Ballina MP seeks the Byron solution
Ballina MP Don Page is seeking a permanent solution to the problem of stormwater outflow onto Byron Bay beach from the Cowper Street stormwater drain.
Mr Page said he believed the permanent solution lay in diverting stormwater away from the beach altogether and into the town’s main drain that runs under Byron Street, under the railway line and down into the Belongil.
“I’ve had constructive discussions with council’s engineer and they are awaiting a report on the best option,” Mr Page said.
“Diverting stormwater away from the beach can occur but there has to be proper capacity in the alternative main drain to ensure central Byron Bay doesn’t flood every time we get solid rain.
“I have written to council asking for the stormwater to be diverted from the main beach into the Belongil. I have also offered my support to get State Government funding to help enable this to occur.
“It seems inevitable that the culverts under the rail line will have to be much bigger, but what better time to do that than when there are no trains running.
“An iconic beach like Byron Bay cannot continue to have the town’s stormwater with its associated pollution flowing into a lagoon on the main beach.
“The main beach is a huge community asset to Byron Bay and we must ensure it is pristine both now and into the future.”
