GRANT FOR MURWILLUMBAH COMMUNITY FLOOD PREPAREDNESS

Hotel sale with $30 million price tag in Byron Bay

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffn, has unveiled a $40,000 grant for Murwillumbah Core aimed at bolstering community resilience in the face of future disasters. The funding, part of the NSW Government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation Program, will support programs to equip communities with the tools and resources needed to effectively respond to emergencies.

Ms. Saffn underscored the signifcance of Murwillumbah Core, a vital component of the Hub 2484 initiative, as a deserving recipient of the grant. Stemming from the dedicated efforts of volunteers who played a pivotal role in supporting communities during the 2022 foods and beyond,

Murwillumbah Core has emerged as a beacon of resilience in times of crisis.

Highlighting the invaluable contributions of local volunteers during the 2022 natural disaster, Ms. Saffn emphasized their tireless efforts in providing essential support to ensure the safety, sustenance, and well-being of affected communities. The funding will empower Murwillumbah Core to enhance its preparedness for future emergencies by implementing initiatives such as training local leaders, establishing resident assistance registers, improving communication channels, and bolstering risk assessment capabilities.

Commending the leadership of coordinator Kerry Pritchard and the collective commitment of the Murwillumbah Core team, Ms. Saffn applauded their unwavering dedication to community welfare and their proactive approach to disaster preparedness. The grant exemplifes the transformative impact of grassroots projects supported by the Local Small Commitments Allocation Program, showcasing how targeted investments can foster resilience and strengthen community cohesion.

For more information on the Local Small Commitments Allocation Program, interested parties can visit https:// www.nsw.gov.au/grantsand-funding/lsca-home.

Only four blocks from the beach in Byron Bay, the Vali Hotel, acquired by Scott Didier, founder and CEO of ASX-listed Jons Lyng Group in 2021, has sold again.

It is the frst hotel transaction above $20 million since 2019 and it was after a highly competitive campaign that held a price guide of $30 million.

Mr Didier had completed extensive renovations on the 52-room hotel creating a Palm Springs and California coastal aesthetic in the heart of the tourist town.

Gareth Closter, Senior Vice President at JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group said the sale aligned with recent regulatory changes made by Byron Shire Council for short-term rental accommodation. This involves a 60-day cap on residential properties, which is expected to redirect visitors towards hotels, motels, and traditional forms of accommodation.

“This huge regulatory change will provide an exciting opportunity for improved trading performance for existing operators. Especially in an accommodation market like Byron Bay which has such a strong presence of ‘holiday rental’ operators such as Airbnb,” he said.

Andrew Langsford, Senior Vice President at JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group said the sale attracted