THE TWEED SHIRE Volume 2 #02 Thursday, September 10, 2009 Advertising and news enquiries: Phone: (02) 6672 2280 Fax: (02) 6672 4933 [email protected] [email protected] www.tweedecho.com.au LOCAL & INDEPENDENT Pages 10 - 111 Developer link to gangland investigation
Ken Sapwelll
Kings Forest developer Bob Ell has become embroiled in a police investigation into the gangland-style shooting last week of reputed stand-over man and accused arsonist, Michael McGurk. Mr McGurk’s murder has triggered sensa- tional claims of bribes involving state and fed- eral MPs which are now being investigated by the State’s corruption watchdog, the Independ- ent Commission Against Corruption. Mr Ell is not a suspect in the case but police are hoping that he and other McGurk associates can help identify people who may be motivated to organise what they suspect is a professional hit. The media-shy billionaire property devel- oper is not commenting but his right-hand man On common ground… on the Tweed, Reg van Rij, this week disputed claims that his boss or his company, Leda Hold- Anti-rally protesters chatted with two of the leading world rally drivers, Dani Sordo, of Spain (sitting on car) and Sebastien Loeb, of France, the ings, had put the former lightbulb salesman on five-times world champion, after the Byrrill Creek stage of the event was cancelled last Friday. The drivers, according to locals, sympathised with the payroll. opponents of the rally saying they were unaware it was to be run through a residential area or in national parks. Loeb, who won the weekend ‘Mr Ell had some business dealings with him event on time but was later relegated to second place on a technicality, apparently told them ‘How could your government get away with this?’ but to my knowledge he did not employ him,’ ■ See Rally receives a mixed response, page 3 said Mr van Rij, who is project manager for the 880ha Kings Forest site which Mr Ell wants to gunned down outside his Sydney home in front they decided to take the money and run. After the 1999 council elections which swept turn into a small city. of his son that he feared for his life. The former Hawke government tourism min- the pro-development Balance Team into of- Asked whether Mr McGurk’s services may Mr McGurk is the latest in a colourful pro- ister John Brown introduced them to Japanese fice in a campaign masterminded by Mr Bed- have been used to resolve ownership claims by cession of people either linked to Mr Ell or woodchip company, Narui Norin, who bought ser, staff insisted on a new master plan for the others over parts of the site west of Cabarita the Kings Forest site which has long-been em- the land for $22 million, with Mr Brown being site because it included wetlands that fed into since Mr Ell acquired it in 2003, Mr van Rij said: broiled in litigation and was once at the centre rewarded with a $1million unit in a Brian Ray Cudgen Creek. ‘Emphatically not’. of the biggest fraud scam in the shire’s history. development. Former councillor Bob Brinsmead, who According to Sydney Morning Herald re- It was originally owned in the 1970s by Cam- In the headlines that followed, Mr Brown owned a tourist attraction which adjoins Kings porter Kate McClymont, Mr Ell employed Mr bridge Credit before it went bust, leaving inves- claimed the property was a gift but the Tax Forest, sparked a Department of Local Govern- McGurk as a debt collector and negotiator and tors broke and angry. Office said it was income, and hit him with an ment investigation which failed to support his had posted $100,000 bail for the Scotsman on It was picked up by local car dealer Bill Bedser assessment of $819,000. claims that staff were trying to stop the project. recent firebombing and assault charges. before being on-sold to a consortium which in- In 1995 Narui appointed Tim Barr as its Aus- During this time council and Lands Depart- The controversial businessman and lender of cluded Mr Ell, Brian Ray and Malcolm Edwards tralian representative but the property bubble ment inspectors were kept busy investigating last resort purportedly had a recording of a con- for $8 million. burst and the company was under pressure incidents of illegal clearing and burning which versation capable of bringing down the NSW Their company, Monacorp, made some from its bank to push harder for development were undermining its environmental status. government and claimed just days before he was progress in developing the estate but in 1990 consent. continued on page 2
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ART EXPO & COMPETITION Ocean Shores Community Centre Fate of koala colony Preschoolers’ OPENING NIGHT Friday 18th Sept 7pm aerial antics Expo open Fri, Sat, Sun hangs in balance 18th –20th Sept on show 10am-4pm • Art Demos Ken Sapwell koala plan of management • Café • Poetry Reading which optimises their chances • Community art canvas • Local musicians The fate of one of the Tweed’s of survival. Program details see : www.osartexpo.com last remaining viable koala Mr van Rij says his company QUALITY ART FOR SALE AT AFFORDABLE PRICES colonies hangs in the balance has followed due process in a Big thanks to our major sponsors: Lions Club of Brunswick Mullumimby, Print Rescue, Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, Byron Shire Council, as the government prepares to bid to address concerns raised OSCA Byron Shire News, Summerland, NC Institute of TAFE, Echo. release the brakes on the long- by the community and fol- stalled Kings Forest develop- lowed the advice of Dr Carrick, ment, says Team Koala Inc a University of Queensland zo- president Jenny Hayes. ology lecturer. Ms Hayes says the 880ha site ‘We have gone about it in which Leda Holdings wants an appropriate and fulsome to turn into a satellite city of [sic] fashion,’ he said, adding 10,000 people is home to one that appropriate restrictions of two colonies in the shire had been placed on pets to which koala expert Steven prevent them from attacking Phillips identifies as still viable koalas. and disease-free. But she fears that the colony No changes to plans will be wiped out if the govern- Ms Hayes said she was dis- ment agrees to Leda’s concept appointed that Leda had made plans which allow residents to hardly any changes to its plans keep dogs and utilise an 18- despite the avalanche of con- hole golf course which she be- cerns. lieves should be turned into a ‘The restrictions they plan to koala sanctuary. impose to help save the koalas Her comments come as are either impractical or would council staff prepare an official not be enforceable,’ she said. response to Leda’ s submis- ‘There are no road under- sions made in reply to the 1500 passes or overpasses for wild- public submissions against the life even though there will be project that have been received an estimated 16,000 car move- Mt Warning Community Preschool pupils l-r Layla Kernaghan, by the government so far. ments a day. Matilda and Sunny Gudgeon, Michele Thomas on trapeze and Project manager Reg van ‘Leda thinks that the prob- Madhuri Fitch on set in the preschool grounds which will be Rij has rejected the claims, lem will be overcome by in- transformed into a circus cabaret venue next week. saying that the company had stalling speed humps and im- engaged leading koala expert, posing a speed limit but who is Roxanne Millar cabaret, as the myths contain Frank Carrick, to prepare a going to be around to enforce great characters and messages any restrictions?’ Ancient Greek tales will be told still relevant to our modern in the skies above Uki later this world,’ said Michele. Dog restrictions month at an aerial circus caba- ‘The show will be a mixture Ms Hayes said similar en- ret to raise funds for a local of circus performers from the forcement problems would ex- pre-school. area, talented parents and staff ist with proposed restrictions Tweed Valley Circus Arts and the involvement of chil- SOLAR on dogs, which included lock- director Michele Thomas will dren from the preschool.’ ing them up at night, keeping erect an outdoor rig in the A spokesman said all funds them on a short leash and lim- grounds of the Mount Warn- raised would go towards the iting their weight to under 10 ing Community Preschool for preschool, which has been op- kilograms. an enchanting sky-high per- erating for 28 years, and hopes HOT WATER ‘Some of the smaller breeds formance. to establish a sustainable en- such as terriers are known to Having studied with Sydney ergy component. attack koalas – they should aerial theatre company Aeri- The preschool wants to get take a leaf out of the success- alize and performed at the the message of sustainability ful Koala Beach development Sydney Olympics, Michelle is out to its charges at a young REBATES STILL which bans cats and dogs out- completely at home with her age, giving them access to solar right.’ tall task. water, recycling and greywater She said the proposed golf ‘The preschool grounds facilities. course fragmented wildlife make a fantastic location for The cabaret will be held next corridors and suggested it an outdoor show,’ she said. Saturday, September 19. Gates AVAIL ABLE. should be turned into a koala Fantasy Circus Cabaret will open at 5pm for a 6pm start. sanctuary with the potential to feature locals performing high Bring a picnic rug and a cush- be a major drawcard for both above their audience as pre- ion for a comfortable evening. residents and tourists. school director Pauline Hur- Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 ‘I urge residents to look at combe narrates old, mythic for children and $25 for a fam- Leda’s response on the Depart- tales full of ancient gods and ily and are available at Glori- ment of Planning’s website and goddesses. ous Organics Uki, The Modern ACT NOW AND SAVE: make further submissions to ‘I have used Ancient Greek Grocer in Murwillumbah and the government,’ she said. stories as inspiration for the from the preschool. $1,600 Federal rebate STILL AVAILABLE $1,800 Federal REC1 incentive *STILL AVAILABLE Developer link to gangland probe (from page 1) The project made headlines letters turned out to be forger- over part of the land. again when property dealer ies, but the perpetrator of what A senior NSW fraud squad and self-described faith healer, was described as the biggest detective surprised colleagues The Federal Government rebate on photovoltaic solar panels hhasas Charles Harrison, suddenly fraud scam in the shire’s his- when he quit the force while on ended, however you can still receive the Federal Solar Hot Water arrived at the council bran- tory still remains a mystery. assignment in Japan investigat- Rebate when you install an EcoSmart solar hot water system. dishing a sales contract and a Narui denied any involve- ing the case. council development approval ment in the forgeries and in In 2003 Narui sold the site To find out what you’re eligible for, call your local dated May 31, 2000, and coun- 2005 the DPP dropped 47 to Leda Developments which EcoSmart installer today on 133 326. ecosmart.com.au cil minutes and letters dated fraud-related charges against has since taken court action to January 8, 2001. Mr Barr who has always fend off claims over parts of the *Based in zone 3 Model No. E4F136W3AC. Rebate eligibility subject to conditions of all relevant rebate programs. 1 REC value may change, please refer to website for current value. ECO13983/einstein Unfortunately for Mr Harri- maintained his innocence land by at least three different son the approvals, minutes and and claimed he had a lease parties. 2 September 10, 2009, 2009 The Tweed Shire Echo
Rally receives a mixed response (Real) Advice Luis Feliu these were a ‘dead possum, a from Mrs dead cat but no koalas’. Motoring madness hit fever Tweed mayor Joan van Lie- Product Tester pitch last weekend as the con- shout said on Tuesday that she troversial world rally ripped heard that a Japanese rally car’s Dear Mrs Product Tester through Tweed and Kyogle windscreen was smashed by Why do people ask your hubby shires and the revitalised Speed a person wielding a golf club questions about cooking, dating, on Tweed historic racing-car who pulled up alongside the fi nance, romance, presents to buy, passing wind - the list goes on? event hit town, with a number car last week, a day before Why doesn’t he answer questions of rally protesters and hooning the event started. Supt Kenny about what sort of sleeping bag is motorists arrested over a four- confirmed the incident which day period. best to use for climbing Kosciusko or sleeping in the desert occurred at Chinderah, saying or under a park bench? Which compass is the best in the In the washup after the rally, three men were involved and it Amazon? What’s the best clothing for roughing it in Milan, protest groups, who had failed in was being investigated. the most comfortable shoes to wear to the rugby league a court action last month to try grand fi nal, or the best bag to carry a slab? What’s the most to stop the event, say there is a Tarnished image This is one of many photographs sent in by readers showing suitable tent to use in the Sahara or the snow? What’s the strong case for it not to proceed Cr van Lieshout claimed the best hat if the weather is going to be hot, cold, windy or dangerous driving connected with the rally. again in two years’ time while event was a tremendous success mild? Isn’t it time to get to the real issues??? rally organisers and supporters and local businesses had done Adam say it was very successful and have been hit by rocks, eventual dence has been produced that well. But she said some pro- boosted the local economy. winner Mikko Hirvonen from any of these things happened’. testers tarnished the Tweed’s Dear Adam In the first days of the event, Finland, apparently refused to ‘We have had police witness friendly image and made driv- Wow, that’s the longest series of questions we’ve ever had – congratulations Adam! a Czechoslovakian rally driver confirm the incident and told incidents of dangerous driving ers feel unwelcome. and his crew were fined by event an NRG member that he ‘didn’t and eggs and bottles thrown Murwillumbah’s business You see the Product Tester (or ‘Tony’ when I’m feeling romantic) see anyone throwing stones’. at demonstrators by rally fans. chamber claims the event was a only answers questions he doesn’t know anything about. Don’t stewards for ‘bad driving be- his answers show you that he wouldn’t have a clue? But it makes haviour’ after test-driving their NRG secretary Dr Fiona They object to our protest and boost to local businesses espe- McCormick said several of the seemed unaware that the ru- cially eateries and pubs/clubs. him feel good – and if he’s feeling good then I’m feeling good car on public roads, while a and if I’m feeling good then that’s good. Get it! 19-year-old P-plate driver from leading drivers had ‘come out mours in the media are just A Murwillumbah motel owner publicly to say that no rocks that, rumours,’ she said. As far as your questions are concerned - the answers are simple Murwillumbah had his car im- said at least four motels in town and don’t present a challenge. All he would tell you to do is to pounded by police after he was were thrown at them and it is ‘On Friday children were she knew of were booked out get your butt into our shop in downtown Murwillumbah and caught doing a burnout. for the rally. However, several everything will be revealed (almost)...your questions will be A 61-year-old Lillian Rock Anti-rally groups have rejected claims shop staff or owners in town answered. man was charged with mali- they were responsible for several alleged on Friday and Saturday said All the best...Cathy cious damage after he allegedly business was nothing out of the incidents, including the rock throwing, and ordinary. For genuine advice on a great range of adventure painted anti-rally slogans on a gear for campers, hikers and travellers see 30-km stretch of Kyogle Road even question whether it took place. Repco Rally Australia has yet leading up to Byrrill Creek to respond to requests by The last Wednesday night. He was our belief that if anyone had running across the road be- Echo for official comment from bailed to appear in Murwil- been victim to this extremely tween rally cars during the drivers or evidence on the rock lumbah Court on October 7. dangerous and unlawful be- race, while safety marshalls throwing and other incidents, haviour they would have spo- looked on and did nothing. We as well as figures to support the ‘Sorry to be here’ ken out about it by now’. were told there was a dust miti- claim 70,000 people attended 7HARF 3TREET -URWILLUMBAH s Five-times world rally cham- Tweed-Byron police com- gation plan, whatever that plan the events over the four days. pion Sebastien Loeb told na- mander Superintendent Mi- was, we never saw it in action. RUNOUT! WORKHORSE tional wire service AAP that he chael Kenny said he ‘crossed We were also told that rally MITSUBISHI LANCER MITSUBISHI felt ‘sorry sometimes to be here his fingers’ after the first car cars had to obey the road rules NEW Mitsubishi but I have to, some people don’t went through without incident, during recce [reconnaisance] NEW Mitsubishi Lancer VR Sedan or Triton like us in front of their house but it was when the second and and on the liaison roads. Sportback GLX-R but I didn’t ask to come here. third cars drove through that I can understand why some the rally referee reported rocks Evidence of offences people don’t like the rally but were thrown at them, while at ‘We have evidence of rally NOW FROM I have to do my job’. the same time a report came drivers committing traffic of- FROM 6 12/!- $ But it was a rock throwing through that three cars were fences during recce and on the IVEC #($0$*+ ,2 * 42,485 2.0L.0L MIVECM $ 67 **-5064(1' DRIVE AWAY incident as the first rally cars blocking the road. At this point liaison roads. We will give police 6(#$"2/1 (, (/! &0 24,985 6*2$1--1'"-,,$"1(3(15 FOR ABN HOLDERS 6 01 ")6-&* +.0 DRIVE AWAY drove through the 11.3km the stage was cancelled. our photographs, and a dossier 6$01% "1-/54 // ,15 3 (* !*$ stretch of gravel road, the Supt Kenny said that during to Minister Ian Macdonald as 6$ /0.-(*$/ rural-residential Byrrill Creek the Byrrill Creek stage, police part of the review process. SUBARU BONUSES! NEW Subaru PICK OF THE WEEK! Road south of Uki, last Friday had ‘weeded out a small num- ‘Finally, we are looking for- Impreza R morning which forced two ber of potential troublemak- ward to the legislated review, 2008 Mitsubishi OutlanderOlympic stages there to be abandoned ers who stood on roadways or where we hope that the com- Edition and drew all the national and generally caused trouble inside munity will at last have a chance international headlines. the racing precinct’ and that the to say what they think about Anti-rally groups have re- rock throwing incident was be- this event being forced upon jected claims they were re- ing investigated and those re- our region for the benefit of an 6 L FREEFREE.-/1.-/1 !*$!*$ 11 3 3 M - sponsible for several alleged sponsible would be prosecuted. elite motoring group and rally 6 NOW FROM 2121- 6FREE/$3$/0$. /)(,&0$,0-/0 6$ 1'$/1/(+1'$/1/(+ $ , $ incidents, including the rock fans, mainly from Queensland. 6FREE*2$1--1'"-,,$"1(3(15 26,485 6 1$**(1$1$**(1$ 3(&3(& 1(-,1(- 40,985 throwing, and even question Charges laid ‘We have a strong case for 65++$1/(" * 6 (/! &0 DRIVE AWAY 6$3$/0$" +$/ DRIVE AWAY whether it took place. He said charges overall had not holding this event in this 6 01 /0 %$15/ 1(,& 6,*5 )*+0 Rally officials said the first been laid for offences including region (or indeed anywhere in car through the Byrrill Creek offensive conduct, malicious NSW) ever again, and have the 7 wonders of 110% Price Promise. 7 If you fi nd a lower advertised stage was ‘hit by a number of damage, drink driving and support of the drivers in this as 4 price, you’ll be refunded SALES FINANCE rocks’ and that police told them dangerous driving and traffic well. They simply do not wish SERVICE boulders had been placed on fines issued for speeding and to race here if the people do not 110% of the difference*. the road prior to the start of other traffic breaches but no want it,’ she said the stage, which were removed injuries were reported. In a bizarre twist to a rumour 45 We GUARANTEE to beat any 5 competitors fi nance payments*. before the cars went through. Supt Kenny said a debrief- spread by mainstream media Free 6 year/200,000km warranty This prompted them to aban- ing would be held soon involv- last week that some protesters 1 on new and used vehicles and don the two stages on the road ing rally officials, Tweed Shire were set to throw frozen koala it’s transferable when you sell*. Access to over 200 quality used vehicles. due to safety concerns. The fol- Council, police, state govern- carcasses onto the rally roads, www.cricks1.com.au just type the 6 make/model or rego & click go! lowing day, local and national ment agencies, business cham- police yesterday said a couple 2 7.5% discount media outlets ran headlines bers and protest groups for the of dead animals were put onto on vehicle servicing. official review of the event, as re- Clothiers Creek Road early Our commitment: If we can’t fi nd a car to meet about the rock-throwing story 7 your basic needs, we will put a 6 year warranty and a Gold Coast newspaper quired by the special legislation on Monday morning after the 3 Free service loan vehicles. on whatever you buy wherever you buy it*. also claimed protesters cut fenc- which enabled it to be held. event. Supt Kenny told The es and let cattle onto the roads. Dr McCormick said the ‘ru- Echo police had received a re- CRICKS SUBARU | MITSUBISHI | PROTON But the Tweed-based No Ral- mours about cows on the road, port from a council ranger that Tweed& TWEED 146 MINJUNGBAL DRIVE, TWEED HEADS SOUTH (07) 5506 0900 ly Group (NRG) and the Kyogle waving of yellow flags and rock a person in a purple-coloured Murwillumbah MURWILLUMBAH SALES: 228 TWEED VALLEY WAY area’s 7th Generation say the throwing were being propagat- vehicle was seen putting the SERVICE: 14 BUCHANAN STREET (02) 6672 3677 www.cricks1.com.au driver whose car was alleged to ed in the media though no evi- animals on the road. He said BAP0056B www.tweedecho.com.au
Tweed Coast Vet Bake-off rises to the occasion Serenading Tyalgum Kim Cousins ity competition was judged by local cookbook author Belinda There were plenty of cooks in Jeffery and all cakes were sold the kitchen with 50 entrants in to raise money for Tweed Pal- the chocolate cakes for charity liative Support. competition. Winner of the adult sec- Organiser and The Modern tion was Peter Ainscough who Open 7 Days Grocer proprietor Jo Nimmo scored well with his cherry, al- Mon to Fri 8.30am-6pm, Sat & Sun 9am to 2pm was overwhelmed by the re- mond and chocolate cake. 14 Tweed Coast Road, Cabarita Beach sponse from entrants. ‘There’s a bit of rum in there ‘We thought we should have too,’ he said. ‘I’ve had the reci- (02) 6676 3199 a baking competition and it’s pe for a while, I think it’s from been bigger than Ben Hur,’ she Belgium.’ said. Tweed Mayor Joan van Lie- ‘The ones by the kids have shout, who purchased seven been fantastic. They obviously cakes for an impromptu staff Cellist Hee-Joo Kim performs at last weekend’s Tyalgum Festival put in a lot of effort, the adults morning tea, was impressed by of Classical Music’s Young Virtuosi concert. Photo Katrina Cram did too. We’re definitely going the community input. to do it again.’ ‘It’s all going towards pallia- Hee-Joo’s performance earlier They blame this on what Held at Murwillumbah’s tive care, such a great effort by this year at the Murwillumbah they say was ‘misinformation The Modern Grocer, the char- everyone involved,’ she said. Festival of Performing Arts won and misunderstanding’ over her the Tyalgum festival-spon- road closures for the contro- sored prize for most promising versial world rally held on classical instrumentalist. the same weekend, concerns Organisers said the Tyalgum over loud cars congesting lo- festival, in its 18th year, was a cal roads, as well as a lack of success despite a drop in audi- accommodation in Murwil- ence numbers lumbah. Art gallery turning 21 Friends of the Gallery and been made for guests to sign Tweed River Art Gallery are and a photo display of events turning 21 and marking the during the past 21 years will milestone with bubbles, birth- be on show. day cake and jazz. Festivities kick off 6pm Friends president Jo Nugent next Friday, September 18, said the she is looking forward at the gallery. Tickets are $15 to the party. and available at Anderson’s ‘It’s a chance to celebrate that Treasure Store, the gallery we’ve come this far and have (Wednesday-Sunday) or by Matilda, Lucy and Flynn Jones were winners of the kids’ section this wonderful gallery.’ calling 02 6672 3327 or 02 with a beautifully decorated chocolate cake. Photo Kim Cousins A special birthday card has 6677 1333.
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4 September 10, 2009, 2009 The Tweed Shire Echo
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6 September 10, 2009, 2009 The Tweed Shire Echo
Letters to the Editor Fax: 6672 4933 Email: [email protected] Farewell and don’t bother to come again… Deadline: Noon, Tuesday Letters longer than 200 words may ■ As a business owner in the time a helicopter was at tree top Just in case you may wish to air These are two examples of penses, then tell us what profits be cut and pseudonyms are not pretty village of Uki, I am writ- height pushing the branches your opinions in the future, be the law being used to support were made. acceptable. Please include your full ing this letter to let you know of with its down draft, observing guaranteed you won’t be get- a sporting event at any cost to The figures should be the name, address and phone number. my complete disappointment the race and spectators. ting police protection. the local community. Certainly, news on the front page, to put in the big buildup of how my After the first flash of colour Karen Chadwick from observation, restaurants those figures in our faces and to Time is short business will benefit because past my house, which is within Banora Point in Murwillumbah were not do- rub protesters’ noses in it. That The Kings Forest (near King- the rally coming through the 30 metres of the road, this very ing well on the evenings of the has not happened. We have not scliff) and Cobaki Lakes (near village. To let you know that noisy back-firing and high rev- ■ Last weekend the rally hap- rally. So much for the promises got any figures, yet the rally is Tweed Heads) proposed de- I double stocked up on every- ving machine seemed to just fly pened and the policing of of our state and local govern- being reported as a success, re- velopments are back on the thing to have enough supplies past at very high speed. the event was interesting. On ments about the financial ben- gardless of the protests. move. for everyone. The second and third ma- Thursday evening I was almost efits of the rally. The economics of the rally The new DA is up for com- All we had was a lot of noisy chine lifted so much dust that run down by a speeding rally Jon Kear-Colwell need to be evaluated by an in- ment, very briefly. If you don’t fast cars drive through our the air was choking and we re- car on the pedestrian cross- Terranora dependent auditor, because we think 9,000 houses in a high village leaving the aroma of tired to the sanctuary of my ing outside Sunnyside Mall on will not get true figures from density Gold Coast style de- exhaust fumes, which instead house to make sure the win- Brisbane Street. The driver did ■ I have modified my view Gary Connelly or the NSW velopment is a step forward drove people away and all I am dows were closed. not slow down at all. The roads about the Repco rally, having government. for the Tweed, speak up now. left with is a lot of fresh good I was advised by the rally on the practice circuit in Mur- realised it does have its good Did we make $30 million? I Time is very short – we have food that will be wasted be- official volunteer before the willumbah were not closed so points. It was easier to park and don’t think so. Will we make two weeks to tell the state gov- cause of the broken promises. race that my house would be ordinary traffc and pedestrians shop in town. $100 million over the next 10 ernment if we prefer eco and Thanks, Repco, I am hoping washed from any dust and per- were mixed up with speeding On Friday around 2pm, years? I don’t think so. koala friendly development, that this event will not happen sonally advised by the opera- rally cars – a potentially very proudly sporting my ‘No Rally Andy Gough like at Koala Beach. Otherwise in this part of the world ever tions manager, Mr Bob New- dangerous situation. Group’ T-shirt, I decided to Larnook koala experts warn this will be again! man, in a personal visit that After getting home I called walk along main street to see the final nail in the coffin for Jenny Gatt my house would be inspected the police in Murwillumbah all the rally fans (the guesti- ■ I live in Byrrill Creek. Last the Tweed Coast koalas. The Uki Cafe prior to and after the race and and although polite they were mated figure was 20,000) but, Friday’s Repco rally in Byrrill If you speak up about any- any dust created by the race not interested in what was hap- to my surprise there were less Creek is a day I will not forget. thing, make it this – it is per- ■ Ah, the return of peace and would be cleaned. This did not pening on the streets. There people around than normal at Helicopters flying so low that I manent and massive. Last quiet. and has not happened yet. were police cars in town but that time. Despite many car and my friends hit the ground chance to make a difference; I can go on my morning walk I would like to see any dam- they were not paying any atten- parking spaces being reserved to hide from them, armed with your time starts now! and not see lines of noisy rally age caused by alleged rock tion to the circuit on which the for the ‘Special Event’ it was our cameras, too frightened to Lisa Townsend cars heading out to Kyogle. throwing in the Byrrill Creek rally cars were practising. still easier to park than usual. use them. Helicopters so low Murwillumbah Ah, I can sit on my verandah area before I believed such a On Friday morning on Brays Also, shopping at Sunnyside that they could see into our and enjoy the sunset without a story and further spin created Creek Road, near to Tyalgum, was much easier and I actually verandah. Once the race was Point problems dozen helicopters flying over- by race organisers. three rally cars had been found a car park there, despite stopped, being abused by pro- Exactly where is South Hast- head. Ah, I don’t have to go up Malcolm Bailey stopped by protesters and after Knox Park being closed off. rally people driving past while ings Point? One would pre- to the corner of my street and Byrrill Creek a time a police four-wheel-drive I wonder how well our local we walked to Pretty Gully. sume that a hamlet of only wave my Wallaby placard at arrived. The sirens were turned businesses really did out of the Two friends were assaulted by 350 or so permanent residents the speeding yobs driving past ■ At the Cudgen Leagues clos- on and the police moved for- rally deal? pro-rally people. Our letterbox wouldn’t warrant a suburb but with beer cans in hand. Ah, I ing ceremony this is what I ward past some parked vehi- Chris Degenhardt was uprooted and trashed. It apparently there is one. don’t have to dodge rocks, eggs, observed. Peaceful protesters cles and other vehicles mov- Nobbys Creek felt like a war zone. Then the So where did it come from bottles and abuse from speed- against the rally had missiles ing slowly and appropriately stories of rock throwing – evi- (and where does it start and ing yobs heading to the rally, launched at them from the on the correct side of the road. ■ So the Repco rally attracted dence please, Repco. What a end)? All evidence points (pun overtaking on double lines. Repco rally spectators. These There was a blind corner just 70,000 visitors to our region, nasty energy you have brought intended) to the former direc- Ah, I can still walk after a car missiles consisted of rancid ahead and the police vehicle did it? Does that make it a suc- to our valley. tor of planning and his infa- veered off the road and tried milk, eggs and empty cans. moved across the double white cess? Seeing that we are only a Robyn Hoopmann mously skewed questionnaire to hit me during my peaceful The protesters were not in the lines onto the wrong side of the two hour drive away from Bris- Byrill Creek and plans to split the hamlet. protest. way, they were not swearing road and into the blind corner bane, and less from the Gold But who made the decision Ah, the return of peace and and looked like they were hav- with no obvious regard for the Coast, I would guess Queens- ■ I was at Byrrill Creek on Fri- and why? Surely a new suburb quiet in Kyogle Shire, Gateway ing fun. It actually confirmed safety of any oncoming traffic. landers made up most of those day to film the rally from the would have to be signed off by to the Rallyforests. that Repco rally supporters Surely that is illegal! One can numbers. road bank near my driveway. the general manager? Perhaps Craig Cater were violent and aggressive. conclude that the success of the But according to the NSW After the rally was stopped I he would be kind enough to Barkers Vale The most disappointing of all rally was more important than government and the media was told by the marshall that clarify this. were the police who NSW tax- public safety on our roads. the rally was here to boost our someone was lying on the Complaints about the ■ I am a 15-year resident of payers were paying to ‘protect Driving the police vehicle economy. How much did we road in the forest. Within half weight of trucks thundering Byrrill Creek and would like and serve’ the public (which- in this manner was illegal and make in profit from the rally an hour at least five more ru- through Hastings Point have to say that any protest held in ever views they held). They did created an unnecessary risk then, and who made this mon- mours went around: rocks on been registered with council, Byrrill Creek was a peaceful nothing, and eventually three when no individuals amongst ey? Bottle shops and petrol sta- road, cattle on road, logs on police and RTA regularly since one with some resident plac- came to stand at the back of the the protesters were breaking tions? How many hamburgers road, stones thrown at cars, construction started last No- ards placed along the road. protesters, not brave enough the law but simply driving were sold? How many pots of fence across road. vember on the major devel- At times I had three helicop- to stand in between the rally slowly on a public road as they beer? At the end of the day re- I don’t believe any of these continued overleaf ters over my house and at one spectators or the protesters. are entitled to do. member to deduct all the ex- continued overleaf
www.tweedecho.com.au
McKENZIE AGED CARE GROUP
Raffles — the Coast's most splendid Raffles is government-approved and funded, dine with their families, are air-conditioned, aged care centre — is designed to with every comfort you can imagine. Spacious and all private rooms offer the comfort provide low and high care residents public and private rooms are decorated in an of cooling fans. with the finest accommodation enchanting tropical Far East theme alive with available, in a unique tropical echoes of Empire that might remind you of No other aged care facility makes it easier to atmosphere of the glory days of empire. a Somerset Maugham novel set in Singapore. go through the transition from living alone to joining a community than Raffles. This, the newest aged care facility in the Tweed Internal courtyards with tropical plants and Heads region, is located within "The Oasis" water features bring the outside in, so you Telephone now to make an appointment for an gated community in South Tweed Heads. never feel tightly enclosed. inspection and to arrange bookings. It will accommodate 98 high and low care guests, including 82 individuals and eight One of three dining rooms looks onto garden P 07 5523 9400 F 07 5523 9600 couples, in luxurious, beautifully appointed enclosures. All common areas, including [email protected] a private dining room where residents can private rooms with en suite bathrooms. www.mckenzieacg.com Raffles also incorporates a dementia-specific wing staffed by registered nurses and experienced and caring staff. ASSISTED A GED CARE
Illustration by MPS Architects 2 PEREGRINE WAY, OFF FALCON WAY SOUTH TWEED HEADS
Raffles is another development of the McKenzie Aged Care Group, leaders in care for the elderly
8 September 10, 2009 The Tweed Shire Echo
Open 10am – 5pm daily Ring them now for a free quote on I 60 Marine Parade, Kingscliff n s n 02 66725 232 or 0429 434630 ENCORE Phone 02 6674 8242 ula tio [email protected]
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Wyuna Pool Shop & Service Grid connected
Wyuna Pool Shop and Service is an independent pool store that Solar Power has access to a full range of pool products which gives us an Grid connected solar power is now available from advantage when it comes to finding the right solution for your locally owned and operated Murwillumbah company pool. Our service division covers a large area from Byron Bay to Northern Solar Pty Ltd. Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast. Small businesses are now eligible for a 50% deduction Wyuna Pool Shop and Service has been trading since 1978 and has gained a reputation for great service and friendly advice. from taxable income and large businesses a 10% Owners Tony and Gabrielle Robertson are only too happy to deduction from taxable income. There is only 6 months to secure a contract with GABRIELLE assist you when it comes to any pool and spa. Tony, Gabrielle ROBERTSON commitment being made before 31/12/2009. and staff offer the Tweed and Gold Coast’s pool owners peace WYUNA POOL SHOP AND SERVICE Northern Solar Pty Ltd installs only high quality panels and inverters and offer a 2 year of mind and welcome you into their store at 36 Boyd Street, Tweed Heads. workmanship warranty. They also have energy saving devices and energy management solutions to help you lower your power consumption. :&"340'%&%*$"5&%4&37*$&505)&$0..6/*5: 8ZVOB1PPM4IPQ"OE4FSWJDFt1IPOF Phone Darren on 0412693189 or email [email protected]
www.tweedecho.com.au The Tweed Shire Echo September 10, 2009 9 exceptional customer service. She also has a rewards card sys- feedback makes it all worth- She has a wide range of brewing tem for her loyal customers. Easy while. Our next challenge products – beer types that can to find and good parking straight is to take on the export TWEED HEADS SOUTH be made with recipes similar to outside the front door at 8/1 market’. many commercial types of beer Machinery Drive Tweed Heads Both Elliott and Dylan (Corona, Pure Blonde, XXXX Gold, South. Phone: 07 55245089. work in the fac- VB etc.) all of which can be made 2 South Tweed Car tory so come on down for less than 50c a stubby. anytime and grab a 1 There’s also wine making kits and Electrics sample or come for 4 equipment which produce wine South Tweed Car Electrics has a chat. They open 3 2 6.30am - 3pm. 26 6 5 1 Border Brewing that’s very low in preservatives been operating in Machinery 7 Machinery Drive. Sue has owned and operated and can be made for about $3-$4 Drive since 1987 and we still Border Brewing for 7 years and per bottle, along with the larg- have some of our original cus- Phone: 07 5523 been in retail for over 30. Over est range of bar accessories on tomers returning when needed, 9957. that time she’s gained extensive southern Gold Coast including often with their kid’s cars all 4 Border knowledge of brewing and is NRL gear. these years lat=er. Our services 12 very willing to help with any And there’s coolers, freezer mugs, include air conditioning, alterna- Diesel 10 11 8 9 problems, and people travel long bags, drink bottles, stickers, key tor and starter motor repairs or Injection distances for her advice and rings and a whole lot more. replacement when required, as well as reliable Century batteries. Service Also electronic scanning fault di- Border Diesel Injection agnosis for most cars and wiring Service offer a great range Map courtesy of repairs. As summer approaches of products and services, Google Maps your car air conditioner will be including exchange injection called on to work hard and cool pumps and injectors. diesel your mobile oven. Unless it has turbo repair facilities, glow been serviced regularly every plugs, performance fuel ad- 2 years, this may not happen. ditive, common rail and unit 1 Border Brewing - 1 Machinery Drive A pre-summer air conditioner injector repair, the latest elec- 2 South Tweed Car Electrics - 25 Machinery Drive check is a good idea and may tronic diagnostic equipment 3 Core Industries - 26 Machinery Drive save you from frayed nerves and and a whole lot more. You can 4 Border Diesel - 31 Machinery Drive discomfort as well as saving you find them at 5/31 Machinery 5 Southern Cross Fasteners - 35 Machinery Drive money. 2/25 Machinery Drive. Drive, or call 07 5524 3477. 6 Aussie Disposals - 32 Greenway Drive Phone: 07 5524 4581. 5 Southern Cross 7 Solomons Flooring - 5/32 Greenway Drive 3 Core Industries Fasteners 8 Summerland Energy -11/34-41 Greenway Drive Surfboard blank company Core 9 A1 Tint Magician - 14/39 Greenway Drive Locally owned and operated Industries have been operating 10 East Coast Tiles - 8/6 Enterprise Avenue Southern Cross Fasteners have in the Newcastle area for the past 11 Advanced Blind Curtain Cleaning - 6/6 Enterprise Avenue been servicing the local com- 4 years, but with most of their 12 Expo Auto Repairs - 1/14 Enterprise Avenue munity since 1982. Blind & Curtain Cleaning & Repairs work coming out of Queensland, the company made the big A huge range of fasteners are outlet Associated Construction have a large range of camping Col & Cathy decision to move the factory and stocked at SCF from adhesives, Fasteners. gear to suit everyone! From the their familes to the Tweed Coast. metal fasteners and builder’s Trade account holders are now beginners to the seasoned or 07 5523 3622 hardware through to wire rope the family determined to enjoy a Directors Dylan Johnson and El- able to use their SCF accounts at and power tools. well earned break in these tough Fax 07 5523 3546 liott Bemrose have been involved our Burleigh and Yatala locations. economic times! 6/6 Enterprise Ave, with the surfing industry for the Stainless steel fixings are a For our local customers if we Come in and let our friendly Tweed Heads South specialty. past 20 years, and have a great don’t have it in Tweed chances experienced staff help you find www.advancedblindcleaning.com.au passion for surfing, which has SCF prides itself on having the are high we can quickly transfer it all the gear you need to enjoy the [email protected] led them to the foam industry. right stock locally when our from one of our other locations. outdoors this season at affordable ‘Wanting the best performance customers need it. Big enough to 35 Machinery Drive. Phone prices. But if some like us have from our boards was our main exceed the expectations of the 07 5524 3919. to keep the country running we goal’. largest industrial account, SCF haven’t forgotten you, we have a Your Local Mechanic The Core boys admit it has been are not too big to care for the 6 Aussie Disposals range of Bisley workwear at great a real challenge and feel they’ve local home handy man. With the warmer spring months discounted prices and Redback s !LL SERVICING WITHOUT AFFECTING WARRANTY served their apprenticeship. Off the back of strong growth coming up there is no better time boots on Special this week. s 2EGO CHECKS ON CAR INJECTOR CLEANING “The fact are blanks are now the company recently purchased to start getting the camping gear 32 Greenway Drive. Phone 07 in demand and all the positive local Gold Coast fastening ready. At Aussie Disposals we 5523 1788. s -AJOR SERVICING #!23 7$S ETC
.OW SELLING CERAMIC TILES EXPO Derek Cale QUALITY NEW 1/4 Enterprise Ave, AND WINDOW COVERINGS AUTO REPAIRS Expo Park Tweed Heads South TO THE !SK US ABOUT OUR COMPLETE TWEED & TYRES Tel/Fax 07 5523 1631 HOME PACKAGES SURF #ALL OUR FRIENDLY SALES TEAM FOR A FREE SHOP AT BLANKS SPRING CAMPING SALE HOME SERVICE by passionate surfers Cabin Tent Pop-Up 12’ x 9’. Sun Shelter with 20 years industry experience 50 SPF 'REENWAY $RIVE 4WEEDS (EADS 3OUTH UV Rating. It’s all about the performance SAVE $100 Massive range of fasteners reg $799 $ reg $99.95 $ 699 LWH 7995 Save $100 6 person 39kg 3.6x2.7x2.3 Save 20% across 3 locations Tomcat 9 LED AMAZING VALUE! We cater for everyone – from the local home To r c h Workboot Includes batteries. % 30OFF AUSTRALIAN MADE handy man to large industrial accounts Shirts and trousers Serving the Tweed for 27 years available. 9
From $ 695 HOT $1395 reg $89.95 $7995 Drop in and check us out, open 6.30-3pm at PRICE! Save 11% ACE-AD685 PACE-AD6859 P 2C/26 Machinery Drive, South Tweed 32 Greenway Dve, Tweed Heads Sth. PH 07 5523 1788 South Tweed outlet: 35 Machinery Drive • 07 5524 3919 07 5523 9957
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7 Solomons Flooring Did you know, if you take up the product the “Auto Remote Ceramic, porcelain, glass or stone tiles offer for ‘free ceiling insulation’, Hard Lid” lifter or phone 07 s #ONSTRUCTION CHEMICALS s !3! ADHESIVES Solomons Flooring is the oldest you cannot receive the $1600 55248933. and largest supplier of floor cov- AND GROUTS s &ULL