2Aim, objectives and guiding principles

2 Aim, objectives and guiding principles

2 Aim, objectives and guiding principles

(1) Aim The aim of this plan is to promote sustainable development in Byron by furthering the objects of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, particularly in regard to—

(a) the application to proposed development of guiding principles for the management, development and conservation of natural and human made resources (including natural areas, forests, coastal areas, water, agricultural land, extractive resources, towns, villages and cultural amenities) for the purpose of promoting the social and economic welfare of the community, protecting ecological and cultural heritage and achieving a better environment,

(b) the promotion and coordination of the orderly and economic use and development of land,

(c) the provision and coordination of community services and facilities,

(d) the protection of the environment, including the protection and conservation of native animals and plants, including threatened species, populations and ecological communities and their habitats,

(e) the provision of increased opportunity for public involvement and participation in environmental planning and assessment, and

(f) the protection and promotion of the use and development of land for arts and cultural activity, including music and other performance arts.

(2) Objectives The objectives of this plan are—

(a) to enhance individual and community (social and economic) well-being by following a path of economic development that safeguards the welfare of future generations,

(b) to provide for equity within and between generations, and

(c) to protect biodiversity, and re-establish and enhance essential ecological processes and life support systems.

(3) Guiding principles The objectives can be achieved through the implementation of the following guiding principles—

(a) The precautionary principle. The precautionary principle means that where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage to the community’s ecological, social or economic systems, a lack of complete scientific evidence should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation. In some circumstances this will mean actions will need to be taken to prevent damage even when it is not certain that damage will occur.