Initial Insights - Byron Shire
So far we have collated the following findings from 5 workshops in the Byron Shire:
The Imagine Northern Rivers workshop series was held in Byron Bay between May and August 2025. In total, 89 people participated, representing the civic, business, not-for-profit, government, university and cultural sectors, as well as general residents. Workshops were held in these four localities: Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, Ocean Shores and Brunswick Heads. Participants responded to a series of questions designed to elicit an understanding of what a regenerative, safe and adaptive future could be like within the lifetime of a child born today
Possible Future of Climate Adaptation (2035)
Participants generated 587 responses to this prompt: Imagine... It's 2035 and a child born today is turning 10 years old. The outcomes of 10+ years of work by government and community to adapt to climate change and strengthen resilience is becoming visible around them. What has changed in the design of our built environment and our relationship with the natural environment, that is strengthening our resilience to an increase in temperature, severe fire weather, sea level rise & changing rainfall patterns? … What changes do you notice in how your child’s family is living and moving around in the world, that is contributing to shared resilience and regeneration?
1. What does a safe, regenerative & adaptive future look like?
Possible Future of Housing (2040)
Participants generated 341 responses to this prompt: Imagine… It’s 2040 and a child born today is turning 15 years old. In response to the housing crisis of the 2020’s, a massive collaboration between government, business and community has led to an extra 21,000 homes becoming available across the Northern Rivers. What does our child’s home, garden and community look and feel like? How have we balanced rapid construction of housing with the need to protect our natural environment? What policy shifts have enabled everyone to have access to safe and affordable homes with low environmental impact?
Possible Economic Futures (2045)
Participants generated 483 responses to this prompt: Imagine… It’s 2045 and a child born today is turning 20 years old, entering the world of work. At this time, there are an extra 21,000 people of working age who call the Northern Rivers home. What does meaningful work look like? What industries and sectors are experiencing rapid growth due to their alignment with community values? … What’s different (if anything) about the principles behind our economy?
More data to be published in early 2026.
2. What do people want to retain from the present?
Participants generated 218 responses to the question “what do you value most about the present,and want to retain in to the future”. The following are the top themes / ideas.
3. What do people want us to stop doing or let go of?
Participants generated 186 responses to the question “what do we need to let of or stop doing, in order to help our region regenerate as we move towards the future?” The following are the top themes / ideas.
4. What actions have been identified to take us towards a safe, regenerative and adaptive future?
Actions for Residents
Participants generated 244 responses to the question “what actions do residents need to take to move us collectively towards a regenerative, adaptive and safe future? The following are the top themes / ideas.
Actions for Civic Sector (NFPs, Clubs, Groups etc.)
Participants generated 134 responses to the question “what actions does government need to take to move us collectively towards a regenerative, adaptive and safe future? The following are the top themes / ideas.
Actions for Government
Participants generated 222 responses to the question “what actions does government need to take to move us collectively towards a regenerative, adaptive and safe future? The following are the top themes / ideas.
Top 10 Actions for Residents, Civic Sector and Government Combined