Byron Bay night-precinct plan sparks fears of alcohol-fuelled violence
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Byron Bay residents are worried a plan to boost the tourism hotspot's nightlife will lead to an increase in alcohol-fuelled violence.
The NSW government announced in April that Byron Bay would be the first town outside of Sydney to trial a special entertainment precinct (SEP), as part of a strategy to boost its night-time economy.
The move would allow the local council to designate an area in the CBD where trading hours and sound conditions could be relaxed for hospitality venues, live music, and special events.
Enmore Road in Sydney became the first permanent SEP in December 2023, and other trials have started around the Chinatown Night Markets in Burwood and Fairfield.
But the plan has drawn strong criticism from some residents, with about 150 people attending a community meeting on Tuesday night to raise their concerns.
Among them was emergency medicine specialist Blake Eddington, who said extended nightlife trading could put lives at risk.
"Anyone who works in an emergency department knows that Friday, Saturday nights after 8, 9pm — right through to 5 o'clock in the morning — are horrendous," Dr Eddington said.
"Seeing teenagers and young people mindlessly assaulted, some of them with life-threatening conditions, that are completely preventable by drinking less alcohol and not having venues stay open until 3, 4, 5 o'clock in the morning."
Other medical professionals who spoke at the meeting said local health services, paramedics and police were at capacity, and not equipped to handle an increase in cases.
Data from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) showed there were 251 non-domestic-violence-related assaults in the Byron Shire in the 12 months to March — a ratio 1.6 times the statewide rate per 100,000 residents.
The BOCSAR website warns crime rates could appear distorted in areas with high visitor populations because the resident population is smaller than the total number of people in the area.
It also notes many assaults are not reported to police and are therefore not captured in BOCSAR data.
"Most businesses are seeking to get people in town during the day and evening," he said.
In April, Byron Shire Council received a grant of $162,800 to kickstart community consultation and begin planning the trial.
Mr Williamson said consultation so far had been lacking.
Concerns about alcohol-related violence prompted a community-led campaign in 2013 called Last Drinks at 12.
Byron resident Chris Hanley was part of that initiative, and told ABC North Coast Breakfast the same fears had surfaced again.
"Nothing will stop new operators and different people going into the future who do want to … open their venues to the wee small hours and disturb our community," he said.
"To have more culture and vibrancy in a town … is easy to do — get council out of the way.
"Get council to make it easy for businesses to have outside dining and street festivals."
In a statement, NSW Police — which had officers at the community meeting — said Tweed/Byron Police were working alongside government, council, and community stakeholders in ongoing discussions about the SEP.
"Where required, police will adapt and target resources using evidence-based intelligence to ensure the safety of the community," it said.
The Byron Shire Council is set to hold information sessions for residents and businesses in August.
Written by Emma Rennie, ABC News.
The NSW government announced in April that Byron Bay would be the first town outside of Sydney to trial a special entertainment precinct (SEP), as part of a strategy to boost its night-time economy.
The move would allow the local council to designate an area in the CBD where trading hours and sound conditions could be relaxed for hospitality venues, live music, and special events.
Enmore Road in Sydney became the first permanent SEP in December 2023, and other trials have started around the Chinatown Night Markets in Burwood and Fairfield.
Byron Bay has been a hotspot for holidays and schoolies celebrations. (Facebook: Byron Schoolies Parties)
But the plan has drawn strong criticism from some residents, with about 150 people attending a community meeting on Tuesday night to raise their concerns.
Among them was emergency medicine specialist Blake Eddington, who said extended nightlife trading could put lives at risk.
"Anyone who works in an emergency department knows that Friday, Saturday nights after 8, 9pm — right through to 5 o'clock in the morning — are horrendous," Dr Eddington said.
"Seeing teenagers and young people mindlessly assaulted, some of them with life-threatening conditions, that are completely preventable by drinking less alcohol and not having venues stay open until 3, 4, 5 o'clock in the morning."
Blake Eddington says extended nightlife trading could put lives at risk. (ABC News: Emma Rennie)
Other medical professionals who spoke at the meeting said local health services, paramedics and police were at capacity, and not equipped to handle an increase in cases.
Violent incidents
Some speakers at the meeting raised two recent incidents which had shaken the Byron Bay community, including a fight outside a busy cafe last week, and an assault in which a 25-year-old suffered serious head injuries after he was reportedly attacked in a car park by six young men.
Some Byron Bay residents are concerned about an increase in violence. (ABC North Coast: Hannah Ross)
Data from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) showed there were 251 non-domestic-violence-related assaults in the Byron Shire in the 12 months to March — a ratio 1.6 times the statewide rate per 100,000 residents.
The BOCSAR website warns crime rates could appear distorted in areas with high visitor populations because the resident population is smaller than the total number of people in the area.
It also notes many assaults are not reported to police and are therefore not captured in BOCSAR data.
Lifeline for businesses
Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce president Matt Williamson said businesses were not necessarily looking to extend their late-night trading, but were keen to try initiatives that could boost the town's "vibrancy"."Most businesses are seeking to get people in town during the day and evening," he said.
NSW Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham announced Byron Bay's SEP trial in April. (Supplied)
In April, Byron Shire Council received a grant of $162,800 to kickstart community consultation and begin planning the trial.
Mr Williamson said consultation so far had been lacking.
Concerns about alcohol-related violence prompted a community-led campaign in 2013 called Last Drinks at 12.
Byron resident Chris Hanley was part of that initiative, and told ABC North Coast Breakfast the same fears had surfaced again.
"Nothing will stop new operators and different people going into the future who do want to … open their venues to the wee small hours and disturb our community," he said.
"To have more culture and vibrancy in a town … is easy to do — get council out of the way.
"Get council to make it easy for businesses to have outside dining and street festivals."
Revellers told the ABC they chose Byron Bay for a "quieter" schoolies celebration in 2022. (ABC North Coast: Bruce MacKenzie)
In a statement, NSW Police — which had officers at the community meeting — said Tweed/Byron Police were working alongside government, council, and community stakeholders in ongoing discussions about the SEP.
"Where required, police will adapt and target resources using evidence-based intelligence to ensure the safety of the community," it said.
The Byron Shire Council is set to hold information sessions for residents and businesses in August.
Written by Emma Rennie, ABC News.
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