Media Release
Save Wallum Blockade Paused
The Campaign to Protect Wallum Continues
After nine months of a determined 24/7 vigil to Save Wallum, the community has packed down its blockade camp at the Omega Circuit site in Bayside Estate.
This strategic move allows focus on the critical next steps in the fight to permanently protect this ecologically sensitive area, including raising essential funds to cover court and legal costs.
Federal Court Update
Save Wallum is a community campaign dedicated to preventing the destruction of 30 hectares of rare coastal Wallum heath and woodlands in Brunswick Heads, Byron Shire, NSW, which is at risk due to a proposed housing development.
Save Wallum Inc. has just completed a significant Federal Court application for a permanent injunction under the EPBC Act (1999), which began in late February in Sydney. The closing submissions were held on 26th and 27th May 2025. The Federal Court case challenges the legality of the proposed development under the Environmental Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), as there are numerous matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) on the site.
Despite minimal resources and immense pressure, Save Wallum has grown rapidly over the past year, into a determined, resilient, and inclusive movement. The court's decision will be a defining moment, not only for Brunswick Heads, but for environmental protection across Australia.
We greatly appreciate the donations already made through our previous fundraising platform. You have ensured we could get this far.
Donations are managed with full transparency. Funds are deposited into the Save Wallum Inc account of which there are 4 signatories and 2 for each transaction, there is an approval process through 4 members before the transaction occurs, ensuring every dollar is used responsibly.
By supporting our "Save Wallum - Brunswick Heads" campaign, you are directly contributing to the fight for preservation of this irreplaceable environment.
Community Questions Council Over Development
Community concern is mounting over what locals are calling a fundamental breach of environmental conditions meant to protect the central creek at 15 Torakina Road, the Wallum development in Bayside Brunswick Heads.
At the centre of the controversy is Condition B4, a requirement from the original 2013 Concept Plan Approval mandating a 20-metre riparian buffer on both sides of the creek. This riparian buffer is designed to protect the areas of land immediately adjacent to rivers, streams, lakes, and other water bodies.
Residents say this condition has been ignored. “The cut and fill is right to the edge of the creek. There is no way this complies with the CPA,” said local advocate addressing Byron Shire Council on August 14 2025. Civil plans show new stormwater infrastructure being built directly within the buffer — a clear violation of the original consent.
While Council staff confirmed last year that Condition B4 was “not met,” they have yet to produce any evidence of it being lawfully varied.
Take Action
There are many ways you can take action to support Save Wallum
whether you live locally or anywhere in the world.
Support Save Wallum
Get Involved Locally
Take Online Action
August 2025
What's On
Help pay for our on-going costs in the Federal Court
Save Wallum has a big range of Save Wallum t-shirts as well as up-cycled screen printed Save Wallum items including dresses, men's shirts and tea towels.
Weekly Schedule
Save Wallum Stall at Monthly Markets
More detail on the Events page
New Brighton Farmers Market - Tuesday
Mullumbimby Farmers Market - Friday
Brunswick Heads Market - 1st Sat of month
About Save Wallum
We are a community of passionate individuals looking to protect the ecology of Wallum Brunswick Heads. Join us in our fight to preserve the natural beauty of Wallum for future generations.
'Save Wallum' is an upsurgence of community members who have come together to protect this sacred place. With over 6000 Facebook members, we oppose the approval of Clarence Property’s Luxury Housing Coastal Subdivision, located at 15 Torakina Rd, Brunswick Heads (DA 10.2021.575.1)
Titled 'Wallum', after the ecology it will destroy, the Development will be comprised of:
• 124 Residential Lots
• 3 Medium Density Lots
• Plus a series of roads and supporting infrastructure & 3 reserves.
Byron Shire Council’s Geographical Information System (GIS) maps note the development sits on bushfire-prone and flood liable land, with acid sulphate soils that generate large amounts of sulphuric acid when disturbed, rapidly degrading infrastructure - including concrete. The entire site is mapped as HEV - High Ecological Value, and is a wildlife corridor, in the Coastal Zone.
What is a
Zombie DA?
The Development Application (DA) for this Subdivision is what is known as a “Zombie DA” - a recognised term used to describe development applications that were historically approved, under old planning regulations that do not uphold the same standards of ecological and cultural heritage assessments demanded by current legislation - which is now informed by natural disasters and the Extinction Crisis.
These applications can lie dormant for decades until developers such as Clarence Property bring them to life. Zombie DA’s are a persisting state-wide issue, which will be highlighted in the upcoming State Enquiry into the NSW Planning System.
As a group, we are seeking Federal intervention, by Minister Plibersek, to refer this development for assessment under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act (1999). If it is deemed a ‘Controlled Action’, development will cease until a federal assessment is done for the Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES), which includes impacts on any EPBC listed Threatened Species - there are at least 9 of these on the Wallum site.
All the latest media updates
Take a look to see all the beauty of Wallum
Meet some of the local residents
Supporters
Photography by: Beverley Callow, James Barrie, Locky Cooper, Mac Maderski, Mala Norris, Mark Seiffert, Nola Mancy, Sam Brown
All images © the photographer
