Byron Shire Echo – Issue 21.25 – 28/11/2006

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THE BYRON SHIRE ECHO

WORLD AIDS DAY

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 #25 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2006 22,300 copies every week $1 at newsagents only

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Rally opposes Mallams development plans Story & photo Lou Beaumont Residents opposed to the Mallams development on the railway site rallied on Saturday morning. Speakers were Byron Shire Councillor Tom Tabart and MC for the meeting; John Bailey, Greens candidate for the seat of Ballina; and June Grant, Stuart Street resident and convener of the rally. Tom Tabart opened the meeting with an explanation of how such a development got through despite been thrown out by local council. ‘Myself, and my fellow councillors, are now totally disempowered by our own state government,’ he said. ‘The instatement of policy SEPP71 (State Environmental Planning Policy) in 2003 allows the state government to be the planning authority for any development within 1km of coastline or estuary. While SEPP71 was brought in with a view to protecting the coastline, Amendment 3A to the Environmental

Planning Act almost makes SEPP71 a redundant policy. 3A allows Frank Sartor to cherry pick developments that he deems to be of state signiďŹ cance. ‘The Mallams development has been approved by State under SEPP8, which allows the Government to be the developer authority on their land – meaning they are the vendor and developer of that land leaving the local council powerless. ‘As development authority, the state government does not have to follow our vital local environment plan developed from years of local area knowledge.’ Mr Bailey said he was upset at how this development decision appears to have split the community, and that well-meaning locals were ‘cajoled’ into signing Mallams petitions asking for support of their development... ‘the results of which appear to have influenced

the state government when making their decision.’ Those at the rally raised various logistical, environmental and general community concerns. Several people expressed concerns regarding the inevitable changes to, overuse of and congestion in Mullum’s narrow streets, those closer to the supermarket in particular, such as Station, Tincogan, Stuart and Train. The proposed changes to Station St to accommodate customer trafďŹ c shocked residents In a similar vein, many believed the new supermarket will increase danger to children and pets playing in the streets, and decrease pedestrian and cyclist safety in general. Names and contact details of rally attendees were taken on the day. If you were unable to attend but would like to offer your support, call the convenor on 6684 2108.

Jess Poulsen says ‘NO’ with other locals at the rally against the Mallams railway site development.

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Surf and art: it’s a beach

Jason Smith, curator of the National Gallery of Victoria, Barry Keldoulis, Sydney’s GBK Gallery director, contemporary artists Fiona Lowry and Scott Redford, relaxing at Watego’s before the opening of the ‘Epic’, beach culture exhibition at the Lismore Regional Gallery last Friday. This exhibition examines the enduring lure of the ocean in Australian culture, and the lifestyles and creative visions to which it gives rise. Curated by Jason Smith, the show also includes work by Tracey Moffatt, Patricia Piccinini, Roger Scott, and Tim Hixson. It runs until January 13. Photo Jeff ‘Tube Monster’ Dawson

Dunecare groups score $50,000 Local Duncare groups are celebrating the recent success of their application for funding from the Australian government’s Natural Heritage Trust Envirofund program. Seven Byron Shire groups will share in $50,000 for the purpose of restoring littoral rainforest. The areas to beneďŹ t from the funding include South Golden Beach, New Brighton, Belongil Estuary shorebird area, Clarkes Beach, Brunswick Heads, Simpsons Creek and Tallow Beach. ‘This is a fantastic outcome for the dunes in our area. We have some small remnants of littoral rainforest (rainforest by the sea) which is an endangered ecological community, and these funds will contribute towards

restoring and protecting these areas. As well as native tree planting and weed control the funds will cover fencing, signage, community education and training days,’ said Landcare community support officer Georgia Beyer. ‘All of the works that will be done under this grant will be matched by in-kind contributions including volunteer labour. This means that over $100,000 of works can be carried out over the next 18 months. ‘Our Byron beaches are famous around the world and are one of our greatest assets. It’s wonderful that volunteer groups are getting together to protect our coastal areas and restore fragile coastal ecosystems,’ Ms Beyer said. Michael Maloney, a volun-

teer with the Brunswick Dunecare group says the funds will assist in conserving threatened flora and fauna such as the Stinking Cryptocarya and the Little Tern. ‘Our volunteers are very excited about the possibilities of the project,’ he said. Some of the local dunecare groups have been active for over ten years, making them some of the longest running Landcare groups in Australia. Some of their past achievements include building beach access walkways and observation decks, fencing-off vulnerable fore-dune areas and planting trees. To ďŹ nd out more about your nearest Dunecare group contact Georgia Beyer on 6626 7028 (Tuesday and Wednesday) or Michael Maloney on 6685 0192. ,/#!,,9 /7.%$ ,/#!,,9 /0%2!4%$ "92/. "!9

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