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 Available early Tuesday at: http://www.echo.net.au VOLUME 22 #07 TUESDAY, JULY 24, 2007 22,300 copies every week
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Sartor gives nod to Main Arm subdivision plans NSW planning minister Frank Sartor last Friday approved plans for further subdivision at Main Arm. The local residents association had conducted a long campaign against the expansion contained in an amendment to the Byron Local Environmental Plan (LEP). In a letter announcing the approval to Main Arm Residents Association (MARA) president Judy Macdonald, Mr Sartor said his meeting with residents, property owners and Council on July 10 ‘was to make sure all issues were heard before a decision was taken. ‘Whilst I understand the arguments put forward by the Main Arm Residents Association, I have approved the making of the LEP in this instance. As discussed at the meeting, the land owners proposing the rezoning have complied with the rules that
currently apply to their land and the local council recommended the rezoning be supported. It would be unreasonable to refuse an application where they comply with the rules. ‘I do understand the issues that you have raised and I have written directly to the Mayor of Byron Shire Council requesting that they take these issues into consideration as part of the review of the rural housing strategy. I have particular concern over the long term effectiveness of the Community Title scheme.’ Ms MacDonald told The Echo, ‘The Main Arm community is extremely disappointed with this decision. This rezoning approval has bestowed on the Main Arm hamlet a 48 houses and shopping plaza development legacy. ‘A precedent has been set.
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Volunteers keep festival afloat
The community will continue to fight this development at the DA level. ‘MARA will now continue working within the current Byron Rural Settlement Strategy review process. Community Title needs to be completely removed from the strategy – it has only provided a loophole for developers to create rural subdivisions. More equitable models for rural residential housing which will not destroy our hinterland need to be developed. ‘As with the Council decision in December [to approve development], developers’ rights rule. Sartor has followed the same line. ‘The BRSS is an outmoded planning tool. Rezoning for rural residential development in Main Arm is irresponsible planning. continued on page 2
So cool it hurts: Get Rocked launched
The army of Byron Bay Writers Festival volunteers met up on Saturday at the Byron Bay Beach Resort for a briefing. The volunteers keep the show on the road this Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the resort and in town at the community centre and at other venues. See full program at www. byronbaywritersfestival.com.au and final book review for the year on page 18. Photo Lou Beaumont
Byron United intent on town bypass In response to a recent survey, members of business lobby group Byron United listed a town bypass as the number one issue facing the town. At a recent meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile and Ballina MP Don Page, Byron United board member John Gudgeon highlighted the need for
a town bypass link road and the long struggle to get some action on the issue. Byron United president Ed Ahern said, ‘As a result of this meeting Byron United has written to each of the Councillors asking for their stand on the bypass link road. Byron Bay will face gridlock this summer, with
the recent opening of the new highway. ‘It is absolutely essential that the community and Council are completely united on this issue if anything is going to happen. We are looking forward to getting responses from the Councillors and reporting back to our members.’
NCAHS launches strategic plan
Benny O’Dwyer from local punk band Brittle, event manager Katie Watts, Byron Bay High deputy principal Ian Davies and also from Brittle, Ben Whiting, at the launch of the Get Rocked youth festival last week. Get Rocked is on Saturday September 29 at Byron Bay High School and includes headline bands Spiderbait, Frenzal Rhomb, Behind Crimson Eyes and local hard core act Parkway Drive. For more information go to www.myspace.com/getrockedfestival. Photo Jeff ‘I Wear My Sunglasses At Night’ Dawson
The next meeting of the North Coast Area Health Advisory Council (AHAC) will begin with an open session for the community and include the official launch of two key NCAHS planning initiatives – The ‘Strategic Plan, a New Direction for the North Coast Area Health Service: towards 2010’ and its Health Equity Project website. The community meeting on Wednesday July 25 will
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start at 1.30 pm at the Suffolk Park Community Hall on the corner of Clifford and Alcorn Streets. Afternoon tea will be provided and the meeting will conclude at 3.30 pm. The State’s Area Health Advisory Councils were appointed by the NSW Minister for Health as part of the strategy in the reform of area health services across the state. They are a crucial part of the NSW government’s plans to ensure local
communities and clinicians play an integral role in the planning and development of health services, according to NCAHS. The members of the health advisory council are Dr Christopher Ingall, Dr Geoff Ramin, Hazel Bridgett, Sandra Woods, Leonie Crayden, Dr Bruce Hodge, Scott Wagner, Dr Helena Johnston, Warren Grimshaw, Dr Janice Herbert and Bertha Kapeen.
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