Byron Shire Council is joining forces with the Tweed Byron Police District, National Parks and Wildlife Service, DPIRD Fisheries (Cape Byron Marine Park), Reflections Holidays and Transport for NSW to help ensure a safe, clean and enjoyable Easter period for everyone visiting or living in the Byron Shire.
"Easter is one of the busiest times of the year, and Council's compliance teams, along with partner agencies, will be working seven days a week to monitor public safety, parking, and illegal camping," Council's Manager of Public and Environmental Services, Sarah Nagel, said.
"With so much great music and entertainment announced at venues across the Byron Shire following the cancellation of Bluesfest, we expect a significant influx of visitors over the Easter long weekend and school holidays," she said.
"Byron Shire is a beautiful place, and if we want to keep it that way we need everyone to take responsibility for keeping it clean, safe, and protecting our wildlife and biodiversity."
Ms Nagel reminded visitors that camping is prohibited in residential streets, beach car parks, national parks, nature reserves and Crown land across the Shire.
"Rangers will be working extended hours to enforce parking regulations and no‑camping rules. We're also responding to increasing reports of dogs roaming or off‑leash in restricted areas, so staff will be patrolling parks, beaches and other public spaces," she 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: www.byron.nsw.gov.au
Police are reminding the community that parks, the Byron Bay town centre and all Byron Shire beaches are alcohol‑free zones. Officers will be actively patrolling these areas to reduce alcohol‑related crime and antisocial behaviour throughout the holiday period.
Visitors are also reminded that Byron Shire's beaches, creeks, estuaries and coastal waters form part of the Cape Byron Marine Park.
"Please check local signage and follow all zoning and access requirements to help protect our sensitive marine environments," Ms Nagel said.
