Byron Shire Council is reminding the community that the Byron Drainage Project has moved into the next stage at the intersection of Jonson Street and Byron Street in Byron Bay, near the Great Northern Hotel.

The intersection upgrade works are scheduled to be finished by the end of May, weather permitting, followed by works in Byron Street. 

With the intersection now closed, motorists are asked to slow down and follow the detours and traffic control. Pedestrian access will be maintained - please follow the signage.

This week will see the decommissioning of the Rotary clocktower, which will be reconstructed at the end of the drainage works. The size and shape will be much the same as the original clocktower, and the clockfaces and operating mechanism will be retained.

The exterior surface will be tiles or glazed bricks that reflect the colours of the natural environment which will be less susceptible to vandalism.

Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, Phillip Holloway, said that the short-term pain of the drainage works would be offset by long-term gains for Byron Bay.

“The Byron Drainage Project is one of the biggest and most ambitious infrastructure projects Council has ever undertaken in central Byron Bay, to create flood mitigation and greater resilience,” Mr Holloway said.

“These works are also a big step towards achieving key objectives of the Byron Bay Town Centre Masterplan and help deliver what the community has told us they want – slower traffic in the busy commercial centre of town, pedestrian‑friendly spaces, more greenery, more bike parking, safer streets and more opportunities for connection and activation.

“We have also heard the community’s concerns around the state of our gardens and parks around the town centre, so the Byron Masterplan Guidance Group are recommending that Council allocate a portion of next year’s paid parking revenue for town centre beautification, with a particular focus on garden bed renewal.

“Council has also secured funding for safety upgrades in the CBD including improved lighting and CCTV, which we will be able to implement once these drainage works are complete. Overall, the next 12 months will see significant changes through the town centre that deliver on the community’s masterplan vision.”

The Byron Bay Drainage Upgrade Town Centre Catchment is funded by the Australian and NSW Governments and by Byron Shire Council’s Byron Bay Town Centre Masterplan Reserve.

For more information about this project, visit Council’s website.