NSW Government-funded cyclone repair works at Belongil Beach have been completed, with a vital access point used by emergency services in the region restored
Crown Lands provided an emergency grant of $50,000 to Byron Shire Council after damage caused by Cyclone Alfred left Belongil Beach’s vehicle ramp unusable.
Heavy seas, large swells, and strong onshore winds caused erosion in March 2025, undermining the ramp’s foundations by dislodging rocks and removing sand, as well as damaging a safety rail.
A 2.5 km stretch of coastline just north of the Byron Bay town centre, Belongil Beach is popular among both locals and tourists for surfing, swimming, and snorkelling. The beach is noted for its strong rip currents and occasional shark activity, making emergency access vital.
Ambulances, police cars, and lifeguards rely on the ramp to access the beach, which extends northwest from the seawall at Byron Bay’s Main Beach car park up to the mouth of Belongil Creek.
Emergency services now have access restored after the ramp was extended to meet the beach, and its foundations were strengthened by adding sand and backfilling rocks for wave protection.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“Infrastructure like the emergency vehicle ramp at Belongil Beach is vital to ensure the safety of the local community and the many tourists who visit Byron Bay throughout the year.
“The Minns Labor Government is focused on building better communities including supporting those impacted by extreme weather events such as storms, floods, and bushfires.”
Minister for Recovery and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:
“This project is a testament to what we can achieve when state and local governments collaborate to build back better.
“Belongil Beach is a jewel of the North Coast, and this work ensures that our emergency services have the robust, reliable infrastructure they need to respond rapidly to extreme weather.
“Recovery isn’t just about putting things back the way they were, it’s about making sure our communities are more resilient than they were before. By reinforcing this vital access point, we aren’t just fixing a ramp—we are protecting the lives of locals and visitors alike.”
Labor Spokesperson for Ballina Emily Suvaal MLC said:
“Restoring access at Belongil Beach is a practical but critical step in keeping people safe on our coastline. Whether it’s lifeguards, paramedics or police, emergency services need to be able to reach people quickly when it matters most.”
“This investment ensures that both the local community and the many visitors to Byron Bay can continue to enjoy the beach knowing that support is there when it’s needed.”
Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said:
“Belongil Beach is one of the most loved and visited stretches of coastline in New South Wales and maintaining safe, reliable access following storm events is critical for our community and visitors alike.
“Storms are a natural part of our coastal environment but they significantly impact how people connect with and enjoy the beach.
“The reinstatement of access at Belongil ensures locals and visitors can once again safely experience this beautiful place and we thank the NSW Government for its continued support.”