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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 Available early Tuesday at: http://www.echo.net.au VOLUME 22 #10 TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2007 22,300 copies every week
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NRCF offers community grants
Dry days heighten bushfire danger Story & photo Lou Beaumont Several weeks with no rain has left much of the Shire’s residents trying to remember what the wet stuff feels like. There has been no rain this month so far and July saw a meagre 13.4mm (compared with the July average of 105.9mm and July 06 rainfall of 186.4mm). With the average rainfall for the month of August being 92.8mm and no rain forecast we have a long way to go before coming close to the mark. Weather observer Greg Crow from the Coffs Harbour Weather Station of the Bureau of Meteorology told The Echo that the higher than average temperatures and lower than average rainfall are just part of normal annual variations in climate, with peaks and troughs off the average frequently occurring.
‘We have had lots of lows in the Tasman Sea recently which have been generating south-westerly winds. These winds come off the dry desert areas, hence the higher temperatures and drier conditions. The dry spell is only temporary as the lows won’t stay in the Tasman.’ As for the near future, the four day forecast shows no sign of rain, while the less predictable seasonal climate outlook for August through to October states, ‘There is increased risk of dry conditions for the north-east of Australia. Above average temperatures are expected and there is no clear indication as yet for la Nina [wetter than normal conditions].’ So it appears there is no let-up of dust and crackle for the parched northern rivers region in the imme-
diate future, hence the bushfire danger season has been brought forward with total fire bans in place as of August 1. Community Safety Officer for the Rural Fire Service Far North Coast, Lawrence McCoy, told The Echo, ‘Over 1,100 hectares have burnt since 1st July this year. The RFS has responded to over 100 fire escapes in the Tweed and Byron Shires already and this has resulted in the early introduction of the danger season and fire bans. ‘The drought index for most of the area is extreme, meaning there is very little ground moisture. The grass is well cured, due in part to dying off during the frosts, and is highly flammable. We are very concerned about the upcoming bush fire season unless of course we get some rain soon.
‘The best thing people can do is prepare themselves for the potential threat. Bush Firewise pamphlets are locally available or on our website. We don’t expect people to have bowling greens around their properties but we do ask that people clear their properties and gutters of combustible materials, such as dry leaves, twigs and palm fronds. Some fleshier, greener rainforest trees can act as good ember filters but anything that is dry and small will act as kindling and spread fires. ‘Once your property is prepared, the only thing you can do is be aware. We ask that residents decide whether to stay or leave well in advance. Those staying in their houses need to have made the appropriate preparations and those continued on page 2
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The Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF) has opened its 2007 small grants round with the focus of ‘Connecting Community’. The foundation invites interested and eligible community organisations to apply for a grant of up to $2,000 before Friday September 21. The theme of ‘Connecting Community’ is broad and could include any projects which foster community participation such as costs associated with transport or the purchase of materials. NRCF grants committee chairperson Jane Hanckel said, ‘Existing research and local knowledge have helped develop the theme of Connecting Community. We wish to support the social diversity of this unique region. ‘The Foundation will prioritise innovative community projects that involve partnerships with other organisations and show possible benefits that may continue after the grant period. Chairperson of the Foundation Christopher Dean said, ‘The funds for this small grants round come from the interest earned on donations received. Donations received are held in perpetuity; it is the interest from these donations that is channelled back into the community. ‘The Foundation depends upon the generosity and charitable action of industry and individuals. We’d like to express our sincere thanks to all the individuals and businesses who have already made contributions to the Foundation.’ Application forms and guidelines are available at www.nrcf.org.au or by emailing info@nrcf.org.au. In 2006 the NRCF was able to support nine organisations through a Small Grants round. These projects ranged from a youth mentoring project in Kyogle to the purchase of software equipment for Bay FM Radio.
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