Two Aboriginal Land Agreements (ALAs) have been negotiated over Sandhills Estate, Byron Bay.
The ALAs resolve outstanding Aboriginal Land Claims on the site and deliver long-term benefits to the Byron Bay community. This includes:
- land for community facilities and services such as the new skate park
- an emergency services precinct
- stormwater management
- road and parking infrastructure
- path connection upgrades
- protection of sensitive environmental areas.
New emergency services precinct
A new $28 million emergency services precinct will be built for NSW Police and Fire and Rescue NSW.
The state-of-the-art facility will bolster the capabilities of each agency to provide stronger first-responses and meet the needs of Byron's growing population. The precinct will be centrally located next to the CBD on a 6,500 square metre area of Crown land on Gilmore Crescent.
The building’s sustainable design will improve operational and staff facilities. Planning of the facility is underway with construction expected to begin in early 2026, following planning approvals.
To support the development, Byron Shire Council will extend nearby Tennyson Street to meet Gilmore Crescent. This will allow vehicle access to the precinct, ensuring efficient emergency first-response times across the local area.
Sandhills recreation precinct
A 3.1-hectare recreation precinct between Middleton Street and Gilmore Crescent will be leased to Byron Shire Council for 50 years. The site will be used for open space, the skate park, parking and infrastructure and environmental protection.
Outcomes already achieved in this precinct include:
- Jarjumirr Park recreation space and skatepark and other community facilities such as the Byron Youth Service and the library.
- Education about the cultural values of the Traditional Owners.
- New public toilets and improved pathways, drainage, road and parking infrastructure.
- Environmental outcomes including vegetation maintenance and habitat growth to support the resident Flying Fox colony.
Sandhills wetlands
The 5.46-hectare Sandhills Wetlands between Cowper and Massinger Streets will remain Crown land with Byron Shire Council appointed to manage it as Crown land manager.
There will be certainty for the key stormwater infrastructure that services Byron Bay CBD and nearby residential areas. This will result in benefits for flood mitigation and improve the quality of water flowing into the Marine Park at Clarkes Beach.
The wetlands project will improve biodiversity, habitat and water quality - creating a welcoming and culturally appropriate space. It will also include a network of shared paths for the community to enjoy as well as help to manage stormwater and flooding in the town centre by adding significant flood storage.
Land transfers
As part of the ALAs, and to secure the new site for emergency services, 3.79 hectares of the Sandhills site will transfer to the ownership of Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council, as well as the current Police station site in Shirley Street and current Fire and Rescue site in Kingsley Street.
The transfer of Crown land to TBLALC aligns with the legislative mandate of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 and Closing the Gap priority reforms.
Sandhills Estate Map
The map below highlights the ownership of each precinct.
