Byron Shire Council is teaming up with Tweed Byron Police District, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Marine Parks, Reflections Holidays and Transport for NSW this festive season to ensure public spaces remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.

The Christmas and New Year period is the busiest time of year for compliance teams and all agencies will be working seven days a week to monitor public safety, parking, and illegal camping.

“Our towns and villages experience a huge influx of visitors during the holidays, which puts significant pressure on local infrastructure,” Sarah Nagel, Council’s Manager of Public and Environmental Services, said.

Camping in residential streets, beach car parks, national parks, nature reserves and Crown land across the Byron Shire is prohibited and fines will apply.  

“Rangers will be working extended hours, enforcing parking regulations and no-camping rules.

“We’re also seeing more issues with dogs roaming or off-leash in restricted areas and staff will be patrolling parks, beaches and public spaces,” Ms Nagel said.

Details on the locations of off-leash areas where people can walk and exercise their dogs, as well as information on parking, are on Council’s website.

Police are urging residents and visitors to remember that parks and the Byron Bay town centre are alcohol-free zones. 

Officers will be targeting these areas to reduce alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour, helping keep the community safe throughout the holiday period.

National Parks and Wildlife Service has announced road closures for New Year’s Eve, including:

• Lighthouse Road to the Lighthouse
• Black Rock Road, Tyagarah Nature Reserve
• Tallow Beach Road

“Our message is simple: respect our community, our residents, and the natural environment,” Ms Nagel said. 

“Byron Shire is a beautiful place, and we all share responsibility for keeping it clean, safe, and protecting our wildlife and biodiversity.”