proposed model does not adequately account for the unique challenges and circumstances facing regional communities.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Find out why Council is proposing a Special Rate Variation
Published on 07 October 2026 Byron Shire Council’s three-month consultation with the community about a proposed permanent rate rise is continuing through October with ongoing opportunities for people to speak with staff and Councillors at the upcoming Listening Tour, find the facts and have a say via Council’s Your Say webpage.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Thank you to our Surf Lifesavers as patrols return to our beaches
Published on 01 October 2026 The official Raising of the Flags ceremony at Brunswick Heads Surf Life Saving Club last weekend marked the beginning of the 2026-27 patrol season and served as an important reminder for locals and visitors to always swim between the red and yellow flags and follow advice from lifesavers.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
$9k grant program now open for regenerative farming projects
Published on 29 September 2026 Byron Shire farmers, landholders, and producers are encouraged to apply for funding through Byron Shire Council’s Regenerative Agriculture Small Grants Program, with applications now open until 26 October.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Coastal clean-up ahead of turtle nesting season
Published on 28 September 2026 With turtles soon returning to nest along the coast, the community is invited to join a coastal clean-up in Brunswick Heads on Saturday 3 October to help ensure beaches are free from harmful rubbish to create a safer environment for turtles and other marine wildlife.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Creative projects set to activate Byron Shire’s public spaces
Published on 25 September 2026 Three innovative arts projects have been awarded Creative Public Spaces grant funding to transform public spaces across Byron Shire through photography, contemporary dance and immersive performance.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Election
Councillor Elia Hauge is Byron Shire’s Deputy Mayor
Published on 23 September 2026 Councillor Elia Hauge has been voted in as Byron Shire’s Deputy Mayor. She was elected in a contested election five votes to three at last week’s Council Meeting.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Delivery Program with Special Rate Variation addendum
Learn more Last updated: 2 Nov 2026 Delivery Program with Special Rate Variation addendum Feedback on the addendum to the 2025-2029 Delivery Program that explains the proposed Special Rate Variation, has now closed.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Byron Shire
- Policy
EoI opens for new lease of Brunswick Heads Temporary Housing Village
Published on 16 September 2026 Council is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from Community Housing Providers (CHPs) as the next step in exploring opportunities for future use of the Temporary Housing Village on Tweed Street, Brunswick Heads.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Economic Activation Group for Byron Shire
Learn more Last updated: 4 Sept 2026 Economic Activation Group for Byron Shire An Economic Activation Group has been set up to support our Economic Strategy
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Byron Shire
- Policy
Bird flu – what you need to know
Published on 11 September 2026 While there are a number of H5 bird flu detections in NSW, including one in Coffs Harbour, no cases have so far been found in the Byron Shire. People are asked to keep an eye out for sick or dead birds and to report any suspected cases immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Night work on Mullumbimby Road this Monday 14 September
Published on 11 September 2026 Council will be doing night work on Mullumbimby Road between Manns Road and the Argyle Street roundabout this Monday, 14 September. Crews will be on site from around 5:30pm and will work through until 6am.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Addition to the Plan of Management for Community Facilities
Learn more Last updated: 5 Aug 2026 Addition to the Plan of Management for Community Facilities Feedback on the proposal to add the former Station Masters Cottage building in Byron Bay to the Plan of Management for Community Facilities, is now closed.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Byron Shire
- Policy
EoI for a new car share provider in the Byron Shire is now open
Published on 09 September 2026 Byron Shire Council is looking for Expressions of Interest (EoI) from car share providers who are interested in making vehicles available for very short-term rental. Council has been supporting a car share service since 2019.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Fletcher & Byron St intersection closure for Byron Drainage Upgrade
Published on 07 September 2026 Works on the Byron Bay Drainage Upgrade – Town Centre Catchment Stage 1 are nearing completion, with the intersection at Fletcher Street and Byron Street expected to close from mid-September.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Get your free ticket to see 'The Plastic Country'
Published on 03 September 2026 Byron Shire Council is offering free tickets to 'The Plastic Country', a documentary on the nation’s plastic problem and its impact on the environment, wildlife and human health. 'The Plastic Country' will screen at the Brunswick Heads Picture House on Wednesday 9 September.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Byron Farmers Market kicking goals in the Move to Reuse
Published on 10 September 2026 The Byron Farmers Market’s early adoption of Council’s Move to Reuse initiative and mobile dishwashing trailer has delivered outstanding results, with an estimated 100,000 reusable dishes washed over the past 12 months, and landfill waste reduced from eight red wheelie bins per week to just half a bin.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Aspirations of Arakwal People formalised in Statement of Commitment
Published on 04 September 2026 Walgun Cape Byron was an impressive backdrop to the formalisation of a partnership between the Bundjalung of Byron Bay Arakwal People (Arakwal) and Byron Shire Council today.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Sparkling new amenities for swimmers at Byron Bay pool this summer
Published on 09 September 2026 When swimmers return to the Byron Bay Memorial Pool in mid-September they’ll see some major changes. Stage one of the upgrade of the pool is finished, featuring a relocated entrance and kiosk as well as a new accessible amenities block.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
The Pocket Road closed for two months for culvert repair
Published on 09 September 2026 A culvert repair will begin later this month, and properties west of 879 The Pocket Road will need to detour via Main Arm Road for around two months (weather permitting). The culvert is in poor condition, and concerns about its structural integrity have led to multiple road closures this year during heavy rainfall events.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
$57k awarded to 18 community projects across Byron Shire
Published on 03 September 2026 18 organisations will share in more than $57,000 through Byron Shire Council's Community Initiatives Program for 2026/27, supporting an exciting and diverse range of local projects.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Help shape a safer Byron Bay
Learn more Last updated: 30 Oct 2026 Help shape a safer Byron Bay Safer Cities: Her Way 2 program aims to improve safety in key areas of Byron Bay Town Centre.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Byron Shire
- Have your say
Have your say on the Byron Foreshore playspaces
Learn more Last updated: 15 Sept 2026 Have your say on the Byron Foreshore playspaces We've developed Concept Designs for Apex Park and Dening Park Playspaces. Outcomes of the consultation will be reported to Council later this year.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Byron Shire
- Policy
Economic Action Plans
Learn more Last updated: 7 Sept 2026 Economic Action Plans Feedback has now closed. Updated plans will be reported to Council in October 2026.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Byron Shire
- Have your say
Byron Shire's Financial Future
Learn more Last updated: 30 Oct 2026 Byron Shire's Financial Future Understand what a potential Special Rate Variation could mean for you and your community.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Byron Shire
- Policy
Help inform the Draft Agriculture Action Plan
Learn more Last updated: 31 Aug 2026 Help inform the Draft Agriculture Action Plan Feedback has now closed.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Byron Shire
- Have your say
Draft DCP for the Former Mullumbimby Hospital Site
Learn more Last updated: 1 June 2026 Draft DCP for the Former Mullumbimby Hospital Site Feedback on the Draft Development Control Plan chapter for the Mullumbimby Hospital Site is now closed.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Byron Shire
- Have your say
Have your say on the Developer Contributions Plan
Learn more Last updated: 7 Sept 2026 Have your say on the Developer Contributions Plan The Developer Contributions Plan was adopted in August 2026.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Byron Shire
- Have your say
Invest in Us
Learn more Invest in Us Invest in Us – join the campaign to restore Commonwealth funding to Councils
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Byron Shire
- Have your say
Draft Bangalow Flood Study
Learn more Last updated: 6 Oct 2026 Draft Bangalow Flood Study Feedback on the Draft Bangalow Flood Study has now closed.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Byron Shire
- Have your say
Policies on Public Exhibition
Learn more Policies on Public Exhibition Find out what policies may be on public exhibition.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Byron Shire
- Policy
Playspace Action Plan
Learn more Last updated: 6 July 2026 Playspace Action Plan The Playspace Action Plan has been adopted. Thanks to everyone who provided feedback.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Byron Shire
- Development
All-electric developments
Learn more Last updated: 18 June 2026 All-electric developments Feedback has now closed.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Byron Shire
- Development
Make a Submission on a DA
Make a Submission on a DA
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Byron Shire Council — DA Tracker
- Policy
Planning for the Gulgan Village
Learn more Last updated: 30 Oct 2026 Planning for the Gulgan Village Feedback on the amended draft Voluntary Planning Agreement is now closed.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Byron Shire
- Development
terms and conditions of the site
terms and conditions of the site
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Byron Shire Council — DA Tracker
- Have your say
New floodplain risk management studies open for community input
The council is developing new Floodplain Risk Management Studies and Plans (including for the Belongil and Tallow Creek catchments) via its Your Say Byron Shire platform, with reports scheduled to go to Council in late 2026.
What this means for you: Flood studies feed into future development controls and mitigation works, so they can affect what can be built where. Residents can follow the studies and make submissions through Your Say Byron Shire.
Source: Your Say Byron Shire
- Council meeting
Councillor Jack Dods elected Deputy Mayor
Byron councillors elected Cr Jack Dods as Deputy Mayor of Byron Shire Council. Sarah Ndiaye (elected Mayor directly by voters in 2024) continues as Mayor.
What this means for you: The Deputy Mayor stands in for the Mayor when needed. Byron councillors choose the Deputy Mayor from among themselves for a set term.
- Policy
60-day cap on non-hosted short-term holiday letting takes effect
New planning rules capping non-hosted short-term rental accommodation at 60 days per year across most of Byron Shire took effect on 23 September 2024, with a transition period for registered properties. Two mapped precincts in parts of Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads keep 365-day letting; hosted stays are unaffected.
What this means for you: If you let a whole dwelling on platforms like Airbnb or Stayz outside the mapped precincts, it can generally be booked for at most 60 nights a year. The council's aim is to return more homes to long-term rental.
Source: Byron Shire Council — Short-Term Rental Accommodation
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We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Byron Shire Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.