Thank you to everyone who took an interest in this consultation and shared their thoughts and ideas on the concept plan for new amenities at Apex Park Main Beach, Byron Bay.
We heard from 133 people and their survey responses were presented in a report to Council in February 2026.
What we heard
Many respondents expressed general support for upgrading the facilities, particularly the improvement in capacity (more toilets) and removal of outdated structures.
Some people expressed concern about the location of the new toilets and the impacts on operations of the Surf Club and emergency access. However, the most commonly raised issue was in opposition to the proposed all-gendered toilets, followed by safety, privacy and maintenance concerns.
As a result of all of the feedback received, Council agreed to make the following changes to the concept plan:
- A mix of female, male and all-gendered toilet cubicles.
- Considers integrating art and landscaping into the final concept plan.
- Includes basins and female toilets.
- Prioritises succession and additional tree planting to offset tree losses.
- Trials installation of toilet seat lids in this location and monitor vandalism.
The project will now move to detailed design and once finalized, funding will be sought to construct the new amenities.
Why are we upgrading the toilets?
Apex Park at Main beach is a well visited and much-loved part of our Shire.
However, the existing amenities do not meet demand.
Over the summer months we often need to hire temporary toilets to meet daily visitor numbers. We also receive regular complaints about cleanliness, capacity and safety.
What is being proposed?
We are proposing to remove the existing toilets and build a new permanent block at the back of the Byron Bay Surf Club.
This will open up the foreshore area with views to the ocean, Nuthungulli and the lighthouse at Walgun Cape Byron.
This is in line with other Byron Bay Foreshore upgrades
The design includes:
- 13 toilets (a mix of gendered and all-gender toilets) a family room and accessible facilities
- Three change rooms.
We will need to remove two Norfolk Pine trees next to the Surf Club.
One of the trees is dying. The other has roots that is lifting pavers and creating a trip hazard.
