UPDATE: Byron Shire councillors have just voted to advance a controversial affordable housing project in Mullumbimby, despite significant opposition from the community. A petition with nearly 2,500 signatures was presented at last week’s council meeting, urging officials to reconsider the site at 57 Station Street.
The proposed development will feature 32 affordable rental apartments above ground-floor retail spaces. However, opponents argue that the project will exacerbate traffic issues and harm local businesses, fundamentally altering the town’s character.
During the heated council meeting, former councillor Duncan Dey revealed troubling details about the internal planning discussions, stating that the developer was encouraged to maximize the project’s size for economic viability. Dey called for the council to abandon the current site and explore alternatives that better align with community preferences.
“The community has made it really clear to you that they do not agree with the choice of the site,” Dey urged. “There are several other sites where this project would be deeply welcomed.”
In stark contrast, newly elected councillors, including Elia Hauge and Deputy Mayor Jack Dods, strongly defended the project, asserting that affordable housing is a pressing need for the Shire’s younger population.
Hauge emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “To an entire generation of people raised in this community who cannot afford to call it home, affordable housing isn’t an abstract idea.” She insisted that the current proposal is essential and that flaws in the design can be addressed without abandoning the project.
Dods echoed her sentiments, attributing organized opposition to a lack of understanding of the housing crisis faced by those under 40 in the community.
“Every single councillor at this desk put affordable housing at the very core of our election pitches,” Dods said. “To expect us to withdraw from an affordable housing project would be asking us to go against what all of us promised to our community.”
As a wave of public dissent fills the chambers, the council remains steadfast in its commitment to the Mullumbimby affordable housing initiative. The decision has sparked heated discussions about the balance between development and community needs.
What Happens Next: As the council moves forward, residents and local organizations are expected to continue voicing their concerns. Community leaders are calling for further dialogue on the project’s impacts and potential modifications to meet the needs of Mullumbimby’s residents.
This developing story highlights the tension between necessary housing development and community sentiment, a balancing act that many towns worldwide are grappling with as they confront similar challenges.
