Byron Shire Echo – Issue 21.13 – 05/09/2006

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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 21 #13 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2006 22,300 copies every week $1 at newsagents only

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Only $400,000 in developer contributions for Becton as

North Beach gets the nod Michael McDonald NSW planning minister Frank Sartor last Wednesday gave the green light to Becton Property Group’s controversial 117-unit, 290 bedroom North Beach stage one proposal for the 89 hectare Byron Bay Beach Resort site. On December 20 last year Mr Sartor announced he was assessing the proposal himself under new legislation rather than leaving it with Byron Shire Council. As with lands minister Tony Kelly’s takeover of crown caravan parks, Council was not told in advance and learnt about the decision from the press. Of surprise to Council is that only $400,000 in developer contributions will be levied on a $51 million tourist resort. There is also concern as to how the restriction

on occupancy to 90 days a year will be enforced. Announcing the approval, Mr Sartor said almost two-thirds of the site would be set aside for conservation. ‘This decision will resolve a great deal of uncertainty around a proposal which has been the subject of a lengthy dispute,’ Mr Sartor said in his press release. ‘My department carried out a thorough assessment of the proposal, its environmental impact and community views on the issue. ‘The conditions attached to my approval address the key concerns and ensure the project meets the highest possible environmental and design standards. ‘The development can only be used for tourist or occasional accommodation and not for per-

A blooming good show

manent residential purposes, which was a key community concern. The proposal also involves the rehabilitation and dedication of important wildlife areas and habitat corridors.’ Asked to comment on the size of the developer contribution and restrictions on occupancy, North Beach development manager Simon Stockfeld passed on a press release from Becton CEO Hamish Macdonald. In it Mr Macdonald said Becton was ‘delighted with the result and proud of the company’s achievement in securing approval for the redevelopment of such a significant and environmentally sensitive coastal site. ‘This is the last significant waterfront site in Byron Bay and represents a great opportunity for Becton continued on page 2

Afternoon delight at fatherhood festival

Orchid grower Merv Brown up close and personal with one of his treasured Coelogyne orchids. Photo Lou Beaumont

Phil and Maia Borrack enjoy the entertainment together at the Fatherhood Festival at Bangalow over the weekend. The event culminated on Sunday evening with a spirited concert by Pete Murray and friends. Photo Lou Beaumont

Alex McAuley Orchid lovers will have an opportunity to buy one of their favourite plants or get some growing tips from the experts at the 51st annual Queensland Orchid Society (QOS) Show taking place at Mullumbimby Showground this weekend. This Friday and Saturday September 8 and 9 the society members will showcase their range of these flowering beauties and will also acknowledge three of the society’s long term members in an awards ceremony on Saturday afternoon. Daphne and Harry Jenkins of Mullumbimby and Merv Brown of Bangalow will receive the Queensland Orchid Society Award in recognition of the years of dedication to orchid growing and the society.

Merv Brown has dedicated many years to the study of the conservation of species orchids; that is orchids that have not had their genetic structure altered in any way. At a very sprightly 88 years old, he is modest about his achievements. ‘They tell me I’m an expert on species orchids, but I don’t think you’re ever an expert,’ said Merv. ‘I’m thrilled to be receiving the award, but I don’t know how I come to deserve it.’ Always a keen gardener, Merv focused on orchids 50 years ago before choosing to specialise in species orchids about 20 years later. Why the interest in species orchids? Well, according to Merv, ‘Everything a man touches, he buggers; continued on page 4


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