Splendour, Falls site North Byron Parklands gets 20-month extension

Patrons of Splendour in the Grass and Falls Music And Art Festival Byron Bay have a reason to celebrate.

North Byron Parklands has been granted a 20-month extension to stage the two festivals by the independent Planning Assessment Commission.

In 2012, Parklands was allowed to host the events on the basis of a five year trial set by the NSW Planning and Assessment Commission (PAC) which was to end on December 31, 2017.

North Byron Parklands General Manager Mat Morris said, “The decision provides certainty, not only for the two world class festivals held at this site, but for hundreds of local businesses and individuals who generate income from these events.

“The decision also reflects the ongoing improvements to performance across a range of key areas such as traffic and noise.

“We now look forward to finalising our plans to become a permanent, world class sustainable venue.”

Last month TMN reported that the Department of Planning and Environment had indicated it would recommend the 20-month extension to the Commission which had the final say.

Minister for Planning and Housing Anthony Roberts said the festivals provided significant economic, social and environmental benefits to the local Byron area and NSW.

“The Commission’s decision to approve the extension means the Byron area can continue to be an exciting cultural hub for the state, hosting two further Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival events.

“To date, nine music events have taken place at the site, each time improving the operation.

“To have the extension approved by the Commission is a great outcome.”

Morris also added, “I’m also very excited to announce that a substantial land swap has now been formalised as part of this modification approval.

“This will see approximately 25 hectares of ecologically significant land added to the Billinudgel Nature Reserve.

North Byron Parklands is now in the process of putting together its final application to become a permanent sustainable music, arts and community events venue.

In an application separate from the 20-month extension, Parklands also has applied for greater capacities for the festivals.

Falls would go up to 35,000, and Splendour expand to a crowd of either 42,500 or 50,000.