Understanding the community’s views on illegal dumping and litter

Litter and illegal dumping in the Byron Shire have huge fnancial, social and environmental costs.

Reducing litter and illegal dumping is a key priority of Council and work has started on a fve-year strategy that will set the framework up to tackle these problems.

Zoe White, Resource Recovery Education and Compliance Offcer, said litter and illegal dumping not only costs money to clean up, but the cost to our natural environment is enormous.

“Rubbish of any sort left in our bushland, on our streets, near our waterways, or frankly, anywhere, can have devastating impacts on our waterways, native wildlife and our marine environments,” Ms White said.

Council already has a range of initiatives in place to help people do the right thing when it comes to disposing of waste, including:

• Two x $50 annual waste disposal vouchers at the Byron Resource Recovery Centre

• Free trailers available to Byron Shire residents

• Free disposal of problem household waste

“We know that generally our community has a very low tolerance for illegal dumping and littering but we would

Cr Sarah Ndiaye Has Been Elected Deputy Mayor Of Byron Shire Council

White said.

People can provide their thoughts on how to tackle litter and illegal dumping by doing a survey on Council’s website Scan the QR below.. https://www. byron.nsw.gov.au/ Your-Say-Byron-Shire/ Help-us-tackle-litter-andillegal-dumping-in-theShire

The survey closes on 21 October 2023.

A draft of the Litter like to hear people’s ideas and thoughts on these issues and how to tackle the problems,” Ms and Illegal Dumping Strategic Plan will be presented to Councillors in February 2024.

Congratulations to Councillor Sarah Ndiaye, who was this week elected unopposed as the Deputy Mayor of Byron Shire Council for the next 12 months.

Cr Ndiaye is serving her second term on Council, and she is well-known for her passionate and tireless advocacy for the Byron Shire.

“This Shire is unique and special, with a history of being a meeting place that goes back thousands of years, attracting people from all over the world,” Cr Ndiaye said.

“We are a community that has a big heart, that values our environment and social connection and that is constantly striving for local solutions to local problems.

“It’s been wonderful to see many of the projects that we have worked towards coming to fruition like the Jarjumirr Byron Skate Park and receiving approval from the NSW Government for the introduction of a 60-day cap on short-term rental accommodation in parts of the Shire, but there is still so much to do.

“We have a very big 12 months ahead as our community rebuilds after the foods and

Council continues its work on affordable and diverse housing for our residents,” she said.

Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, congratulated Cr Ndiaye on her re-election.

“Cr Ndiaye and I have worked closely on a range of projects and matters throughout our time on Council and her election today was well-deserved,” Mayor Lyon said.