A manifesto on man’s best friend

It is really easy to blame the self-centred entitled boneheads who choose to take their dogs into the no-go areas on the beach. And I do. There is nothing so certain as to ruin my daily sojourn to the beach than confronting these precious beasts about their boundaries. Or not confronting them, and wondering if I should. Or trying not to look aghast at the common lame excuses for environmental vandalism like ‘my dogs don’t chase birds’ or ‘it’s only one’ or ‘she’s old’. Some, very few, have no idea or miss the signs and have transgressed by accident. The aggro alternatives ‘what’s it to you?’ or ‘fuck off!’ show the true colours of some dolts.

Byron Shire Echo reetings dear readers of the Byron Shire Echo, it is I, Hans Lovejoy, here to share with you my thoughts and opinions on the current state of local politics.

As we approach the upcoming Council election [Correction – it’s an upcoming state election, not Council – Ed], the atmosphere in the Byron Shire is charged with political tension.

With a range of candidates vying for the top job, it is a crucial critical time for the future of our beloved community.

But with so many personalities and agendas at play, it can be challenging to navigate the political landscape and make an informed decision.

That’s why it’s crucial for us, as citizens, to stay engaged and informed, to ask the tough questions, and hold our elected officials accountable.

One issue that has been dominating the local political scene is the proposed development of the West Byron wetlands.

[Note: This issue has been determined through the courts and development is now underway – Ed]

While some argue that it would create much needed housing and economic growth, others fear it could lead to irreversible damage to our natural environment.

The debate surrounding West Byron is just one example of the complex challenges facing our community. It is a reminder that we must balance economic growth with environmental conservation, and that the decisions we make today will have a significant impact on future generations.

Another issue making waves is the ongoing tension between locals and the influx of tourists.

While tourism is undoubtably a significant contributor to our local economy, it can also lead to overcrowding, environmental degradation, and a loss of the authentic Byron vibe that draws so many visitors in the first place.

As we move forward, it’s essential that we strike a balance between supporting our local business, and preserving the character of our community.

In conclusion, dear readers, I urge you to stay engaged and informed as we approach the upcoming Council elections [Correction: its a state election – Ed].

Let’s ask the tough questions, challenge elected officials, and work together to build a brighter future for the Byron Shire.

Yours in journalism,

[AI] Hans Lovejoy, [virtual] editor

News tips are welcome: editor@echo.net.au

I’ve diligently followed the suggested approaches from Echo letter writers over the years including this gem: ‘There’s a ranger down there booking people for dog offences. Just letting you know’. The problem is that occasionally the pet and the petulant then take off into the bush to avoid the mythical ranger making things worse.

But the more I’ve thought about doggy don’ts from a criminological perspective, the key culpable mob is the trifecta of authorities tasked with policing this: National Parks, Council rangers and the police. Where are they when the dogs are frolicking with glee around nests and chasing wallabies? All can write tickets. All can prosecute. All are generally missing in action. Warnings, education, leads, tsk, tsk, tsk are utterly useless.

Here is a well-accepted criminological theory – if a law is not enforced and a perpetrator believes there is little or no chance of being caught, then the crime will be committed more often.

Here is a second theory – if you name, shame and heavily penalise a few offenders, it acts as a deterrence to others. Testing these theories on myself for example, I conclude that if I could use my mobile phone while driving without any prospect of being caught, I probably would. If there were phone detection cameras all over the place and the fine was a million dollars and loss

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 37 #39 March 8, 2023

Established 1986 • 24,500 copies every week www.echo.net.au

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Office: Village Way, Stuart Street, Mullumbimby NSW 2482

General Manager Simon Haslam

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Where are National Parks, Council rangers and the police when the dogs are frolicking with glee around nests and chasing wallabies?

David Heilpern

Nicholas Shand 1948–1996

Founding Editor

The Echo acknowledges the people of the Bundjalung nation as the traditional custodians of this land and extends respect to elders past, present and future.

Disclaimer: The Echo is committed to providing a voice for our whole community. The views of advertisers, letter writers, and opinion writers are not necessarily those of the owners or staff of this publication.

‘The job of a newspaper is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.’

– Finley Peter Dunne 1867–1936 of licence for ten years, I probably wouldn’t. If there was no risk of getting caught I might just claim a few extras on my dismal tax deduction list. Theory proven.

Remember the nude swimming/ pervert/Tyagarah outrage a few years ago?

A combination of education, enforcement, exemplification, general and specific deterrence and community engagement largely worked.

Since then, the absence of frantic rutting in the sandhills has been notable. And genitals generally don’t kill wildlife. Well, not often.

So, here’s a lesson in criminal law policy 101 to reduce the problem of dogs in protected areas.

First have a meeting between the prosecuting agencies and work out a cooperative approach on timing, areas and joint patrols. Nothing like three different uniforms bearing down on you. There are different areas of jurisdiction and attention needed from Wooyung in the north to Broken Head in the south, so planning is essential.

Second, the investigation. I know that a hurdle is getting people’s names and addresses.

The solution is called a camera. The three authorities could collectively set up a Facebook page seeking information based on the photos taken where they can’t identify the perps or mutts. The community would identify the dogs, owners and walkers in no time by private message. Once that information is received, the identity is confirmed by a wee home visit, and bingo!

Third, stop with the softly softly – maybe a ticket or a bit of education and other warning mush. Prosecute in court in, say, ten really strong cases each year for each of

Council, police and National Parks.

They have the discretion to do that instead of a ticket. The fines in court are potentially huge. The original ticket amount is irrelevant. The defendants will have to front up to court. They will be photographed and shamed and fined or bonded and have costs awarded against them.

Press releases and advertisements will be placed, highlighting the successful prosecution. They will be plastered all over social media. Environmental vandals! Bird/turtle/wallaby killers! Narcissists! Tabloid shock-jock bliss.

Fourth, harness your best friends in this – that is, the vast majority of dog owners who do the right thing. They are your greatest allies because they sacrifice their ball throwing, desire for quiet, bit more walk north/south, always carry black bag, lead etc for the environment every single day.

They are responsible canine lovers, just like the responsible nude bathers, and they have every incentive to help pull into line the refusers. I love my shore birds. I adore watching the marsupials lick the salt off the sand. I want to swim without dogs pissing on my towel. Or barking in my meditation. Or sniffing me when doing a downface dog. Eka Hasta Vrksasanav in sand is hard enough, without my elbow being humped.

There are children and adults who’ve had shocking experiences with dogs who just want to relax without them.

I have a mobile phone with a camera that I never use in the car. Now, is that going to be a tax deduction after this column?

David Heilpern is a former magistrate and is Dean of Law at SCU.

The end of an era –I am sure I am right in saying that the town is in shock at the sudden closure of our local Byron Bay Mitre 10. Unfortunately, this is yet another example of the changing face of Byron Bay, when arguably one of the most consumer-friendly, popular and successful businesses in Byron Bay is closing. Certainly, a better outcome would have been for Mitre 10 to remain open and for staff to be able to retain employment within the town, during this current economic downturn.

Byron Bay Mitre 10 epitomised everything you could surely wish for in a small country town, already beset by the extraordinary pressures of extreme staff shortfalls, rising costs, holiday-rental-induced housing shortages and rapidly rising inflation. What an unfortunate time to see the closure of this brilliant, small local business.

The management and staff in Byron Mitre 10 were outstanding: the late John Cavanagh and his wife Jeanette, James, Lisa, Lexie, Kim, Melissa, Dave, Tim, Richard, Paul, Kevin, Luca and I know there are many others, whom I’m afraid I don’t remember. Every one of them was always friendly, helpful, knowledgeable. They really were a superb group of people, a credit to John and James who obviously had the business acumen, wisdom and skill to assemble all of those talented people under one roof, totally for benefit of the people of Byron.

The loss of our local hardware store is the end of an era, which hopefully has not gone forever from Byron Bay. It was always a great pleasure to walk into the shop, even at closing time, to be greeted by a smile on every occasion.

Byron Bay and the district won’t be the same without our local Mitre 10. It was an outstanding business. One that all others could well model themselves upon. Hopefully we shall see those friendly faces around town and we wish them all the very best for the future. This is a sad loss for the community, unwitting victims of the corporate bottom line.

From two of your many happy and rewarded customers,

Christopher & Margot Wright Byron Bay

A grateful bunch of Mitre 10 supporters are planning to have a few beers with James, Lisa and their wonderful staff to thank them for 21 years of supplying nuts and bolts and outstanding service to the people and district of Byron Bay.

Where: In the old Mitre 10 store on Friday 31 March at 5pm. Bring something to eat, drink and share.

Please RSVP by text to Chris Wright 0427 758 515.

Albert still tramping

I first came across Albert (sorry if that’s not his name) tramping far and wide in the Byron Shire, in rain and shine, when I lived in Main

The Voice

It would greatly progress the Voice to Parliament debate if the Nationals were prepared to honestly declare their objections to the process. Their current attitude is transparently flimsy and unbelievable.

Their main concern is obviously the fear that the Voice will give Aboriginal people a greater say in land management (all things considered, probably a good idea), more access to sacred sites, and that it would altogether diminish their control of their properties. This would be a particular concern on those properties of a leasehold nature, the mining lobby is obviously also on their side for much the same reason.

Arm and The Pocket in the early ’90s. Much more recently, several years ago, the Backlash page of The Echo issued a warning, advising motorists to watch out for Albert who was beginning to veer into the middle of the road on his walkabout. More recently, his walkabout contracted more and more to Mullumbimby, where he was sighted almost daily. He started offering his forlorn hand somewhere on Burringbar Sreet, for a dollar. Then several months ago he vanished.

I was very happy to see him a couple of months ago, on a footpath near the Byron hospital and then yesterday, crossing the main road near the Byron Arts & Industry Estate roundabout, his familiar, determined, halfbent stoop and now his royal blue top replacing the black garbage bags of yesteryear.

I guess he is being looked after somewhere, maybe he doesn’t have to fend for himself for his next meal and he has a dry bed. All I can say is, good on you Albert, may you enjoy these years.

Robert Couldry Mullumbimby

Doggy do – don’t!

To the princess burying your dog droppings on the no-dog beach at South Golden Beach, then (6.30pm Thursday 2 March) continuing further down the beach towards New Brighton where a family of Sooty Oystercatchers live, you were noticed and will be remembered

Ralph Johnston South Golden Beach

But this of course is a complete (possibly intentional) misrepresentation –the Voice is only an advisory body, legislation is still under the control of our elected representatives.

As for Peter Dutton, the time for masterly inaction has long gone. Of course, he is caught between a rock and a hard place, juggling between his electoral chances and possible leadership pressures within his party. His obvious prevarication leaves him splitting the hairs on a nit, convincing none and making him just appear indecisive.

Their choice of Jacinta Price as a spokesperson is also telling as she is obviously the type of person who is habitually disgruntled with the world and will never be satisfied with any suggestion proposed.

David Gilet Byron Bay

MBVFC will be holding a muster day for all new and returning Miniroos players (ages 5 to 11)

SATURDAY MARCH 11th at the Pine Ave fields