THE BYRON SHIRE ECHO Advertising & news enquiries: Mullumbimby 02 6684 1777 Byron Bay 02 6685 5222 Fax 02 6684 1719 [email protected] [email protected] seven p19 Available early Tuesday at: entertainment http://www.echo.net.au VOLUME 23 #06 TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2008 22,700 copies every week FADS, FETISHES & FREAKY AFFAIRS Printed on recycled paper Minister Protesters burn the Woolies ‘box’ approves rates rise Michael McDonald NSW local government minister Paul Lynch last Thursday approved Byron Shire Council’s application for an extra 6.22% on the statewide pegged rate of 3.2% for the coming financial year. About 25 NSW councils were successful in getting a rate variation. At its extraordinary meeting last Thursday to set the rate, Council had to defer the matter until later in the day when the Minister’s advice arrived. Councillors then voted unanimously to set the rate and various other charges such as waste management fees. Mayor Jan Barham said the approval of the rate increase is recognition of the strong case put by Council of the need for addi- tional funds to provide services to the community. ‘Council’s submission included letters of support and it is appreci- ated that Byron United were able to provide their support for the rate increase request,’ said Cr Barham in a press release. ‘There are many projects that Council is seeking to An effigy of the Woolworths ‘big box’ goes up in flames at last Saturday’s rally in Mullumbimby. See more photos on our new website at www.echo.net.au inside deliver, but with a low population July Echo Extra in Galleries. and rate base the total amount of rates collected is low compared to Story & photo Eve Jeffery moral ground to suggestions that Local real estate agent Mark the government passes this, then higher population areas. The atmosphere was more fun if the construction were to be ham- Cochrane warned that not only there is something very, very ‘The high tourism appeal of the than fight at Saturday’s protest in pered by certain ‘obstructions’, would property values in the area wrong, someone must be on the area, and particularly Byron Bay, Mullumbimby against the Wool- then the development would not decrease because of the develop- take and there is no way we will not means there are additional pres- worths development, but the be a cost effective exercise and the ment but also that the proposed go to the ICAC.’ sures and expectations that Coun- impassioned speeches from those company may simply sell the land Woolworths ‘one stop shop’ would After the speeches protesters cil would like to meet but funds are on the podium left no doubt as to back to the community at a cheap turn the main street into a derelict walked en masse along the railway limited. The increase means that what was the motivation of the price. town, with empty shop fronts cov- line to the development site in Sta- Council will now be able to assembled crowd. Mayor Jan Barham said she felt ered in graffiti similar to the exte- tion Street which was marked out improve services and deliver much About 300 protesters including that the community has been rior of the recently vacated Chin- in yellow tape to show the size of needed works. children, dogs, drummers and pip- betrayed by the system. cogan Tavern. the structure. Balloons floated sev- ‘For the last four years there has ers converged on Apex Park in ‘Despite the community saying Garry Scott reminded protesters eral metres above the crowd as an been a 2% Biodiversity Levy; now what organisers feel was the last no, the state government wants to that the community outbid Woolies indicator of the height of the build- this amount has been approved as ditch effort to rally support before go ahead,’ said the Mayor. ‘There for a piece of real estate, referring ing and in the centre of the area a perpetual Environmental Levy. planning minister Frank Sartor is a live DA for this site and this is to the old Telstra site. was placed a large cardboard box, This means the rate increase exclu- decides on the current modifica- where we have been done over. ‘We’ve got this company wor- a representation of the design of sive of the Environmental Levy is tions to the plan of what is becom- ‘I wish we could retract that DA ried,’ said Mr Scott. ‘We have the new Mullumbimby Wool- 4.22%. The Environmental Levy ing known simply as The Big but we can’t. I ask you to write to shown Woolies our strength. It is worths. will be allocated to the implemen- Box. the premier and let him know that amazing that their section 96 was In true Mullum style there was tation of Biodiversity and Green- The speakers’ messages were a we are being shafted by the current not successful. That’s thanks to a ceremony which called upon house Strategy actions, Coastal mixture of calls to fight to the good laws, we have to let him know we us. those gathered to shout out what and Estuary Management Plan fight from a position on the high are not happy.’ ‘We have them on the run and if continued on page 2 continued on page 2 2 July 15, 2008 Byron Shire Echo www.echo.net.au Local News Big Box burns Pilgrims’ progress welcomed by Council RESPECT From front page they loved about the town to Our local communities the tune of drums and pipes, Our natural environment calls which soon turned into chants of ‘No more Woolies’, Our cultural diversity ‘Whose town? Our town!’ Remember in September And finally as flame was put to cardboard, ‘Burn the Patrick Morrisey Box!’ UÊ* ° °Ê ÛÀiÌ>Ê*ÌVÃ]Ê-ÕÌ iÀÊ ÀÃÃÊ1ÛiÀÃÌÞ Organisers reminded the UÊÓäÊÞi>ÀÃÊV>Ê>`ÛV>VÞ crowd that the submission Authorised by P. Morrisey 230 Mafeking Road Goonengerry NSW 2480 deadline was fast approach- ing and that everyone must have their say in a show of community unity to out- weigh the Woolworths plan. Submissions regarding the amended S96 can be lodged Apple iPhone until this Friday at paula. accepting orders now* tomkin@planning,nsw.gov. au or by post to The Direc- @ Lightforce tor, Coastal Assessments, Department of Planning, Byron Shire Council last Friday staged a civic reception for pilgrims on their way to World Youth Day GPO Box 39, Sydney NSW in Sydney. Deputy Mayor Ross Tucker welcomed the visitors and in response Jemuel Dite’e from the 2001. Solomon Islands offered a traditional thankyou dance. Photo Jeff Dawson Clean Beach Council scores rates rise of 9.4% The entry deadline for this From front page with its draft management categorised as business out- year’s hotly contested Clean implementation, and the plan for 08/11 in April this side the ‘centre of activity’ Beach Challenge is drawing continuation of Council’s year. known as Byron Bay Busi- near and coastal communi- Sustainability Officer posi- At the time Council said it ness Centre. The Business ties across NSW are hur- tion. needed the rate increase ‘to (Byron Bay Business Cen- “Red Dot” SALE (look for the Red dots) riedly preparing their local ‘These are all important provide much needed addi- tre) Ordinary Rate is 0.50390 $ beach to be visited by a Keep outcomes for the Shire, and tional funds to upgrade and cents in the dollar. Starts Wednesday 16th! Australia Beautiful NSW these and other identified maintain infrastructure’. A Farmland Ordinary We’re clearing stock! Great Values! assessor. projects from the rate Councillors set the Resi- Rate is set at 0.18576 cents Lightforce Computers – Byron & Ballina To receive an entry form increase will be reported dential Ordinary Rate of in the dollar. Byron & Ballina Shire’s Only Apple Certified Tech Centres visit www.kabnsw.org.au or annually to the community.’ 0.25195 cents in the dollar. Council’s rates income for 1/10 Brigantine St. Byron Bay 6685 8796 phone Salore Craig at the The special rate increase There is also a Business 08/09 was projected to be 107 Tamar St.@Grant St. Ballina 6686 8570 Keep Australia Beautiful will generate additional rev- (Other) Ordinary Rate of $14.1 million, compared to +&$#$)&'"( -& -'( ***! ($&$") NSW office on 02 9633 enue of $837,300. Council 0.37792 cents in the dollar $37.6m for Tweed Shire and *First deliveries - approx. 5-10 days 3380. adopted its 08/09 budget on the land value of all land $12.6m for Ballina Shire. Take a journey to a place of magic & wonder! Escape into the beautiful Byron hinterland; experience the tranquillity of the Buddha Walk & rainforest or stroll the Sacred Labyrinth. Discover amazing crystals, exquisite jewellery, inspirational books & more. Indulge in a tarot or aura reading or relax in our Café, while your kids enjoy the playground and the Crystal Dragon. CRYSTAL GALLERY SALE Amazing amethyst caves, beautiful rose quartz spheres & more. 81 Monet Drive, Mullumbimby. Tel: 02 6684 3111. See video directions at All in need of a new home… www.crystalcastle.com.au Open 7 days 10am-5pm limited time only. www.echo.net.au Byron Shire Echo July 15, 2008 3 Local News Happy vibe to NAIDOC celebrations COUNTDOWN Eve Jeffery The mood was festive and TO 08.08.08 light as over 200 marchers sang and danced their way up Jonson Street towards Main Beach in Byron Bay last Friday to celebrate NAIDOC week. NAIDOC originally stood for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. This committee was once responsible for organising national activities 888 during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has become the DAYS name of the week itself.