THE BYRON SHIRE Volume 23 #28 Tuesday, December 16, 2008 Mullumbimby 02 6684 1777 Byron Bay 02 6685 5222 Fax 02 6684 1719 editor@echo.net.au adcopy@echo.net.au www.echo.net.au 21,000 copies every week
AS ISTM CHR PPING SHO -24 p20 T O D AY I S U N D E R C O N S T R U C T I O N
Bay abuzz with Beggars Banquet
Heart’, a fire show and special appearances by Tommee and Nakula. The purpose and meaning behind the day’s celebration was never lost however, with reminders by Harsha throughout the day of those in our community who are at a disadvantage. ‘We are here to highlight the plight of those less fortunate than ourselves and reminded ourselves that all of us have an obligation to ensure fair living conditions and basic human rights for all,’ Harsha said. The organisers would like to thank all those involved in making this event a success. ‘Electricity was provided
A challenge to the consent issued by Byron Shire Council for a ‘trial’ Splendour in the Grass festival at Yelgun next year has been scheduled in the Land & Environment Court for three days beginning February 16, 2009. The Environmental Defender’s Office is representing Conservation of North Ocean Shores (CONOS) in its challenge against Council and Billinudgel Property Trust Pty Ltd. CONOS is challenging the consent on a number of legal grounds. CONOS president Bob Oehlman said, ‘We are seeking from the Land and Environment Court a declaration that the development consent is void and of no effect. We say that Council has not followed the letter of the Byron Local Environmental Plan. ‘We say that among other things the trial festival event is not in fact permissible in the environmental habitat protection zone that forms part of the festival site. The Jones Road/Marshalls Ridge is zoned environmental protection as it is of high conservation value and forms part of Australia’s most easterly wildlife corridor.’ Mr Oehlman said there is no question that it was a controversial decision of Council to give consent. Council’s own planning report provided eight legal reasons upon which the development application could have been refused. ‘Byron Council enjoys a reputation of being a “green” Council,’ Mr Oehlman said. ‘This reputation has been earned from the community that has worked actively for decades to protect this very special shire which sits within the most biodiverse region in NSW. ‘Despite widespread community opposition to the one-off trial event on environmental and social grounds, Council went ahead and approved the “trial” event. ‘CONOS is also arguing in court that the consent is unreasonable. The consent allows for extensive permanent
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Some of the participants enjoying last Saturday’s Beggars Banquet. Photo Jeff ‘Spare A Dime’ Dawson.
Railway Park in Byron Bay buzzed with the melodies and aromas of the third annual Beggars Banquet last Saturday. Money raised for the day was donated to the Byron Bay Drop In Centre, and was in part organised by the Homeless Breakfast Crew and the Anglican Church. The Homeless Breakfast Crew provide a free breakfast for Byron Bay’s homeless on Wednesday mornings. Ian Leggo, coordinator of event, thanked all the members of the community of Byron Shire who generously supported the Beggars Banquet with their donation of time, talent, effort, gifts, food, and cash. ‘So far
over $2,000 has been raised, and this year it ran very smoothly. ‘Local charities, businesses and the artistic community outdid each other in providing a smorgasbord of music, dance and entertainment, keeping the rain away and the hundreds of punters in good cheer.’ The all family event showcased many of the Shire’s unique and talented performers. The day began with a performance by The Gamelan Orchestra and master puppeteer Asep who recounted the story of the great battle between the forces of good and evil, while Arakwal representative Nigel Stewart
and Pete Jangala sang and danced the creation myths and passed on a message from the elders. MC and coordinator Harsha Prabhu told The Echo, ‘The diversity and high calibre of performers would have not been out of place in any concert or festival arena, yet it was available for all to enjoy. DJ Tashi closed the end of the night, and I must make special mention of Adam Pippen who did a fantastic job mixing the sound for the day.’ Highlights included the gruff blues of Matthew Hartley, 18 piece Latin swing big band The Big Bandidos, Mookx’s ukulele ensemble ‘Island
Court date set for Splendour challenge
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