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February 1710 to
New Dogs in Public Spaces Strategy – have your say
After months of consultation with the community, Council’s Dogs in Public Spaces Strategy has been drafted and everyone is invited to tell us what they think!
Review the draft Strategy and have your say on Council’s website by Tuesday 11 October.
“What’s important about our new Dogs in Public Spaces Strategy is that it considers the needs of dog owners and their best friends, alongside the needs of members of the public who aren’t dog owners and the impact of dogs on our precious environment,” Council’s Director Sustainability, Environment and Economy, Shannon Burt said.
“We have more than 10,000 currently living in the Byron Shire, so it’s about fnding a balanced approach so that everyone can use and enjoy our beautiful public spaces,” Ms Burt said.
“The Strategy identifes a number of ways we can improve how we’re currently managing dogs in public spaces and includes a clear vision, key themes and supporting actions to drive infrastructure improvements in the future and set out clear priorities for Council’s education and compliance activities.
“Importantly, it goes into detail about potential changes to the existing conditions for off-lead dog areas within the Shire and the need for new dog prohibited areas.
“It suggests ways to communicate the suitability of existing dog exercise areas and associated infrastructure such as via better signage and bins; and what Council can do to encourage and promote responsible dog ownership,” she said.
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COFFS COAST SCOPING STUDY ON THE MOVE
The NSW Government is providing $46,666 in funding to the City of Coffs Harbour to enable a scoping study for the Coffs Harbour open coastline as part of the Coastal Management Program (CMP).
Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said the funding, which will be backed by direct technical support from the Department of Planning and Environment, will extend Council’s coastal works program.
“Planning for the future is essential, so I’m pleased to announce this grant from the NSW Government for the City of Coffs Harbour to expand the partnership with State and Local Government,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“CMPs are longterm strategies which guide the City of Coffs Harbour and other stakeholders to manage estuarine and coastal areas, identify hazards and risks to the environment, and critical steps to appropriately manage these into the future.”
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said he’s extremely pleased the NSW Government is supporting the City of Coffs Harbour in its coastal management strategies.
“The Coffs Coast has stunning coastal and estuarine environments and it’s crucial they are properly managed to ensure their health into the future,” Mr Singh said.
“I’m delighted Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman is here on the Coffs Coast to see frst hand the important work being undertaken by our Council to further enhance our coastline and estuaries for the enjoyment of all.”
The planning stream of the Coastal and Estuary grants program is the frst step in the process of supporting local government to understand the complex coastal and estuarine environment.
Councils can apply for funding at any time during the fnancial year to undertake planning and studies, while applications for implementing works are part of a contestable funding round.
The aim of the program is to increase the resilience of coastal communities and implement actions that improve the health of NSW estuaries.
Funding is provided at a 2:1 ratio, with $2 contributed from the state government for every $1 provided by the council.
The NSW Government’s Coastal and Estuary Grants Program provides technical and fnancial support to local government to assist them in managing the coastal zone.
More information about the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program can be found here.
REFORMS TO PROVIDE GREATER TRANSPARENCY ON RETIREMENT VILLAGES
The NSW Government is improving oversight of retirement villages with new requirements for operators to disclose key data such as unit sales and fnancial statements to support oversight of the sector and provide ease of access to information for current and future residents.
NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said consumers would be able to easily view key information from the 691 retirement villages in NSW.
“The data will be easily accessed online and will empower consumers to make better choices about where they would like to live in retirement,” Ms Mann said.
“These changes will bring greater transparency to the industry and improve government oversight of the sector.
“These reforms build on previous improvements to ensure the sector was more fnancially sustainable for residents, to help reduce bill shock and increase transparency.”
The NSW Government has implemented an extensive reform agenda for retirement villages since the 2017 inquiry into the sector that was led by Kathryn Greiner.
These reforms improved access to exit entitlements, made the transition to aged care easier, capped the period of time residents paid recurrent charges for general services and required operators to maintain and publish an asset management plan for each retirement village they manage.
For more information on the retirement village sector please visit the NSW Fair Trading website www. fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ housing-and-property/ retirement-villages.
NSW THE TOP STATE FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH
Treasurer Matt Kean
NSW has recorded the strongest quarterly economic growth amongst all states with State Final Demand (SFD) rising by 1.9 per cent in the June quarter, according to the ABS National Accounts released today.
On an annual basis, the quarterly national accounts showed NSW SFD, a measure of economic activity, rose 4.1 per cent over the year to June 2022.
This is much higher than the increase in Australia’s gross domestic product of 0.9 per cent in the June quarter and 3.6 per cent over the year to June 2022.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the fgures demonstrated the State’s economy was continuing to rebound strongly despite economic challenges including supply chain issues, exacerbated by the RussiaUkraine war and China’s zero COVID policy.
“NSW recorded the strongest economic growth of all states in the June quarter showing the NSW economy is going from strength to strength following last year’s pandemic-related impacts,” Mr Kean said.
“Our government’s continued investment in NSW is propelling Australia’s strong economic performance.
“Today’s report showed household consumption rose 2.5 per cent in the June quarter, which drove the State’s increase in State Final Demand.
“Spending on hospitality, transport and recreation and culture have all increased as households spend more freely postCOVID restrictions.”
Business investment also grew by a strong 4.1 per cent in the quarter, with frms investing in machinery and equipment as demand increased.
The NSW Government’s record investment in skills in the 2022-23 Budget PROMOTING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR ABORIGINAL PEOPLE
Aboriginal people will benefit from the expansion of a grants program, which will create more opportunities for education, training and employment in the NSW public service and local government agencies.
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government has expanded the Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grants to provide more tangible and meaningful pathways for Aboriginal people.
“This initiative enables the public service and local councils to deliver more education, training and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people,” Mr Henskens said.
The annual grants are named in honour of community leader Elsa Dixon who played a critical role in improving social outcomes for Aboriginal people in the 1970s and 1980s.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ben Franklin said the program aligns with Closing the Gap targets to increase the number of Aboriginal people engaged in sustainable employment, education and training pathways.
“This is an incredible expansion and will see more Aboriginal people secure employment or greater opportunities and choice in their local communities,” Mr Franklin said.
For more information about the grants and how to apply, visit the website. https://education. nsw.gov.au/skillsnsw/aboriginaland-torres-straitislander-peoples/ elsa-dixonaboriginalemploymentgrant#How2
ARTS, SCREEN AND CULTURE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM EMBRACES DISABILITY
NSW artists and practioners with disability will have the opportunity to develop meaningful career pathways into the arts, screen, and culture sectors thanks to the NSW Government’s Createability Internship Program. The Createability Internship Program is a three-year commitment delivered by the NSW Government in partnership with Accessible Arts and leading NSW-based arts, screen and cultural organisations. Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the program would create new opportunities for young artists with a disability across the sector. “The Createability Internship Program, now in its second year, has exceeded all expectations in improving accessibility and employment opportunities for people with disability all over the State,” Mr Franklin said. “This important initiative removes barriers to employment and provides training, mentoring and support for our emerging creatives. “Everyone should have access to arts and culture on stage, behind the scenes and in the audience, and the NSW Government will continue to work with creative organisations to ensure the arts are accessible and inclusive to all.” Create NSW Interim Chief Executive Annette Pitman said the program will provide signifcant opportunities for creatives to intern with iconic cultural institutions. “The Createability Internship Program offers a fantastic opportunity for aspiring creatives to gain experience working at some of our most renowned arts, screen and culture organisations including the Sydney Opera House, Animal Logic and Sydney Theatre Company,” Ms Pitman said. “Interns will gain valuable work experience with sector leaders, and host organisations will develop and grow their understanding of access and inclusion.” Sydney Opera House Accessibility Operations Manager Janelle Ryan said they were committed to delivering initiatives and building partnerships that foster diversity, inclusion and belonging and inspire positive social change. “The Sydney Opera House occupies a unique position in the cultural landscape and that’s why, since the NSW Government’s Createability Internship Program inception, we have participated in the program that connects our organisation with emerging practitioners with disability to help them build skills, grow networks and forge career pathways in the arts,” Ms Ryan said. Createability internships are open to any NSWbased person with disability who has been actively engaged in or seeking a career opportunity in the arts, screen and culture industries. The program includes customised training for up to 10 participants, followed by paid internships for up to 160 hours at participating arts, screen and cultural organisations. Practitioners with disability at all stages of their career in the arts, screen and cultural sectors are encouraged to apply. Applications are open on 22 August 2022 and close at 5pm AEST on 26 September 2022. For further information or to apply, visit the Create NSW website at www. create.nsw.gov.au
The second BUY FROM THE BUSH QLD FESTIVAL will be held on Saturday September 17 at Summer Land Camel Farm in the Scenic Rim and will be a celebration of the favours, food, faces, wines, tourism experiences, talents, crafts and products of the Australian bush.
Makers, growers, producers, artists and businesses from as far away as Longreach and of course from across the Scenic Rim region are set to take part, a new Regional Showcase element will feature, and celebrated chef Josh Lopez, a champion of the Scenic Rim’s Eat Local Week, will stage cooking demonstrations.
More than 5,000 people attended last year with more expected in 2022.
Queenslander Kerri Brennan started Buy From the Bush QLD in 2018 while her familyrun cattle property on the Darling Downs was in the grips of a seven year drought.
“Buy from The Bush QLD has always been about supporting the Queensland bush battler with strength in numbers,” said Kerri, who is also the motherof- fve.
“From my own pain of not knowing how we were going to pay the bills or keep the kids at school and knowing so many other women and families in rural Queensland who had started sidehustles to make ends meet, I knew that if we put the call out, an army of supporters would assemble, and this is what we have experienced.”
“People in the city have always been wonderfully supportive of Aussie entrepreneurs and Buy From The Bush Farm is perfect for an event of this scale, being just 45 minutes from Brisbane and just over an hour from the Gold Coast, with plenty of parking, loads of fabulous space and of course, camels!”
QLD was conceived to make that connection especially strong with Aussie businesses from country areas.” “The BUY FROM THE BUSH QLD FESTIVAL at Summer Land Camels in the Scenic Rim is an exciting event that provides an amazing opportunity to connect people from the city, with regional and rural communities,” she said. “We’re making it easy and affordable for bush businesses to sell their products and services.”
“Summer Land Camel
Summer Land Camels CEO Paul Martin said it was a privilege to host the inaugural BUY FROM THE BUSH QLD FESTIVAL.
“Being a proud bush business, we can’t wait for September 17, and to welcome what will be a wonderful representation of bush businesses, from favour makers, growers, wine makers, handmade wares, tourism providers, entertainers and more. We also have live music, camel rides, farm tours, kids’ games, face painting, guest speakers and other activities – it’ll be the best of the bush, right on the doorstep of the city!”.
Mayor Greg Christensen said Scenic Rim Regional Council was proud to support this great initiative that encourages people from across Australia to buy from the bush.
“Here in the Scenic Rim, we have a fabulous range of local artisans and producers and I know they will be looking forward to showcasing their products at this event and growing their customer base while at the same time promoting the region as a wonderful destination to visit.” BUY FROM THE BUSH QLD FESTIVAL at Summer Land Camels in the Scenic Rim
Saturday September 17
From 9am to 3pm 8 Charles Chauvel Drive, Harrisville, QLD 4307 Australia
About Buy From The Bush Queensland
The Buy From The Bush Queensland initiative started in mid-2018 as a Facebook page for women doing it tough on the land and has since blossomed into an online community of bush businesses, creatives and a broad array of family-run side hustles across the rural regions of Queensland. Kerri Brennan, a Darling Downs cattle producer based an hour south of Toowoomba, saw the need to support the family farm.
About Summer Land Camels
Summer Land Camels is Australia’s largest commercial Camel Dairy, situated in the fertile ‘food bowl’ of Queensland’s Scenic Rim. We embrace sustainable and regenerative agriculture to produce the most pure and healthy Camel Milk products. Summer Land Camels is passionate about building a better understanding of camels and camel farming in Australia. By capturing wild camels from the Australian outback and training them, we contribute to solving a nationwide problem. Building a sustainable industry that harnesses the incredible potential of these beautiful animals is what drives us every day. Only 45 minutes from Brisbane, we provide a unique farm experience, including meals and drinks in our Homestead Café, camel rides, farm tours and a farm shop. www. summerlandcamels.com. au About the Scenic Rim The Scenic Rim has been named by global travel authority Lonely Planet as one of the hottest destinations to visit in 2022! Just an hour from Brisbane and 30 minutes from the heart of the Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim stretches from Canungra to The Lost World, Beaudesert to Boonah, Tamborine Mountain to Kalbar and is home to the ancient World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, six historic national parks, charming towns and villages, adventure parks, farm stays, craft breweries, boutique wineries, ecolodges, tantalising gourmet experiences, world class camping and glamping and breathtaking spaces in between. It’s a region of more than 4,200 square kilometres of rich volcanic soil surrounded by ancient mountains and home to thousands of farmers and food creators, more than 30,000ha of parkland, plus three dams - Lake Moogerah, Lake Maroon and Wyaralong Dam. visitscenicrim.com.au
NEW INVESTMENT IN CLARENCE AND RICHMOND VALLEY YOUNG PEOPLE
Local organisations representing the interests of young people now have access to a new $40 million ‘Nationals in NSW Government Our Region, Our Voice’ program, with grants of up to $3 million for targeted local initiatives to help regional youth reach their full potential, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis has announced.
“Partnerships between Clarence and Richmond Valley youth groups and the NSW Government had grown in recent years, delivering great community benefts,” Mr Gulaptis said.
“Young people struggled more than most with COVID lockdowns, and then we had the foods, so this massive new Nationals in Government investment in regional youth could not come at a better time.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the record investment has been shaped by youth for youth.
“We’ve engaged with 2000 young people in regional communities across our state to understand what matters to them and to ensure this investment will meet the needs of the next generation, now and into the future,” Mr Toole said.
Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said the funding will be allocated across nine areas identifed as high priorities by the Regional Youth Taskforce and Regional Youth Insights - the largest regional youth research project ever commissioned by the NSW Government.
“From more mental health support and improved career pathways to greater recreational activities and reliable public transport, this research told us exactly what our regional youth want and need,” Mr Franklin said.
Youth Community Coordinator for the North Coast Giane Smajstr said the new program would provide signifcant benefts for youth in the Clarence and Richmond Valley communities.
“The future of our regional communities relies on prioritising young people. Through this program communities can provide localised solutions and resources for young people to thrive,” Ms Smajstr said.
“This fantastic opportunity provides an amazing springboard from which regional youth might leap forward into successful adulthoods.”
The ‘Our Region, Our Voice’ has funding available for projects to: • Enhance high school engagement and retention • Develop work ready skills, knowledge and networks • Increase access and quality of health services including provision of youth services • Improve access to public and private transport • Better access to digital technology and digital skills • Deliver more community youth projects • Support at risk-youth • Assist young people to secure affordable housing
The priority for the North Coast is to improve access to mental health services. 65 per cent of young people listed better mental health support as an initiative that would support young people living healthier lives.
The second priority for the region is to improve belonging through the provision of additional recreational activities and events. 54 per cent of young people in the North Coast region noted that an increase in fun and interesting things to do would make life in their town and surrounding areas better.
The $40 million package is part of the NSW Government’s record investment in regional youth through the 2022-23 NSW Budget.
Applications for the Regional Youth Investment Program are now open and will close at 10am, October 4, 2022
The North Coast Local Land Services Invasive Pest team is encouraging landholders to report sightings of feral deer in their areas.
Populations of feral deer are known across the region, including the Port Macquarie, Upper Macleay Valley, Nambucca, Coffs Harbour and Nana GlenBucca-Woolgoolga areas.
Incidence of feral deer, mainly individual stags, are also reported in the Northern Rivers regions and so it is important to report sightings in this area to improve our knowledge of feral deer populations and provide information if management programs are required.
Grazing and trampling caused by feral deer threatens native species that are less able to compete for food and habitat and damages the composition and structure of habitats of threatened fauna.
Scent marking and rubbing of antlers leads to many trees becoming ring-barked and dying, whilst browsing on shrubs and grasses, forbs and other general foliage further degrades these communities.
Weed seeds are introduced in scats and increased light penetration from disturbed canopies - particularly in Littoral Rainforests - sets the conditions for rapid invasion from Nationally Signifcant weeds including Lantana and Bitou Bush.
Dean Chamberlain, Team Leader Invasive Pests said, “Feral deer have a serious impact on the natural environment, but they also have devastating impacts for agricultural producers and even gardens and community spaces in our urban areas.
“Deer would easily make the Olympics high jump team, some species are able to jump fences up to 2.5m high and this enables them to invade farms, graze on pastures and crops, consume stock water and feed, congregate around water sources and damage riparian zones around dams, waterholes, creeks and rivers.
“The impact on agricultural enterprises varies but can easily reach the tens of thousands of dollars each year for farmers due to increased grazing pressure, loss of crops and damage to infrastructure.”
Feral deer are increasingly present in urban areas, grazing on lawns and backyard vegetable gardens, destroying landscaping, destroying community spaces such as parks and causing motor vehicle accidents.
Mr Chamberlain continued, “Feral deer should not be approached by people as they are wild animals and are unpredictable. Stags can be particularly aggressive and people can put themselves at extreme risk by approaching them.”
“We encourage landholders and residents to report sightings of feral deer, as this provides valuable information on where they are and helps us prioritise management.” Mr Chamberlain said. To report feral deer: Download and install the FeralScan app on your smart phone - https://www. feralscan.org.au Record a sighting on the FeralScan website Call your nearest Local Land Services offce on 1300 795 299 If you would like to know more about feral deer or if you would like help in managing feral deer in your area, we encourage all interested landholders to contact their nearest North Coast Local Land Services offce on 1300 795 299.
EARLY INTERVENTION KEY FOR KIDS TO THRIVE
Shining a light on the life-changing work of Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI) programs for children and young people is at the centre of a state-wide campaign launched by the NSW Government today.
Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha MaclarenJones said the Spotlight on TEI campaign promotes the vital role these services have on strengthening communities, and supporting the wellbeing and safety of children, young people and families.
“This campaign is about highlighting the great work of early support services and has the potential to strengthen practices right across NSW,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
“The NSW Government is committed to giving children and young people the support they need for a brighter future. This is an important step towards achieving the Premier’s Priority of protecting our most vulnerable children and increasing permanency for children in out-ofhome.”
In 2020-21, TEI services were delivered by 481 service providers in 1,469 different locations across NSW, to more than 830,000 clients.
CEO of Weave Youth & Community Services, based on Gadigal Land in Inner Sydney, Siobhan Bryson said they continue to see the success TEI is having for children, young people and families in their program.
“Weave has a 46-year track record of providing responsive support and services designed with and for our community,” Ms Bryson said.
“With over 70 per cent of people accessing services from Weave being Aboriginal people, we have a commitment to provide early intervention support that is fexible, culturally safe, and healing-centred. This is key to empowering people to change their lives and keeping families together.”The campaign comes off the back of positive fndings from the frst annual report on the TEI program.
“The 2020-21 report revealed the positive impact TEI is having on families and communities, with the majority of clients reporting they are happy with services received,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
“This campaign will help build on these outcomes, so children and families get the support they need to grow and thrive.”
The campaign will run for 12 months.
NEW STRATEGY TARGETS OBESITY RATES IN NSW
NSW Health has today launched the NSW Healthy Eating and Active Living Strategy 2022-2032 to boost the health of children and adults across the state over the next decade.
Acting Chief Health Offcer Dr Marianne Gale said the strategy aims to reduce overweight and obesity in children and young people by fve per cent and to reverse the trend of obesity in adults by 2030.
“We’re continuing to invest in the prevention of overweight and obesity in NSW by supporting people of all ages and working alongside parents and families to support them to live their healthiest lives through eating well and being active,” Dr Gale said.
“Improvement in overweight and obesity rates will require a truly collaborative effort over the next decade from across government, business and the community.”
The NSW Healthy Eating and Active Living Strategy 20222032 aims to address overweight and obesity across the community by focusing on: • Prevention programs and services to support healthy eating and active living • Routine advice on healthy eating and active living as part of clinical care • Social marketing to support behavioural change towards healthy eating and active living • Healthy food and built environments to support healthy eating and active living.
More than one in two adults (56.8 per cent) and one in fve children (19.3 per cent) are above a healthy weight in NSW.
“People should be able to have an open conversation with their healthcare provider about their wellbeing and weight so they can access advice that helps them make long-term lifestyle changes,” Dr Gale said.
“The underlying causes of obesity are complex. We want to create environments that support healthy choices and ensure people are connected to the right support services.
“Some people face signifcant barriers to adopting healthy eating and active living behaviours. The strategy focuses on supporting those in our community who need it most.”
NSW Health currently invests more than $30 million in healthy eating and active living initiatives to address overweight and obesity annually.
In very exciting news, the highly popular Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra will return in the October school holidays after a two year hiatus due to Covid-19. Scores of young musicians from across the region – including buddies from the Sydney Youth Orchestra and Sydney and Queensland conservatoriums – will converge on the Northern Rivers Conservatorium to become the Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra 2022. The three-day orchestral workshop will culminate in a fnale concert at The Whitebrook Theatre, SCU, at 6:30pm on Thursday 6th October. The concert will be free to all.
Now in its ninth year, the NRYO 2022 programme will extend regional music students by providing the opportunity to experience the social and educational benefts of playing together in a large ensemble. This year we will have both senior and junior orchestras, as well as the Senior Strings and Symphonic Wind Band.
‘Speaking as someone who has done it every year since 2012, it is such an incredibly fun, rewarding and motivating experience… alumni from NRYO have gone on to be world-class soloists and ensemble performers,’ says Tilly Jones, local performer/composer and NRC librarian.
NRYO 2022 will bring a wide range of music from the high energy to the sublime, sourced from the movies, iconic bands and the great symphonies, and including composers such as Gershwin,
Mozart, RimskyKorsakov, and John Williams. We are pleased to have guest conductors coming from the Central Coast and Clarence Valley Conservatoriums, working in conjunction with our own music staff. The workshops will be held from 4th–6th October, and participants can enrol here: enrol.nrcac.edu.au.
Further information about our events here: https://events.nrcac.edu. au
