Learning & Education
THE BYRON SHIRE ECHO Advertising & news enquiries: Mullumbimby 02 6684 1777 Byron Bay 02 6685 5222 Fax 02 6684 1719 editor@echo.net.au adcopy@echo.net.au http://www.echo.net.au VOLUME 20 #34 TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2006 22,300 copies every week $1 at newsagents only
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While the opposition continues to criticise Labor over motorway fumbling
Stitchin’ ’n’ bitchin’
Tripodi attacks Page on tolls Lesley Patterson
State pollies have been flinging mud at each other over Pacific Highway tolls over the past week. Nationals leader and Shadow Roads Minister, Andrew Stoner, and state member for Ballina, Don Page, criticised the Labor government last Tuesday for plans to introduce tolls on new sections of the Pacific Highway. Roads Minister Joe Tripodi replied, accusing Don Page of scaremongering over claims that locals could be faced with paying tolls for what is considered a local road. ‘The facts are on
December 23 last year the Federal and NSW Governments signed a memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to investigate the development of a North Coast Motorway between the F3 [near Newcastle] and the Queensland Border,’ said Mr Tripodi. ‘The working party will aim to ensure the proposed motorway would have a toll free alternative route for local traffic,’ he said. Mr Tripodi’s office also says a decision on the toll price has not yet been determined. ‘This is one of the issues that will be considered by the working party.’ In reply Mr Page
described Joe Tripodi’s track record on toll-free alternatives as ’far from impressive’. ‘For example free alternative routes to the Cross City Tunnel in Sydney were closed down and motorists were forced to use the tolled road,’ Mr Page said. Mr Page added that there is no indication of the standard of the free alternative route for local traffic in the MOU. ‘Mr Tripodi needs to clarify who will maintain the toll free routes and whether councils will be asked to take on the ongoing maintenance,’ said Mr Page. ‘There is also the issue
that if a high standard toll free route is provided, what will this do to the viability of a tolled motorway and what level of pressure will the government come under from the motorway operator to close down the toll free option?’ Asked if a tollway would be a separate road to the Pacific Highway, a spokesperson for Joe Tripodi told The Echo on Friday, ‘In some sections it may be preferred to upgrade the existing road, and in others to build a separate new road. ‘If a new route is selected, it is likely that the existing Pacific Highway will be used as a free
See saw champions at woodchop
alternative. If a new route is not selected, options for a free alternative route will be investigated by the working party,’ the spokesperson said. He also confirmed that a toll will not apply to projects which have already been completed such as the Yelgun to Chinderah section. On the issue of funding highway upgrades, Mr Tripodi criticised the Federal government for their level of funding. ‘It will take an extra $480 million per year from the Federal Government before the Pacific Highway is treated fairly compared to other National Network roads. Clearly Don Page and Andrew Stoner have failed to secure this extra funding out of their National Party colleagues in Canberra,’ Mr Tripodi said.
Stitch ‘n’ Bitchers Suzy Edwards, Michelle Cowen, and Dionne Clayton take their work seriously. Stitch ‘n’ Bitch is a group of knitters and needle crafters who meet regularly to stitch and chat over a drink in a relaxed and friendly environment. Meetings are held Thursdays from 6pm at Zula café, next to the Pighouse cinemas, Byron Bay. New members are welcome – for further information call Dionne on 0405 980 908. Photo Jeff ‘Bitchy and Scratchy’ Dawson
Plans to protect Byron Bay from high rise
Diane Lucas (facing) and Kathy Munday were the winners of the double handed sawing championship at the annual woodchop at Brunswick Heads. For details, see sports pages. Photo Jeff ‘Blockhead’ Dawson
New planning regulations for Byron Bay will protect the town from high rise development and preserve native vegetation says Council’s Director Planning, Development and Environment, Ray Darney. The draft Local Environment Plan will be on exhibition from this Friday until March 17 to gauge public reaction to the new regulations. ‘The draft plan covers a lot of issues. It will protect and rebuild the ecology of the area, and it will keep the low
building height limits that have protected this shire from high-rise development,’ said Mr Darney. ‘Exhibition of the draft plan is an important step for Council and the community. The new planning instrument for Byron Bay reflects all of the hard work Council and the community have put in over the last few years. We have strategies to conserve the natural environment and the amenity of the town and we want to put those
into effect with this new plan,’ he added. ‘The community has fought to protect the natural environment and a low-key built environment, and those aspects of Byron Shire have become key attractions and an important part of the economy,’ said Mr Darney. Council says the draft plan will focus larger developments in the town centre, and protect wetlands and native vegetation through zoning and other controls. continued on page 2