Joint Media Release
Tamara Smith MP Greens Member for Ballina
Michael Lyons Greens Councillor Byron Shire Council
Greens Byron Shire Councillor Michael Lyon is considering a Motion before the next Council meeting to establish a 12-month trial ‘Clothes Optional Declaration’ for the stretch of beach from ‘The Wreck’ north, to the walking track south of Beaumont's Beach House.
The ultimate goal will be to eventually close Tyagarah nude beach while still providing a space for naturalist activities at Belongil.
“Tyagarah is not an ideal spot for a nude beach. Police have told us that its isolation means that continued monitoring is unsustainable and makes it an appealing spot for undesirable and anti-social behaviour,” said Councillor Michael Lyon.
“A clothing optional trial on a stretch of Belongil beach would be less isolated and more easily monitored. If the trial is successful we can close Tyagarah nude beach while providing a safer alternative for naturalists,” said Cr Lyon.
Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith MP has met with groups worried about Tyagarah.
“I have many concerns about what has become of Tyagarah Beach in the last few years. It is simply no longer a place for locals and mellow visitors to enjoy a nude swim and sunbake,” said Ms Smith.
“The police reports and advice to me over some time is that the beach has become a hot spot for sexual assaults and sexual harassment. The remoteness of the beach has only intensified this.
“I have met with residents and members of the Safe Beaches Committee and I commend them on their positive approach to finding a win-win solution.
“I know that nobody supports the idea of promoting a culture of sexual assault at one of our beaches under the cloak of naturalism.”