THE BYRON SHIRE ECHO Advertising & news enquiries: Mullumbimby 02 6684 1777 health Byron Bay 02 6685 5222 Fax 02 6684 1719 [email protected] and [email protected] Available early Tuesday at: beauty http://www.echo.net.au VOLUME 23 #09 TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2008 22,700 copies every week LAST BASTION OF BOHO page 18 Printed on recycled paper Devo, drug dogs and white rabbits at Splendour Artisan night market gets trial Byron Shire Council voted last week to approve a trial of the Byron Artisan Market in Railway Park, Byron Bay, to be held on a trial basis for six months from October this year. The market is seen as a vital fundraiser for the Byron Youth Service’s Street Cruise program, which assists youth to stay safe on the streets of Byron Bay at night. During public access last Thurs- day, BYS director Paul Spooner told Councillors the market pro- posal was a recommendation from the recent Byron Social Forum and is supported by arts and crafts people from the Byron Shire. ‘It is endorsed by the manage- ment committee of Byron Youth Service and supported by local business operators surrounding Railway Park,’ Mr Spooner said. ‘This includes The Byronian Café, The Corner Store, and The Rail- way Friendly Bar. ‘Inspector Owen King of Byron Bay Police supports the trial being undertaken, if approved by the Council, as does Yvonne Stewart of the Arakwal Corporation. In fact, Yvonne has requested that a stall be devoted to the displaying of local indigenous arts and Ballooning enthusiasm was the order of the day for these two friends at the Splendour festival on the weekend. Many more photos by our photographers will crafts.’ be found online in the events section of our image gallery at www.echo.net.au. Photo Jeff ‘Hang On To Your Heads’ Dawson ‘Healthy public space’ Mandy Nolan festival atmosphere, and as an act of the Splendour 08. Looking in the year of its release dancing Mr Spooner said the night mar- It really was a splendid sunny attendee I have to admit they were like a bunch of 50 year old accoun- and singing along. With such a ket would ‘create a healthy public weekend at Splendour in the Grass the nicest bunch of kids I’ve been tants in overalls the guys were well-managed event this year, it space environment in downtown when thousands of festival goers around in some time, any time I really tight, and the 80s synth had will be interesting to watch Festi- Byron Bay on a Saturday night that made their annual sojourn to got jostled, I got an instant ‘sorry a very contemporary sound. ‘Whip val organisers make the transition does not revolve around the con- Belongil Fields for what is fast about that, tall lady.’ It’ really is a very funny song, and to the Yelgun site for their one year sumption of alcohol. To quote becoming a cult youth festival. The A spokesperson from the North it was delightful to see kids born trial. urban planning specialist and event was managed with incredible Coast Area Health Service rein- writer William H Whyte: “So-called efficiency with traffic and pedes- forced the relatively low key nature undesirables are not the problem. trian queues moving swiftly and of the event by reporting that ‘it Art classic resurrected It is the measures taken to combat increased security and fencing act- was a pretty good weekend, and them that is the problem. The best ing as the most effective fence that Splendour admission num- Byron Bay’s iconic Easter Art includes two of the organisers of way to handle the problem of jumping strategy to date. bers were low and were mostly Classic is to be resurrected, albeit the original Classic, Jan Dawkins undesirables is to make the place There was an increased police drug and alcohol related.’ with a different name and different and Jani Collins, is reviving the art attractive to everyone else.” presence on arrival with drug On site audiences were treated date. Open to all artists in a wide competition. ‘In other words, let’s attempt to detection dogs sniffing punters on to an impressive lineup which cul- range of media who are over 16 If you classify yourself as an make the centre of Byron Bay a arrival, who seemed undeterred by minated in two show highlights for years of age and live in the Byron amateur, professional, doodler or funky, cultural place to be for the attention. In fact, I spotted this more senior festival goer. Sigur Shire the new Byron Art Expo will dabbler, enter your piece de everyone from local residents to many Paris Hilton lookalikes coo- Ros packed the Supertop, proving replace the Easter Art Classic as a résistance. The exhibition will run tourists, on at least one night a ing over police dogs on their way why they’ve been hailed as one of community art exhibition. from June 5 to 12 in the Byron week. Railway Park is the obvious into the festival. the best new live acts on the global The current management com- Community Cultural Centre. place for such an initiative to be The large crowd of predomi- scene. mittee of the Byron Bay Com- Enquiries 6685 6807 Ext 5 or go developed. nantly under 25s revelled in the But it was Devo that I’d call the munity Association, which to www.byroncentre.com.au. continued on page 2 2 August 5, 2008 Byron Shire Echo www.echo.net.au Local News Sartor cops a bagging at Bruns protest Eve Jeffery The most beautiful setting... overlooking Byron Bay In contrast to the fire of three weeks ago when they THURSDAY NIGHTS burnt the box, the Mul- Farmers Market Menu lumbimby Community 4 COURSES FOR $35 Action Network’s (MCAN) “Local Produce, Global Flavours” protest on Saturday in Brunswick Heads was more Sunday Lunch of a fizzle. 3 COURSES $35 About 25 stalwart pro- testers gathered at the Group Parties sound shell in what was FROM $35pp part of a statewide event to send a heartfelt message to Minister for Planning Frank WINNER BEST RESTAURANT CATERER 07 Sartor that the people of FINALIST BEST DinnerBYO RESTAURANT Thurs-Sun | Lunch 06 Fri-Sun & 07 NSW are not happy with 02 6684 7273 bookings preferred the current planning laws, www.figtreerestaurant.com.au where the rights of the council have been super- seded by the opinions of a Sartor appointed planning panel. Fight’ which she sang as a ered about the legal rights of sionate and this protest, as Speakers on the day, rap. individuals and community with the last, finished with a including Tom Tabart and Sue Higginson from the groups who are working to resounding chant, this time Duncan Dey, kept their Lismore Environmental protect the natural and built the words ‘No Thanks Frank’ messages short and Jane Defenders Office (EDO), a environment and outlined echoed from the sound Swallow presented her not-for-profit community upcoming workshops in the shell. point of view in a poem legal centre specialising in area. For more information written by Magenta Appel- public interest environmen- Though the group was about EDO workshops visit Pye, entitled ‘The Good tal law, spoke to those gath- small the message was pas- www.nsw.edo.org.au !" Community foundation opens new round of grants The Northern Rivers Com- seeking to redress the imbal- ‘The Northern Rivers individuals and businesses, + 01 munity Foundation is ance between those who Community Foundation who have already made " #$ $ % &" pleased to announce appli- have and those in need. depends upon the generosity contributions to the Foun- & ,-./ %' () %$ l % ' * + cations are now open for its ‘The Northern Rivers has and charitable action of dation.’ 2008 small grants round a key role to play in show- industry and individuals in Application forms and with the focus of ‘Connect- ing how vibrant communi- building and strengthening guidelines for the grants are ing Community’. This year ties are critical to our well- our community. available on the website the foundation’s grant pro- being. ‘We’d like to express our www.nrcf.org.au or by email- gram is targeting individuals ‘The Foundation will pri- sincere thanks to all the ing [email protected]. or groups that address youth oritise innovative commu- disadvantage in the North- nity projects that involve ern Rivers. partnerships with other Artisan night market trial The foundation invites organisations or businesses From front page government grants, sponsor- interested and eligible com- and show possible benefits ‘This market will showcase ship from Splendour in the munity organisations to that may continue after the the best of local artisans and Grass, local business sup- apply before Monday Sep- grant period.’ provide a wonderful opportu- port and individual dona- tember 22 to benefit from Chairperson of the Foun- nity for tourists coming to the tions. Current donations to the grants. dation Christopher Dean region to have a taste of what operate Street Cruise will The theme of ‘Connecting said, ‘The funds for this is on offer. As a small night run out in September this Community’ is broad and small grants round come market based in the centre of year, just before the com- could include any projects from the interest earned on Byron Bay it would be a tan- mencement of the peak that foster community par- donations received. gible means of displaying the tourist season. By receiving ticipation such as costs asso- ‘This is what makes the culture and vibrancy of our funding through the man- ciated with transport or the Northern Rivers Commu- community. It will not be agement of this market purchase of materials etc. nity Foundation so unique competing with local business Street Cruise will potentially The Foundation’s Grants – donations received are held or other markets.’ have a stable funding base Committee Chairperson, in perpetuity, it is the interest Mr Spooner also pointed largely generated through Jane Hanckel, said, ‘The from these donations that is out that ‘for over six years tourism dollars brought into NRCF through its work to channelled back into the our community has been the region.’ help disadvantaged mem- community through the continually struggling to Find out more about BYS bers of the community is annual grants program. fund Street Cruise through at www.bys.org.au. The 2008 Northern Rivers 200 Jobs in Employment Challenge 100 Days! Employers — Get Behind the Challenge! The mission is to place 200 jobseekers into work within 100 Days 4th August to 12th November To support the campaign all you have to do is lodge your job vacancy with NORTEC Employment and Training. In return they will find the right person for the job—and at no cost to you!
In recognition of community support for the campaign NORTEC will donate $6000 amongst three independent youth organisations who assist disadvantaged 1800 667 832 youth in our region or lodge your vacancy online www.nortecltd.com.au www.echo.net.au Byron Shire Echo August 5, 2008 3 Local News Councillors give nod to Splendour tonynugentart.com Exhibiting at Yelgun in close decision TONY NUGENT ‘mens business’ aug 12 - sept 13
25 coldstream st yamba nsw [email protected] 6646 1999 the original byron bay day bed recycled hardwood made to order
All heads turned to hear Yvonne Stewart’s opinion at the council meeting. From left, Splendour director Jessica Ducrou, and in foreground NBSP planner Rob Doolan and Val Scanlon of environmental group CONOS. Phoro Jeff Dawson
Michael McDonald Mayor Jan Barham sup- should have the opportunity sity conservation. The Byron Shire Councillors ported the need for an SIS. to do so.’ potential to join support for voted 5-4 last week to approve ‘This DA has not done that, He also took the Byron a cultural icon with major the DA for a Splendour in the and it is regrettable,’ she Ratepayers Association to environmental repair of a Grass festival at the Yelgun said. task, saying that if the matter fragmented and degraded 3 Ti-Tree Place, Byron Bay site owned by the Billinudgel Cr Westheimer believed ended up before the Land wildlife corridor, effectively Arts & Industry Estate Property Trust. Crs Tucker, the work of the North Byron and Environment Court, emaciated by the RTA’s free- 6685 5714 Westheimer, Woods, Tardif Shire Parklands (NBSP) ‘Real ratepayers have to pay, way, enhances the commu- and Mangleson voted for the team on the Yelgun site not this ratbag group.’ nity aspiration for improved 5 MINS FROM DA, Crs Barham, Tabart, would be the best opportu- From the developers, biodiversity outcomes. THE HIGHWAY Staples and Lazarus against; nity to preserve and improve planner and part-owner Rob ‘Adding a Biodiversity Cr Kestle was absent. its biodiversity. As to the Doolan, Splendour director Conservation Management 6685 5212 In a sometimes unruly indigenous sites Cr Westhe- Jessica Ducrou and NBSP Plan, to be approved by 16 BRIGANTINE ST, ARTS & INDUSTRY ESTATE BYRON BAY meeting, the public gallery imer said, ‘I believe sacred general manager Mat Morris Council’s ecologist to the was packed to overflowing places will be respected.’ spoke in support of the pro- DA consent conditions and PURE SLEEP with both opponents and During public access, posal. the proposed giving of 30 to supporters of the proposal. Yvonne Stewart, chairper- Ms Ducrou claimed that 40 hectares to the Nature `NASA´ Public access on the issue son of the local indigenous holding Splendour on a Reserve system makes an DEVELOPED ran for an hour and debate Arakwal Corporation, called 660ha site would have ‘sub- improved environmental MEMORY CELL among Councillors lasted the move to develop the stantially less temporary outcome likely to a badly for two hours. land ‘appalling’. ‘I have no impact on the surrounding degraded property… MATTRESS Cr Tom Tabart moved first objections to Splendour but community’. ‘For some councillors it UÊ, 6 -Ê*, --1, for refusal, which was lost this is one of the biggest ‘Parklands is a significantly appeared easier to say no to UÊÊ , 8 -Ê/ - Ê 1- - 5-4. Among his nine reasons [indigenous] sites in our better venue,’ Ms Ducrou change and allow the prop- for refusal were the lack of a country. said. ‘It is at least two kilo- erty to continue with cattle UÊÊ " ", -Ê/"Ê " 9Ê " 1-Ê" , Species Impact Statement ‘Every site has artefacts on metres to the nearest com- or sugar cane farming with -* ÓÊ*, --1, Ê, (SIS) and the impact on it. You can’t deface the light- munity. gradual erosion of its envi- UÊÊ - -Ê*,/ ,Ê *"7-Ê future rezonings for environ- house or a council building ‘We will improve the ecol- ronmental value or to end -/1, 7",/ÊfnÊ mental protection. Once Cr but you can deface some- ogy and the biodiversity. We up as a tourist resort or resi- Ê UÊ1-/, Tabart’s motion failed, Cr thing that is not tangible to have a memorandum of dential subdivision. , UÊ£äÊ9 ,Ê7,, /9 UÊ£äÊ9 ,Ê7,, Peter Westheimer moved for you. I cry for our spiritual understanding with the local ‘I trust that the consor- approval based on staff con- elders. Bulldozing a tunnel indigenous people. tium will honour the condi- ditions of consent and an through a hill will upset eve- ‘I am genuinely surprised tions that have been set and f KING SIZE extra two conditions calling rything.’ by the small vocal opposition follow through with their 1399 f for a biodiversity manage- Around ten residents [and} the malicious misinfor- commitments. Overall my QUEEN SIZE 1699 ment plan and greater pro- spoke against the DA. Val mation. When has it become decision was based on all ‘TRANQUILITY’ BY PURE SLEEP tection of historic indigenous Scanlon of Conservation of a crime to help regenerate a considerations in what I sites. North Ocean Shores wildlife corridor? hope will be in the best inter- INNER Cr Tabart doubted that (CONOS) pointed out that ‘We purchased the land on ests of our shire.’ POSTURE Splendour would be a ‘trial local environmental groups speculation. We’re told we Crs Richard Staples, Tom SPRING SLEEP event’. The logic of the plan- were ‘strongly opposed’ to could sell the land at a sub- Tabart and John Lazarus MATTRESSES *"7 ning process is flawed, he the development. ‘The com- stantial profit – [the buyer] have signed a rescission SINGLE TOP said – ‘You don’t test suspect munity fought long and hard is not likely to be someone motion on the DA approval f ammunition by hitting it to conserve this unique area,’ willing to work with the in the hope of convincing ‘at 129 LUXURY with a hammer.’ she said. community.’ least one other councillor to "1 RRP f An SIS should be the ‘Isn’t it zoned for 7k habi- In a press release last mon- change his or her mind dur- f ‘frontrunner’ document in tat to prevent this? This is the day, Cr Westheimer said, ing the next week’. Ç SAVE 179 "7Ê" 9 preparing a DA, Cr Tabart wrong development in the ‘My decision to support the QUEEN $200 ■ Comment, page 10, Letters, said. He also noted that the wrong place.’ Splendour music festival f 5 YEAR page 16 f 599 police crime management On the for side, blues fes- trial… was based on four 199 QUEEN SIZE /9 7,, unit report on the proposal tival director Peter Noble years of advocacy as a coun- ■ For more on this subject go had not been provided to was of the opinion, ‘Any cillor for the arts and crea- to the forums section of our Councillors. group presenting the arts tive industries and biodiver- website – www.echo.net.au 4 August 5, 2008 Byron Shire Echo www.echo.net.au Byron Bay OPEN 7 DAYS Monday - Sunday 8am - 9pm
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700 in Mullum/Bruns run/walk MIGRATION ASSISTANCE Some migration consultants come & go but I’m here to stay LINDSAY WOOTTEN Solicitor MARN 0213118 Your local migration consultant for assistance with all migration and visa matters. Phone 6684 7318 or 0427 210993 email: [email protected]
Eve Jeffery line at race start and jostled few minor hiccoughs during Not to be outdone in the In what can only be described himself into the top ten race registration, participants extreme age categories, sev- as a resounding success, approaching the hills head- were happy with the race. eral walkers and surprisingly almost 700 people slipped ing out of Mullumbimby. ‘I think everyone who took runners took to the course into joggers and ran or Passing Uncle Tom’s, Adam part enjoyed it very much,’ with babies in prams, one walked from Mullumbimby was in second place and he said Mehil. ‘They had a couple racing across the line to Brunswick Heads in the took the lead in the run up sense of achievment for fin- each pushing a double inagural Mullum to Bruns to the highway bridge south ishing the course and at the pram. Run and Walk. of Bruns, finally completing same time it created a sense Mehil says at this stage he Competitors were literally the course in 40 minutes. of community. The main plans to present the event lined up along Argyle street Adam was followed 7 min- reaction from people has again next year on the first to sign up for the walk and utes later by Renee Kelly who been that they want to get fit Sunday of August, but for the runners were hot to trot at 26 was first home for the and be in better shape for now he will put up his tired at the high school from 7am women. Renee, like many of next year’s event. They are feet for a day or two. on Sunday morning waiting the competitors on the day, already looking toward the To become a part of next for the shotgun start which was from the Gold Coast. future of the race. That’s a year’s planning committe or rang out at 8.53am. Hero of the day and event fantastic result.’ view a complete set of results There were over 800 reg- initiator Mehil Beckerman One of the pleasant sur- which will be loaded onto istered participants by the was all smiles on Sunday at prises of the day was when the website by the end of the time the starter’s gun the sound shell. Mandy Nolan, who was MC week, visit www.mullumto- exploded and about 230 ‘I am very pleased with the for the award ceremony, bruns.org.au. runners and 470 walkers outcome of the race,’ said spoke to the oldest partici- crossed the line at Bruns- Mr Beckerman. ‘My target pant of the day Gordon wick Heads, most finishing for participants was 500. Simpson who was at first the course in under two When I finally tallied up the concerned that at 91 he may hours. earlybird entries there were not finish the course. Gor- The fastest man on the over 580 and I was really don from Mullumbimby was day was Adam Horder, 36, surprised.’ quite chuffed when he com- from Ballina, who was repre- Organisers for the event pleted the walk and will hold senting the Intershape Ladies were pleased that the race ran the record as its most senior Gym. Adam was on the front smoothly and after a only a competitor. Come to meeting on Bruns skatepark The Sk8Brunswick Task- skatepark. The skatepark youth wonder again why the force, a subcommittee of the designer will be there to process has taking so long. Brunswick Chamber of gather ideas and explain the We believe the report on Commerce, invites all the process and timeline ahead. submissions is finally com- skaters, friends, parents and ‘The Sk8Park Taskforce ing up to Council for consid- current and prospective has had a planner and eration in August. Will Councillors to the Housie skatepark designer on Council find yet another rea- Shed this Saturday August 9, standby for months,’ says the son to delay the skatepark or 11am-1pm, for a sausage group. ‘It is now August, and will Councillors agree give to sizzle and update on the our extremely frustrated it the go-ahead?’ 6 August 5, 2008 Byron Shire Echo www.echo.net.au Local News Students farewell Variety bashers Date set for Mullum Civic Hall opening
Mullum Public students Ziggi Jacks, Shai-Lee Hunt, Rochelle Boulton, Grace Marsden, Anatole Serret and Riley Pike last week farewelled Variety Bash crew Trevor Watts and Dave Riddle. Trevor and Dave will be joined by Lyle Crandell for the 10 day, 4,000km ‘drive’ from Blacktown to Batemans Bay (the long way). In the nine years Trevor has been doing these bashes he has raised $162,000 for children with special needs. This year they have already had $21,000 pledged by local sponsors. They give a fig for Richie Allen fundraiser This Friday lunchtime Fig injured Bangalow Rugby built house for Richard and Tree restaurateurs Jules and player Richard Allen. Local his young family. Last year Che Devlin will be moving singing duo Scarlett Affec- Richard broke his neck while kitchen to the Bangalow A&I tion kick off the fundraising playing rugby for Bangalow Hall for the annual Richard event before being joined by and is now facing life as a Allen Sportsmen’s Lunch. special guest Merv Hughes quadriplegic. Bringing with them the as well as Ex-Wallabies Tim Festivities will start at tastes and tales of over 20 Horan, Rod Kafer and Dick 12pm on Friday August 8. years combined industry Marks, former Adelaide Tickets are still available and experience the Devlin boys Crows ruckman Shaun Rehn cost $120 including a three- will be fulfilling their phi- and rugby league legend course meal, beer, wine and losophy of ‘local produce, Craig Salvatori. a fantastic line-up of enter- global flavour, cooked and All proceeds from the tainment. For more infor- served with care’ in an event will go towards the mation call Dan on 0418 attempt to raise funds for construction of a purpose 741 408. TAKE A LEAP INTO THE FUTURE ACE Byron Shire has FREE government funded places in these certifi cate courses – people between 15 and 25 are Mullumbimby Civic Memorial Hall members Julie Brooks the chairperson, venue manager Brooke encouraged to apply. Francesco Newberry and vice chairperson Marion Russo. Photo Jeff Dawson t$FSUJöDBUF***JO3FUBJM t*SSJHBUJPO(short course) The revamped Mullum- vignettes throughout the producer who has worked t3BEJP#SPBEDBTUJOH(short course) bimby Civic Memorial Hall evening, directed by Richard on four major opening and t$FSUJöDBUF*7$PNNVOJUZ4FSWJDFT is set to be reopened with an Vineycomb, director of closing ceremonies in the t$FSUJöDBUF*7JO5SBJOJOH"TTFTTNFOU all day event on Saturday ACE. last ten years, including the 5IFTFDPVSTFTTUBSUJO"VHVTU August 30 from 10am Paul Jones was employed Sydney Olympics opening 'PSDPVSTFJOGPSNBUJPOHPUPUIF"$&XFCTJUFo to10pm. as the architect to help to and closing ceremonies in XXXBDFCZSPOPSHBVPSDBMMUIF"$&0óDF APPLY FOR A FREE PLACE NOW! The day will begin with bring the building back to 2000. the viewing of the venue in life. New committee mem- Brooke Newberry, who 'PSGVSUIFSJOGPSNBUJPOBOEUP If you are over 15 years old, an the morning, a program of bers have joined the team – settled in Mullum with her FOSPMDBMM"$&POPS Australian citizen or permanent HPUPXXXBDFCZSPOPSHBV youth entertainment in the Julie Brooks, chairperson, family last year, is doing the resident and seeking work you are Byron Region Community College afternoon and music, com- who moved to Mullum in venue bookings and can be eligible to apply for a free place. edy, theatre and dance 2007, is a theatre and event contacted on 6684 6325. www.echo.net.au Byron Shire Echo August 5, 2008 7 Local News Four year old Cash fan wins first heat of Family Idol Improving relationships subject of ACE course ‘So much of what we experi- 10, 10am-4pm and, Effec- ence in our relationships tive Communication and with others goes unsaid, or Resolving Conflict running comes out in ways that can for five Fridays, August 15 be very damaging,’ says ACE to September 12, 10am- tutor Gayle Russell. 12.30pm. Both courses will ‘We often struggle with be held in Mullumbimby. indecision and a lack of clar- ‘Some people are at a cri- ity over what is happening sis point in their life, are with others. It may be reas- plagued with self-doubt or suring to know that you are lack of direction,’ said Ms not alone in these experi- Russell. ences and things can change ‘Some have a struggle for the better, for your own defining their personal or wellbeing.’ emotional boundaries and Two courses are currently saying no. Either of these being offered by ACE that courses will help you see will give you valuable experi- ways to step in new direc- ences and the skills to more tions and change what you fully express your needs. really don’t want in your Gayle Russell, trainer and life.’ Gestalt psychotherapist is Places are quickly filling offering Assertiveness and for these ACE courses. On ukulele, Reilly Baum, vocals Kia McHugh, lead guitar and roadie Mick McHugh, Sophie Haguel on mirror ball and Leilani Hagues Improving Relationships, on Phone ACE now on 6684 providing lilting harmonies. Photo Jeff ‘Bathroom Baritone Bovver Boy’ Dawson Saturday August 9, Sunday 3374 to secure your place. Mandy Nolan prising that young Kia’s involvement in upcoming almost a case of everyone Family Idol launched its musical tastes are a little heats and are encouraging wins a prize!’ North Coast heats at the more highbrow than the families to take up the chal- First prize of $1000 will Byron Services Club last Wiggles! Kia wowed onlook- lenge and give it a go. be awarded at the Father- *`>ÌÀÞ Ê/ Thursday with local Dad ers as she crooned ‘I fell into ‘It’s about families having hood Festival the first Sun- and daughter duo, Kia and a burning wing of fwire, I fun together – we are select- day of September. Heats are >Þ Mick McHugh, taking out went down down down and ing people from the heats happening throughout the the honours with their rendi- the fwames went higher...’ based on how entertaining areat, with this Thursday at Andy Jenkins BSc. tion of Ring of Fire. Other contestants chipped they are – so if you can jug- the Ballina RSL at 6pm and UÊ}iÌi]ÊivviVÌÛiÊ«`>ÌÀÞÊ Young Kia is just four in with versions of In the gle, or dance, or sing, or even Heat 3 at Bangalow Bowlling UÊ}ÀÜÊÌi>ÃÊUÊÀÌ ÌVÃÊ years old and is a dedicated Jungle and You are My Sun- tell a joke, then that’s Club on Thursday August UÊ iiÊEÊ>ÀV Ê«>ÊUÊii]Ê «ÊEÊL>VÊ«> Johnny Cash fan. Her folks shine. Judges Ross Noble enough!’ Mel said. 14. discovered this on a recent and Kurtis were impressed The kids went home with To register your interest, Holdsworth House Medical Practice car trip when she enthusias- with the small but very cute CD vouchers from Byron phone 6684 2309 or just 37 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay 02 6680 7211 tically started singing along first heat. Music and $10 vouchers turn up at one of the heats. with the CD. Organisers Colin George from Toy Kingdom. See www.fatherhoodfestival. Her dad Mick is a singer/ and Mel Gregory are hoping ‘There are so many prizes,’ com for full details of the songwriter, so it’s not sur- for increased community Mel went on to say, ‘it’s Fatherhood Festival. VOTE 1 “Patrick has proven to the local community to be committed to the quality of life and Hearts on their sleeves for Bay FM radiothon culture in the region and would be great to have on the people side of Byron Shire ‘We are so blessed in this shire to be Council” – JB, John Butler Trio surrounded by independent and pro- Remember in September gressive community media,’ says the enthusiastic Bay FM crew. ‘We are Patrick Morrisey even more blessed that members of t1I%&OWJSPONFOUBM1PMJUJDT 4PVUIFSO$SPTT6OJWFSTJUZ this community financially support tZFBSTDPNNVOJUZBEWPDBDZ their community owned media. "VUIPSJTFECZ1.PSSJTFZ.BGFLJOH3PBE(PPOFOHFSSZ/48 ‘This can be in the form of advertis- ing, subscriptions, classifieds etc. This time of year, our community radio sta- tion, BayFM 99.9, calls on its com- munity to subscribe. Your subscription ensures the survival of this community asset, in addition to the possibility of winning many giveaways over the Radiothon period and the rest of the year. ‘Subscribing is easy. You can call us on 6680 7999, you can either pay by credit card, or pledge to pay and make later payment by dropping into the station (upstairs at the rear of the Byron Cultural & Community Cen- tre). Daily prizes are drawn over the two weeks of Radiothon (August 15-31) for all those that have paid. ‘Local businesses have generously donated thousands of dollars in major prizes to be drawn at our Carnivale by the Sea on August 31. This year, we want to celebrate Radiothon by invit- % # !$ ! % ! ! ! ing the community to join together at % $ $! % the beautiful location of the Byron Bay % % ! Surf Club and Apex Park. ‘Circus arts, music, face painting, %" ! ! %"!$ # food stalls are just some of the family friendly activities. We are also aiming Feel the love: Volunteers get into shape for the Bay FM annual radiothon at the commu- Phone: 6621 2734 www.hamptonandlarsson.com.au to have a waste free event.’ nity centre. Photo Jeff ‘I Left My Heart In The Other Camera Bag’ Dawson 8 August 5, 2008 Byron Shire Echo www.echo.net.au Local News Film sets out to oppose Islamophobia
Eve Jeffery (FATA), in the north-west of day, a major religion and What possesses a paramedic the country.’ more than a billion people to become a film director in Benjamin didn’t intend around the world who fol- a country where holding a to make a film at all and lowed it had been side- camera can get you had originally written a swiped. Being a great admirer arrested? book called Warrior Poets, of film, I thought this would Benjamin Gilmour visited about his adventures in be an excellent way to make Pakistan seven years ago Pakistan and the men in a contribution to opposing and his experience there some of the small villages Islamophobia, because many thrust him into the world of who, though they made ordinary people around the filmmaking and the centre weapons of death, were world simply do not have of one of the most conten- more interested in music any experience of Muslim tious issues in the last fifty and poetry, but he realised people beyond the evening years. that the right medium in his news. ‘In August 2001, a month attempt to balance out the The film Son Of A Lion before 9/11, my girlfriend perception people in the was the product of his quest, and I test fired AK47s in the West have of Muslims as a written with the help of the dusty gun-manufacturing whole after the events of people of Kohat and Darra town of Darra Adam Khel September 11 would be Adam Kel themselves, and which is part of the Federally through film. filmed in secrecy, a simple Administered Tribal Areas ‘The way I saw it, on that story of a man and his son was born – Sher Alam Afridi NEWNew SummerWINTER MENUMenu and his son Niaz live in the and he expects that one day who believes the entire vil- cinema season booked for wild passes of the North Niaz will take over the family lage is casting judgement on the film. The screening will West Frontier Province of business, just as he did from him. be held at the Byron Cine- Pakistan on the border with his own father. In the denouement, both mas on Tuesday August 12 at Afghanistan. The guts of the story is father and son are able to see 7pm, followed by Q and A Niaz never knew his that the 11 year old boy Niaz each other more clearly and with Director Benjamin Gil- mother as she died when he wants to go to school and Sher Alam finally asks Niaz mour and special guests from TUESDAY NIGHTS was an infant, leaving Sher learn to read and this how long it will take to learn Pakistan Hayat Khan Shin- OUR FAMOUS ITALIAN NIGHT Alam his sole parent. Like becomes the subject for dis- to read and write. wari, Executive Producer of CHOICE OF MAINS & VINO $20 most men in the village of cussion throughout the daily There will be a one-off the film, and his son Niaz, Darra, Sher Alam has a life of the townsfolk, much screening of the film in Byron the young lead actor (also Daily changing dinner specials workshop making weapons, to the shame of Niaz’s father, Bay as there is currently no called Niaz). 3 COURSE MEAL & WINE $35 WED - SAT Entries pour in for Ocean Shores Art Expo Entries have poured in for The Opening Launch entry), there are art demon- Artists’ Café. the Ocean Shores Arts Expo Party is on Friday at 7 pm. strations, the long-awaited Major sponsors are TAFE WINNER: BEST CAFE / RESTAURANT 07 WINNER: BEST NEW RESTAURANT 06 to be held at the OS Com- Everyone is welcome. For Black and White History Murwillumbah, Sochacki Open 7 days from 6am munity Centre from Friday just $10 there are drinks and presentation, kids art, hands- Solicitors and the local Lions (02) 6680 7994 August 8 to Sunday 10. nibbles with ambient music, on community art, great branch. Enquiries 6680 www.whynotbyronbay.com.au Registrar Maggie Golightly a chance to meet artists and blues/jazz/soul music and the 2085. is amazed at the response. art lovers, check out art and ‘It’s the biggest ever. We have sculpture, and hear the about 180 entries, up by 60 announcement of winners. Taxi drivers convicted of Dawn from last year. The judges this year are Griggs murder in India ‘This is exciting for buy- Lorraine Abernethy, ers. There are a lot of people, renowned exhibiting artist, Two taxi drivers, Jyotish residents and tourists, want- TAFE teacher and art thera- Prasad and Ashish Kumar, ing local original art for pist from Kingscliff, and have been convicted of the homes, work spaces and as Fiona Fells, artist and head murder of Byron Bay woman gifts. The Expo is a great lecturer in Ceramics at South- Dawn Griggs near Delhi air- place to acquire quality ern Cross Uni, Lismore. port in March 2004. affordable art and sculp- Over the weekend from 10 A writer and educator, Ms Amitayus ture.’ am to 4 pm each day ($3 Griggs had travelled to India to participate in a meditation Hospice Service course and to present funds The Byron Shire community’s ‘at home’ hospice to a women and children’s Offering free, compassionate support for people shelter. living with a life threatening illness who choose to Pe n ci l El e ct i o n Ms Griggs was well-known stay at home among family and friends. The reason we have pencil stripes at and liked locally and her election is so that people with rubbers can book Spirit of Learning was Amitayus: regarded as an important change the results. t4VQQPSUTQFPQMFPGBMMCFMJFGTZTUFNTPOBOPO work in education theory. EFOPNJOBUJPOBMBOEOPOEJTDSJNJOBUPSZCBTJT With Frank (How Much) Sartor and Morris In September 2003 she t*TBAOPUGPSQSPmU OPOHPWFSONFOUPSHBOJTBUJPO (I sell it) Iemma in charge, I wouldn’t let organised the Soul in Educa- and is registered as an incorporated association. them count the fingers of a baby in case tion Conference, with many local groups participating, at t1SPWJEFTDPNQSFIFOTJWFTVQQPSUGPSUIFOFFETPG one is missing. So let’s have Byron elections in Lake Ainsworth, Lennox clients and their primary carer. ink and let local hall committees oversee the Head. tWorks closely with medical practitioners, community counting. and palliative care nurses and other community Let’s also vote on the following: services. Market’s down, best time to sell! 1. Maximum 10% of council revenue to administration. Sure, you may not get quite as much right now, but the home you t1SPWJEFTWPMVOUFFSDBSFSTXIPIBWFHSBEVBUFE 2. Total freedom of access to all council records, to all go on to buy next will also be cheaper, probably more so. GSPNUIF"NJUBZVT$BSFSTUSBJOJOHDPVSTF You won’t have to compete with as many other buyers AND you t0GGFSTJUTTFSWJDFDPNQMFUFMZGSFFPGDIBSHF inhabitants of the Shire over the internet. will be saving money on stamp duty too. So go against the herd 3. Set up a new state in the Northern Rivers called Bundjalung. – don’t wait until spring when loads of others come onto the market! It makes sense…so does saving around 40% to 50% on your Amitayus Hospice Service 4. Give Bundjalung government the right to print & issue its agents fees AND not paying one single cent for advertising! That’s a very substantial saving indeed, we are talking many thousands PO Box 696 Mullumbimby NSW 2482 own money. The Australian dollar is bankrupt because of of $$$. Call me today to fi nd out more. (02) 6684 3808 overprinting of dollars by private Federal Reserve Bank. [email protected] Freedom Brothers and Sisters www.amitayus.org.au BERT DELYSTER 109 MAFEKING ROAD, GOONENGERRY PHONE 6684 9118 (07) 5506 6645 or 0414 997 722 www.echo.net.au Byron Shire Echo August 5, 2008 9
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Vol 23 #09 August 5, 2008 forget 12 years of indolence, hand, and in any case there here was much to loathe They probably carried dis- cowardice, arrogance and are problems about all of Tabout the Howard years, ease and may well have been self-indulgence. them. Joe Hockey? Too casual. but two things were utterly smuggling drugs. By 2001 Splendour’s main chance Not only that but it has Julie Bishop? Too West Aus- unforgivable. One was the they had become child-mur- decided that these are the tralian. Tony Abbott? Too abandonment of Australian derers and potential terror- Perhaps I should declare an interest – I have known very qualities that can propel demented. citizens to illegal imprison- ists. No wonder they were two of the developers of the North Byron Shire it back into government. All Thus those Libs who ment and torture – David locked up: after all, if they Peter Costello has to do is hadn’t done something wrong Parklands site, Rob Doolan and Brandon Saul, over nod his head, and the leader- obviously they wouldn’t be a number of years and have found them affable ship is his. Such is the trust Costello the spendthrift behind barbed wire. and helpful, even when I have not agreed with their his colleagues now have in presided over ten interest Just to prove the point the plans. They are among the minority of developers him that they will not even running of the camps was who have not threatened me with litigation or, like require him to spend a brief rate rises and bequeathed turned over to a firm which one prime Queensland specimen, suggested the best period in an iron lung, to us a recession we did not specialised in running Ameri- place for me was ‘six feet under’. (Even he shall have check whether he would have to have. can prisons and whose boss his way in time.) finally be prepared to work in boasted of the harshness of one. It has taken just seven his treatment of inmates. Oth- Yet I cannot bring myself to support Saul’s by Mungo MacCallum and a half months in opposi- ers were outsourced to Nauru and Doolan’s NBSP venture, both on social and tion to turn Yellow Costello, and Papua New Guinea, put- environmental grounds, which I have outlined at the man who never was, into believe they can restrict Rudd Hicks and Mamdouh Habib. ting them beyond the reach of length in an earlier Echo. The current Splendour DA Peter the Great, conservative Labor to three years in the The other was rhe incarcera- Australian law. on the Yelgun site is for a ‘trial event’ supposedly, so Messiah. The proposition same way they restricted tion of children behind razor And of course all the pris- the developers stand to lose millions if the trial does appears so unlikely that one’s Whitlam Labor are drawn, in wire until they went mad. oners were kept isolated from not convince government the event is worthy of a first instinct is to dismiss it as many case reluctantly, to Yes- Of course mandatory the media; the lie Ruddock repeat performance. fantasy, one of the alternative terday’s Man. Obviously they detention began under Labor, used to do so was that he was political realities indulged in emphasise his strong points: and there were already dis- protecting their privacy. In Fortunately for developers, the opinions of by the political staff of The He is a good performer in turbing stories coming out of fact, of course, they were commentators do not carry legal weight. Our local Australian. However it is just parliament when he can be the detention camp at Port clamouring to tell their sto- council was charged with making the decision – so possible that the Libs have hit bothered; no one is better at Hedland by the time John ries. When they were able to, far – and found 5-4 in favour of the Splendour at the same level of desperation kicking a weakened opponent Howard came to power in Ruddock and his department Yelgun DA. that persuaded them to offer to death. And he is a relict of 1996. But it was he who intensified the smear cam- The debate in Council chambers last Thursday was a Alexander Downer the lead- the economic boom: while no developed the idea as a con- paigns against them. prime example of liberal democracy in action – parties ership in 1994. sensible person would give scious policy of government, The assumption always was pro and con had their say in public access, councillors Certainly even his most him the credit for the good to be pursued for political that they were guilty, and the dedicated supporter (Nick times, he is at least a reminder gain whatever the cost to the onus was on them to prove put their views, and there was some lively argy-bargy. Minchin) seems to have given of them. victims. otherwise, a task made nearly Mayor Jan Barham steadfastly held her position as up on Brendan Nelson fol- But this can easily be It wasn’t just the children impossible by the fact that meeting chair and opponent of the DA, despite being lowing the great climate turned against him: Costello who suffered: despairing adults they were never informed of the subject of uncalled-for (and often uninformed) change fiasco, but while the the spendthrift, the prodigal routinely attempted suicide the case against them. In any vituperation in the leadup to decision day. inevitability of Malcolm Turn- who pissed the nation’s wealth and self-mutilation after years case the fact that most arrived Some councillors raised the spectre of the DA bull is now accepted by all but up against a wall, presided of imprisonment. But it was at Australia’s off shore islands, going to the Land and Environment Court or even the terminally naïve, there is over ten interest rate rises and the persecution of the children now ‘excised’ from the immi- still a powerful faction that is bequeathed us a recession we which was most obscene, gration zone, meant that they falling into Frank Sartor’s hands. That’s hardly the determined to delay it as long did not have to have. For made more so when the then never even reached the asylum way to do business – councillors have to decide the as possible. many of the Hawke-Keating minister in charge, Phillip they were seeking. proposal on its merits, regardless of the threat of Another stopgap might years John Howard was Ruddock, referred to one dis- The policy was cynical, future litigation. make sense, given that it is derided as ‘the failed former turbed little boy as ‘it’. brutal, and clearly illegal For those basing their voting preferences at the still more than two years to treasurer’; it would be easy to This process of dehumani- under international law and next election on the Splendour DA decision, here’s the next election and statistics award Peter Costello the same sation was again deliberate treaty, and did immense dam- how it went – In favour of the DA: Tucker, Tardif, suggest that it is impossible title. government policy, part of a age to Australia’s standing Woods, Mangleson (also Westheimer, who won’t be for a first-up opposition leader At best installing him would propaganda campaign to abroad and to our own view to become prime minister be a big risk, assuming that the depict the internees as deserv- of ourselves. We are all better running but whose biodiversity protection record and very difficult even for the Murdoch press can persuade ing of their fate. They were for its removal. may hang on this decision and his vote to develop second choice; the job nor- him to give his supporters the not to be considered refugees, Truly, when you change the Main Arm village). Against: Barham, Tabart, Staples mally turns over at least three nod. But perhaps after nearly but asylum seekers or boat government, you change the and Lazarus. times before it leads back to a year of effective unemploy- people. country. Splendour now has its main chance to make or break the future of the NBSP venture. If the developers, or the patrons of the festival, stuff up, 6CT2P=D@5DGG The Byron Shire Echo (established 1986) ◆ SALE ◆ Publisher David Lovejoy Editor Michael McDonald AUGUST & SEPTEMBER ONLY Photographer Jeff Dawson Advertising Manager Angela Cornell ◆ BIG SAVINGS - DONT MISS OUT ◆ Accounts Manager Simon Haslam Production Manager Ziggi Browning ‘The job of a newspaper is to comfort the GREAT RANGE OF CERAMIC FLOOR TILES afflicted and afflict the comfortable.’ Finley Peter Dunne 1867-1936 INTERNAL & EXTERNAL TILES © 2008 Echo Publications Pty Ltd ABN 86 004 000 239 Village Way, Stuart Street, Mullumbimby ◆ ◆ MANY TO CHOOSE FROM ◆ ◆ Nicholas Shand Ph 02 6684 1777 Fax 02 6684 1719 17 macaulay st, north lismore 1948–1996 Byron Bay: 95 Jonson St. Ph 6685 5222 Founding Editor Printer: Horton Media Australia Ltd Reg. by Aust. Post Pub. No. NBF9237. Monday to Friday 8am-5pm Saturday 8.30am-1pm Unsolicited contributions are welcome but, given the volume of material we receive, not all sub- www.subievillage.com DLN 9828 missions will be acknowledged. Email to [email protected] is the preferred means of receipt. 293 RIVER STREET BALLINA 6686 4886 SUBIE VILLAGE IS NOT AFFILIATED IN ANY WAY WITH SUBARU AUSTRALIA www.echo.net.au Byron Shire Echo August 5, 2008 11 Letters This publication is endorsed Water is a slippery problem by Byron United. ■ I read with alarm Paul Tay- Rous Water is pursuing the Supply & Sewerage Services heritage dwindles, the catch- lor’s letter (Echo, July 29) foolish proposal to build for Non-Metro NSW. Paul ment becomes impervious.B yron regarding the Armstrong/Gel- another dam at Dunoon said ‘think back to the sew- Over the years there is more latly Water Review which although it would cost some age overflows in the Bruns- roof, more road, kerb and urges the NSW government $200m and flood a beautiful, wick River that have polluted gutter, more bikeways even, to ‘take more responsibility productive local valley. it in the past’. This pollution versus less open space. A for’ the water supply and sew- But taking away local con- is not past – it is present and case in point would be a erage services historically pro- trol is the first step down a future. In fact it is getting Woolies store replacing an vided by local and county slippery slope. Concurrent is worse with time. Massive empty pasture. ... and beyond councils. It is along the lines the legal debate about who expenditure by Council over On a peak storm day of a 2009 of the usual rhetoric from Big ‘owns’ water. the past couple of years on wet year, the sewers of Mul- Water and its stooges (all the Byron Shire Council and the Mullumbimby sewers, lum now carry 15 times way up to the Labor ministry) Rous Water, though differing and some private expendi- more rainwater than sewage. of ‘securing our water future’. in their approach, both sup- ture too, has not reversed the Some bits of the system can’t Secure YOUR position Either way, it is code for a port strong community own- trends that are common to cope past about nine times, gradual process, somewhat ership and management of all urban sewage systems: 1. so the system overflows... in our exciting 2009 issue more advanced in the energy water infrastructure through they leak! 2. it gets worse into the river. sector, where assets involving elected local government and with the age of the system. Overflowing sewers are Bookings: 0428 655 806 some degree of natural said so in their submissions. The problem is that a not past, they are present monopoly are about to be Cr Richard Staples sewer system is not confined and will get worse. sold off. Remember, local Byron Shire Council to carrying sewage, it also The answer? Urbanisa- ÀiÊi>`Ê+Õ>ÀÀÞÊ >ÀÌ ÜÀà government’s electricity assets Deputy Chair carries stormwater. To date tion and sustainability are were taken away only a few Rous Water repair in Mullumbimby has incompatible. What a shame 7iÊV>Ê`Ê>ÞÌ }Ê>`ÊiÛiÀÞÌ }° years ago. concentrated on sewer-pipe we live in the most heavily "ÕÀÊÊiÝV>Û>ÌÀÊiÛiÊ >ÃÊ>Ê}À>LÊvÀÊÀVÊÜ>à Local government is obvi- ■ Thanks to Paul Taylor for failure but the real issue is urbanised nation of the ously far from perfect. Some his letter last week on the the rainwater catchment. As world. ÕÃiÊÃÌiÃ]Êv>ÀÊÀ>`Ã] of the Shire’s sewerage plants NSW Inquiry into Secure & the level of urbanisation in a Duncan Dey >ÊiÝV>Û>Ìðà still discharge into waterways. Sustainable Urban Water town increases and its rural Mullumbimby *ÀÕ`ÊÌÊÃÕ««ÀÌ Ì iÊ*Ê>`ià White fellas The building will not cost $7 Council-owned property (by will to make BU a benefici- >`ÊÌ iÊÀi`à When Alan Rich (Letters, million or anything like it whom? to whom? for whose ary so they can continue to vÊÌ iÊLÀ>ÀÞ° July 22) applauds Bob and with the loans Council ultimate benefit?) and use improve the Bay. >ÊvÀÊ>Ê Hawke’s talk about the threat is now able to raise, the proj- the Byron Market site, Jonathan Ricketts vÀiiʵÕÌi of overpopulation (on the ect should be achieved within thereby needing to move the Byron Bay ä{£n ÈÈÈ x{È ABC’s Enough Rope), we the next couple of years. market out of town. should keep in mind that Some of us have worked Superficially the Byron Holiday letting this is a white fella talking long and hard for this United’s aims appear to While I agree with calls for a here, and white fellas require Library and the Friends cover community concerns, constructive approach to 'BNJMZ-BX a bloody lot of the earth in have been raising money for but do not be fooled. Byron holiday letting, I must take order to live. years. Where was BU’s con- United’s members do not issue with Rex Vale’s homely Geoff Dawe tribution? intend standing for Council holiday letting image of a 4QFDJBMJTU Uki Jenny Coman themselves – 30 to 40 hours ‘cottage industry with many Secretary work per week for about hundreds of local residents %JWPSDF4FQBSBUJPO BU and the library Friends of the Library $12,000 is clearly not appeal- making or supplementing 1SPQFSUZ$IJME"HSFFNFOUT Ed Ahern (Letters, July 29) ing. These clever business their income and spending – you’ve got it wrong and ■ Wake up, Byron Shire people have been busy culti- most of it in the Shire’ (Let- %FGBDUP4BNF4FY3FMBUJPOTIJQT your letter certainly does residents. Byron United, aka vating workable rapports ters, July 22). #VZJOH4FMMJOH1SPQFSUZ nothing for the credibility of Byron Bay Chamber of with some existing and some In this area, the pattern 8JMMT&TUBUFT 4UFQIFO5FTUFS #"--# Byron United. You clearly Commerce, via their mouth- potential Council candi- has been for new landlords, $MBJSF/FXUPO --# haven’t followed the plan- piece Ed Ahern, has mounted dates. Ultimately not for the residing interstate, to pur- 1PMJDF.BUUFST ning process for Byron’s new a political campaign aimed benefit of most of the resi- chase properties from local .FEJBUJPO 4UFQIFO5FTUFS Library and to leap in at the at the naive. In this time of dents of Byron Shire. residents, paying well in "TTPDJBUFT last minute with your ‘con- increasing pressures on our Pam Rose excess of $1 million. They cerns’ and ill-conceived environment because of cli- Suffolk Park then launch websites and ‘options’ makes Byron mate change, and the need arrange features in glossy -FHBM"JE $MJFOUT8FMDPNF United look very foolish for people to learn to live Defending BU continued overleaf &NBJMTUFTUFS!OPSFYDPNBV indeed. economically sustainable St Peter may well ask one It is thanks to our Mayor, lives, there has emerged this day, ‘What has David Gilet Jan Barham, that Council political group of business- done for his community?’ was finally able to acquire people intent on squeezing (Letters, July 29). RAILS the land from the Arakwal the utmost profit from Byron He is invited to join the THE people, whom you don’t Bay. Byron United team to pick deign to mention. And the The ill-informed propa- up litter, plant shrubs and THE RAILWAY FRIENDLY BAR, BYRON BAY agreement was based on the ganda letter regarding the weed at 10am on Tuesdays 6685 7662 THE FAMOUS RAILS kitchen land being rezoned for a new Byron Bay library and/or Fridays for an hour. Library and no other use. reveals a plan to sell valuable Alternatively, adjust his Wednesday 6th 6.30pm SHOEBOX Letters to the Editor WITH SUPPORT KIM CAMPBELL Fax: 6684 1719 Email: [email protected] Deadline: Noon, Friday Letters longer than 200 words may be cut; letters already published in other papers will not be considered; pseudo- Thursday 7th 6.30pm nyms not acceptable. Please include your full name, address and phone number. Comments JAMIE ASHFORTH & can also be made in our Forums section online at www.echo.net.au. ELEANOR B WILLIAMS Now is the time to Candidate for Friday 8th 7pm DETOX! Byron Shire Council: BOHEMIAN COWBOYS Saturday 9th 6.30pm A free health SUPER MARIO consultation with every An effective colonic treatment Sunday 10th 2pm NEW affordable prices on all voice for COMPASS ROSE colonic, naturopathic and liveblood analysis consultations…try our new community. Monday 11th 6.30pm detox/sauna massage package. BEN STEWART Ballina Naturopathics Basil Cameron Tuesday 12th 6.30pm 5/243 River St. Ballina, BILL JACOBI 6686 8005 Auth. B.Cameron 955 Federal Dve Goonengerry 2482 12 August 5, 2008 Byron Shire Echo www.echo.net.au Letters continued from page 11 holiday rental properties in a magazines advertising luxury residential area. Some of accommodation for up to these provide capacity for $10,000 per week, some parties of 50 people. This offering their venue for wed- surely should not be allowed ding receptions and parties. without appropriate regula- The jobs created seem to be tion of parking and noise only for cleaners who tidy up pollution or management of before the next guests arrive fire, safety and onsite sewage – I would hope we could systems. Indeed, these issues aspire to establishing more are also of concern where a rewarding career paths for house can accommodate up the youth of the Shire to ten or 12 people. And (including my own children) what of the situation where than cleaning up after rich a number of neighbouring visitors. houses provide the same Heated swimming pool, service – forming an unli- car hire, bike hire, cable TV, censed holiday complex, iso- broadband etc all provided lating residents from their onsite mean guests are not neighbours and markedly spending large amounts in interfering with the sense of the community and as a community so valued in this result, the holiday let needn’t area. necessarily provide the cash There is no doubt that injection for locals that some tourism is important for the would imagine. Shire and visitors are wel- It seems that many of us come. They are even wel- see no reason why a part of come in residential areas our home should not be let providing they behave rea- are akin to blind folk who do and developed from an acci- Mullumbimby? Then, receiv- This is why we live in Mul- to responsible holiday mak- sonably. The only way to not believe in rainbows. Una- dent in the primordial soup ing wonderful, caring assist- lum. Big thanks to you all. ers at some time – which is ensure this is for Council to ware of their lack of recep- and proceeds by pure ance from total strangers: a Now, that intersection at the why the LEP allows each of have regulations in place and tors, yet enamoured of their chance, heaped upon pure feral lad in a poncho and a post office, where Dalley and us to rent out our home for to enforce these regulations. own extraordinary intelli- chance. Long odds that have woman with a shock of white Burringbar Streets cross. up to eight weeks per year If this does not happen the gence, they wish that all those no more credibility than all (or blonde?) hair, who both There is a give way sign and with no attendant red tape. very things that attract gullible, silly buggers would the other creation myths. helped us by calling emer- a pedestrian crossing sign; This provides much needed responsible visitors to the shut up and stop talking Atheism, like religion, is a gency numbers at the scene. plainly, not everyone sees income for locals, a place to area will be lost – the local about them as though they human construct. The lack Our lovely neighbour, them. It is not unusual to see stay for visitors and, perhaps, koalas dislike drunken noisy had some significance. Some of admissible evidence for a Michael, who also happened drivers sail past those signs an insight for guests into a behaviour as much as my of these evangelicals appear proposition is not evidence to be there also kindly offered on Burringbar St at 50km/ way of living where rainwa- family does! to be afflicted with such against it. to help in any way he could. hr, without even realising ter is collected, water is con- Neil Deacon hubris that they embarrass Jim Nutter Ambulance drivers, police, their peril, or the peril in served and natural ecosys- Federal other self-styled atheists. Main Arm nurses, doctors, and all the which they place others. I tems are allowed to flourish. They have placed their staff at Mullumbimby Hos- was fortunate; all I lost was But this is very different to Blind folk faith in another narrative as Big thanks pital (let’s hope it stays open) my car and memory for a allowing the establishment It seems to me that evangeli- strange as virgin birth – that How lucky are we, surviving were calm, kind, and did brief time. of unregulated permanent cal atheists a la Veronica Guy life and consciousness began a motor vehicle accident in their job so well. Everyone I talk to seems Council candidates tackle the issues (and each other) ■ Music is an integral part The site for the Splendour ■ About four hours of I am now seeking election as turned on their heads, a him and Bob scraped back of Byron Shire culture with ‘trial’ event is the wrong site. intense, passionate and at mayor of what laughingly huge campaign would be into Council where he high levels of creativity, It’s supposed to be a wildlife times hostile debate on passes for local government launched by the aggrieved promptly proceeded to vote diversity and innovation fea- corridor and the fact that it Thursday resulted in a 5/4 in this area for the fourth dispossessed, and those out- solidly with the Tucker turing within the local music has become ‘fragmented’ decision by Council to (yes, fourth) time. side the precinct would still junta. industry. Over the years, this due to inadequate protection approve a ‘temporary’ festi- Abolish Byron Shire is my be illegally holiday letting Now, with his ‘popular’ organic industry has been an is no reason to compound val with permanent infra- basic message as it was last anyway. wife Maggie in tow as No 2, important part of the econ- the damage to wildlife habi- strucure in a very important time when I received a per- Is it a coincidence that liv- the ALP has endorsed him, omy, providing a lot of work tat. This is surely a case to wildlife corridor. If nothing sonal record vote. ing in Goonengerry, Patrick, probably on the basis that for local musicians and oth- invoke the precautionary else it reinforces just how I hereby challenge all may- you are happy to consign his retiring predecessor was ers as well as nurturing the principle to protect endan- critical every vote is, both in oral candidates to debate holiday letting to the coastal the leader of the Tucker growth of signature events gered species rather than Council, and now, at the bal- their policies and/or records fringe – if you want a pre- ‘cheer squad’ on the floor of such as the Blues and Roots take the risk that the event lot box in six weeks’ time. anytime, anywhere. cinct, would you be happy Council. Festival and Australia’s first may wipe out some species It also emphasises the Jack Sugarman for it to be in your neck of By teaming up with a very degree course in contempo- locally. importance of finding a per- Hayters Hill the woods? At least by trying suspect government with its rary music at Southern Maybe it’s time to rethink manent festival site with less to manage the problem foot firmly on the neck of Cross University. To let the our approach to festivals. physical and social con- ■ In reply to Patrick Morris- rather than quarantine it to local government and which music die would be a great For one, it might be useful straints that all festival sey’s response to my previ- a region, Council has a has cost the Byron ratepay- loss to Byron Shire. to set limits on the scale of organisers can use. That ous letter regarding the chance to control it. ers heaps, Bob has arrived at As someone with experi- festivals and to identify long both major promoters, Greens position to holiday Simon Richardson the bottom of the barrel – ence designing and promoting term festival sites. Secondly, Splendour and Blues, desire letting: it is not ‘naïve’ to Federal unless he gets One Nation music based fundraising it might reflect and nurture their own privately owned understand the workings ■ They say that patriotism is endorsement at the next events in many of our hinter- the organic music culture sites doesn’t help. We all and restraints of Council the last refuge of the scoun- election. land halls, it is heartening to better if we encourage com- need to work together to and it is not naïve to com- drel. I wonder what type of With apologies to Dr see the resolution of the munity based festivals. A find a more suitable and prehend that we do not have refugee runs to the Labor Seuss: impasse at Coorabell Hall in a festival organised by Byron permanent site where all the numbers on Council to Party? The sun did not shine. way that sees musicians shar- township or community festivals can be properly get this model passed. Of Bob Tardif, newly anointed It was too wet to play. ing the responsibility for man- based arts groups could pro- managed, whether on pub- course in an ideal world the by the ALP as their lead can- The ALP drifted with no aging the hall and community vide increased opportunities lic or private land. We need Greens would prefer the pre- didate, has a spotty history one they say. interest. This is music and per- to showcase local talent. An a festival of good ideas for cinct model, however it is of allegiances. Then out of the box. formance as part of the cul- additional benefit could be this. naïve not to understand or Entering Council on the You will see something tural fibre within our rural that performance is dis- Patrick Morrisey consider the commercial and coat tails of the former new. communities. Contrast this persed over a number of Goonengerry social disruption this model (unlamented) mayor, Tom Out of the box comes T1 with the approach taken by sites/venues through the would cause. Wilson, he soon fell out with and T2. Splendour who simply assert town/shire reducing noise ■ Groucho Marx reputedly Rhetoric of candidates his mentor and (via me) Tom Tabart a right to plonk a massive scale and traffic problems. It once said, ‘If at first you should not override under- pleaded for the support of Brunswick Heads festival adjacent to high con- doesn’t have to be a choice don’t succeed, try, try again, standing of the realities of the Greens to ‘help control servation rural land regardless between music and wildlife. then stop as you are only office. If the proposed pre- the pro-development forces ■ For more on this subject go of the impacts on the environ- Basil Cameron making a fool of yourself.’ cinct model was adopted, of Ross Tucker’. to the forums section of our ment and social amenity. Goonengerry Having ignored his advice, property values would be Like fools we believed website – www.echo.net.au www.echo.net.au Byron Shire Echo August 5, 2008 13 Letters to have had a near miss, or 107 was purchased by Coun- to come up with alternative ers in the early 80s. Let’s not This large community will forward to the unusual ses- worse, a story about an acci- cil in 1996 specifically for sportsfield sites in Ocean also forget the two parcels of not forget the neglect and sions in which panelists and dent at this spot. It could be sportsfields, and rezoned 6(a) Shores, Michele, that’s the flat ground in North Ocean the damage created by the incisive audiences grappled made safer. After school for sportsfields shortly after- elected Council’s job, and Shores, set aside in the orig- Green Councillors and Cr with Australia’s social and ‘peak hour’ is particularly wards. Following three years despite all the costly plans inal development plans for a Tardif, no matter how much political preoccupations of scary. Is it time for a rounda- of extensive searches for and consultants and all the high school and sportsfields, you distort it. the moment. Last weekend bout or – I can’t believe I’m appropriate facilities and after Councillors’ promises, four later sold to NPWS for Tina Petroff the elephant in the room suggesting this – traffic a 12 month IPO investigation and a half years on no inclusion as nature reserve Ocean Shores was climate change, and the lights? that determined that this replacement land has been by our Council. program all but ignored this Nick Edmond high, dry land was degraded found, and quite frankly And don’t even think of The big issue potentially catastrophic con- Lizi Beadman farmland with no environ- many people here think this trying to rob the people and I agree with your writer Jann cern. Perhaps the aban- Abigail Lewis mental significance. A current Council couldn’t the wildlife of their world Gilbert (Echo, July 29) that doned lecture by Tim Cos- Mullumbimby number of times we even had organise a chook raffle. class golf course, purpose the 2008 Writers Festival tello on global ethics may large turnouts for organised We have 11 reserves in built around extensive habi- will be remembered for have come to the party. CD in the mail cricket and football games, Ocean Shores, most are tat areas (wetlands). Just drama (mainly the weather) However, so far as I could It was disappointing to miss complete with BBQ lunches steep or hilly, but we used to because our Council sells off and humour (everywhere). see, the only other session some people at last Friday on this community land that have a twelfth park (5.6 hec- all our suitable public land However, this will also be title that held promise, ‘The week’s CD launch at the was robbed from us. tares of flat ground) directly does not give them or you recalled as the year when longest decade: fifteen years Byron Bay Writers Festival. It’s clear that it’s not the off Boondoon Crescent, sold the right to claim private The Big Issue of the moment of Australian politics’ was The crazy wet weather community’s responsibility by our Council to develop- land. was all but missing. I looked continued overleaf caused mayhem and some radio announcements unfor- tunately did not report the launches as ‘on’. To those who were misinformed, sorry I missed you. On the bright side the festival was POSITIONS VACANT fantastic and there will be CDs showing up in the mail for some, a long but not lost BYRON SHIRE MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS promise. See www.byron- baycdbook.com. Byron Shire Council is a local government body serving Byron Shire, with a total population of 29,000. The Council has an annual Peter Duke budget of approximately $80 million and more than 240 equivalent full time staff. General day-to-day management of the Council Byron Bay is delegated to a General Manager and staff, with elected members being primarily responsible for governance matters. Cyberknife The Council governing body consists of an elected group of 9 Councillors, one of which is also elected Mayor. All of these positions will be Great to see Patrick Swayze vacant and up for re-election on Saturday September 13 2008. Nominations for these positions close on Wed August 13, 2008. back to work after his Cyber- knife cancer treatment for Job Description pancreatic cancer that until recently only had a 5% sur- s Establish effective culture through good governance s Win back confi dence of State Government in effort to resume management of caravan parks from Department vival rate. Maybe with a high s Create long term vision and planning process profile person giving Cyber- of Lands (approximately $800,000 per year in lost Accelerate establishment of Shirewide bikeways knife exposure, things will s revenue) (increase from 9km to 36 km over four years) happen here also. I am sick s Follow through on ‘green talk’ with ‘green action’ of cancer sufferers here get- s Repair broken boardwalk at Lighthouse Rd (fi rst ting sub par treatment damaged more than 3 years ago) s Recognise and support sustainable developments and options or dying for no rea- economic projects within the region Build long overdue new library for Byron Bay to replace son other than we are ill s current inadequate facility s Defi ne and communicate clear guidelines for business equipped – how many and property developers more? s Release funds from extensive cash reserves Nicola Roxon has received ($50 million +) for community improvements s Cease costly and lengthy delays in development this letter as well and if noth- application processes misdirected funds ing is done it will be a slap in s Re-allocate to specifi c projects (e.g. library, sports fi eld) s Shift focus from parking infringements to litter the face for all cancer suffer- infringements ers! I email her every week s Improve Shire’s image and public profi le with more info regarding this s Get trains back on our tracks s Establish link roads for Byron Bay and Bangalow but still no action. Tony s Accelerate provision of affordable housing in the Shire Abbott was the same for 2 s Renovate Byron Youth Activity Centre (currently owned, years. Cyberknife is available managed, fi nanced & condemned by Council) s Reduce dependence on court battles to resolve all around the world except contentious issues s Develop & implement viable coastal management plan here. Why? s Improve ability of Council to negotiate with State and Ponder this, check out s Establish and fund a Byron Shire Tourism Offi cer to Federal Government for funding of essential services Cyberknife and ask your- support $355 million tourism-based economy (major and facilities selves the same question! source of income for Byron Shire) Ash Mackinnon s Support festival organisers to run events that encourage s Replace lost community properties (e.g. playing fi elds in Wilsons Creek low-impact tourism and provide cultural and economic Ocean Shores) benefi ts to Byron Shire Shores history s Improved access to, and upkeep of, public toilets Michele Grant’s twisted view Tasks specifi c to the Mayor include… s Develop public park and play facilities including Jarjum of Ocean Shores history playground and Byron Bay skate park s Provide leadership, and demonstrate business acumen (Letters, July 22) is very dif- and management skills ferent to local knowledge s Repair community swimming pool in Byron Bay (currently from the many people, like leaking 1 million litres p.a of chemically treated, chlorinated s Lead a team of Councillors with diverse and often me, who were born and water into the Cape Byron Marine Park) opposing views raised in this Shire. s Establish leadership role in combating litter and general s Work with the Byron Shire Council General Manager to The ‘widespread commu- achieve Council’s vision through leadership nity support’ that Michele untidiness in the Shire speaks of was in support of integrated sportsfields to If you care about these issues, and have the skills and experience to back up good intentions, we encourage you to nominate support 17 local sports for these positions. Successful candidates for these positions will have four years to achieve the above objectives. Further terms groups on Lot 107, Shara may be available subject to performance. Boulevarde, just 1000 metres down the road from Ocean To Apply: Shores Public School. Nominations close for these positions on Wednesday, 13 August, 2008 The only reason that state All Mayoral and Councillor candidates are invited to take part in interviews by Byron United. and federal governments got Responses will be independently ranked and assessed against the Byron United values, involved was because the community needs and each candidate’s past performance. Results of these assessments majority Green Councillors will be published prior to the Local Government election on 13 September, 2008. and Cr Bob Tardif sold this For more information visit www.byronunited.org.au This notice is published by Byron United in the community interest. large community out. Lot 14 August 5, 2008 Byron Shire Echo www.echo.net.au Letters Woolies is OK by us ■ Oh please, I have refrained Bring on Woolies. Don’t shop the community? My con- long enough. Woolies pro- there, I won’t miss you. tact with long term resi- testers (ironically including Paul Berry dents in particular has Mayor Jan) should have pro- Mullumbimby invited only a minority of tested the amount of hous- negative responses to Wool- ing allowed to develop in a ■ In a recent visit to Queens- worths presence. These once quiet town. Woolies is land, I spent a day and a half people represent the major- only recognising the poten- in Maleny. Contrary to Mark ity of the community who tal as this town will be Cochrane’s statement (Echo, would be protesting if they crowded with more people July 15) ‘Woolworths one considered the issue was thanks to the council. Oh stop shop would turn the one that was going to alter yeah, why no protest about main street into a derelict their lifestyle and the fabric an extra 6% increase on our town’, there was no appar- of the township. rates, cheers Jan. ent evidence in Maleny, The vocal agitators who Why no protest over the which has been used as a claim to represent the com- potholes holding the roads model of the effects of Woo- munity have worked on emo- together and the poor light- lies by protesters. There were tional issues and unproven ing of the pedestrian cross- no closed businesses, shop- claims and those who acted ings in Mullum? No, no, ping facilities were well pat- in ‘true Mullumbimby style’ let’s wait till someone is run ronised together with Wool- (maybe New Mullumbimby over. worths where most regular style) with drumming and In reference to Alok items we purchased were burning of an effigy of Wool- O’Brien’s letter, most ratio- comparable with other busi- worths have not been round nal locals I have spoken to nesses in the township. long enough to realise that who are a real reflection of Mayor Jan Barham states, true Mullumbimby style is this community shop mainly ‘Despite the community that of a quiet, peaceful and at Bi-Lo anyway, yes to save saying no, the state govern- conservative nature with a money, and only get the ment will go ahead.’ Is a more reserved approach to odds and ends in town. gathering of about 300 pro- issues without resorting to And as to not sponsoring testers (many of whom I histrionics and inflammatory the community, Woolies have have never seen in Mul- rhetoric which flavoured already given to the local lumbimby in 42 years), recent demonstrations. football team and pony club, including children, repre- J S McKay I’m sure more will come. sentative of the attitude of Mullumbimby continued from page 13 casts for Australia in the seemed worried about being held in the dying moments next ten years, but… Sydney branded a climate change of the festival late Sunday Morning Herald’s Ross Git- scaremonger. George Mega- afternoon to a packed audi- tins made a polite and eru- logenis of The Australian ence. Problem was the panel dite reference to the Big even managed to look into also shied away from the Problem, and Mungo the crystal ball to sum up elephant. As chairman, Rus- McCallum, far from his the next ten years without sell Eldridge sought fore- usual straightforward self, continued on page 16 ‘Help us get out of here...’ After 40 years in the Shire, Raylee and John are going bush! Mullumbimby Discount Tools and Mullumbimby Cycles CLOSING DOWN SALE ALL STOCK MUST GO! 10% TO 50% OFF ALL STOCK!! NOT FOR SALE 19 Tincogan St Mullumbimby www.echo.net.au Byron Shire Echo August 5, 2008 15 Articles A night of splendour in the old barn John Campbell It was a moment of seren- dipity on Mafeking Road. Carlton Cold Johnnie Walker I was rattling down it in the Commie and the bloke Stubbies Red Label on Bay FM was getting toey Carton about Splendour. He Scotch couldn’t wait for it to start, 99 700ml so he played Devo’s ‘Whip $32 It’ as a teaser. I turned it up and sang along. A Wicked van came around the bend. Euro-trash Bottle hippies on their way back from Nimbin. The girl driv- 99 ing was wearing either a $31 poorly knitted skull cap or a tea cosy (it had been cold enough in the hills to freeze the brass off a bald monkey) and as they got closer I could Carton Kentucky State see that she was singing Pure too. Blonde Bourbon and The Commie and the van $3999 took simultaneous plunges Cola Cans into and out of bomb crater Stubbies potholes and, with all of our 440ml cans arses about six inches off their seats, I saw that the girl For the three people who don’t recognse him, this is John Lennon. was mouthing the same words as I. ‘Whip it good!’ lin opened the bill and was Then it happened. ‘Twist We smiled as members of met with pitiless indiffer- And Shout.’ 4 Pack a secret society might – pop ence. Sounds Incorporated, The turning of the stage music can connect people an English instrumental had placed the Beatles right 99 like an electric current. combo, followed. On a hid- in front of us. As loud and $12 The van passed and as it ing to nothing, they ever so high pitched and ceaseless receded in my rear view mir- briefly held the restless as the screaming was, it ror I noticed that its graffiti crowd’s attention with a could not defeat John Len- included a black and white pugilistic take on ‘The Wil- non’s vocal when he reached Jamieson Banrock Station stencil of John Lennon in his liam Tell Overture.’ Like the song’s climax. ‘Well grandfather glasses. Devlin’s though, their depar- shake it shake it shake it Run Wine I flashed back to 1964. ture could not come soon baby, now!’ he belted out. ‘D’you wanna go see the enough. His auburn hair was aflame Chardonnay Range Beatles?’ My little brother The first we saw of the in the spotlight. 700ml and I weren’t old enough to Fab Four was the necks of And he was looking straight 700ml be allowed out at night, but their guitars bobbing up and at me, I was convinced of it. Bottle our big sister could be down as they made their way There were to be plenty of trusted to look after us. through the throng. Pande- other splendid nights at the 99 Bottle Dad dropped us at Rush- monium erupted. My heart Old Barn – the Who smash- $9 cutters Bay in his blue FJ raced. ing their gear at the end of 99 and we bought tickets at the No procrastinating with ‘My Generation,’ the Yard- $6 gate an hour before the show sound checks and tuning. birds’ Jimmy Page going commenced. (Can you They plugged into their right off in ‘I’m A Man’, imagine doing that today, amps and went for it. ‘I’m Killer Kowalski ripping into when you need to book for gonna tell Aunt Mary, about Spiros Arion’s guts with his months ahead just to see Uncle John … !’ Paul McCa- infamous claw hold as a some superannuated geriat- rtney shredded ‘Long Tall thousand wailing Greeks rics’ reunion concert?) Sally.’ The response was infi- went berko – but, cherished Taylors Estate The venue was Sydney nite hysteria. though the memories of Go in the Stadium, now buried under Ringo, having missed the them are, they can’t hold a Wine Range the tar and cement of the first part of the tour through candle to when John Lennon draw to win Eastern Distributor. It was illness, was welcomed back blew my waking mind. 700ml a Titans NRL built on the site where, in to the band by Paul before I’m sure that something Jersey 1908, Jack Johnson punched doing his bit with ‘Boys.’ similar happened at Splen- Bottle Tommy Burns’s lights out to Quiet George nailed ‘Roll dour to the girl in the tea become the first black heav- Over Beethoven.’ cosy. $14 99 yweight champion of the world. Inside was a theatre-in- Health service for older people the-round, with a rotating The Health Promotion talks to groups of older peo- stage circled by banks of Service for Older People ple. Volunteer Peer Educa- bleachers. The rudimentary (HPSOP) is now in the tors are trained to conduct seating was comprised of Northern Rivers. discussions on different two long planks, one on The HPSOP is a not-for- health related topics, such as which you plonked your profit service funded by medicine management (wise bum, the other your feet. NSW Health and was estab- use of medicines). There was nothing between lished in 1991 in direct If you know of a group of Shop 10 the boards, meaning that if response to a noticeable older people who would Corner Sunrise you dropped anything it increase in hospital admis- benefit from these health was lost forever in the black- sions of older people due to promotion talks, you can Boulevard & ness below. The atmospher- problems with medica- contact the Health Promo- Bayshore Drive ics were spine-tingling tions. tion Service for Older Peo- Phone 6685 5130 primitive. Since then, HPSOP has ple at 1800 451 488 or Local rocker Johnny Dev- provided free, informative [email protected]. [email protected] 16 August 5, 2008 Byron Shire Echo www.echo.net.au Letters The Splendour decision: the morning after ■ My commiserations to the from voting when such con- to the community for the day’s Splendour In the Grass immediately undermine us to suffer this abomination people and wildlife of Yel- troversial matters of large entire issue. Now the new debate. Ferociously fair and him. The same councillor that is to be visited upon gun. No surprise that the consequence come before a council will be compromised decent and in the end voting who at the last election rode us. Splendour DA was approved. Council entering its care- by inheriting Splendour as against a development which in on the preferences of the I have always stated that I Yet heartening that four of taker period. In the Splen- the status quo. It is always a you clearly had wanted to Greens only to immediately would be willing to put up the nine councillors can still dour case, Councillors Wes- much harder to reverse a support from the beginning. undermine them. If I were with one festival a year but resist the seduction of jug- theimer and Kestle had bad decision than to avoid it Thanks also to the other an ALP stalwart I would be the festival developers have gernaut developments trin- already announced they will in the first place. Greens, Tabart and Staples very nervous about voting not been interested in any keted with the allurements not run. Councillor Kestle I urge Councillor Wes- and to Cr Lazarus for throw- for a man who consistently compromise. They consist- of jobs, culture and youth in did not attend the meeting. theimer to put a rescission ing their support and empa- votes with the Nationals’ ently aim for a minimum of the service of the unstoppa- But Councillor Westheimer motion against the decision thy behind the community Tucker and voting for he four mega festivals a year. ble god. voted for the DA, making to the next Council meet- at risk, and for once again who has a reputation for bit- This festival will affect more Councillors’ decision pro- the decision 5-4 in favour. ing. supporting the residents ing the hand that fed him. than us in the north. If you cess warrants some observa- Had he abstained, which I Finally, councillors favour- affected in the face of the I write this not as a Green loved taking your kids to tions. Councillor Tucker believe was the right thing to ing the development noted usual unscrupulous tactics party member which I am play in Brunswick Heads, drew attention to the con- do, the vote would have been that the site is already of threats of litigation. not (I was an open Jan scep- think again. Be sure to pick vention that one council tied 4-4 and then decided, degraded, especially by the Threats that the weak Cr tic leading into the last elec- out the broken glass and the should not encumber a new by convention, by the Mayor activities of cows. Odd, then, Wood and Cr Tardif were tion) and not as an anti needles from below the council with the conse- using her casting vote in their faith that it can be only too eager to embrace in developer which I am not, swings. The yobs that this quences of controversial favour of the status quo, in restored by the rompings their rush to do doggy tricks but as someone who sup- type of festival attract have decisions made in or near this case against the develop- and stompings of 25,000 for their master, the Sven- ports and works consistently already eaten Byron. Now the caretaker period before ment. party animals. And cows at galiesque Cr Tucker. for the quality of life of those for poor, quaint little an election. No hospital The issue would have been least produce useful prod- Now we have the extraor- of us who live and raise chil- Bruns. passes late in the game. deferred by a month or two ucts. dinary scenario of Cr Tardif dren in this shire. I am like- Mac Nicolson Added to that should be a and decided by the new Adrian Gattenhof standing for the ALP ticket wise dismayed by the will- North Ocean Shores convention that councillors council which, if it decided Mullumbimby for the next election. The ingness of others in this who have already announced in favour, would preside over same councillor who rode in community to ignore the ■ For more on this subject go that they will not stand for the ‘trial’ and its conse- ■ Jan Barham, you were on the coat tails of Tom Wil- peril of the residents of the to the forums section of our re-election should abstain quences and be accountable magnificent at last Thurs- son two elections ago only to north of this shire and allow website – www.echo.net.au continued from page 14 the testing ten years. When imer (Echo, July 29) for I share with Peter ‘some beyond? What about the all need a smart and balanced one reference to climate are Australian journalists responses to recent letters of measure of confidence that important ‘in balance’ test approach. change at all. My great sym- and writing festival pro- mine. I have outlined my businesses and the general when we assess issues on a As far as I am concerned, pathy went to Professor grammers (not to mention position and concerns in a community will support case by case study with our a business view that ignores Brendan Gleeson of Griffith politicians) going to take our lengthy email to Peter and candidates for council who core values, with that later- the community as well as a Uni who seemed utterly future seriously? trust he is fully aware of embrace climate change and ally interconnecting bigger community view that ignores frustrated with the whole June Saville issues at stake. Combined sustainability initiatives in picture in mind? What about business are both undesira- scene, gasping that those Banora Point with the issues raised in my planning and management, the all important perform- ble and unsustainable. In political characters who letters I am indeed still wait- financial responsibility, ance assessment when we fact I would argue that busi- bleat about 5c changes in Can-do needed ing for some answers transport and traffic solu- look at tangible achieve- ness is part of the commu- petrol prices will not even be I thank Sue Taylor, Joanne (optional of course) to many tions including rail, creative ments, specifically over the nity (as humans are part of remembered at the end of Langton and Peter Westhe- of those issues raised. industries support, sustain- past few years… started shiv- the environment) and sepa- able tourism and empower- ering yet? Isn’t a perform- rations therefore no suitable ing of local and regional gov- ance record the ultimate way forward. Business is ernment’. Peter, that indeed judge whether we are on the indeed a very important part bali antara makes a good summary of right or wrong track? Don’t of community. Just imagine lifestyle imports an important part of the we have a duty to investigate how we would fund our overall agenda. Let’s include why, and correct when, beautiful projects without what appear to be CAN’s things underperform? funds (business) – reality core principles ‘of environ- My assessment is that our surely bites right here and CLOSING DOWN SALE! mental sustainability and current horizon measuring now! community consultation’… in green only is way too Rene Thalmann ONLY 10 DAYS TO GO! All fine so far, but for me narrow and our experience Ocean Shores there is an all important and knowledge pool with missing link to a much this council simply insuffi- ■ Letters received from John broader, bigger picture: cient. Our aim at the Anderson, Coorabell, Keryn What about overall sus- upcoming elections is to Robinson, Yarraville VIC, tainability that includes fac- elect a capable can-do team Paul Brecht, Mullumbimby, tors such as social, cultural, that is able to deliver on a Greg Hawkins, Brunswick economic and laterally inter- range of important projects. Heads, Angela Warren, Wan- connecting sustainability and To get matters right we ganui. BU call to candidates on bike tracks Byron United is challenging environmentally conscious been able to attract state candidates contesting the and committed to sustaina- government funding to cre- upcoming Council election ble living when most chil- ate linkages to local schools. to commit to a bike strategy dren in the region can’t even It has also successfully 20% OFF that will see at least 36 kilo- ride their bikes safely to attracted bicycle tourists OUR ALREADY INCREDIBLY LOW metres of bike paths built in school? We need a cycling from across the country.’ PRICES the next four years. Presi- policy in place that will help Mr Ahern said cycle tour- dent Ed Ahern said it was shift our reliance on vehicles ism was a growing niche time Council seriously and fuel.’ market with considerable encouraged cycling as a safe, Mr Ahern said Byron Bay opportunities for regional healthy, affordable and envi- should follow the lead of economies. Decent bikeways ronmentally friendly form of Wangaratta Council which would attract more cycling travel. built a 100km network of tourists and cycling day trip- ‘During the past four bike tracks over ten years, pers, enable the Shire to host financial years, Council has establishing itself as Austral- cycling events, and encour- Recycled teak dining tables from $720 built less than ten kilometres ia’s regional cycling capital. age participation in national of bike track. At this rate, it ‘Wangaratta is a rural city in initiatives such as Ride to AND LOTS MORE! will be at least 15 years Victoria with a similar popu- Work Day. Open 7 days Mon–Fri 10am – 5pm Sat & Sun until 2.30pm before we have anything lation to Byron Shire. Mr Ahern also supported at 102 Centennial Circuit (behind Ozigo) resembling a shire-wide bike ‘Wangaratta Council is a proposal to use the exist- network,’ Mr Ahern said. committed to encouraging ing, defunct rail line as a bike Phone Ben or Klaudia 0423 159 198 ‘How can we claim to be kids to ride to school and has and walking trail. www.echo.net.au Byron Shire Echo August 5, 2008 17 #ALL 6672 3464 FOR A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE s s ,OUVRES n ,OUVRES n GLASSGLASS TIMBER ALUMINIUM s "I FOLD DOORS s &RENCH