Byron Shire Council is calling on the NSW Government to withdraw the Crown Land Management Amendment (Statutory Review) Bill 2026, warning it could expose local councils and ratepayers to unquantifiable financial risk.
Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, said the new Bill creates a pathway for councils to have to carry State Government's liability for actions on Crown land, including Native Title compensation and other claims.
"These are risks that councils are not resourced or structured to manage," she said.
The concerns were formalised in a Mayoral Minute to last week's Council Meeting, warning that the Bill could force councils to cover State compensation and contract costs.
"In the Byron Shire, Council manages a large portfolio of Crown land that is environmentally sensitive, culturally significant, and heavily used by the community," the Mayor said.
"These proposed changes could impact our ability to maintain that land, invest in environmental protection, and continue delivering essential services."
The Mayor also raised concerns about the Bill's impact on Aboriginal Land Rights, noting that the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council has lodged a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission,.
"Strong partnerships with traditional custodians are central to how we manage land in Byron Shire," the Mayor said.
"We have seen what can be achieved through collaboration under the current frameworks. There is a real risk that this Bill undermines that progress."
Since becoming aware of the issue, the Mayor has also raised concerns with the Country Mayors Association of NSW, Local Government NSW, and multiple State representatives across both Houses of Parliament.
"Local councils play a critical role in managing Crown land on behalf the State, for the benefit of our communities and the environment," the Mayor said.
"But that role must be supported by fair funding, clear responsibilities, and respect for Native Title and Aboriginal Land Rights."
"Without that, the risk is not just to councils, but to the communities and environments we serve."
