People planning on a visit to the Byron Shire hinterland and national parks this Easter should find something else to do.
That’s the message from Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, after reports of people trying to get access to Mt Jerusalem and other areas to either go for a bush walk or to check out the flood damage.
“Local residents, who have had their roads and bridges rebuilt twice in the last month, are understandably upset to see a lot of extra traffic in the hills,” Mayor Lyon said.
“Unless you are a local resident, an emergency service worker, or from Council, there is absolutely no reason to be driving beyond Main Arm or to Wilsons Creek,” he said.
“The only explanation for people going out there is to ‘rubber neck’ and gawk at the damage from the flood or to try to go for a bushwalk.
“The hinterland is a terrible mess – the landslips, roads, damage to property, lack of communication and simply getting access to and from properties to get to town – it’s a very stressful and emotional time for a lot of people.
“So when you get cars and people who think that it is appropriate to churn up the wet dirt roads that have only just reopened to locals – that is rude, insensitive and completely out of line,” Mayor Lyon said.
“There is a lot to do in the Byron Shire without people going for a drive to the hinterland.
“Visitors will be most welcome when the roads and bridges have been properly repaired and residents are further into their flood recovery journey…it’s just not a good time right now,” Mayor Lyon said.
