Byron Bay foreshore set for revamp, but car park future remains unclear

BYRON Shire Council will proceed with plans to revitalise Apex Park at Main Beach as part of its long-term vision for enhancing the Byron Bay foreshore, but has deferred discussions around relocating the contentious beachfront car park, which has divided the community.

At last week’s council meeting, councillors voted to prioritise the design of a new play space at Apex Park, following the removal of the old playground in 2023 due to safety concerns.

The council also plans to widen footpaths along the foreshore to improve accessibility for people with disabilities, replace ageing trees with endemic species and upgrade public toilet facilities. Emergency beach access will also be improved, with input from Byron Bay Surf Lifesaving Club and the Byron Masterplan Guidance Group throughout the detailed design phase.

 

The broader Byron foreshore concept plan spans from The Wreck/Main Beach car park in the west to Clarkes Beach and the Beach restaurant and kiosk in the east. The upgrades are expected to be rolled out in stages over the next five to ten years.

Byron Shire mayor Sarah Ndiaye said the foreshore is one of the town’s most cherished areas but is in need of care.

“Some people say why fix something that’s not broken but if you have a disability or are pushing a pram there’s lots of pathways that need to be improved,” she said. “The bathrooms aren’t fit for purpose and they’re badly placed.”

She said that the adopted plan would enable the council to apply for grants to support the improvements.

Council has chosen to delay community discussions and design workshops on the foreshore precinct parking until the Coastal Management Plan is approved.

 

The community remains split over the two options. They include retaining the existing beachfront car park, which is loved by generations of surfers, while enhancing open space and access; or relocating parking to a proposed multi-storey facility behind the pool, thereby creating more beachfront parkland. The second option would include a drop-off zone and priority accessible parking.

“Until we have some alternative parking arrangements or public transport it’s not really something we can consider,” Cr Ndiaye said. “It also generates a lot of income through parking revenue that can be reinvested into the area.”

Council will also continue discussions with Crown Lands about a proposal to relocate the Beach restaurant and kiosk.

“What was really clear from feedback was the community doesn’t want a two-storey building,” Cr Ndiaye said.