ln recent times, the relentless pressure of commercialism and "progress" has pushed the small town of Byron Bay beyond its capacity to absorb the ideals of many interest groups and activities, and many locals feel a threat to the unique alternative lifestyle we enjoy - which was an important reason that people come to live here in the first place.

This website presents a study by a local architect which assesses the potential of a vision for Byron Bay Town Centre to encompass its natural surrounds and enhance the open environment to be an integral part of the town. This alternative "unofficial" town plan makes no apology for being "visionary" and  includes the potential to be self-sufficient by generating energy, recycling water, reusing waste and producing food in a sustainable "zero carbon" town.

In the planning document presented herein the town structure is defined by four major open spaces, north, south, east and west and each of these spaces is assessed to establish their constraints, potential and a concept to achieve this potential.

These concepts are used as the basis of this "alternative" Master Plan, which completes the connections between the open natural environment and the circulation, traffic, functioning and enjoyment of the town as a whole. Ultimately it is aimed at people who live in and enjoy Byron Bay for the unique place it has become, to enhance the lifestyle values it embodies, and to ensure the fascinating and attractive qualities that have made Byron Bay known and loved across the world are retained and not lost to unwise development that is focussed on commercial considerations alone. We hope this plan for Byron Bay 's future is a catalyst for a wider community discussion, vibrant even impassioned debate and ultimately intelligent exchange between all stakeholders - representatives, Council staff, business people and local residents. Our vision now takes in the controversial West Byron Devleopment and the quaint heritage village of Bangalow.