THE BYRON SHIRE Volume 23 #47 Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Mothers Day p20-22 WE DO ALL OUR OWN STUNTS
Capital works high on Council’s budget
Big swim brings out the best
tions were proposed, perhaps the most positive being the need to lobby governments at both state and federal level for facilities and funding. A centre like the Matthew Talbot Centre for the homeless was proposed; someone else spoke about the enormous disparity between the wealthy and the impoverished in the area (the ‘resource-rich’ versus the ‘resource-poor’), offering ways that those without could somehow benefit from the sort of unwanted possessions
Byron Shire Council’s 2009-2012 Draft Management Plan and Budget is now on public exhibition. Council’s general manager Graeme Faulkner said the plan focuses on the delivery of infrastructure and community services without putting more financial burden on Shire residents. ‘Council is adhering to the 3.5% rate pegging announced by the state government and there is no additional rate variation increase proposed for 2009/10,’ Mr Faulkner said. ‘The Draft Management Plan and Budget outlines Council’s programs, an overview of capital works, and the proposed rates, fees and charges – $47million has being allocated for a range of capital works including the construction of the Brunswick Valley Sewerage Treatment Plant, local road reseals, stormwater upgrades, cycle ways, construction of the Byron Bay Library, Byron Regional Sport and Cultural Complex, Suffolk Park Children’s Centre and upgrade of the Mullumbimby Swimming Pool. ‘Further development of the Affordable Housing Project at Station Street Mullumbimby will be continued along with implementing key actions from the Cultural Plan and the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan.’ A public presentation of the Draft Management Plan is being held at Council Chambers on Tuesday May 12 at 6pm for all interested community members. Mayor Jan Barham said, ‘I encourage the community to attend the public meeting to find out what priorities and funding have been allocated for the next year. Council’s budget is tight and we welcome community input on the priorities that have been set by the council.’ Included among the expenditure is $7m for sewerage services, $4.3m water supplies, $ 5.5m waste services,
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Of the 2,000 aquaphiles that made the best of near perfect conditions for the Swim Classic, 87 year old Bill Ringland was not only the oldest swimmer but also one of the more consistent. Bill first swam from Watego’s to Main Beach in 1992 as a youngster of 70. See more in Sport. Photo Jeff ‘Hot Togs’ Dawson.
High costs put the squeeze on local poor, says forum Victoria Cosford
A combination of hefty living costs, specifically in terms of accommodation and the level of unemployment, is the main reason for the alarmingly high rate of poverty in the Byron Shire, according to General Manager of the Byron Community and Cultural Centre, Paul Spooner, at a poverty forum last Friday. Holiday letting forces the pricing up further and there is a greater need than ever for affordable housing.
The Poverty Forum attracted about 30 people. It was held in the Fletcher Street backroom of the Community Centre – a fitting venue, as Paul Spooner commented, given the plethora of services conducted there. With representation from St Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, the Northern Rivers Social development Council and emergency relief services amongst other bodies, the forum generated much lively discussion on the deplorable situation of poverty and homelessness in the Shire.
‘Something is going on that needs to be talked about,’ said Paul by way of opening up the dialogue. The national rate of those officially living below the poverty line is 11.7% – the Richmond electorate’s rate is 16.6%, or one in six people. More figures were cited, such as the state-wide median rental which is about 23% of the median income; in Byron Bay it is twice as high, at 47%. The fact that younger people are increasingly applying for assistance is equally disturbing. Various solu-
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