The Northern Rivers Times
November 30, 2023
2 NEWS
Authorities scramble to eradicate Red Imported Fire Ants in Murwillumbah continued from front page
Tara Moriarty said red imported fire ants were a terribly invasive pest, which cause devastating social, economic and environmental harm. She warned residents to be vigilant, while officers from the National Fire Ant Eradication Program and DPI, continued to focus on eradication, control, tracing and communications. Red imported fire ants can damage electrical and agricultural equipment, sting people, pets and livestock, kill native plants and animals and damage ecosystems beyond repair. The Invasive Species Council has called for an urgent funding review. It stated “while eradication is still possible, it’s now abundantly clear that the $592 million proposed for the next four years
WORRYING SEARCH: Members of the National Fire Ant Eradication Program carefully inspect a site in South Murwillumbah for any further sign of red imported fire ants.
will not be enough. “We can’t have governments waiting years to find that out, we need a review immediately.” The Invasive Species Council describes red imported fire ants
as a ‘super pest’ that could spread to most of Australia if it’s not eradicated, devastating the environment, agriculture, cost billions and change the nation’s outdoor way of life. NSW Farmers said the entry of fire ants into
NSW demonstrated the urgent need for increased investment by all governments to support biosecurity. “NSW Farmers has called for greater focus on biosecurity for many years. “Red Imported Fire
Ants should have been eradicated 20 years ago but ineffective management in Queensland enabled them to become established. “We want red imported fire ants
eradicated not only in New South Wales, but in Queensland where this incursion originated. “We call on everyone to comply with all directions and restrictions introduced by the NSW Government. “By doing the right thing, we can work together to keep these pests contained so that they can be eradicated.” Those who breach the emergency biosecurity order could face significant penalties with fines for breaches reaching up to $1.1 million for an individual and up to $2.2 million for a corporation. Residents and businesses in Northern NSW should report any sign of fire ants to: NSW DPI - 1800 680 244 or www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/ biosecurity/forms/reportexotic-ants
About to do his final crumb By Samantha Elley A recent parking fine may be the final straw for businessman Bob Worling. The owner of Kibbles Bakery in Walker Street, Casino has threatened that his business is on the verge of closure after 46 years of selling bread in the CBD. “It’s getting to a point with the council where they seem to want to disrupt business,” said Bob. “We know the cost of living is a struggle but (Richmond Valley Council) are making things more difficult.” Bob is referring to the recent difficulties with Local News Business Rural Entertainment Puzzles/Horoscope
The offending laneway.
Bob Worling in Kibbles. Third photo, the offending laneway.
the closure of the Casino Livestock Exchange where the associated custom has moved to Lismore. Even more recently, Bob has been advised 2 22 23 25 26
that he now has to register his grease trap at $250 a year. “My viewpoint is that they have lost money on the saleyards, so are trying to get it from
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anywhere else,” he said. “I got my grease trap put in 12 years ago and never had to pay to register it before.” Richmond Valley Council said crosssubsidisation of rate payers money supporting council business was not to happen, as stated in Wine Cooking Health/Seniors Gardening Funerals
their ordinary council meeting of September 19, 2023: “While it is usual local government practice for ratepayers to share the cost of operating community facilities provided for the social and physical wellbeing of residents, such as libraries, community halls, sports fields, parks and swimming pools, cross-subsidisation of business activities from general rate revenue should not occur.” And now Bob has had to deal with a parking fine of $300 from one of his staff, who had stopped to load crates of loaves to deliver to customers. 42 43 44 46 47
No Stopping signs in the laneway beside the bakery, had forced Bob to take and send deliveries at the back entrance. “She had stopped in the side lane way, next to the bakery, to get the crates, so she hadn’t parked, but was loading the bread,” he said. Bob said he has written to and visited council to plead his case but had been unable to speak to the mayor or general manager. “(They) are forcing me in to a situation where there will be no bakery in the main street of Casino,” he said.
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