Significant improvements to lighting and increased CCTV coverage are coming to Byron Bay's town centre, along with broader initiatives like mobile CCTV.
The project has been made possible thanks to a $1 million grant from the Federal Government's Strengthening Community Safety - Election Commitment Funding grant opportunity.
"The community has been very clear that they want to see improved safety and security across the town centre, with many feeling that poor lighting is a key contributor to people feeling vulnerable and unsafe," Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, said.
"Feedback also indicated that insufficient lighting was a barrier to people feeling secure and that they would like us to consider ambient, solar, and decorative options,"
"Concerns were raised about antisocial behaviour, poor accessibility, and the limited availability of public amenities in the CBD.
"Suggested improvements included installing CCTV and creating more welcoming, inclusive shared spaces to support safer community movement and activity," Mayor Ndiaye said.
Lawson Street north and south carparks, Apex Park, the railway corridor, and the connecting laneways will be the priority locations for improved lighting and CCTV.
These areas have been identified using feedback from local police, results from the 1000 Voices Survey, and findings from the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) assessment of the Byron Bay town centre conducted in November 2025.
Over the coming months, Council will finalise the technical requirements for the lighting and CCTV and then consult with key stakeholders and community to finalise the plans. The works will go for tender later this year.
The project is due to be completed by April 2027.
