The smile on the Byron Shire Mayor’s face was broad today when the Australian and NSW Governments announced more than $9 million in grants for projects relating to damage from the 2022 floods.
Mayor Michael Lyon was with Justine Elliot, Member for Richmond, and Janelle Saffin, Member for Lismore and Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, for the announcement of $7 million for the Byron Bay Drainage Strategy, and $2.03 million for improvements to community facilities.
“This is terrific news for our community and on behalf of Byron Shire Council I extend my thanks to the Governments for recognising the importance of these projects,” Mayor Lyon said.
The $7 million will fund stage one of the Byron Drainage Strategy, which will see a major upgrade to drainage in low-lying areas of the Byron Bay town centre, increasing its capacity to carry stormwater to the ocean and Belongil Creek.
“Consultants are currently designing these improvements so to have confirmation of funds to actually start implementing the changes is terrific news indeed for residents and businesses in Byron Bay,” Mayor Lyon said.
“This project, which is funded from the Infrastructure Betterment Fund – a joint initiative of the Australian and NSW Governments – is a high priority action in the Belongil Creek Floodplain Risk Management Plan,” he said.
Council has also received four grants from the Australian and NSW Government’s 2022 Community Assets Program for repairs and improvements to facilities that were damaged during the floods:
- Improvements to the Mullumbimby Recreation Grounds carpark (pavement and drainage) – $903,594
- Upgraded pathway at Mullumbimby Heritage Park – $500,000.
- New pool filters at Mullumbimby Pool – $187,386
- Improvements to the south car park at the Cavanbah Centre – $437,341.
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