Don't know how to contact all byron kiters since we met years ago on the bay saga and it's all about to come out in the press again this week. Basically see minutes of last weeks council meeting below.

Report No. 12.5.Kite Surfing Ban on Main Beach and within 500m of Protected Reserves
File No:ENG1241774 #1242124
Resolved:
1.That Council authorise the engagement of legal advice on a proposed ban of setting up of kite powered equipment at Main Beach, Byron Bay.
2.That pending this advice, a memorandum of understanding be formalised with the Cape Byron Trust to extend the ban to Clarkes Beach and "The Pass" (required to stop kite surfers from entering Main Beach).
3.That if a ban is allowable Council receive a further report of funding required to add appropriate pictorial images to regulatory signage on all beach access tracks between the Main Beach car park and The Pass.
4.That Council note that it has no jurisdiction over areas that are managed by other agencies such as Department of Lands, Marine Parks or NPWS.(Woods/Tucker)

Story so far..
-Local concerned kiters met maybe 4 years ago when bans were first discussed by council and formed a group.
-Submissions were tabled with council from kiters (from memory about 30 pro kiting and 10 against)
-A working group was formed by council with surf club, waterways, marine parks, rangers, swimming groups, which I sat in on with liaison from NSWKBA to discuss safe usage of the area.
-All logical arguments pro kiting and safe shared usage were tabled at meeting.
-There was more co-operative logical discussion at meetings especially by Waterways and professional lifeguards than extreme anti-kiting complainants.
-A self imposed kiters area user guide was tabled by kiters (viewable on NSWKBA website) to prevent area from being closed, flyers and signs were offered to council. See link to map below.

http://www.nswkba.com.au/resources/Documents/Byron%20Shire.pdf

-The wash up... This latest agenda on the meeting came out of the blue and after there has not been a lot of kiteable days in the Bay, so is not linked to any events that I am aware of. I knew nothing about it until council contacted me this morning warning of some press coverage. I can't see the 500m of protected reserves part of the statement being approved as it not logical or enforced as council does not own or control this area. The main beach ban if it does go ahead with co-operation from Cape Byron Trust (council only controls high water main beach to clarks; Cape trust Clarks to pass) is NOT the worse outcome. There was discussion of working with Cape Byron marine parks to implement a water ban similar to what is already in place Jet skis.....ie they are banning setting up on this area of the BEACH.

-What we can do. A separate area of concern is the little tern breeding area at Belongil. I'm guessing that is why the tacked on '500m of reserves' statement suddenly appeared as it was never discussed at any working group meeting. Be respectful if near this area. I don't think there is submission process open; but in the meantime be aware press and other authorities are monitoring the area. Be wary of the press, I got baited years ago, I hope none of that appears. The press were quoting from this forum.

NSW waterways distances off rules apply. Copied under for info of interstate visitors........
"Sailboarding (sometimes referred to as windsurfing) and kitesurfing (sometimes referred to as kiteboarding) are surface water sports that combine elements of surfing with sailing and kiting, harnessing the power of the wind.
Both sailboards and kiteboards are classified as vessels and therefore come under NSW marine legislation.
Distance off
When travelling at 10 knots or more, sailboarders/ kitesurfers and their equipment, including kite and lines, must:
Maintain a minimum distance of 60m from any persons or non-powered vessels or 30m from powered vessels and any objects in the water or, if that is not possible, a safe distance.
Stay out of a designated swimming zone
Lifejacket
An appropriate lifejacket must be worn when sailboarding more than 400m from the nearest shore.
An appropriate lifejacket must be worn when kitesurfing more than 400m from shore and kiting alone."