THE BYRON SHIRE Volume 28 #46 Tuesday, April 29, 2014 Phone 02 6684 1777 Fax 02 6684 1719 editor@echo.net.au adcopy@echo.net.au www.echo.net.au 23,200 copies every week
Inside this week
GET SUNNY ON PAGES 23 – 26
O F , B Y, A N D F O R T H E S H E E P L E A N D R A N C O R O U S
CAB AUDIT
Sport in a Chakras & Plantem says ‘inhale Veteran The Bentley Mandy and our MardiGrass journo Margo blockade the perfect warm climate firewood – p33–37 – p39 feature’ – p15 Kingston – p10 – p14 birthday – p17
MP Page to step down After 26 years as state Ballina MP, Don Page (Nationals) has announced he will not contest his seat at next year’s election. It comes after losing his major portfolio of local government in the NSW government cabinet reshuffle, announced last week by new premier Mike Baird (Liberal). His role of minister for the north coast will be taken over by deputy premier Andrew Stoner (Nationals). ‘It has been an honour to serve the people of the Ballina electorate for the past 26 years and I will continue to do that until March 2015,’ Mr Page said in a statement. He said that during his time in the ministry, ‘we have laid the foundations for a stronger and revitalised local government sector capable of delivering better outcomes for the people of NSW’. continued on page 3
The sound of remembrance
This year marks the 99th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing, and on Friday Australia paid its respects to the servicemen and women who served and died in war. For 53 Anzac Days, Barry Stanford has blown Reveille for the Bangalow Anzac day memorial service. Photo Jeff Dawson
Byron Shire Council Notices Page 37–38
Stoner deflects fire A tedious war of political rhetoric broke out last week between Walt Secord MP (Labor) and new north coast MP Andrew Stoner (Nationals) over who is worse. Mr Stoner replaced Don Page as north coast minister, and comes as fellow MP Andrew Fraser (Nationals) questioned his leader’s ability to be effective given his many portfolios. In reply, Mr Stoner acknowledged the increased responsibility, but was confident he would able to ‘continue to deliver for regional communities across the state, with a special focus on those along the north coast.’ But what area does the north coast cover? Mr Stoner’s office replied that it covers both the north coast and the mid-north coast, to which Mr Secord replied it was a ‘feeble attempt to hide the National Party’s neglect of the region by clumsily redrawing the definition of the north coast.’ Mr Stoner retorted with, ‘It’s hard to take Walt Secord seriously, especially on the issue of CSG and the north coast.’ Ugh.
Cr Hunter riles neighbours over latest plans Hans Lovejoy
Neighbours of Byron Shire councillor Alan Hunter on Pinegroves Road, Myocum, are again putting up a fight over his plans for a road transport terminal at his property. In response to what they say is inadequate council staff advice, a group of six residents has paid for independent planning consultation, which they say is at odds with staff recommendations. It’s the latest in a long list of attempts by the prominent Nationals Party member to gain development consent; prior to becoming a councillor, Cr Hunter was prosecuted by Council and fined $2,000 for illegal construction, which included allegations of illegal
earthworks and placing 18 shipping containers on the site. A 2012 Land & Environment Court battle resulted in the councillor having to remove the containers and restore unauthorised earthworks. And it was only four months ago that residents became angry over the latest DA. The quite cul-de-sac is home to around eight homesteads, and residents say the large trucks that pick up and drop off farm produce at the end of the narrow road already threaten wildlife and pose a danger to children.
ing, will fall under new draft Council policy. Specifically it will be assessed under both the current 1988 LEP (local environment plan) and the new draft 2014 LEP. It proposes a ‘change of use’ from a farm building to a ‘road transport terminal’. ‘Warehouse and distribution centres’ is part of late ‘key changes’ to Council’s draft 2014 LEP, and includes provision for vaguely worded new operations that would be permissible in rural areas. Council’s January 2014 newsletter reads, ‘Additional RU2 rural landscape zones have been expanded to include intensive livestock agriculture, garden centres, rural supplies, warehouse and distribution centres, storage premises, recreation facilities (indoors) and livestock processing industries.’
‘Key changes’ to draft LEP But Cr Hunter’s latest bid has a twist. His development application (DA), to be determined at this Thursday’s Council meet-
Resident Angus Way told The Echo the late LEP inclusions appear to be ‘written in at the last minute to suit Mr Hunter’s activities’. He’s one of six residents who recently chipped in together to engage a town planner to examine Cr Hunter’s operation independently. Mr Way said, ‘We felt that as individuals it’s easier for the Council to dismiss our concerns, but an expert in the field is harder to discredit. We were not happy with council staff ’s interpretation of the [LEP] changes, and felt that it was worth paying for a second opinion.’ Mr Way says his advice is that surrounding shires have not requested anything similar to those ‘key changes.’ continued on page 2
New purpose-built,
Crèche opening soon!
• • • • • • • • •
Indoor heated pool Fitness classes Swim school Volleyball Cardio Weights HOUR Squash GYM Sauna Personal Training
14–16 Teven Street, Brunswick Heads
A / C Group Fitness Room Over 22 fitness classes per week! TO GET YOU STARTED:
Something for everyone! t 6685 1794
FREE Fitness Program Lifestyle Membership Conditions apply.
e bruns.fitness@gmail.com