Notices (NGT 09/20 P.12)

Thin blue line NGT I want to thank David welcomes letters Heilpern for his column and other contributions received by email or post Notices (NGT 09/20 p.12). David’s language is insightful and prior to deadline. Letters Position vacant delightful. I’m very much longer than 300 words may Cawongla Playhouse is seeking a Cert III qualified looking forward to your be edited for length, and educator for a casual short term position 3 days a week in promised future columns. articles for accuracy. Please term 4. We are also seeking Cert III staff to join our relief However, the metaphor include your full name, list. You must have current working with children check, invoked by the phrase address and phone number first aid and Cert III qualifications. Please email your CV for verification purposes. “democracy shudders” fails to: [email protected] to truly capture the utter Opinions expressed remain despair, visceral anger, and those of the author, and Room to let permanent dark cynicism are not necessarily those of Vacancy available in large 4-bedroom home in bushland which many of us carry Nimbin Good Times. setting just a 12-minute walk to the Nimbin Post Office. around inside our bodies A third interesting and happy person is wanted, so there every minute of every day of media now openly describe www.hollyenglish.com will be a spare room. Huge verandah and large garden our ‘democratic’ lives. “Police accountability in area, some of it planted. Our possible house-mate would I agree with you that the NSW” as “pathetic and for the rail trail. Over line will run along the coast be working, studying or involved in community activities. public lose faith quickly in a disgraceful” (ABC’s Media $75,000 was raised and include Ballina; A non-tobacco smoker is preferred. Very reasonable rent. hypocritical justice system, Watch 8/9/20). through crowdfunding – • It is not the fault of the Email your interest to: [email protected] and tell us but I would also point out WA Police Union (Harry donations given by the local Sourdough Group or the about yourself. that for some of us, that faith Arnott) on Sat 19 Sep 2020, community; Rail Trail Group that the will never return, if it ever described a suspect (member • There has been no progress train was stopped and has HEMP Annual General Meetings existed at all. of public) as an “animal” and in bringing back the train not returned. Saturday 21st November at the Town Hall, 45 Cullen For me and many people, “pig of a human” (https:// for the 16 years that it has Marie Lawton Street, Nimbin. 11am Nimbin HEMP Embassy; 12pm the ‘thin blue line’ is nothing www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2 been closed, and the cost Public liaison/treasurer MardiGrass Organising Body; 2pm Help End Marijuana more than a daily exercise 519828438309321&extid=fng now (considering the decay NRRT Assoc. Prohibition (HEMP) Party; 3pm HEMP Party NSW. in physical power; and the QmhoqiahWwdgO). of the infrastructure) would Nominations for executive committee positions must ‘justice system’ is just-a- I’m absolutely furious about be even more prohibitive; ABC funding be received one week prior to the AGMs. Voting will be system designed with nothing this ab/use of language/ • The legislation change will I am very concerned about the by open ordinary ballot. A short bio and CV will help else in mind than to uphold power and mainstream media state the following: “The way our communities receive determine the suitability of nominees. the State’s physical power. use of it. This statement is authorisation of the rail important news information. For many of us, our entire a most current example of infrastructure owner under The last 12 months or Interested in cycling? experience of Australia’s the corruption and double- subclause (1) in relation so have been extremely As the road season has started and inspired by watching whole legal set-up is nothing standards which David and to the disposal of the land challenging for many the Tour, I’m looking for local riding buddies. Rides are but a perpetual extension I are desperately trying to concerned is limited to the Australians, particularly loops of between 50 and 150 km at 20 to 25 kph starting of colonial and corporate highlight. Much more than land being dedicated under those people living in rural from Nimbin. Email: [email protected] if you’d like to oppression, suffocating us in ‘democracy’ is at stake! the Crown lands legislation areas of the state. join a small local peloton. every way imaginable. To the extent that it as a rail trail for recreational Firstly the people in the It’s fine and good to existed, democracy does not use.” northern part of NSW had Free notices reference a well-publicised just shudder, but actually • Agreed that the large bus to endure drought and record Keep it short, under 50 words, and to the point, get it to us example of Police abuse at disappears, the moment the services do not suit many bushfires, and now the Covid- by deadline and we’ll run it for you for free. street level, but I want the ‘thin blue line’ is crossed – people in our region. If 19 epidemic. I am witnessing reader to know this same and it’s crossed every minute the region was served by depression in the community caught fire. Huge areas of space available within the hypocritical and corrupt of every day. ‘Democracy’, smaller, electric buses they and a great deal of other permafrost are melting. existing verges and I believe behaviour is the very ‘legal’ whatever it might be, seems would be able to pick up social problems. These conflagrations this is some, albeit small, apparatus that has been to exist despite us. and drop off at a far wider I believe the communities guarantee planetary warming concession council can make continually imposed onto our David, I’m so very glad array of destinations; need a well-funded ABC to to the level of catastrophe. to assist the community meet lives every day, and onto our to know you’re now able • The current route does not provide up-to-the-minute Evgeny Zinichev, Russia’s the current financial and continent for 200+ years. to speak publicly, from the service the main transport commentary on such emergencies minister, social challenges. From society’s highest heart, on these matters. route between Ballina and important and potentially speaks of a critical situation Additional outdoor dining elites persecuting Julian There’s lots to say, and your Lismore and Tweed Heads; catastrophic events that have unfolding in Siberia and space within town centres Assange to death, via one insights are important. • The government will not been happening around us. across Russia’s Far East. can be achieved with the use of the oldest ‘democratic’ Daniel John fund the train coming back That would be news Permafrost melt and of street parking spaces after countries in the world; to Goonellabah at this time; updates that are not being wildfires are having an 5pm daily. “officer Plod” downtown, in • The corridor will be kept provided by the commercial impact not only across A Parklet is a car space one the youngest ‘democratic’ Rail Trail myths for the use of the general television and radio networks. Siberia but around the making a footpath extension countries in the world, we are In response to Lydia public, not just a few fit In my opinion, I saw a world. that provides more space and living in a very tenuous, if not Kindred’s article (‘Rail myths cyclists; great deal of misinformation Siberia’s forests act amenities for people using lawless world. and realities’ NGT 9/20), • There are no plans for from the commercial media as an enormous carbon the street. Usually Parklets Many officers of the State some of Lydia’s information the Elements train to run channels. Lives are likely to sink, storing millions of are installed on parking (Police) embody willingly if recently published is any further by the owner, be put at risk. tonnes of climate-changing zones and use several parks. not willfully, the systemic incorrect. Please read the and Byron Shire Council Tony Batchelor greenhouse gases. Wildfire Parklets typically extend out racism which has filled our points below. will not have the money Lismore is now releasing these gases. level from the footpath to the prisons disproportionally • Arcadis did not survey needed to do so. The State Siberia’s thawing tundra will width of the adjacent parking with First Nations people – “most of the line” in Government will not fund Planetary warming dramatically reshape the space. Parklets can provide a psychological and war-like the Byron Shire, due to this project; We all know it’s the natural earth’s entire ecosystems. additional alfresco dining process congruent with ‘terra inaccessibility; • The Rail Trail Project came world that makes the oxygen Thomas Smith, an space for adjacent cafes and nullius’. • The Sourdough Group about because the train was be breathe. We all know, or environmental geographer, restaurants. Conservative mainstream has not raised money stopped. If there were plans we should, that the Amazon said: “Alarming is the right At the Byron Shire Council to reinstate the train, the forest is one of Earth’s great term.” An understatement. meeting, I moved a Notice of rail trail group would not be lungs – billions of plants and Michael Brooke Motion requesting Council Bookkeeper Martha Paitson pursuing this path; trees breathing in carbon Kyogle begin a trial to investigate the About us Web www.nimbingoodtimes.com • It is not practical to run the dioxide and breathing out use of carparks on the street And find us on Facebook Managing editor Bob Dooley trail beside the tracks along life giving oxygen. Byron Parklets proposal in the shire to be used for most of the corridor, due to The second great earth Covid-19 social distancing seating customers at adjacent Assistant editor Sue Stock NGT is published by the Sub-editor S Sorrensen Nimbin Aquarius Foundation, culverts, bridges, tunnels lung of this kind is the restrictions are likely to be restaurants in this time and drainage problems. great northern Arctic forest with us for quite some time of Covid social distancing Layout Peter Chaplin, Andy 81 Cullen Street, Nimbin. It may be possible, but at – which acts like a giant yet and the effect on our local free of charge, to help Gough, Bob Dooley NEXT DEADLINE: huge extra expense that the air conditioning system restaurant and hospitality them enhance our visitor Photographers Sue Stock, government is unlikely to regulating the Earth’s industry is very significant experience and improve their Chibo Mertineit Wednesday 28th October fund; climate. because of the extra space financial bottom line to meet Distribution Peter, Coralie, Email nimbin.goodtimes@ • The Rail Trail will not We all know, or we should, required for each patron. their current challenges. or put stuff in our Sue, Bob, Rob and Lisa, Daniel, gmail.com that the Amazon forest is on It’s not OK for Byron Dominique, Aengus, Rosie, pigeonhole at the Nimbin prevent the return of the This will also inform new Trevor and Dave Community Centre. train in the future if it is fire. A huge swathe of Arctic Council to assume policy in activating our town deemed necessary to do so. Russia is changing rapidly everything is OK. centres, streets and shared The Nimbin GoodTimes acknowledges the Bundjalung people, The corridor will still be as oil leaks, the climate There is much demand spaces. the traditional owners of the land and waters on which we work available. It is more likely warms and Siberia dries out. for outdoor dining around Cr Alan Hunter and live, and pay our respects to the Elders both past and present. however, that a future rail The great Arctic forest has the shire with limited Byron Shire

Page 8 The Nimbin GoodTimes October 2020 [email protected] write something considered. Rainbow Road plan I sent your responses to all Councillors and they were acknowledged during the debate. For the Councillors who voted against, the only arguments they could Chamber Chat summon were pretty by Diana Roberts, president weak, focussed on fairness as regards car parking Let’s share our requirements with specific community ethos with reference to The Cubes. This our visitors on other things. We were gully alongside Alternative view to developing parkland DCP. The review process development had strong Thanks to everyone who delighted that most of the Way. alongside the Rainbow Road presents an opportunity community opposition and, completed our survey things we have delivered At the same time, two walking trail. for community discussion if it ever proceeds, is going following closure of the financial support to in recent properties integral to stage 1 This would be a wonderful around many issues that to achieve its car parking Visitor Information Centre years enjoy wide support by have come onto the market legacy to leave future concern us and I hope lots of shortfall by painting lines – we got an excellent return you. – 11a Alternative Way and generations. you will participate. and building car parks on the rate. Those least supported 12 Cecil Street. Both these The DCP hasn’t been grassy entrance to Nimbin Your many and varied indicate we need to do more properties have legal rights Nimbin Development reviewed for a long time Central School. suggestions to more work or perhaps review our of way crossing them that Control Plan (DCP) up for and it’s essential it become While it’s great the museum effectively engage with level of support. were established in favour of review a document that not only site DA was approved, visitors to Nimbin will be While spending money Lismore Council to provide The Nimbin DCP is about reflects community values construction is still some worked up by local business on the Chamber’s website pedestrian access from to be reviewed by Council, and views, but gives greater way off as the developer has owners, employees and was supported by 54% Cullen Street to Alternative in consultation with the clarity to Council when to meet numerous consent community members at a of respondents, 41% Way. community. The Chamber considering development conditions. workshop on Thursday, 29th were unsure. In the next Unfortunately, after the and the Nimbin Advisory applications. To those of you who October 10am – 2pm at GoodTimes I’m going to talk ROWs were established, the Group recently sent Council watched the Council meeting, Nimbin School of Arts. about the website at length, properties were bought by an expansive list of things we Museum site many for the first time, and Anyone who is interested is as we’ve spent quite a bit of people who didn’t support would like to see covered in redevelopment approved were appalled by the conduct invited to participate. We’ll money to develop a new web a walking track through the review. by Council of some Councillors, the provide a beautiful Steph presence. part of their property. After Some of the issues we Thank you to all those who level of animosity and the, at lunch as an incentive. The Chamber is keen being threatened with legal considered important include responded to the urgent plea times, nonsensical debate, it’s Due to Covid and catering for this site to become the action and various other management of growth I put out for indications of hard to know what to say. requirements, and our desire locally-operated website for unpleasantries, a cash- both within and outside of support (or otherwise) for I’ve watched a number for working groups that are visitors to get information strapped Council put stage 1 the village, traffic impact the development application of Council meetings this not too big, you must let us about Nimbin and we need on hold and are now focussed and management including (DA) for the fire site that year and this one was not know if you are interested our community to appreciate on stage 2. footpaths and cycleways, went before Lismore Council exceptional. As a community, by email to: chamber@ its value. Hopefully the properties environmental protection on 8th September. we deserve much better than nimbinaustralia.com.au integral to stage 1 will be and enhancement, the need I have no doubt this we’ve got, and my heart goes If you would like a copy of Rainbow Road walking purchased by people excited for affordable housing stock, application would have out to those Councillors the final survey findings you trail by the idea of a community heritage interpretation, been knocked back or had putting in the hard yards and can also email us. Despite its vexed history, walking track, so that it preferred land uses, location unacceptable conditions trying to work as a team. it was great that the survey can become reality one day. of community parks and so placed on it if so many of you So, when you get to vote Chamber Survey findings results indicated there is still In the meantime, and lest much more. had not responded at very for Councillors in September Apart from exploring a high level of support for the that does not eventuate, we Council are hoping to short notice to indicate the 2021, make sure it’s an community thoughts on Rainbow Road walking trail. are exploring options for release a discussion paper depth of community support. informed vote, as some are visitor information, the We are currently working the community to raise the shortly that will outline These were not just likes or definitely better-equipped for Chamber used the survey up the route and costings for funds necessary to buy parts the scope of the review and comments on social media; the role and its incumbent to get feedback from you stage 2, which traverses the of both properties with a explain the function of a many of you took the effort to responsibilities than others.

Nimbin Community Centre update WANTING TO BUY – FRESH SEEDS by Teresa Biscoe, Volunteering Will pay $$$ Co-ordinator The Community Centre welcomes volunteers to our Please call Extending the Rainbow organisation. The Community Centre Volunteers form our Shelly ‘Truth & Beauty’ (grounds committees and work on 0421-723-727 beautification) committee various projects for the has long held a vision of centre including assisting in extending the rainbow the maintenance of buildings painting on the Bottle Brush and grounds, working Clarence River Wilderness Lodge Studio as a stripe of colours on special events and art from Bottlebrush along the projects and assisting in the bottom of the building along office. Riverside Campsites, Cabins, Tree Huts, the front of Acacia, then We would not be able to do Gold Panning, Canoeing, Bushwalking side to Bark Hut and wrap it all the work we do without around the Mural wall and them. front of the Bark Hut. If you have noticed how This would tie the building nice the gardens are looking together at the front and also at Bottle Brush, and he and restrictions on the or how clean the grounds draw people into the space. has calculated that we will Community Centre, the look it has probably had the Recently we reviewed need approximately $1500 office co-ordinators agreed hand of a volunteer in there plans and prioritised for paints. If 15 individuals to take one day of leave helping. projects, and selected this donated $100 each, we would every week till the end of We are registered with www.clarenceriver.com as one of four projects to have enough to complete the September. This has led to Centrelink for volunteers pursue over the next 12 project. the office only being staffed and are happy to accept months. Unfortunately, the If anyone wishes to donate for two days of every week volunteers with work for the Community Centre doesn’t funds or volunteer to paint during this period. dole obligations. have the funds to contribute the rainbow, please contact We are pleased to announce Please contact our office to the project, so we have the NCC on our email: that as of 5th October, the if you are interested in decided to see if we can raise [email protected]. NCC office will be staffed becoming a volunteer and the funds from donations. au for volunteering details, or every Monday to Thursday discuss what contribution We have community donate to Summerland Credit from 8.30am to 2.30pm. you would like to make to volunteers who will help to Union BSB 728728, Nimbin The hours every day have our beautiful shared space. paint the stripe, so we have no Community Centre account been slightly reduced as some We all have a gift or skill labour costs. 22269886. functions of the office will we can share and we are We have consulted with our be managed remotely. We happy to work with you to CALL TROY PHONE: 0447-364-545 maintenance co-ordinator Co-ordinators’ hours look forward to being more find the right place or activity LISMORE / KYOGLE / NIMBIN & SURROUNDING AREAS Sam, who supervised the Due to the financial impact accessible for our tenants and to channel your individual PROMPT RELIABLE SERVICE – 13,000 LTRS DRINKING WATER LISMORE COUNCIL / ROUSE WATER / NSW DEPT HEALTH APPROVED last two repainting projects of the Covid lockdown the community. contribution. WATER CARTER LIC NO: 50.2020.2352.1

www.nimbingoodtimes.com October 2020 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 9 water strategy based upon the best science. Water strategy failures The Report also found that funding by Cate Faehrmann, Greens MP and The only conclusion to be reached through the Safe and Secure Water water spokesperson from this damning report is that the Program has not been allocated Water Minister isn’t up to the task of transparently or did not prioritise he Premier must take water ensuring this state’s water resources are investing in town water risk. Further, off the Nats after an Auditor- managed sustainably and equitably. It’s around a third of projects with funds TGeneral’s report released now up to the Premier to act. committed to local water utilities were last month examining the NSW Twenty years ago, the Water done so without going through the Government’s ‘Support for regional Management Act made provision for a Technical Review Panel process. town water infrastructure’ is damning, strategic water plan for NSW, which We live on the driest continent on and demonstrates a gross dereliction the government has failed to do. This is earth and climate change means it’s of duty by the Government to manage a gross dereliction of duty on the part only going to get drier. It’s clear that the state’s precious water resources of the Water Minister, particularly as the experts knew the risks facing town sustainably and equitably. we are talking about making sure that water supplies and knew what needed to The report’s key finding was that the towns don’t run out of water. be done, so how can the Water Minister Department of Planning, Industry This Report shows that the National defend such incompetent management and Environment has not effectively Party has failed regional communities. of our state’s water? supported or overseen town water By not developing a water strategy Last summer countless regional towns infrastructure planning in regional to ensure we could survive the worst were left facing day zero. I would call NSW since at least 2014. It has also droughts, towns ran out of water and on the Premier to consider whether we lacked a strategic, evidence-based many others approached ‘Day Zero’. will be prepared for the next drought if approach to target investments in town Now, the government’s answer is new NSW is stuck with a Water Minister water infrastructure. dams instead of developing a sustainable asleep at the wheel. Joy, beauty and Council pring has well and freedoms has been another to the community. The rest truly sprung since affirmation of the benefits of of us are still here for another SI last wrote in the regional living. I hope that year with the election now GoodTimes. The sun is any impacts that you are happening on 4th September shining, the days are experiencing as a result of this 2021, and I look forward to longer, flowers are bursting pandemic are able to be eased continuing to work with the everywhere and the slightly by the realisation community for a bit longer. bottlebrush trees are catching that we really are in quite a In big news for Nimbin, my eye everywhere I go. protected situation in spite of the DA for the fire sites was The enduring constancy the economic and financial finally approved at our last of nature moving through challenges many of us are meeting. Thanks to everyone Word of the Bird the seasons is keeping me facing. who put in submissions, by Cr Elly Bird anchored as the initial Since I last wrote, Lismore contacted Councillors and confusion of the Covid-19 City Council has changed, advocated for the DA to be total fire ban of the season pandemic has moved towards with the resignation of progressed. I acknowledge for the Northern Rivers, becoming routine and as we Councillors Bennett and that it has been a process and as we move into summer settle into the marathon that Battista. One of the impacts of that has been a source of our memories of last year is this particular chapter of Covid has been that Council frustration for a number of will surface, alongside the our lives. It’s a reminder for elections were postponed for people so it is good to see that inevitable hot days. I hope me that joy and beauty are 12 months, meaning that it has finally been approved, that you have taken the around every corner and, as our four-year term has been and I am keen to see the heart opportunity over winter to is a continuing theme of my extended to five years. Cr of the village full of life and prepare your homes and columns, just how blessed Bennett had been planning activity again. properties for bushfire season, we are to live here in the for a while to leave the area at Particular acknowledgement and that you are able to Northern Rivers. the end of the term, and Cr goes to the Nimbin Chamber support your neighbours and Witnessing from afar the Battista chose not to continue of Commerce and the Nimbin friends. long-haul lockdown that for the extra year as well. Advisory Group who were Take care, and don’t forget family and friends have lived I wish both of them well in both very active and strong to notice the beauty that is through in Melbourne as we whatever comes next for them advocates. all around us as you go about continue to enjoy our daily and acknowledge their service We have now seen the first your day. Rail and trail — we can have both by Abigail Boyd, Greens NSW MP Byron Shire Council shows that if there with an inquiry that would give the – FLOOR SANDING – is political will we can have trains back entire region a say in the future of ur communities in the on the tracks servicing our towns in no transport infrastructure in the Northern

New & old ﬂoors, verandahs, decks Northern Rivers deserve fast, time at all. Rivers, they again teamed up to silence • Free quotes & advice Oreliable and frequent public If done right, the revitalisation of the voices of those who want to see transport services that get us where we the rail corridor, with both world class passenger services return to the line. By • Prompt service need to go, when we need to get there. passenger services alongside a vibrant shutting down The Green’s’ proposed But the Nationals, in lockstep with the eco-friendly rail trail, would be a huge inquiry into the legislation they have • Quality work Labor party, have this week rammed a boon for the region. missed out on the opportunity to learn assured Bill through NSW Parliament that will The proponents of the Bill before from community members and experts see the Casino to Murwillumbah rail Parliament will say anything to and to pave the way for a solution • All areas serviced line ripped up. distract from the fact they’re letting involving both rail and trail. Rail is the future. It’s reliable. It’s the community down, but we can, and I, alongside Ballina Greens MP Rob Clark ph 6632-3342 or 0410-016-694 fast. It’s efficient. It’s resilient to should, have both. Tamara Smith, will continue to push for ABN 93 105 831 192 catastrophic weather events in a way Across the world there are so many an inquiry into this Bill and to stop it many other modes of transport are success stories of rail trails alongside rail being rushed through Parliament. We’ll not; even being able to operate in the tracks that have protected the existing continue to push for amendments that middle of flooding. It’s a natural fit for infrastructure and been huge draw cards will ensure the rail corridor is protected the Northern Rivers, a region that has for their communities — from Otago in for future rail services, and that the land been chronically neglected in terms of New Zealand all the way to the nearly is kept in public hands, not handed over transport infrastructure spending by 40,000kms of rail and trail in the USA. to private developers. Amendments that successive governments of both political It’s been done before and it can easily be will close the clever loopholes that allow persuasions. done here. the government to tie itself up in private And we know that bringing trains back Which is why it’s so incredibly lease and licensing arrangements that onto the tracks is more than possible, disappointing to see the Nationals, will prevent the community from ever you just have to look at the success of the backed by local Labor MP Janelle Saffin, seeing trains on the track again. Byron Bay Solar Train to see what can pitting our community against one The Northern Rivers could be home happen when we bring our existing rail another on this issue. to world class passenger trains running infrastructure together with cutting edge And when given the chance last week frequently alongside a thriving, vibrant renewable technology. Furthermore, the in Parliament to open up the Bill for rail trail. The only thing stopping us is recent Arcadia Study commissioned by consultation with the local community, the political will to make it happen. Page 10 The Nimbin GoodTimes October 2020 [email protected] Saffin not convinced Dunoon Dam is best solution by Janelle Saffin MP, Member for Lismore with me concerns that this dam is potentially Government’s announcement it would expand a missed opportunity to invest in sustainable its ‘Border Bubble’ to include the additional ous County Council recently water management, about the potential flooding Local Government Areas of Lismore City, announced their preferred option for of endangered rainforest and climate change Byron Shire, Ballina Shire, Richmond Valley Rwater security was to construct a new implications. I share these concerns. and Glenn Innes Shire from 1st October. dam. They issued a Future Water Strategy I understand that Rous County Council (Visit my website: https://janellesaffin.com. 2060 paper on this and sought comment back (RCC) is the supplier of water to the whole au for a link to the latest QLD Border from the local community, specifically on the region and we need water supply to match Restriction Direction No. 15). Dunoon Dam component. population increases in each council area. This relaxation of border restrictions I want to share with readers my submission In securing long term and fairly distributed will be a positive for Nimbin, which, after to Rous County Councillors and General water supply, the Dunoon Dam is not a clear Sydney and Byron Bay, is one of the State’s Manager Phillip Rudd. frontrunner. Other options are available to RCC most popular tourist destinations, and will My position is informed by many and must be considered. make it easier for local residents to cross into conversations with interested groups and Professor Stuart White, of the University of Queensland for specialist medical treatment individuals, and by some excellent research Technology Sydney Institute for Sustainable and on compassionate grounds. on water efficiency which I commissioned Futures, has detailed proposals that I believe However, local businesses are still hurting from the Parliamentary Library, and have merit and are worthy of consideration. economically from the border closure – some my reading of the NSW Productivity Professor White addresses key issues such as Janelle at the opening of the 2020 Nimbin losing up to $10,500 a week in revenue – Commission’s Continuing the Productivity diverse supplies of water, how much people Spring Arts Exhibition so I am calling on the NSW Government Conversation Green Paper. and businesses pay for water, climate change to urgently provide a rescue package for all What follows is my submission lodged on implications, the cost effectiveness of water and communities. Such a large investment in small businesses in Northern NSW to help 9th September: security programs and investment in system something so important requires due diligence us climb out of Covid-19, as they did in the “Water security into the future for our wide efficiency. and all options need to be considered. I would southern border of NSW where they closed communities, farms and the environment is of He states that “a case has not been made” to ask that these can be done before a definitive the border with Victoria. vital importance. Many locals from across the build a new dam. Professor White is highly timeframe is put around the consultation with I am also asking the NSW Government Lismore Electorate have raised the issue with regarded for his work and identifies that there is the community. to expand its network of Special Activation me, so having a water plan for the future is scope for major improvements in water efficiency I look forward to working together to ensure Precincts to the Northern Rivers region, crucial. in the region. water security for our region into the future.” home to many cutting-edge entrepreneurs That being said, I am yet to be convinced that I would like to see more work done on this and in its stated range of industries, including the 50GL Dunoon Dam is the best solution to detailed costing of all the options. ‘Border Bubble’ breakthrough renewable energy, tourism, agribusiness, efficiently and effectively ensure water security into Water security is in all of our interests. It is After weeks of strategic and respectful freight and logistics, advanced manufacturing the future. Numerous constituents have raised vital to the future of our economy, environment advocacy, I welcomed the Queensland and defence. Lismore Council matters at hand On the same Page errific news that the and DCP and how likely people “border bubble” has are to support any development Tbeen extended to application for such a use in their include Lismore, Byron, Ballina, area. Richmond Valley and Glen Innes The survey is now live, and will Council areas. One positive effect be open until 16th November, at: will be the return of Kyogle https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/ shoppers and suppliers back to rural-tourism Nimbin. This was an issue raised to me Climate resilience by the Nimbin Advisory Group Coming up at the 13th October last month, noting that the loss meeting of Council will be a of these customers and suppliers recently drafted Climate Resilience was adding to Nimbin business’ Policy. economic difficulties. Hopefully by Cr Darlene Cook, Council acknowledges that that issue is now resolved Lismore City Council we are likely to be substantially affected by climate impacts, September Council meeting Police community particularly more intense and The DA for the former museum consultation less frequent rain events, floods, site in Cullen Street was approved Following the Nimbin PCCC bushfires, droughts, heatwaves, sea by Council at its September meeting last month, I was asked level rise and by the subsequent meeting with the proviso that in to have some works done in the impacts on human systems and lieu of the required car parking village: I can report that the ecosystem health and wellbeing. spaces, the developer will Nimbin CCTV connectivity We recognise that the changes undertake works in the western works are almost completed which in our environment will pose car park to the value of $20,000. should fix the previous issues with challenges to us, as a council and This work, which may include poor video feed. to our community now and in the additional lighting, shade The bindii problem in Allsopp future. Recent events including trees, and hand rails on the Park will be treated before the the drought, the 2017 floods, steep sections of the pedestrian summer, as will inspections of last summer’s bushfires and now by Kevin Hogan MP, Member for Page walkway or line marking, will the park tables and benches and Covid-19 have impacted the be consulted with the Nimbin any that are deemed to be unsafe community’s capacity to adapt. Advisory Group and Chamber will be removed. A replacement Council acknowledges its key Go Nimbin Headers! of Commerce prior to works program will be prioritised in the role in building climate change Congratulations to Nimbin Headers on winning the FFNC Division One commencing. current budget. resilience, promoting mitigation Grand Final. It is a fantastic win for the community. Also at the September meeting Staff are also investigating the actions and enabling communities, Well done to Lewis King, Ruben Mack and the whole team. Also to the election of a new deputy costs and options associated with ecological systems and economic Quinlan Cox and Beau Grabovsky who scored the winning goals. mayor for the next 12 months providing a filtered water drinking systems to adapt and thrive within was held. It is an unwritten and filling station to be located at a changing climate. QLD Border Bubble expanded convention that the role of deputy the blister before summer. To assist the community to The QLD State Government has extended the border bubble. From Thursday be rotated among councillors to withstand the cumulative impacts 1 October, 41 new postcodes have been added. enable as many councillors to Rural tourism survey of changes to the climate, this Lismore City Council area, which includes Nimbin, has now been gain that experience of chairing Council is seeking community policy’s principle objective is to included. This means we can visit family, friends and go to appointments in meetings, representing the mayor feedback on rural tourism uses build climate resilience. Resilience Queensland. at functions, and speaking with and the growing demand for these enables the community to better The northern border bubble line will be removed, allowing free travel the media on council matters. activities in Primary Production adapt, reorganise and evolve, anywhere in QLD. Residents will still need to apply for a border pass. Visit The successful councillor elected zoned areas of the LGA (where the leaving it better prepared for this link to apply and find out more information: https://www.qld.gov.au/ was Neil Marks. Many of you will uses are currently prohibited). future climate change impacts border-pass already know him from his career The ‘rural tourism survey’ is So this is the first step. If as a 2LM breakfast announcer aimed at gauging community adopted at the October meeting, The Channon and commentator/caller at the views about where rural tourism then the policy will be placed on Great to announce funding recently to replace Town Road Bridge at The Lismore Speedway and other uses (such as weddings, yoga public exhibition for your input Channon. It is currently a 4 span, 40m long single lane timber bridge over sporting and charity events. studios, distilleries etc) may be and feedback. Terania Creek. It will be replaced by a prefabricated concrete bridge. Do contact him with your appropriate (if at all), the types of I can be contacted on 0427- I secured $594,100 towards this important project, which will make it safer concerns at: neil.marks@lismore. controls Council should consider 895-316 or email: darlene.cook@ for everyone. nsw.gov.au if it decides to amend the LEP lismore.nsw.gov.au

www.nimbingoodtimes.com October 2020 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 11 Why don’t we have pill testing in NSW? y November 2019, the In the face of the unimpeachable a column for Rupert Murdoch and judge or a public servant you do Berejiklian government had Coronial findings, the ALP had Co. forfeit some rights to “enter the Ba simmering problem with shifted ground, not quite a backflip, Our system of government relies fray”. Or to enter Nimbin in early pill testing. Kids were dying at but supporting at least a trial. on respectful silence from the May. festivals. On top of that, the government’s administrative and judicial arms. These rules apply especially to Pesky experts and representative hand-picked Ice Inquiry This is especially crucial for the the Police Commissioner where professional bodies like the AMA Commissioner, Professor Dan Police Commissioner – he is not the opposition and the government had taken a radical proposal on the Howard QC was showing every just another pawn to be wheeled have different views on an issue like fringes and made it mainstream. sign of finding the same way. He out for the government to score pill testing. A police commissioner The leftists from the ACT had sought that the government points on the opposition, or to should never back one political government in Canberra had extend the terms of reference of his bring the status and power of his party over another on any policy actually trialled it at a festival. Inquiry to include pill testing, and office to bear on public policy. areas. Shock, horror – testing worked and they readily agreed – not expecting His role is to ensure that the laws What did the Police by David Heilpern saved lives. Parents of the deceased any trouble from that quarter until made by parliament, like them or Commissioner do? Did he button were begging the Premier to listen it was too late. lump them, are enforced. That’s his lip and bow to the umpire’s be more deaths of young people to the experts. And OMG did he disappoint what the oath of office requires. He decision? No – he issued a press from accidental overdosing and And to make things worse, the government with his 1200- should never take sides, because if release on 12th November 2019 poisoning. The suppliers will be Deputy State Coroner Harriet page report – pill testing got a big he speaks out the government may bringing all the weight of the entire able to sell utter crap to party Grahame had conducted a wide- “yes”, with mobile vans to go from be left in the absurd position of police force to bear. It begins: animals without fear of damaging ranging and detailed series of festival to festival. Sniffer dogs – making a police boss apply laws he “The New South Wales Police their own market share, or being inquests into festival deaths and no. Decriminalisation of possession publicly opposes. In the words of Force does not support pill traced back. had come to the conclusion that the charges for all drugs – yes. Sir Humphrey, for a politician, that testing. I’m gravely concerned Crucial education, law evidence in favour of drug checking So, what should the Police scenario would be “brave”. about the message that pill testing enforcement and harm reduction was compelling. She recommended Commissioner do in these I know personally that those sends to young people about the opportunities will be missed. pill testing be funded and circumstances? Nothing. He had limitations on public office can be consumption of illegal substances.” There will be sniffer dogs and strip implemented. She recommended his say in the Inquests and Inquiry frustrating. I did not take part in a Mr Commissioner, if you want to searches of children. There will that sniffer dogs be removed. and made submissions that were rally, or sign a petition or speak to be a public player in setting drugs be ambulances and morgues and Her brilliant 150-page findings soundly rejected on the evidence. the media on politically sensitive policy, then resign and stand for empty seats at Christmas lunches. make riveting and compulsory He could provide confidential issues for 21 years. I did not parliament. If you want to be a There will be funerals with limited reading for anyone interested advice to the government if asked. respond to Ray Hadley or the Daily Coroner, apply for the job. What numbers and life-long regret. in drug law reform and harm He probably did. His professional Telegraph and just let bad policy go a sore loser on the inquest front. Thank you, Mr Commissioner. reduction in Australia. The police association or union could speak through to the keeper. And it was How could the government change had their say, and the independent up if they wished. They did too. Or hard! I missed 21 MardiGrasses, now, even if there was an appetite? David Heilpern was a magistrate judicial officer had rejected their if he wanted to enter the political which left a hole in my heart. And so, if we have another festival in NSW for 21 years, and has now views. fray, he could quit his job and write When you take a position like a season this summer, there will returned to private practice. Where’s the sense in burning forests for power? Biomass Action Group and community members were positioned Bellingen community members outside CBP’s chipping facility at joined together on Friday 18th Broadwater and counted four trucks September to challenge Cape Byron an hour, including a large red truck Power (CBP) and its claim of “never from Tarkeeth forest. This had burning native forest residues.” previously been verified leaving the In NSW, licenses for burning Tarkeeth forest in the morning. biomass are jointly signed by “Rifle Range Road was bustling environment minister Matt Kean with trucks full of all types of and deputy premier John Barilaro. wood. This activity seems totally CBP was created in part by a unregulated, as does the definition former business development of ‘waste’,” said Caroline Joseph of manager from UK energy generator the Bellingen Environment Centre. Drax Power. Two projects in The Bellingen community Condong and Broadwater burn discovered the commencement sugar cane waste, although this is of the bioenergy experiment at not the only feedstock. Tarkeeth through breaking news on Combined clearfelling and biomass extraction site Trucks laden with molasses, 2-TripleB community radio station. – Tarkeeth State Forest hoppers filled with native forest Many people challenge claims that salvage logs, burnt pine logs, and Tarkeeth is a plantation. woodchips have created huge “Tarkeeth is a 60-years old mountains of wood behind locked recovering native forest sitting on gates. This is all burnt in the steep slopes of fragile soils between furnaces of Broadwater mill to the Bellinger and the Kalang Rivers, generate electricity. where the fresh water meets the salt “CBP claims to be “a leader in water,” Ms Joseph said. “It is vital responsible and sustainable biomass habitat, especially for koalas after power generation,” said Shaunti the bushfires.” Kiehl, an environmental scientist “Part of the process of creating and spokesperson for Biomass so-called ‘forest residues’ includes Action Group (BAG). “How can any taking whole tree roots from the company that burns native forests ground. These are chipped on site be sustainable, given climate change and trucked hundreds of kilometres and the bushfires?” to be burned. Where’s the carbon BAG and Bellingen Shire logic of that?”

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Page 12 The Nimbin GoodTimes October 2020 [email protected] AVOs and family law Nabawan Daga! by Aniko Papp

ho would have thought that my university degree in law would Wend up with me cooking on a hot stove in a tin shed before an audience of indigenous women, ranging from teenagers to grannies? Providing education about legal issues, such as family violence or child protection, was one work. It’d be nice if they of my roles when out on remote indigenous Legal Writes communities in the NT. Trying to get an by John Adams could go back and get the to pronounce goulash properly. “Gooyash audience though was always challenging. ladies… Gooyarsh.” judge to fix them, but Rice v Presenting a wordy Powerpoint presentation Their interest certainly perked up when I t’s Friday. A barrister Asplund, decided in the early in English or preaching at people was never mate calls me into days of the Family Court brought out slabs of fresh meat sourced from going to work. chambers. of Australia, says it’s not a local butcher in Katherine. “I am making I It became evident that if the education was Kangaroo goulash.” A room of beaming He’s got the brief from that easy. Final Orders, in coupled with a feed, then there was more the cops in an AVO matter parenting cases, are just that: faces looked up at me. I am certain it was the chance of interested participants. Eventually, and wants me to draft and final. prospect of meat rather than the prospect of a this turned into me presenting a cooking file a defence statement. I was in a trial once where Hungarian dish that created those smiles. class. Demonstrating how to cook a healthy The timetable says by next the other side tried to I had a stash of genuine Hungarian paprika meal became my legal education tool. If we Wednesday. “He’s a good quiet moments on Monday overturn such orders, and with me which I passed around. The ladies made heaps of extra food for the ladies to take bloke,” he tells me. “Needs and Tuesday, then it’s spent a lot of money trying sniffed the bright red powder deeply and home to their families, then they were even delighted in the smell as I stirred a generous a hand. Charge him two or Wednesday. The affidavit in a to get over the Rice v Asplund more likely to come along. three hundred, yeah?” family law contravention case threshold. They didn’t have heap into diced onions. I laughed as I told Vegetarian pasta was my first dish, with Can’t be that hard, I think, I’d hoped to complete before a a hope. them, “If you want to make your kids want me dicing carrots, chopping up cauliflower nothing like a 10-page family two-hour on-line seminar on But to the matter at hand. to eat, just fry up onions and they will always and beans to my audience perched on law affidavit; just a couple family law property division By the time the statement’s ask, what is cooking?” plastic chairs around a trestle table. I of pages. The one we’re at 3pm, is postponed. Again. completed, checked, signed As I added vegetables to the stew as this invited a teenage girl up to help me with the responding to is about 600 The client runs a business, and witnessed, it’s 2.45pm. was, after all, a healthy eating class, an old preparation, and watched her chase a carrot words. so I drive to his place with, Ten minutes later I’m at lady sidled up to me saying, “Not so many around with a huge knife without holding it Client arrives next day, I imagine, plenty of time to the court. A sign on the beans. Don’t spoil it.” The scent of Hungarian down. I didn’t want fingers in the meal, so with closely typed notes, polish the statement, witness locked door tells me to get Goulash wafted around the shed and out into asked her aunt to demonstrate how to chop a at least 2,500 words. I let his signature, get to the local my mobile out. I argue, the dirt road outside. vegetable without chopping off bodily parts. him talk. Of course, it’s not court registry on re-opening telephonically, with a woman While the stew bubbled away, I chatted Her aunt admonished her. “This is how you just about her proving, on at 2pm, to have it stamped inside. She says I’m not about the topic, what to do if welfare come do it. You should be cooking by now. I was the balance of probabilities, and served on the cops, and allowed in; must file on-line. knocking. Many sad nods all around as we at your age.” Bored teenage shrugs, yet she whether the mother of his be home half an hour before Covid. I say it’ll be too late talked about children being removed, with quietly kept at it and stopped using the blade kids is scared of him, or that the seminar. Sure. then. Makes no difference. each woman each having her own family like a machete. “So, where’s the meat?” such fear is reasonable. These cases often start off, I give up and go next door, story. “This is vegetarian pasta.” Dumbfounded It’s about the kids, siloed soon after separation, with persuade the police to accept “Nabawan Daga” was the judgement looks all around. “No meat?” nuclear weapons in a cold some sort of bad behaviour an unsealed copy, miss half pronounced as I doled out the hearty stew. In “Do you really have to put in so many war that’s been going resulting in a charge and/ the seminar. Kriol it means, “a great feed.” I was appalled carrots?” The saving grace was lots of grated on for years. Kids not or AVO. Then the family But it’s not all bad. I’ve got to find tomato sauce liberally applied to many cheese on the pasta which was served. And a spending time with him, law stuff begins; with a new case. If she’s found to a plate, complete with a big sprinkling of salt. promise that next time, yes, there would be communication problematic. parenting courses and family have breached the orders, Then came the containers for their children. meat. He’s sure it’s ‘parental counselling and mediation, beyond reasonable doubt, I noticed that many women only ate a small Yet another hot morning in a remote alienation syndrome.’ then mentions, directions and without reasonable portion, leaving the major part for their township found me stirring a large cast iron Interview over, he leaves hearings, and, if the parties excuse, we can ask for the families. pot on a gas hotplate. Hungarian Goulash and emails me more last that long, a trial and other side to pay my fees. When I left the NT, the last of my paprika I announced. “What’s that?” I was asked, paperwork; the final Final Orders. Followed with, And under section 70NBA stash was bequeathed to one of my fellow which led me to a brief talk about a strange workers, who assured me that her relatives parenting orders, two 40- as here, AVO skirmishes. of the Family Law Act 1975, land far far away. page family reports, etc. The The war goes on. even if no contravention is back on her country would be sharing it. I The women perked up when I mentioned ex, on his instructions, seems The family law stuff isn’t proved, the judge can vary have it on good authority from my indigenous that my parents were born there. “Ah, so co-worker that Hungarian Goulash was now to have clearly breached the relevant to the matter at the orders. Forget Rice v that it your country?” I admitted it was and being cooked in camp ovens all around her orders. hand, but I check it out, just Asplund. The allegation, it the ladies laughed as I taught them how I draft the statement in in case. The orders don’t seems, is enough. country in the Barkley Downs.

Unda Corona in the capital where else in the Big House would there be ’m sure I told you one of the attractions any Buddhists? The story quickly morphed of staying in Canberra was to be able to into Covid-19 is a Religious Virus. RV. grow four big plants in the backyard. Corona is RV was the word. Well, when I JournalSTREET of the North Coast’s SHUFFLE longest serving covert Scomo heard this he fell for it hook, line and This of course has turned into me having to be undacuva for Scomo on just what is sinker. happening with weed in the backyards of his to blame it on stoners. I didn’t mean that to endless numbers from different states, He bolted to the computer to look at tiny mountain empire. And as it turns out, happen. then suburbs, then even streets sometimes, Buddhist countries and sure enough, one plenty, though I won’t be putting it all in my What I didn’t put in my report but am chasing clusters. The numbers in quarantine after another he looked at had minimal report. telling you is that already there are organised and where. The queues of stranded Aussies deaths. Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Not being allowed to grow inside has gangs knocking on every door in the ACT trying to get home and where they are. Myanmar...he scrolled up and down turned it into a ripper’s delight. Young offering to do people’s gardening for them Screens flashing changes day and night as freaking himself out at the numbers. I was stoners cruise the backlanes “bud spotting” while they grow four plants. Or straight up global as well as local numbers endlessly trail there watching. He worked himself into a as they call it. More often it’s plant spotting paying them cash per plant, or a percentage on through the nights like stars in the sky lather going over the figures and comparing which they then keep an eye on waiting for of the profit. Or sharing half the crop which turning as the earth rotates. them to others. Hardly anyone has died in the buds to arrive before the rip. Like most has been surprisingly popular. People want Clearly here on this island we are grazing Buddhist countries. He discovered his enemy things, the timing is critical. Wait as long as to try the devil’s weed now they’re allowed to. in the top paddock and there is little to the ABC had even done a story on it. The possible for the buds to ripen and get max So sure, you grow me the plants and leave me worry about compared to others. Then Christian and Moslem strongholds in fact stickiness then pluck before the owner does, half sounds pretty good. suddenly some research says we are missing were the hardest hit by Covid, he realised. or a rival ripper. There could be as many I didn’t need to put it in my report because nine out of every ten Corona cases and the Then someone started talking about the as half a dozen rippers waiting for the bud half the staff in the Big House have had numbers people go into panic. Any criticism four horseman and he was gone. His eyes to form, so invariably plants are taken way someone knock on their door, or leave a or questioning of their numbers is seen as an were out on stalks and his cheeks bulging. before they’re ready. note unda it. Or even phone calls asking if attack on the very government itself. This someone was not just anyone. It was I put all that in my Weed Report to Scomo you need help gardening, or, “Would you I meanwhile have been wandering around an extremely senior church elder I was because growing indoors is critical and like help growing your first crop of cannabis the long wide corridors of power wearing told, from his very own Hillsong, where we don’t want any more man-eating dogs medicine?” And a lot of people are saying yes. my infused mask. Potato boys are trading thousands now believe Scomo is The One. in backyards thank you. He agreed with The other big news is the chaos of the terpenes and it’s like inhaling super lemon That sort of babble, tongues and all, took that and was horrified when I told him the CCR, the Covid Counting Room. It’s haze ever so slightly with every breath. over his office then, and not for the first time. fashion of having killer dogs as pets has been something like the tally room on election Extraordinary. And seriously, I think to myself, did any fuelled by people protecting their plants. His night but this election has been going on But no less extraordinary is their gossip other country ever have a leader who thought uncle had once been savagely attacked by a for nine months. The number of tests, the about Buddhists not getting Corona. Of they were the messiah? My mind was flooded pair of dogs and suddenly he now decided positives, the tracking, the deaths, the course this story started in the Greens office, with names in no time.

www.nimbingoodtimes.com October 2020 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 13