THE TWEED SHIRE Volume 2 #05 Thursday, October 1, 2009 Advertising and news enquiries: Phone: (02) 6672 2280 Fax: (02) 6672 4933 [email protected] [email protected] www.tweedecho.com.au LOCAL & INDEPENDENT p10-11 State tries to sell off ‘disused’ rail land Luis Feliu ‘The bill allows for some disused rail cor- ridors to be classified as Crown land and man- The closed Murwillumbah-to-Casino rail line aged by the Lands Administration Ministerial is now at risk of being lost forever and the land Corporation. it sits on sold off to developers, after legisla- ‘The government says this will make way tion was introduced into state parliament this for rail trails. But there is nothing stopping week. the government leasing the land to a mining The government claims the new law will facil- company or another corporation for 99 years, itate the establishment of ‘rail trails’ for cycling, effectively quashing any opportunity for this walking and horse riding but opponents say it precious public infrastructure to be reused for has suddenly put every rail line in NSW at risk public transport. of being sold off, describing it as a naked land ‘The minister’s speech to this bill makes it ap- grab and an act of state-sponsored infrastruc- pear as if rail is dead in NSW but it is Minister ture vandalism. Campbell who is the dinosaur. In the age of cli- The move has sparked the formation of a mate change the government should be breath- coalition of pro-rail and sustainable transport ing life into NSW’s rail network, not closing it groups around the state opposed to what they down and flogging it off,’ Ms Rhiannon said. say is a plan to close the railways by stealth. NSW Transport Minister David Campbell in- ‘State-sponsored vandalism’ troduced the bill to parliament, saying the state Tweed MP Geoff Provest said the bill allow- had more than 3,000kms of non-operational ing the government to rip up the tracks and sell rail lines and on some lines trains had stopped off railway land was an ‘act of state-sponsored running on them for more than 30 years. infrastructure vandalism’. But Greens MP and transport spokesperson ‘How can the Minister claim, as he did, that Lee Rhiannon said the ‘rail trails’ bill confirmed the best outcome for the community may be to that every rail line in NSW was now at risk of consider closing and disposing of the corridor?’ A feast for being declared ‘disused’ by the NSW govern- Mr Provest asked. ment and sold off at the stroke of a pen. ‘Not content with taking away our trains, Ms Rhiannon said the bill confirmed that the Labor now literally wants to sabotage the line ‘rail trail’ legislation ‘is a wolf in sheep’s cloth- to prevent any future government building a art lovers ing’ and if passed, the minister could declare Casino to Gold Coast passenger service to link any NSW rail line as disused, wait 30 days for up with the two rail systems Queensland is Expanding on a hitherto under-explored affinity between guppies and rhinoceroses, a smaller a public consultation period to expire, then sell building on the Gold Coast. version of this work by acclaimed Byron Shire artist James Guppy will feature in ‘Seduction off the line and associated land to developers. ‘The minister claims there are safeguards, but and Subversion,’ a survey celebrating the 20th anniversary of the artist’s first professional solo ‘The bill gives no definition of what consti- the fine print says all he has to is declare the line exhibition. It is one of a series of exhibitions opening tomorrow (October 2) at the Tweed River tutes a “disused” line or any appeal process. closed in order to proceed with the firesale of Art Gallery. Photo Jeff ‘Permanent Tea Break’ Dawson The public consultation process involves plac- the land and tracks.’ ing an advertisement in a local paper and on Trains On Our Tracks (TOOT) president Ka- Art lovers are set to be treated to a feast of some mediums explore nature-inspired fables and the department’s website and calling for public rin Kolbe said many community groups around of the best modern Australian artists in a series folklore. submissions,’ she said. the state were ‘united in our anger at this naked of exhibitions which open tomorrow (Friday, The exhibition features 30 newly-created and ‘The minister’s second reading speech on the land grab so we’re working together to stop this October 2) for a six-week stint at the Tweed existing works from sculpture, installation and bill tells the real story. He says where there is no legislation’. River Art Gallery. painting to digital imagery and printmaking by community call for a ‘rail trail’ but that “there The debate on the legislation in the upper The highlight is a major touring exhibition notable mid-career artists Jazmina Cininas, De- may be instances where the best outcome for house continues when parliament resumes on from Victoria called ‘The Enchanted Forest: borah Klein, Milan Milojevic, James Morrison, the community may be to consider closing and October 20. New Gothic Storytellers’, where six of Australia’s Louise Weaver and Louiseann Zahra-King. disposing of the corridor”. ■ See letters, page 7 most respected artists working in a variety of continued on page 2
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Local News Koala’s death renews call for estate dog ban A feast for Luis Feliu of a property on Cudgen Road, the state planning department Cudgen, by a person who noti- which is dealing with the Kings art lovers The death of a koala mauled fied Tweed Valley Wildlife Car- Forest development application continued from page 1 by a dog last weekend on the ers (TVWC) and Team Koala to ensure the proposed massive It’s described by the gal- Tweed Coast has emboldened campaigners residential project southwest of lery as ‘a spellbinding touring campaigners fighting for a dog- The dog-attack victim was Kingscliff is koala friendly with exhibition that trails the un- and-cat ban at the proposed taken to a wildlife carer’s home no cats and dogs, similar to canny, charmed and cursed, Kings Forest township. for inspection by koala experts other large subdivisions such while revisiting a time when The dead female koala (pic- and eventual burial. as Koala Beach on the Tweed animals and trees were thought tured right) was found last Sat- Team Koala campaigners Coast, Currumbin Ecovillage to speak, when man was at the urday morning on a front lawn recently lobbied council and on the Gold Coast and the pro- mercy of the forest, and the posed Nitghtcap Village in the boundary between civilisation Tweed Valley. and the wilderness was less TVWC member April Mar- clearly defined’. gieson told The Echo that the Gallery director Susi Muddi- koala must have ‘dropped dead man said ‘The Enchanted For- in its tracks’ after being chased est’ was specifically scheduled and mauled by a local dog. to complement the three other ‘It was obviously spooked exhibitions on display during from its territory by the bush- the same period – ‘Seduc- fire at Cudgen last Thursday tion and Subversion: the Art and moved away because of the of James Guppy 1989-2009’, fire,’ she said. ‘Time and Time Again’ (Jenny ‘The koala, a mature female, Kitchener) and ‘Chairs in Won- was then spotted and attacked derland’ (Keith Cameron). by a dog which mauled it be- Curator and exhibiting art- fore it managed to free itself ist Jazmina Cininas will give a and run off before it dropped and her organisation had made Jenny Hayes said the Kings free exhibition preview at the dead on the front lawn of a a submission to the planning Forest site was a highly signifi- gallery tomorrow, Friday, at nearby property.’ department also calling for a cant corridor to the adjacent 5.30pm before officially open- Ms Margieson called an ex- ban on dogs and cats at Kings Cudgen Nature Reserve and ing it at 6.30pm. All four ex- perienced TVWC handler who Forest. the koalas ‘need to be able to hibitions run from tomorrow inspected the animal before ‘Dogs are territorial and any- meet up with other groups till November 15. The gallery confirming it had died from thing that moves is a target,’ to make healthy baby koalas. is open Wednesday to Sunday being mauled by a dog and was she said. Otherwise you just get inbred, 10am-5pm. For more info call not pregnant or diseased. ‘It gets back to how the dog sick koalas that soon die out’. the gallery on 02 6670 2790. Northern Rivers Friends of is constrained by its owner… ‘We must allow for the koa- Meanwhile, the inaugural the Koala president Lorraine it doesn’t matter what size dog las to move around, not just sit Caldera Artfest (formerly the Vass told The Echo that there it is whether a big Rottweiler in a tree. As they only eat the Tweed Naturally art awards), had been a recent spate of dog or a little yappy thing it still tips of their special trees, they also opening tomorrow (Friday) attacks on koalas in the region has the capacity to puncture need to move enough to find and running over the weekend a koala’s skin and a koala has food also. (October 2-5) at Murwillum- SUBARU BONUSES! NEW Subaru MITSUBISHI WORKHORSE NEW no resistance to dog’s saliva Anyone finding injured bah Civic Centre, celebrates Impreza R Mitsubishi Triton and the toxins and bacteria it wildlife is asked to call TVWC the biodiversity of our Green Cauldron with paintings of flo- ONLY GLX-R 4x4 contains. on 02 6672 4789 or for koalas, 5 LEFT! Double ‘Koalas can even climb fenc- the Northern Rivers Friends of ra, fauna and landscapes by 60 2 Cab es and into dog runs, so any the Koala hotline on 02 6622 artists from northern NSW and dog run really should have a 1233. southeast Queensland. For info roof,’ she said. ■ See editorial page 6, letters call Andy Reimanis 6677 9009 NOW FROM Team Koala campaigner page 8 or visit [email protected] M 0 +,)' 0FREE(')+$+-$ + - NOW FROM $ "*$%&,$ 42,485 0FREE)-)*()#"& *&*')* $ 0 1$$'/*0."+! DRIVE AWAY 0FREE$,+''+!'&&+"-"+/ 26,485 0$,+''+!'&&+"-"+/ FOR ABN HOLDERS 0/%%+)"$0 ") * DRIVE AWAY Warning: toxic algal bloom in main dam 0*+ +')/.))&+/-"$$ 0 *+)* +/)+"& Luis Feliu warned to keep stock away from during a minor flood The all-new Subaru JUST ARRIVED! 2008 Honda from affected waterways event,’ he said. Civic VTi-L A red alert continues for resi- around the dam as well as Water samples are being tak- LibertyLiberty & OutbacOutback Sedan dents to avoid contact with downstream leading into the en at the dam on a daily basis water in the Tweed’s main wa- weir and warning signs around to monitor the infesttaion. ter storage, Clarrie Hall Dam, the dam will remain in place Mr Burnham said a tear had which has been infected by a until the bloom subsides. recently been discovered in a toxic blue green algae bloom. Contact with affected water component of a destratifica- 0%&,$ $ Water authorities issued the could lead to skin rashes, eye tion unit on the dam which NOW 0$"%+'&+)'$ 23,98523 985 warning late last week, tell- and ear irritations while ingest- pushes layers of warm surface Available 0,$ )'&+*"") * 0$$'/.!$*0'.#$%* DRIVE AWAY ing residents to avoid all con- ing the water can also cause di- water down, displacing cooler at Cricks Tweed tact with the water. The large arrhoea, asthma and long-term cleaner water to the surface to bloom has prevented Tweed health problems. mitigate algal blooms and a wonders of 110% Price Promise. Shire Council water unit staff Mr Burnham said that due contractor called in to look at 7 to low flows in the river, re- it today (Thursday). 7 4 If you fi nd a lower advertised from releasing water from the price, you’ll be refunded SALES FINANCE SERVICE dam just south of Uki into the leases from the dam would be He said that before 2002 110% of the difference*. Tweed’s main water supply, the necessary any day soon to top when the unit, which cost Tweed River. up the Bray Park weir but ‘we’re around $150,000, was installed, 45 We GUARANTEE to beat any But Council has reassured trying to hold off on as long as algal blooms in the dam were competitors fi nance payments*. possible’ because of the algal a regular event and the latest Free 6 year/200,000km warranty residents that there is no threat 1 on new and used vehicles and to the shire’s water supply and infestation. outbreak was the biggest since it’s transferable when you sell*. Access to over 200 quality used vehicles. town water drawn from the He said unless it rained this the unit went in. 6 www.cricks1.com.au just type the Bray Park weir in Murwillum- week, which was unlikely, a re- ‘We’ve found we probably 2 7.5% discount make/model or rego & click go! bah is safe to drink. lease would be necessary but need another one because the 2 on vehicle servicing. Council’s water manager An- the best quality water would dam is too big for one unit,’ Our commitment: If we can’t fi nd a car to meet thony Burnham said residents, be released after testing it at he said. 7 your basic needs, we will put a 6 year warranty 3 Free service loan vehicles. on whatever you buy wherever you buy it*. visitors and landholders in the different depths in the top 20 For more information on the Doon Doon Creek catchment metres. algal alert, call the NSW Gov- area should avoid all contact ‘It’s an indication of how dry ernment’s toll free algal infor- CRICKSCRICKS | | SUBARU MITSUBISHI PROTON it has been as this is the first mation line on 1800 999 457, TTweedweed&& TWEED 146 MINJUNGBAL DRIVE, TWEED HEADS SOUTH (07) 5506 0900 with water at the dam, includ- MurwillumbahMurwillumbah MURWILLUMBAH SALES: 228 TWEED VALLEY WAY ing swimming and fishing, till time we’ve had look at releas- visit the website www.dwe. SERVICE: 14 BUCHANAN STREET (02) 6672 3677 the all clear is given. ing water from Clarrie Hall nsw.gov.au or call Tweed Shire www.cricks1.com.au
BAP0068 Farmers also have been Dam in over two years, apart Council on (02) 6670 2400. 2 October 1, 2009, 2009 The Tweed Shire Echo www.tweedecho.com.au Local News Youngblutt repeats his ‘moron’ claims Ken Sapwell high percentage of the people when the rally was on, you’d see comments were sad, incorrect out there do not know how a there are quite a few morons and insulting but new mayor Tweed’s new deputy mayor Phil council is run, they don’t know here. and fellow National Party Youngblutt has won national the way they’re elected or ‘The “No Rally” group stalwart, Warren Polglase, notoriety for branding some anything,’ he told PM after he consisted mainly of morons. defended his long-time ally. constituents as ‘morons’ follow- won the deputy’s job in a draw There was a group of protesters ‘I think Phil is just being SPECIAL ing disquiet over last month’s from a box. here, not normal protesters but taken out of context in many FRESH WHOLE ‘lucky-dip’ mayoral elections. Cr Youngblutt also broadened they are, were almost terrorist, ways. You have to live in the DUCKS his attack to include local they threw rocks at cars, they Tweed to understand the Tweed The outspoken councillor Peking / Aylesbury has gone on the ABC radio’s protesters at the recent world did everything and I would and I’m sure that he wasn’t No20 2kgs each national current affairs rally championships, saying have to say that those type of referring to all the voters in the 50 program PM to explain why he they were good examples of the people are morons,’ he said. Tweed,’ he told the seemingly $ each believes it would be disastrous morons in the community. Dumped mayor Joan van bemused interviewer. 17 if ‘morons who have no idea’ ‘I think if you were up here Lieshout told the program his ■ See letters pages 7-8 Limited Stock this week only were allowed to choose their mayor and deputy. RESTAURANT QUALITY MEAT TO YOU And the veteran councillor Cr Milne ordered to pay rally’s costs 2/26 Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South and former Murwillumbah Greens councillor Katie Milne She said Cr Milne had stage to interfere with plans and Ph: 07 5524 1311 chamber of commerce pres- has been ordered to pay the known about plans to stage the arrangements which have been ident wasn’t taking a backward costs of her failed court bid to rally since September last year, in train for such a long time step when he said many people stop the world rally champion- but had provided no satisfacto- without very clear evidence of had no idea who they were ships from being held on the ry excuse as to why she delayed illegality,’ she said. Do you suffer voting for at council elections. Tweed. until the 11th-hour to seek an ‘No such evidence is before ‘I said there are greenies, Federal Court judge Marga- injunction, giving organisers me.’ from muscle dropouts and morons out there ret Stone this week rejected Cr just two days to prepare their She said Rally Australia Pty and joint and that was meaning as well Milne’s plea that she brought defence. Ltd should not have been put as the ordinary voter. There’s a the case in the public interest. ‘It would be unjust at this late in the position of having to re- pain? spond to a case with so little Experience merit at such a late stage. Specialist Care & Help with focusing on mental health ‘In my view the applicant’s Effective Results case was ill-considered and mis- conceived and came nowhere initial consultation near establishing a prima facie when you mention this ad. case. There is simply no case to 20% OFF answer,’ the judge said. Cr Milne issued a brief state- POTTSVILLE PHYSIOTHERAPY AND ment to say that the costs are SPORTS INJURY CLINIC being negotiated, but Rally 16 Overall Drive Pottsville Australia has previously indi- Phone: 02 6676 4000 cated it would be seeking costs www.pottsvillephysio.com.au ‘in the vicinity’ of $26,000. Open until 7pm Monday – Friday
Kim Cousins Tweed area librarian Jo Carmody with the special collection of books focusing on mental health. Photo Jeff Dawson Mental illness isn’t often talked about within the community Although the collection is as well as where to get help.’ but June Saville wants people based in Tweed, information The fluorescent orange stick- to know that many forms of can be found at the Murwillum- ers help distinguish items in support are available at Tweed bah and Kingscliff libraries. the collection but librarians are Heads Library. Jo Carmody, Tweed area lib- happy to assist patrons. Tweed Valley Mental Health rarian for the library service, The network also holds reg- Carers Network and Rich- said the collection was now ular meetings at Tweed Heads mond Tweed Regional Library part of the library service. Library on the first and third have worked together to create ‘It’s a continual process of Monday of each month. a special collection focusing on buying books for the collec- ‘Our families are dealing with mental health. tion,’ she said. ‘We’re aware that anything from depression to ‘As a society we’re pretty ig- there is a need for it. schizophrenia to bipolar disor- norant about mental health,’ ‘We’ve also got Beyond Blue der,’ June said. ‘They are thrown June said. ‘Stigma stops us fact sheets that will be available into a state of shock. They don’t talking about it and people during Mental Health Week, know what to do. Early inter- don’t know what to do when from October 4-10. They dis- vention is really important.’ confronted with mental illness,’ cuss depression, anxiety, schiz- For more info on the network June said. ophrenia and bipolar disorder, call June on 07 5524 4556. Kingscliff Podiatry has moved! Podiatrist Andy Jenkins in now located in a brand new modern clinic on Level 2, Kingscliff Central, Pearl Street, Kingscliff. Phone: 02 6674 2933 UÊ}iÌi]ÊivviVÌÛiÊ«`>ÌÀÞÊUÊ}ÀÜÊÌi>ÃÊUÊÀÌ ÌVà UÊ iiÊEÊ>ÀV Ê«>ÊUÊiÝÌÀ>Ê`i«Ì ÉÜ`Ì ÊÃÌÞà Êà iÃÊEÊÃ>`>à ÊÊvÀÊ>Ê>««ÌiÌÊÜÌ Ê`ÞÊÌ`>ÞÊvÀÊ>ÊÞÕÀÊvÌÊ i>Ì Êii`Ã
www.tweedecho.com.au The Tweed Shire Echo October 1, 2009 3 Local News Olita’s work with water honoured Know your (protected) birds Kim Cousins Kim Cousins
Tweed Shire and the slums of Do you know your Wompoo Nairobi may not seem to have Fruit Dove from your Rose- much in common but thanks crowned Fruit Dove? to Olita Ogonjo and Tweed In celebration of National Shire Council, they are getting Threatened Species Day re- closer each day now that clean cently, Tweed Bird Observers drinking water is becoming (TBO) launched a community common in Nairobi. poster to spread awareness Kenyan man Olita Ogonjo on some vulnerable feathered (pictured), the desk co-or- friends. dinator of the Tweed Kenya TBO member Linda Bran- Mentoring Program, was this nian created the poster, with week awarded the inaugural the help of other members. Ken Thiess Memorial Scholar- ‘If you like watching birds ship through the International you often also like taking pho- Riverfoundation. tos of them. The poster is part Studying in conjunction of our education program and with the International Water dedication towards conserva- tion,’ she said. Centre at Griffith University Around two-thirds of the and several other Australian 115 bird species currently listed universities, Olita will com- as protected by the NSW De- plete a Master of Integrated partment of Environment and Water Management and use Conservation call the Tweed the knowledge he acquires to shire home at certain times of educate those back home. Olita Ogonjo with the award honouring him for his work man- the year. ‘The primary focus is water aging a program providing clean drinking water to some of the Linda has suggestions for and environment, clean water poorest parts of Kenya. ways of protecting these en- and sanitation for communi- dangered birds and helping the ties,’ he said. ‘I am giving to ‘Youths in schools and the environment is shared by eve- recovery of their populations. the community through edu- neighbourhood have been ryone. Like Max Boyd said, ‘With shore birds such as the cation and example. It’s a re- planting trees. It is simple but trees are like the lungs of this Pied Oystercatcher, watch out organisation of thought,’ he very empowering.’ world.’ for your dogs in breeding sea- Tweed Bird Observers member Linda Brannian with the new said. He said the scholarship be- Since the mentoring pro- son,’ she said. ‘Protect nesting poster. Photo Jeff Dawson Olita would like to see en- longs not just to him and the gram began in 2003, Olita logs, not every old tree needs vironmental studies as part of people of Nairobi but also to and his Kenyan colleagues to come down.’ weekend and the Tweed River To find out more visit the Kenyan curriculum. the Tweed community. have been able to install two Twitchers can check out Festival next weekend, which Tweed Bird Observers web- ‘One of the things we are ‘The world is so small our water facilities providing the poster at local libraries or coincides with the Bird Ob- site at www.bigvolcano.com. keen to see is an awareness problems are shared, we are clean drinking water for 6000 council offices. They will also servers of Club of Australia au/custom/birdos/TVspecies. right from school,’ he said. global citizens,’ he said. ‘The people. feature at Caldera ArtFest this (BOCA) Bird Week. htm.
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4 October 1, 2009, 2009 The Tweed Shire Echo www.tweedecho.com.au Local News
WE making HAVE Senate rebuke forces council re-think IT MOVED Now at Ken Sapwell action taken against a witness,’ had been made without preju- She said she would be push- easy... Kingscliff to ensure that it didn’t happen dice, and declined to rule on ing for changes to allow the tCVTJOFTT Central Tweed Council will review its in the future. the others, telling councillors identity of complainants to be TVQQPSU secretive complaints investiga- But the councillors who this to ‘stop the bickering and move disclosed when a workshop is tXFCIPTUJOH tion procedures after Senate week admitted to being on the forward’. held at the end of the month to tIPNFDPNQVUFSSFQBJST heavyweight Bill Heffernan receiving end of the dire rep- He did not identify who consider controversial aspects tCVTJOFTT7P*1TPMVUJPOT fired a broadside at council- rimand – new deputy mayor made the complaint or who de- of the complaints process and lors he believed were pursu- Phil Youngblutt and Kingscliff- cided to ask the panel to inves- new media rules which restrict ing a complaint against former based community councillor tigate it, forcing Crs Youngblutt what councillors can say. Mayor Joan van Lieshout. Dot Holdom – say they were and Holdom to now deny they ‘Anyone lodging complaints Senate chairman Howard not involved. were the authors of the senate against another councillor Evans has written to warn The bizarre twist follows an complaint, leaving the blame should have the courage of them that a recent complaint interim report tabled at a re- to rest with the unidentified their convictions and be pre- against her ‘may constitute a cent council meeting summa- resident. pared to identify themselves,’ contempt of the Senate and a rising the results of an investi- Cr van Lieshout named the said Cr Holdom, who claims criminal offence,’ which car- gation by the panel chairman, two councillors just before present rules stopped her from ries hefty fines and up to three David Gibson, into several the council changed its media speaking out. years in gaol. complaints by two unidentified policy preventing the identifi- Cr van Lieshout, who was The complaint, which the councillors and a resident. cation of her accusers, claiming dumped as mayor last month, council’s new conduct review His report disclosed offi- their allegations were part of a raised the ire of some of her panel dismissed, alleged the cially for the first time that the campaign by both factions to colleagues when she appeared then mayor had breached the complainants alleged Cr van discredit her as they vied for before the senate hearing into council’s code of conduct when Lieshout had broken the coun- her job. agricultural industries to un- she gave evidence to a senate cil’s rules by publicly question- Cr Holdom said she had veil her vision for the future of inquiry into agricultural prac- ing council chief Mike Rayner’s since written to the Senate the Tweed. tices in March. rally board role and by appear- making it clear that she was not They claim her appearance Mr Evans said he had been ing before the senate hearing, a party to the senate complaint, was not authorised by the instructed by senate president but gave little other detail. although she admitted taking council and her plan to cut- and Liberal Party hard man Bill In a terse report, Mr Gibson the mayor to task verbally for up farmland and create eco- Heffernan ‘to warn all those in- dismissed the complaint about fronting a senate inquiry in her villages throughout the shire volved of the unlawfulness of her senate evidence, ruling it official capacity as mayor. was contrary to both council and state planning policies. Senator Heffernan’s attack School’s eco-awareness is thriving comes amid confusion about who alleged what against whom ,JN$PVTJOT and is the third major blow to the council’s complaints proc- Tumbulgum Primary School ess following the shock resig- is growing not just an award- nations of its two most senior winning garden but an aware- members, local police chief ness of the environment within Michael Kenny and university its students. lecturer Ross Cameron. The school picked up first prize in the best small school garden section of the annual Tweed Shire Schools Garden Grid connected Competition which this year drew a record 22 schools. Teacher Brendan Quinn said the school had quite a diverse solar power garden, incorporating Japa- Small businesses are eligible nese themes, bush tucker and a tropical rainforest. for a 50% deduction from taxable income. ‘The kids are heavily involved with watering and mulching, 5VNCVMHVN1VCMJD4DIPPMTAFOWJSPONFOUNJOJTUFS 4BSBI+BOF Large businesses are eligible 3FBE JTøBOLFECZUIFTDIPPMTAQSJNFNJOJTUFS +FTTJF)JOHFSUZ transplanting and the planting for a 10% deduction from taxable income. of new plants. They love the BOEAEFQVUZ1.*TBBD)PVHIJOUIFTDIPPMTMVTIHBSEFOPhoto garden and volunteer to rake, Jeff ‘Subprime Minister’ Dawson Less than 6 months to secure a contract! mulch and pick up sticks,’ he such as art sketching or maths responsibilities and their own Commitment to be made before 31/12/09. said. and Brendan said each year the portfolio. ‘A key aspect is that not only school starts another garden Other school winners in- Solar credits rebate paid for fi rst 1.5kW of installed system. do the kids love it, it provides a project. cluded Murwillumbah East NSW Solar Bonus Scheme – 60¢ per kW/h of exported power. great learning environment.’ A memorial garden was put Public School (best large school We have energy saving devices to help you in this year and has been plant- garden), Tweed Valley College A feature of the Japanese sec- lower your power consumption and save you money. tion of the garden is a peace ed with two significant Grevil- (best school garden project), seat where students can sit and lea trees, one to mark National Murwillumbah East Public Northern Solar is locally owned and operated. reflect while the bush tucker Sorry Day and the other in School (the John O’Reilly Me- We install only high quality panels and inverters garden is home to ginger and remembrance of those who morial Schools Award ‘Judges and offer a 2 year workmanship warranty. Davidson’s plum plants, pecan lost their lives in the Victorian Choice’). Encouragement CallC ll DarrenD trees and an Aboriginal art bushfires this year. awards went to Murwillumbah wall. Year 6 students at Tum- South Infants (grow your own 0412 693 189 The garden is used as an out- bulgum Primary all take on a garden award) and Kingscliff Email: [email protected] door learning area for subjects ministerial role, complete with High School.
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Affordable Beachouses 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom from $252,500 REGISTER YOUR INTEREST TODAY [email protected] or 0427 074 279 b54577H www.tweedecho.com.au The Tweed Shire Echo October 1, 2009 5 Comment G20 makes history in Pittsburgh t is almost impossible to and Canada from the Ameri- plans worth a staggering $5 And it is a pointer to further overstate the significance cas. Japan was included as the trillion (that’s $5,000,000,000) international reform. Unlike Volume 2 #05 October 1, 2009 I of the events last week in only developed economy to and another trillion for emer- John Howard, who preferred Pittsburgh. successfully manage the crisis. gency aid where it was needed. bilateral meetings, and not The acceptance by all the After the cold war ended Rus- It didn’t avert the crisis, but by too many of those – unless, of major players of the role of the sia was added as a reward for golly it made a difference. The course, they were with George Koalas’ last stand G20 as a rule maker for the converting to capitalism, and London meeting, which was W Bush – Rudd is a strong The distressing picture we publish today on page 2 tells the cold conduct of the financial sys- that was the G8. attended by several presidents believer in multinational re- hard story. Koalas and dogs just don’t mix. Our national iconic tems of member nations quite It persisted long past its and prime minsters, including lationships and organisations, marsupial is a listed vulnerable species and numbers will con- literally ushers in a new world use-by date although there Kevin Rudd, effectively ended and one of his targets has long tinue to decline in the Tweed and elsewhere in coastal Australia economic order. was some recognition that the the panic and began the proc- been the International Mon- unless governments of all levels face up to the issue and do more And this is not some kind of world was changing; finance ess towards recovery. The com- etary Fund. to protect its habitat. It is thoughtless development introducing Orwellian nightmare in which ministers, including Peter Cos- parison with the G8, which did This dinosaur is precisely the more predators (domestic cats and dogs) that is driving koalas to a conspiracy of plutocrats (or kind of institution loathed by extinction. Jews, or Masons, or Martians) the left, a neo-liberal throw- They’re on the Tweed Coast, in small but significant numbers use their might to enslave the Rudd recognised the opportunity back under the effective control and in and around the proposed Kings Forest township for nearly wretched of the earth, but to expand the group’s role to make of the bankers of Washington. 5,000 homes which is currently being assessed by the state a genuine democratisation Although it has 186 countries government. The site covering over 2,000 acres contains critical which directly includes two it a permanent economic planner, as nominal members, only the habitat for the second largest colony of koalas on the Tweed thirds of the world’s popula- coordinator and watchdog. US has a power of veto; with Coast, estimated by some at around 150 from a total of around tion and indirectly gives a voice more than 16 percent of the 300. Tweed Shire Council also has a say in the assessment process to the rest. voting power it can stymie the and at its next meeting later this month will consider a further The London meeting of the by Mungo MacCallum 85 percent needed for a bind- submission on the development. G20 in April proved that the ing resolution. By contrast Ja- The message has to be sent to state planners that much more new organisation could actu- pan, as economy number two, can be gained for the Tweed and the eventual residents of the ally work; that the diverse ar- tello, formed the first version of nothing useful at all, could not controls just over six percent, housing estate by imposing a dog and cat ban which would ray of interests could cooperate the G20 when it became obvi- be overlooked. China three and a half and render the koalas’ habitat safer and allow unfettered movement in reforms to a system in des- ous that the developing econo- And it wasn’t; certainly not Australia one and a half. One around it in order for the koala not only to survive but become perate need of them. Now the mies were becoming too big to by Rudd, who recognised the hundred and sixty-five coun- a drawcard feature of the development. When the late Brian Ray process has been formalised, ignore. China and India were opportunity to consolidate tries – nearly 90 percent of the named his development Koala Beach he was mindful of this, and we have a long overdue included as a matter of course and expand the group’s role membership – have less than 29 knowing estates which blended in sympathy with the surround- representative body with both and Indonesia and South Ko- to make it a permanent eco- percent between them. Clearly ing environment and included a dog and cat ban would go a the power and the will to lead rea joined them to represent nomic planner, coordinator this has to change, and Rudd, long way in making the community’s back and front yards more the world out of the global eco- the new power base in Asia. and watchdog. from the platform of the G20, wildlife friendly and attractive for those living there. Other sur- nomic crisis and towards a bet- Argentina and Chile brought He had powerful allies in is determined to change it. rounding major developments with such a ban in the Tweed and ter and fairer model of interde- South America into the picture China and India, who felt the And after the IMF, the Unit- on the Gold Coast have shown they can work, and people will pendence for the future. and South Africa and Saudi role was theirs by right, and ed Nations itself: the Security buy into these pet-banned estates for that very reason. Unsurprisingly the Austral- Arabia moved the group into unsurprisingly the other small- Council like the G8, needs It’s a simple fact that has to be understood by coastal shire ian media have made much of new territories. er nations were eager to en- to be brought up to date; ex- planners anywhere that koalas roam and are very vulnerable to the fact that Australia, as an In the name of inclusion, hance their own positions. But panded and made more repre- attacks by dogs and cats. Yes, they don’t stay fixed to a tree wait- active member of the club, now Turkey, Mexico and Australia the Europeans resisted. France sentative to reflect the modern ing for a tourist to photograph them, they need corridors to get has a seat at the top table, and were given guernseys and to in particular did not want the world. The General Assembly, out and about. They have existed for thousands of years in colo- this is indeed a cause for rejoic- placate the Europeans (who new group institutionalised, with 192 members, is obvi- nies throughout large tracts of coastal eucalypt forest before they ing. But far more important is rather resented the presence and argued that if the G8 was ously hopelessly unwieldy, but were steadily but surely reduced to a fraction of their previous the part Australia played in its of so many parvenus) an ex- to be expanded at all, 15 should at least the bloated bureauc- numbers. We all know why. Human activity such as land clearing construction, which is a mat- tra position was created for the be the cut off point. racy that goes with it can be removes their habitat and road kills wreak devastation on this ter for genuine and bipartisan European Union as a whole. By what was probably not a streamlined. magnificent creature so loved by kids and adults everywhere. But pride. Thus the G20. coincidence, this would have These may be ambitious it’s the humans’ pets, especially dogs, which have created much The G20 was born out of Its founders from the G8 in- excluded Australia: France did goals for the leader of a small- more immediate havoc for koalas with their ever-present lurking the G7, the clique of big, rich tended it only as an economic not want the Anglosphere to to-middling country at the arse danger. nations which emerged as a talk shop, not as an implement- gain another active voice. How- end of the world, but a couple Many koala deaths (and for that matter many other native wild- result of the oil price shocks er of policy and certainly not ever, Barack Obama swung his of years ago the G20 looked an life losses) cannot be recorded as they have died from shock, out of the 1970s. It was centred as a gathering place for heads support behind Rudd, and the impossible dream. With deter- of sight, after an exhausting chase by a pet dog or cat at night around the Atlantic: Britain, of government. But the Global deal was done. It was a triumph mination and the right friends, under threat of a vicious and deadly mauling. Dogs of all sizes Germany, France and Italy Financial Crisis gave it new life. for Rudd, and for effectiveness, it has become a brilliant reality. are capable of killing koalas which will die from even a small bite from Europe and the USA The G20 coordinated stimulus good sense and fairness. Yes, we can. from a dog. A ban on dogs and cats at Kings Forest surely is not a big ask. Thoughtful planning to enhance any koala habitat there and pre- serve corridors will have its rewards as families and others buying into the estate do so knowing they’re settling into a truly environ- mentally friendly neighbourhood. As for the developer argument that such a ban would make the lots slower to sell, well, does SPRAY it really matter if billionaire Bob Ell has to wait a little longer for his profits to roll in? Surely if we are ever going to defend values which are not crassly economic, the koala deserves our support. Let’s face it, not too many people say they have seen a koala TANNING in the wild (they may have heard plenty at night) but there’ll be lot fewer people who ever get to see one if development keeps going the way it is, encouraging the slaughter of these few UÊ-afe Tanning remaining animals. When you explain to children that koalas are killed by dogs, UÊÊNatural looking tan in minutes they easily understand the need to keep such predatory pets well away, so why can’t more adults see the logic? UÊÊConvenient at our salon, your home Tweed Shire Echo or offi ce Publisher David Lovejoy Editor Luis Feliu Advertising Manager Angela Cornell UÊPackages available Accounts Manager Simon Haslam Production Manager Ziggi Browning UÊUV Free ‘The job of a newspaper is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.’ – Finley Peter Dunne 1867–1936 © 2009 Echo Publications Pty Ltd Suite 1, Warina Walk Arcade, Murwillumbah Phone 02 6672 2280 Fax 02 6672 4933 email: [email protected] 6/43 Corporation Crt Sth Tweed Heads Printer: Horton Media Australia Ltd Phone: 07 5524 4881 or 0411 171 721
6 October 1, 2009, 2009 The Tweed Shire Echo www.tweedecho.com.au Letters
Rail sell-off disgust the Tweed on Speed circuit in As a Victorian who was silly Murwillumbah. The co-man- enough to leave your beautiful agement of the four days and Youngblutt, Polglase, Hastings Point corner of the world (temporarily) three nights with Rally Australia ■ I would like to take this op- at many council meetings responsibly, in a democratic ■ Mr Polglase, treating resident I am incensed by the proposed was not without some teething portunity to clarify my recent absent-mindedly picking his manner? It is entirely inappro- landowner ratepayers as actions of a very poor excuse problems but according to our comments to the press by pro- nose while the others consider priate for Polglase to use his of- naughty schoolchildren who for a government in NSW. They workers, was a successful co- viding the context in which my the business of the day. If he fice to support planning issues are to be ‘punished’ is offensive obviously need to sell off the operative effort. statements were made. reacts to information at all without planning department in the extreme, does not befit state’s silverware to pay for their Our thanks to all our sup- The Tweed Shire Council it is to snicker and sneer, or endorsement. In doing so, he the office of mayor and is more abysmal management of the porting services clubs and other employs 650 people, numerous challenge someone’s right to showed the utmost discourtesy suited to the behaviour of a state’s finances. Tweed residents who continue contractors and has a budget their opinion. to resident ratepayers. Had he bully. The Sydney-centric pollies to make our event possible. of approximately 200 million If we can be called morons it read the court’s split decision, Had you troubled yourself to closed the railway line a few This event is one of our Mur- dollars. Unfortunately, the most is because we didn’t understand regarding ‘The Point’ he would actually read the split decision years back and contrary to willumbah Rotary Club’s main popular elected councillor does the optional preferential voting have seen the intelligent, cohe- from the court regarding ‘The popular local opinion and fund raising activities. Our not always mean the best quali- system (different from state and sive argument showing the pro- Point’ you would have found a commonsense now seem agreement with Rally Australia fied councillor to run an or- federal election rules) that gave testers to be right. cohesive and intelligent 31-page hellbent on selling the land was that funds raised should ganisation of this size and com- this closet genius a position Then we have deputy Young- argument as to why we were the line sits on. In an age when be directed for charitable pur- plexity. Therefore, I believe the where he could assume power blutt calling all voters ‘morons’ right. It is an inappropriate use of even the USA is putting money poses, not profit. We believe we best practice is the current one, from the luck of the draw. and making the ratepayers the the office of mayor to represent into public transport this action will once again be able to share whereby the elected represen- There were just enough laughing stock of the state. He planning issues without the is sheer lunacy. Will the only funds with other service clubs tatives consider the strengths morons in Tweed to get may well have been correct Labor Party politician left in and make worthwhile dona- clear backing and endorsement of their fellow councillors and Youngblutt over the line at the concerning those who voted of the planning department. Sydney please stand up and tions as before. select the best contender for the last election: he had a very low Polglase and him in at the last stop this madness before it is The traditional ‘Speed On People who live here are position of mayor and deputy personal vote, and squeaked into election, but he has no right entitled to defend their homes too late. Tweed’ festival will return next mayor. The tenure for these the last spot on preferences. to suggest all voters are stupid. Clive Parrett year including main street ac- against the damage which positions is one year, and at S Sledge Even Skinner got at least his toe is being perpetrated by the Melbourne tivities. the time, the councillors care- Kingscliff in his mouth with his comments Tony Smith continuous shaking caused by fully consider the efficacy of the about his refusal to support any construction trucks thundering ■ The proposal to sell off Chairman, Speed on Tweed holders of these positions when ■ I commend you on your edi- councillor who voted to save past, the dust created by them, disused rail lines shows a the yearly elections are held. torial of September 24 on the Hastings Point from over devel- government gone mad, with no the degradation of our homes, Vandal concern Unfortunately, there is an ele- need for a popularly elected opment. How blatantly stupid consideration for the future. My name is Renee and as the our investments, our lifestyles, ment of political apathy within mayor. In a sense we have come is that? The Queensland government ten-year-old daughter of one of amenity and health. any Australian voting commu- to deserve people like Polglase, Chris Degenhardt sold the rail line to Tweed the restaurant owners at Ma- In simple monetary terms, nity. While many countries in because we do not take seri- Nobbys Creek Heads then years later a new rail rine Parade, Kingscliff, I am the world are striving for po- ously enough the privilege of which seem to be the only thing corridor has to be purchased at well aware of the glass smashing that some people understand, litical freedom and the demo- voting in municipal elections. ■ So Cr Youngblutt considers massive cost to the people and and the burglaries. That is why I there is a cost/benefit involved cratic process which we enjoy, This has led to the ludicrous the voters of the Tweed to be not in a central position as the am writing to you to express my in Australia, sadly, many take business of drawing names out in development. At the moment original one was. concern on these matters. morons – that’s possibly why the residents bear the cost, and the wonderful responsibility of of a hat to decide who should be he was elected, I guess it would Voters need reminding that These irresponsible people being able to vote as a burden; it mayor. The best way of seeing the inconsiderate developers get it’s your future needs being sold who smash the glass are crimi- take one to know one. Maybe if the benefit. Someone who has interrupts their weekend. this never happens again is for voters are thoughtful and better off that you will likely have to nals and leave the owners feel- the community to adopt your a home being destroyed as the My comments, perhaps badly informed at the next election buy back in future years because ing heart-broken and probably worded, reflected my concern proposal to elect the mayor by result of development impact and sort out those who are there of idiot decision making. broke in the bank as well. With that not every one actively en- popular vote. bears a huge and unreasonable to help the ratepayers against The military should give such atrocious behaviour and gages in the democratic process, Clair Nutting cost. A developer who is not those who are not – the hope- very serious consideration to the costs of the windows to be and therefore they often do not Banora Point allowed to build what he less, the incompetent and those the future strategic needs of repaired, I think there should vote in an informed manner by believes he is entitled to does not there primarily to get their the nation and place ‘Military be a security camera in every seriously considering who they ■ Only a week in power, and sustain a loss – his land retains Warrants’ on strategic rail line street. vote for at the ballot box – often Polglase and Youngblutt are mate’s development through its value, it’s just his profits that corridors to prevent them I heard about a burglary of al- not voting for the representative afflicted with foot-in-mouth – then we will eventually get are not as big. The culture of being sold by incompetent cohol where the owners are not that they think can best shape disease. more good honest councillors yield entitlement at the expense governments with no going to sell an alcoholic drink our community. Looks like it’s time for the like Cr van Lieshout. of others is gobsmacking. under standing or future or beverage any more. No one Cr Phil Youngblutt administrators to come back I asked Cr Youngblutt to visit The culture of community consideration. ALP stupidity at should be wandering around Fernvale when the mayor made abun- Stokers and see the heavy storm bullying by some media and state level will have very serious at night with nothing else to do dantly clear his close affiliation water flow off the main road individuals, and denigration of federal voting consequences. but bash other people’s windows ■ I was not surprised to read Cr with developer Mr Macintosh at that runs through my property anyone who does not agree with G J May and never caring less about how Phil Youngblutt’s opinion that the Hastings Point Community causing flood damage and turn- you has to stop. Tyalgum other people feel. Tweed voters are ‘morons’. Planning Workshop on Sunday. ing my yard into a mud swamp But then our new deputy In conclusion, I think it is self- When I was young, we had (I guess this falls in the category as there is no road water table. mayor has now seen fit to call Car festival success ish and arrogant to go around an expression, ‘It takes one to of leopards and spots.) His reply was, ‘I don’t have time, us all morons in public. He and The preliminary reports on bashing other people’s property, know one.’ While I don’t say I Just who does he think he I have a business to run.’ What the mayor seem to conveniently ‘Speed on Tweed’ show the fes- there should be more security ‘know’ Cr Youngblutt I have is, threatening residents with did he run for council for if he forget that Mr Polglase received tival is back on track. cameras, and no one should go watched this august councillor financial penalties for acting has no interest in helping rate- 5,495 votes or 1.04 of a quota The increase in the number wandering around at night. payers? to get elected. Mr Youngblutt of volunteer workers became Renee Ng Cr Youngblutt is an excellent received 2,607 votes or 0.55 of a necessary because our volun- Kingscliff Letters to the Editor ambassador for the National quota to get elected. The current teer group were additionally Fax: 6672 4933 Email: [email protected]. Deadline: noon, Tues- Party. mayor and deputy are holding responsible for the Rally Aus- ■ Sorry, no room for letter ac- day. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut and pseudonyms are not V J Metcalfe the position simply by virtue tralia events that were held on knowledgements this week. acceptable. Please include your full name, address and phone number. Stokers Siding continued overleaf
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www.tweedecho.com.au The Tweed Shire Echo October 1, 2009 7 Letters More ‘morons’ on Youngblatt, Polglase, Hastings Point continued from page 7 reiterated, ‘Council would be community that’s behind it. jobs for local people for years to must be a reminder, not that the of our coastline for future gen- of teflon-coated good luck and pursuing costs along with the Mayor Polglase, even though I come. Additionally, the influx law is an ass, but that it can take erations to enjoy. What do state this does not provide a mandate other respondent’. support the Save Hastings Point of tourism dollars and their more than three court cases to and local government manage- for anything. Youngblutt was less subtle, campaign, I also understand redistribution into the area save a tiny village. ment plans achieve if they can Once again the Tweed is seen calling voters ‘morons’ who that we all hold differing views would benefit the developer, The result of the recent Court be dismissed for big bad devel- to be a travesty of democracy couldn’t be ‘trusted to make the and have different objectives; the builders (who could also of Appeal case is unworkable opment like ‘The Point’? with the spectre of greed over right decision’, and throwing in and while some wish to protect be local, imagine that!), the from the perspective of coun- The senior living component decency raising its ugly head a cowardly disclaimer, ‘I’m not outstanding natural beauty, tourists, the environment, the cils who must deal with over- of the state government legisla- yet again. trying to offend anyone but if some wish to pave over it. locals and the politicians such size and inappropriate devel- tion was not meant for Gold Julie Boyd the shoe fits wear it’! That’s fine, like the song says ’If as yourself. I’d call that a win- opments within their Local Coast style resorts for the over Hastings Point Equally disturbing is the deaf- everybody looked the same…’ win situation, wouldn’t you? Environment Plans. 55s. It is already accepted that ening silence from other coun- I would like to suggest How about it, Mr Mayor? Mayor Polglase’s outburst in seniors prefer small communi- ■ Residents of the Tweed Shire cillors who by now should have that instead of going at Do you have the balls to be a the media last week, ‘Protesters ties where they feel connected have been reacquainted with publicly disowned the ‘blow- loggerheads with locals and visionary, or will you serve your will pay,’ was less a threat to the with family and friends. ghosts of councils past after torch brothers’ as relics of the environmentalists, we all start term as a political stereotype, protesters than an indictment of To destroy valuable environ- mayor Warren Polglase and his past. Not only have they hung working together towards a raping and pillaging for all you his own ignorance of the mat- mental areas under the guise of deputy Phil Youngblutt hit local out the old business shingle more sustainable outcome. are worth? ter. The outcome of the appeal senior living accommodation is online and print media outlets but anyone dealing with Tweed Let’s hold off approving any Dan Rippon effectively decided that State an insult to all of us. The state to tyrannise constituents over Shire Council must wonder if more of these multi-dwelling Hastings Point Planning for Senior Living ac- Labor government has made old grievances. there are a few kangaroos loose style developments that in commodation (SEPPSL) is more the SEPPSL a developer’s tool Last week this pair of re- in the top paddock. These guys truth belong on the Gold Coast ■ Save Hastings Point members important than local social and for greed. cycled poobahs rebuked and are way out of step with gov- Highway until we can factor in have suffered another blow in environmental considerations, Trish Mann insulted their constituents on ernance because neither abides sustainable building practices the Court of Appeal but this ie., saving unspoilt fragments Member, Save Hastings Point the same issues (dodgy devel- by the democratic process nor (ie. not polluting a waterway to oper dealings and flawed elec- honours council codes which the point that wildlife is killed tion practices) that plunged the presumably places them as unfit and locals won’t swim in it on We can co-exist with koalas, if we want for public office. an outgoing tide). We should council into administration in ■ I have lived in the wildlife be aware of some of the conces- we allow them both back into 2005. Right when Tweed Shire Chris Johnson look at environmentally and friendly estate of Koala Beach sions we had put in place in the power, are we going to let them Council should be distancing Hastings Point aesthetically friendlier designs for nearly 12 years now. We have very beginning of the planning destroy our icon as well? itself from all that smacks of (you’ve got to admit, The Point seen the estate grow and grow and building of the estate. Karen Chadwick pro-developer hayseed auto- ■ As a recent arrival to the is ugly, isn’t it?) but perhaps with young and older families Brian Ray, Kerry Packer, the Banora Point cratic administration, Polglase Tweed area, I find it a plainly most importantly, we must look moving in. My community has Australian Koala Foundation different culture and one that I at sustainable jobs. and Youngblutt have done their a vast cross-section of careers and their then biologists, Steve ■ With all due respect to Bob best to promote their ageless enjoy wholeheartedly. I am not Oh yes, I heard you say you and beliefs, socio-economic Phillips and John Callaghan, are Brinsmead, who owns the addiction to the key points of a raging ‘greenie’, just someone want jobs for our kids. Well, I’ve levels and different expectations to be congratulated for the hard land next to Kings Forest and the Daly Inquiry. who wants to protect what’s left got a young family, so I do too. of what this place will offer in work and attention to detail says the koalas were lost in the Polglase as an embodiment of our environment while we Let me then suggest this: imagine enrichment toward the com- that went into this estate. Tweed 1970s, more recent studies have of council told residents in the still can. that instead of The Point and its munity’s daily lives. Everyone Shire Council planners also de- shown that the situation is not Hastings Point locality that Living here now, it’s pretty yet to be built neighbour, there I have spoken to about living serve acknowledgement for the like that now. council would chase them ‘for hard not to notice the whole was an ‘exclusive’ eco-resort that here loves it, are in awe of the acceptance and implementation In 2004, an extensive survey legal costs’ and then akin to a Hastings Point campaign, blends into the surrounding amount of native animals to be of such forward thinking devel- and koala plan of management spokesman for the developer, and I applaud the work of the environment and could provide seen and have re-evaluated their opment controls. (including radio tracking) was attitudes towards and interac- If the people and organisa- done by a world leading expert tions with the natural environ- tions I mentioned can work in koalas. They found a healthy ment. They nurture this love of together to create such a beau- colony (the Tweed’s second the area in their children. This tiful and fulfilling place to live largest) in the Kings Forest site. can’t be bad. more than a decade ago why Importantly this area is a highly SOLAR I am a conservationist. I want can’t Kings Forest be like this significant corridor to the adja- sustainable development for all also? Please tell the Kings For- cent Cudgen Nature Reserve. of nature’s critters, us and them. est developers that Koala Beach The koalas need to be able to This estate answers so many is the beginning of a new trend meet up with other groups to questions that arise when we in estates and it is how people make healthy baby koalas. Oth- try to live in harmony with the want to live. erwise you just get inbred, sick HOT WATER original inhabitants of the area Please tell Kings Forest De- koalas that soon die out. we wish to live in. velopers to take the planning of We cannot look at every We live with raised fencing their estate back to the drawing development in isolation. We or better yet no fencing at all. board and look at my commu- must allow for the koalas to And the children love it, they nity before submitting again for move around, not just sit in a REBATES STILL are friendly, less territorial, less consideration. I am available tree. As they only eat the tips argumentative, neighbours are to help the developers see the of their special trees, they need more friendly. Yellow street value in our estate. to move enough to find food lights to discourage opportunis- Adele Casson also. tic nocturnal feeding on insects Koala Beach Bob Irwin (Steve Irwin’s fa- attracted to white street light ther) is extremely concerned AVAIL ABLE. (this lessens road kill), ropes in ■ The Koala Beach model, even about the effects of more and pools for silly animals taking a though not ideal, is way better more development on the koa- dip and not being able to climb than the DA planned for Kings las on the Gold Coast. He has out, native trees and traffic Forest (atrocious). Koala Beach warned they could all be lost calming devices in our streets, doesn’t permit cats and dogs. from the wild within 18 months, great for the animals and us. Did you know that Kings For- due to over-development. We pay an environmental levy est does? Nightcap Village, Koala ACT NOW AND SAVE: within our annual council rates The 110km six-lane highway Beach and Currumbin Eco Vil- to help maintain the environ- leading out of Tweed near the lage are all examples of develop- $1,600 Federal rebate STILL AVAILABLE ment within the estate. BP Chinderah, would you walk ments that allow humans and
1 * And the big one most peo- across those lanes? I scraped a nature to share. All of the resi- $1,800 Federal REC incentive STILL AVAILABLE ple comment about – no cats or koala off the side of that road dents of the Tweed benefit from dogs allowed, permanently or earlier this year, her intestines our ever-expanding number of temporarily within our estate. falling out through the split in environmental tourists, and we And what a treat that is, no dog her side. A healthy female ko- should all care about sensitive The Federal Government rebate on photovoltaic solar panels hhasas faeces, no dog attacks, no bark- ala killed right under the koala development that does not ruin ended, however you can still receive the Federal Solar Hot Water ing when I walk the friendly sign, it was horrific. Kings For- it for everybody, including the Rebate when you install an EcoSmart solar hot water system. streets. No cats killing the birds est will have a four-lane road go koalas. and I would bet we have more through their koala corridor. This development will be To find out what you’re eligible for, call your local birds per hectare than tradi- And Warren Polglase wants massive and permanent. Let’s EcoSmart installer today on 133 326. ecosmart.com.au tional suburbia. Every conces- to push this development get it right, we don’t have any sion we have made in here has through! Are we really the mo- second chances left. *Based in zone 3 Model No. E4F136W3AC. Rebate eligibility subject to conditions of all relevant rebate programs. 1 REC value may change, please refer to website for current value. ECO13983/einstein been miniscule and most of the rons his deputy Phil Youngblutt Jenny Hayes community would probably not says we are? Bad enough that Team Koala, Murwillumbah 8 October 1, 2009 The Tweed Shire Echo www.tweedecho.com.au Articles Big Wozza and Phil the Brain break into show business David Lovejoy (with apologies hear rumours that the bribing up character by the name of But Phil causes even more to Damon Runyon) writes: of certain government parties Bazza. indignation around the traps is going on in spots, because So he winks at the audience when he hauls off and says ow it comes on the while fixing development and pulls a name out of a hat the citizenry are ‘morons’ and spring of 2009, after a approvals is by no means a which he says is Wozza’s but Wozza has to dictate a letter N long hard winter, and high class business, and is even can be Al Capone’s for all we of clarification for Phil to sign times are very tough indeed, considered somewhat illegal, it know and suddenly Wozza’s with his mark. So the Shire be- what with the stock market is something to tide over the luck is changed. comes a laughing stock to the going all to pieces, and banks hard times. He thinks he is a genuine surrounding parties, who actu- scooping up everyone’s scratch, Furthermore, I am not sur- mayor and that Phil is his de- ally do not need much encou- and one thing and another, and prised to hear that Big Wozza puty and they both start acting ragement in that department. many citizens are compelled to and his sidekick Phil the Brain like all the citizens back them What with Wozza and Phil do the best they can. are more than somewhat dis- down to favourite, when re- acting like wiseguys and every- Even the big auto race on pleased to see certain well- ally they are rank outsiders and one wanting them run out of which many parties bet their known characters mobbed up no citizens put their names on town, preferably on a long sharp futures and their kiddies’ futu- together and not offering Woz- for me, as a public speaker. So Wozza and Phil stand in the betting slips at all, except rail, there is a strong opinion on res turns out to be a flop and za and Phil any of the action. Everyone knows I can speak line with other citizens inte- maybe the casting guy. the street that next time it is the by no means the sure thing the Then Phil (who is not called without even thinking about rested in this work but after Being the mayor is by no me- citizens who get to bet, and not scribes tell them it is. the Brain for nothing, but on what I say, and often amaze the two minutes Wozza loses pa- ans a difficult job and Wozza just the guy with the hat. There is so little scratch any- account of something the local citizens with my remarks.’ tience and pushes to the front. finds that the daily blat prints Fortunately, Phil reads an- where in the Shire that many paper calls ‘ironic hyperbole’) ‘This is by no means untrue,’ He plays Little Brown Bag on anything he says, so he fills in other thing in the blat and he citizens are wearing their last comes up with an idea as fol- says Big Wozza, ‘but you forget the kazoo, which is like Little the space by making threats and Wozza reckon they are year’s clothes, and it is a condi- lows, to wit and viz: that the billing is Big Wozza Brown Jug but more rewar- against citizens he does not well qualified for it. ‘Wanted: tion that will touch anybody’s ‘Wozza, I read in the blat to- and his sidekick Phil. I am the ding, and the casting guy says like, which turns out to be a lot two local government buffoons heart. day how the role of mayor is up man for the part and you are he cannot decide between of citizens, who coincidentally to star in the forthcoming se- So I am not surprised to for grabs. Now this is a cinch my assistant.’ Wozza and another hard- feel the same way about him. quel to Muriel’s Wedding.’ Stokers Siding Public School Stokers Road N?LGCreate Lasting Memories Enrol your child at Stokers Siding for 2010 s (APPY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT with Timberplay s &RIENDLY