Friends of Seven Mile Beach defend Chris Hemsworth’s opposition to tourist development

The council has received thousands of submissions on a development application proposing 27 “eco tourism” cabins on an expansive coastal property in Broken Head, near Byron Bay.

A member of a group opposing a proposed Broken Head development has defended Chris Hemsworth after he spoke out against the plans.

The Hollywood star and his family have a massive mansion a stone’s throw from the proposed development at Linnaeus Estate at 951 Broken Head Road.

Mr Hemsworth last week backed local indigenous elder Lois Cook in her opposition of the DA, which has proposed 27 new “eco tourism” cabins on the property.

Byron Shire Council has confirmed it received more than 2000 submissions on the DA through its public exhibition period.

Most of those appear to oppose the development and many were a “form letter”, according to the council.

Zara Noruzi, a member of Friends of Seven Mile Beach – a group opposing the development – said Mr Hemsworth was entitled to have his say.

The actor attracted criticism because of the scale of his Westfield-like abode on a nearby property.

“From the beginning he’s very supportive, he’s friends with all the neighbours,” she said.

“We obviously are grateful he feels strongly about it.

“People can say whatever they want about him. He’s one man who built one house for his family.

“He’s part of this community now and he’s trying, like everybody else, to have a positive impact.

“They have never failed to support and be right there and do what’s asked of them. I think people need to respect that.”

Ms Noruzi, a local resident of 20 years, said she was concerned about the impact the proposal could have on the stretch of coastal land and habitat.

“Obviously Byron as a town is growing,” she said.

“I’d don’t think we need another resort in town.

“Do we really need more tourism in Byron?”

She said her group was concerned the proposal would have an adverse ecological impact, while doing nothing to remedy the shire’s lack of available permanent housing in a “fragile” coastal environment.

“There’s so much on that site that shouldn’t be touched,” she said.

“Between Byron and Lennox is the only piece of land that is left that hasn’t been invaded by tourists … do have to open it up?” she said.

Chris Hemsworth has spoken out against the proposed development. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker

She said the local indigenous community had been promised access to the culturally significant land, but this had not transpired.

Aunty Lois voiced her opposition to the DA in an Instagram video shared by Friends of Seven Mile Beach and Hemsworth.

“That’s sucha sacred land for them, it’s a really special piece of land for them,” Ms Noruzi said.

Treehouse cabins in the proposed eco-tourism development at Linnaeus Estate in Broken Head.

The proponents of the development were approached for comment but in a previous statement said the development would be “low scale” with a “zero carbon commitment”, and would “avoid sensitive habitat, occurring in cleared and disturbed areas only”.

They have said the site’s habitat was largely replanted native vegetation in efforts by the landowners to improve biodiversity on the site.

Broken Head Coastal Foundation Pty Ltd lodged its DA for the development with the council on April 13.