Tweed Valley Weekly, August 15, 2024

Thursday, August 15, 2024

COACHING DAY A WINNER!

FORTY-FIVE YOUNG Skills Acquisition Program (SAP) footballers from Pottsville Beach Football Club (PBFC) received some incredible coaching and mentoring from Gold Coast United (GCU) Football Club coaches and mentors recently.

With Mt Warning as a stunning backdrop, and smiles on every face, players and families came together sharing passion and excitement about the sport they love.

The 12 mentors from GCU Pre-Academy teams, under the lead-

ership of GCU coach Scott Creighton, volunteered their time to deliver a professional and fun-filled coaching clinic for players in the PBFC SAP.

It was an opportunity to give back to the Pottsville football community, which has not only supported and developed many of these GCU players during their junior years, but has also provided fields for training when needed.

“It was a delight to witness 12 young men, between the ages of 14 and 17 years, demonstrate so much leadership and care for the

young SAP players,” PBFC junior coordinator Tim Shackell said.

“Their level of skill and professionalism in coaching and mentoring was outstanding, as well as their ability to create fun — you could hear the joy flowing from the fields.”

The youth coach mentors delivered professional technical sessions followed by an all ages ‘mini world cup’.

“Today was such a fun and incredible day,” youth coach/mentor Miki Gronholt said.

“I really loved coaching with Ar-

chie [another youth coach] and running our own station.

“I got a real buzz when the SAP players just clicked and started doing the drill with ease. It reminded me of being a player that young and how much I love the game of football”.

The focus of the day was fun, football and friendship which was certainly achieved as young SAP players trained and played with new teammates, were taught new skills, and laughed with their young mentor coaches and each other.

My Commitment

• NEGOTIATE SENSIBLE WIN-WIN SOLUTIONS. Understanding that councillors need to be more conscious of their circumstances of family-friendly small businesses, especially their limited resources and major contribution to local employment.

• Making elected COUNCILLORS MORE INCLUSIVE of all community groups.

• CAP RATE INCREASES TO CPI and curb excess spending on legal bills – $4.8 million in two years.

• CUT GREEN AND RED TAPE to speed up sensible development application approvals from near-worst-in-NSW of 185 days to NSW Government benchmark of 115 days.

• UNLOCK AFFORDABLE BUILDING SITES by amending council’s planning policy to allow a second dwelling on every fivehectare lot and rural property.

• ACCELERATE BUSINESS APPROVALS to create jobs.

Kimberly Hone

Special fundraiser for Glynis

By Jonathon Howard

A SPECIAL fundraiser is set to take place at Condong Bowling Club on Sunday, August 18, to help Murwillumbah resident Glynis Williams as she battles acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Glynis was diagnosed with the condition by accident after she felt pain in her leg in January this year.

“I just couldn’t sleep that night, and my leg was hurting in the morning,” she said.

“To my shock I found a lump on my leg and went straight up to the hospital and they eventually confirmed that the news is not good.”

After medical reviews and several blood tests, results showed that Glynis needed to be immediately transferred to Gold Coast University Hospital, where doctors gave her the heartbreaking diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Glynis has already completed seven cycles of chemotherapy, which has shown positive signs, but she now requires a bone marrow transplant due to her chromosomes.

As Glynis faces the toughest challenge of her life, she needs some extra help with the cost of her recovery and her mounting bills.

“Because I have a dodgy chromosome it requires the bone marrow transplant, and thankfully I have an amazing donor already, but the costs are just mounting at home and for medical bills such as medi-

cations,” she said.

“I would normally never ask for help, but my good friend Jessica McIlveen and friends have taken the reins and are organising this fundraiser — of which I am so thankful.”

Glynis is a dedicated aged care nurse who has been caring for others for the past six years and is passionate about her work.

“I miss working with our residents and hope to get back to work one day,” she said.

“I would like to thank anyone that can offer any assistance at this time and appreciate the support from family, friends, and in particular Jess and her husband Matt, who has been my guiding light in this fundraising effort.”

As the first three months post-transplant will be the high-risk stage for infection and complications, Glynis will require full-time support and care with recovery taking any-

where between three to 12 months.

“We would love the community to get together and support this fundraiser and help ease the financial burden for Glynis and her family at this difficult time,” Jess said. Get down to the Condong Bowling Club to support to Glynis during this challenging time on Sunday, August 18, from 10am to 2pm.

There are plenty of activities for the whole family and a small gesture can go a long way in helping Glynis to fight leukemia.

The event will feature great live music from artists Ollie Twohill, Sam Lily and 14-year-old rising star Noah Robo.

Anyone wanting to make a direct donation can do so via: ‘Glynis Marie Williams’ to: BSB 032-584 and Account Number 311-107.

Basketballers need a home

TWEED VALLEY Basketball Association (TVBA) recently made history by winning the North Eastern Junior League Under 16 Boys Division 2, beating Port Macquarie, Central Coast and the long unbeaten Maitland.

Coach Troy Stanley said it was an “outstanding first for the Tweed”.

“The team of ten boys came together to take on the mighty Maitland Mustangs in the grand final and were able to secure a victory for the first time in TVBA history,” he said.

“Special mention to the team and their families, who all spent time and money to keep the players engaged and winning off the court.”

TVBA president Zac Hoade said they fully support the idea of investing in a dedicated basketball court for the Tweed Shire, which he said was “well beyond due”.

“We currently hire the Seventh Day Adventist Church hall court, as the space is multipurpose use between the church’s growing needs and ours, it is becoming less available for TVBA,” he said. “We have grown to a point where we need more courts and somewhere to train regularly for our high-level representative teams.

“The Tweed does not currently have an indoor council-owned basketball court, and our association believes this would be a great investment.”

Council’s Deputy Mayor Meredith Dennis is this week leading a motion to call for a dedicated indoor basketball court.

The motion is also calling for a shortterm solution to address the desperate shortage of indoor courts.

“The association has 540 members and not one home court. This is a disgrace,”

Cr Dennis said.

“We have Casuarina Olympian Jack McVeigh currently representing Australia and he obviously trains in Sydney or Queensland because we don’t have courts.

“A huge number of our players go to Queensland or Byron to play.”

Cr Dennis highlighted that Casino, Byron and Lismore have multiple courts

— the Tweed has none.

“I want council to look at a short-term solution until other courts are built in the next 10 years,” she said.

“The Tweed Valley Basketball Association currently pays rent to SDA and would be happy to contribute to a council-owned court.

“Even resurfacing an outdoor court,

just so they don’t shred their skin on the courts at the soccer fields would be a great start.”

In response, Tweed Shire Council staff have outlined a range of options for TVBA in the short-term, including working with local schools to provide a solution.

“Officers are currently finalising a consultants brief to undertake site analyses, concept designs, feasibility studies etc for a future Indoor Sports Centre/Aquatic Centre for the Tweed Shire,” council’s report reads.

“It is anticipated the request for offer will be advertised to the market in the fourth quarter of 2024.”

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you believe the Tweed should have its own indoor sporting facility? Send your thoughts and letters to editor@theweekly.net.au

Glynis with her son Joseph during a hospital visit. Inset is the family at the footy.

Our champions need a new home court

Legal battle not worth it

I am writing to you in relation to your recent article on this subject ‘Kingscliff DA flip’(TVW, August 8, pg 5).

It should be obvious to an informed/ objective person that legal advice has clarified that the law is not on the side of the respondent, in this case. In the circumstances, it clearly would be unwise to go to court knowing the council would lose and have costs awarded against it.

Unwise decisions in recent times have seen $4.8m of ratepayer funds thrown down the drain on legal costs.

Cr Cherry and everybody else who believe they have facts to support engineering improvements to the landfill operations still have the negotiation option available to them.

We live in a democratic society under the rule of law. Your article does not seem to appreciate that our society will never be advanced when lawful development is refused just because the majority dislike the development for subjectively based reasons.

Steve Hoare, Kingscliff Kingscliff development

flip

I was appalled to read of the flip by the councillors. Not to mention going past the new hospital 68 trucks an hour along Turnock Street where high school kids walk to and from school, and many elderly go along in motorised buggies, and people walk to and from the library.

It will be so dangerous for all pedestrians on such a narrow road.

And to ignore the flooding possibility, after that area was a lake in March 2022.

When it floods again (and it will without doubt), where will the water go? Into the back of the houses and units in Pearl Street that back onto the swamp?

Already the swamp wallabies have

disappeared.

Does the council really care so little for the environment?

Surely the huge development at Kings Forest will create enough homes for the immediate future without having to build on a swamp.

D Lawson, Kingscliff

Rise up residents

In regard to The Weekly’s article ‘Kingscliff DA flip’ (TVW, August 8, pg 5).

Does this backflip from council not just open the doors for any developer with deep pockets to challenge council decisions knowing that they don’t want to spend on legal costs?

Did the councillors not see the subject site during the last flood? Where does that water now go? Of course it will have an effect on other areas. Who will pay to fix the roads that were never built to take such heavy traffic and associated silt from the trucking?

And finally, does the council truly believe this development will do anything for the housing affordability crisis?

No developer will invest so much money to make land suitable for building this close to the coast and sell them at an affordable price.

Rise up residents!

Andrew Peard, Bogangar

Explanation is needed

In early June the Kingscliff community applauded a 6-1 vote by our Tweed Shire councillors to refuse an amendment to a development application in west Kingscliff that would see almost a million tonnes of imported fill driven past the hospital to fill the development site around Turnock Street.

Their vote endorsed the mayor’s tabled 23 reasons for refusal.

At last week’s council meeting, four councillors decided to reverse the July decision to defend the developer’s appeal.

The motives for this reversal remain unknown as it was dealt with in a confidential session of the meeting. It seems the decision change was effectively to approve the development in principle and negotiate conditions afterwards. But Mayor (Chris) Cherry says there is nothing left to negotiate.

The community are now left to wonder in what way was this reversal of support in the interests of the Kingscliff community or the shire?

A complete explanation would assist residents.

Kristie Trudgett, Kingscliff Councillors are not lawyers

I noted with interest your piece in The Weekly regarding the backflip on the Kingscliff development application by some of the councillors. Given the amount council has overspent on last year’s budget for lawyers and court costs, this is not surprising. We all must realise that the elected councillors come from all walks of life and work backgrounds. They are mostly unskilled in local government law.

This is the reason council employs the best people possible to advise them on the decisions they need to make on our behalf.

If they choose to disregard the advice given to them from the heads of the various departments in the council, then there is a fair likelihood that DAs will end up in the courts.

The importing of fill to a floodplain area is a problem that engineers at the council are trained to regulate not councillors.

The fact that the Tweed River is silted from the mouth to Murwillumbah is more of a problem given that the flow of floodwater down to the mouth is impeded and also fresh clear water from the ocean is not reaching upstream.

The current council appears to be against dredging, however, no alter-

native to the problem is forthcoming.

If dredging is not the answer to removing the silt blockages in the river, what other alternative have they offered? None.

Graeme Godfrey, South Murwillumbah.

Our great hospital staff deserve better pay

I have recently spent more than five weeks in hospitals. One week in the Gold Coast University Hospital, one week in the medical ward at Murwillumbah District Hospital and the remainder in rehab, also in the Murwillumbah District Hospital.

At each hospital the nursing I received was outstanding, efficient, caring, well informed and generous.

I am, though, appalled to read in your paper (TVW, July 25) that in only one hospital were the nurses paid anything like adequately.

This was at the Gold Coast University Hospital. Why? Because it is in Queensland. It seems that the Queensland Government values its nurses and midwives and takes their wages seriously.

Meanwhile, the NSW Government pays its nurses and midwives’ wages that are 20 per cent lower than their Queensland counterparts. And that’s just for starters.

Furthermore, our NSW nurses and midwives are the lowest paid in the country.

That’s sad, deplorable and entirely inappropriate.

What can our state government be thinking?

Pamela Payne, Murwillumbah

Out of town housing options for homeless

After reading your article on the homeless in the Tweed Shire by John Lee (TVW, August 8), I did some research.

There are more than 100 houses for rent in Tamworth for less than $400 per week and I am sure a lot of other

nice country towns.

Surely that would be better than paying $400 to $500 per week to live in a tent and having to move every few weeks.

Christine Samuels, Casuarina Keep daylight saving I like daylight saving but it goes for too long. I would prefer it to be shortened by two months, but any reduction in hours would be welcomed.

As mentioned in the article by Jo Kennett, the original idea was to cover four months of summer, which was practical. The extra two months extension has detracted from the comfort and common sense of the scheme to the unnecessary darkness and cold associated with the last two months by all early risers.

Ken Walker, Murwillumbah Insurance shock

I just read your article on insurance hikes (TVW, August 8) due to flood claims.

In December 19, an insurer (withheld) gave us a bill for an annual premium of $11,964.08 with flood insurance. Shame on them.

We used to live at Oxley Cove and in all those floods we never had to make a claim.

We had been with the insurer for 49 years.

When I phoned them and said they must have made a mistake, they said: “no there was no mistake”.

I asked to speak with the manager and I never heard from them again. I am now with another insurer and our annual home and contents premium is just shy of $2,000.

Lyn Bradley, Tweed Heads

Tweed dredging update

By Jo Kennett

THERE IS hope that sand deposits from Tweed River dredging will help combat erosion around Fingal Head, although locals are still concerned that too much sand is being taken through the sand bypass project.

The Tweed Sand Bypassing dredging of the Tweed River entrance started last month and was expected to go for approximately four to eight weeks, however adverse weather conditions have delayed some of the work.

Approximately 140,000 cubic metres of sand will be delivered offshore of Bilinga, Tugun, Duranbah and Fingal beaches.

The estimated sand delivery for Bilinga is 50,000 cubic metres, Duranbah is to get around 40,000 and Fingal approximately 50,000.

“Under calm conditions the dredging

would only take a few weeks,” Principal Manager of Tweed Sand Bypassing Matthew Harry said. “But we have had a fair bit of swell and unfavourable conditions are forecast to continue for at least this week.

“Similarly, the timing of placement at each location throughout the dredge campaign will be dependent on conditions at the entrance and along the coast.

“The dredger will consider the tides, wave height and wave direction in order to operate as efficiently as possible.”

F ingal resident Vilia Henry sent The Weekly photos of erosion at Fingal and says she is not convinced the deposits in the Fingal area will make much of a difference to beach erosion there.

“They just need to take less in the sand pumping to begin with,” she said. “And stop the pumping for a few months every now and again so Fingal beaches can recover.”

There has also been a lot of erosion on Kingscliff beaches, particularly in the area around the surf club.

The dredging is being done by the Trud R, a split hopper dredger designed to operate easily in very shallow water, with a draught of 3.8 metres fully loaded, operated by Danish dredging company Rohde Nielsen.

The exact location of sand delivery “will be calculated by analysing hydrographic survey information,” according to Tweed Sand Bypassing.

The NSW Government recently announced a long-term dredging plan to make it easier for the river to be dredged when needed without having to wait for approvals.

The Tweed River was named as one of nine priority locations to benefit from the plan “to protect access at key coastal locations, river entrances and local waterways.”

ENSURING DEVELOPMENT WORKS FOR LOCALS & THE ENVIRONMENT

Snapper Rocks

Tweed River

Fingal Headland

Tugun Beach

Sand placement areas for 2024

Erosion in front of Fingal Rovers Surf Life Saving Club. INSET: Dredging locations for 2024.

6

Q&A with candidates - make your vote count

THE 2024 Local Government Election is less than a month away, with Tweed Shire residents back to the ballot box on September 14 to decide our next seven Tweed Shire councillors for another four years.

Residents may have noticed some of the current incumbent councillors have already hit the campaign trail and are eager to secure your vote.

To aid in your decision, The Weekly has once again launched candidate questions and answers, which will be published each week and asks a particular question for candidates to answer.

Please contact Tweed Valley Weekly if you would like to be included in this special election Q&A, the editor is happy to assist you and all are welcome.

The editor is also calling on readers to submit questions to our candidates which will be considered via email: editor@theweekly.net.au

On to this week’s question to get the ball rolling.

Q. What is one or more things you would change about the Tweed Shire if elected? And why should Tweed Shire residents vote for you?

Nola Firth (incumbent)

I believe in working collegially with fellow Councillors and our

excellent Tweed Shire staff. I have done so for this term, my first term in Council. I am proud of what I have thus achieved through my successful notices of motion (NOMs). Some of these include: the Cool Towns Strategy, replacement of the Murwillumbah street trees (due later this year), a new roadside weed team, textile recycling (about to begin), a nappy rebate for reusable nappies, gas divestment within council facilities, a refugee welcome package, an anti-ageist campaign, lobbying for local control of short term accommodation, minimum environmental water flow from our dams, community input into our Climate Change Action Plan (watch for the Climate Summit to come in November).

“If re-elected I would continue this intensive work and also work to ensure new and truly affordable and social housing is built on flood free and already appropriately zoned land. I would work to better protect our World Heritage environment and our green spaces including State Significant Farmland, expand our bike and footpaths and build our circular economy (eg by establishing local soft plastics recycling).

Col Usher

T he Tweed Shire is facing both a housing and cost-of-living crisis, I would look to implement strategies that address these issues in the immediate whilst providing leadership and direction for sustainable growth into the future. In life there is always room for improvement.

I believe I can bring leadership and vision to the Tweed Shire that builds on our strengths, maximises economic and sustainable growth opportunities while continuing to support the uniqueness of our community. Stronger together.

Chris Cherry (incumbent)

Things to change about Tweed Shire for me would be making it more affordable to live here. This can be done through changing our building requirements to allow for smaller, more diverse housing types. We need to change our controls to allow for modular housing so that houses can be built more quickly and affordably while still making sure the houses are safe and good to live in into the future. I will also be pushing requiring our new greenfield development sites to provide key-worker housing, working with the state government to facilitate social housing on key sites and the investigation of secondary dwellings in rural areas that we are currently doing in the Growth Management and Housing Strategy and how that could best be managed. Hopefully people look at the last four years of being mayor, through COVID border closures and the flood recovery and the incredible results Council has achieved during this time. Tweed needs stability as we negotiate this next period of growth, and I want to ensure that we do all we can to protect our community as we face the changing climate and make sure we grow and move forward as a

Shire without losing what it is that makes us all want to live here.

Ned Wales

Voting for Ned Wales in the local election on September 14 will provide a balanced and informed approach to the decision making of Tweed Shire. As a long-term community member of the Tweed, I have witnessed a lot of changes since our family started farming here in 1972.

The global and national population has doubled since that time, impacting our community with greater demands on precious resources. As an independent candidate running a grassroots campaign, I support an economically resilient shire that can adapt to a rapidly changing climate, maintain viable agricultural industries, affordable housing and successful local businesses.

“I have an extensive track record of delivering good outcomes for this community. A vote for me will mean less time wasted in council meetings, where the priority will be on decisive action based on community input. We need business activity to provide the services to our community and yet we do not want to have our shire exploited by the big end of town. Supporting local enterprise is important.

Over the past 15 years, I have been representing the Tweed residents in my appointment to the NSW Joint Regional Planning Panel, working closely with local stakeholders, the development industry and land use planners to guide sustainable development outcomes. Through many

years of my professional career, I have a strong track record of merit-based determinations on land use, where rational scientific information is applied to inform good decision making for the Tweed.

Kimberly Hone

As a dedicated business owner and founder, I am eager to serve as a councillor to create opportunities not only for my family but for all families in the Tweed community. Together with my husband, Wez, and our three daughters, I understand the importance of strong community representation and am committed to ensuring that the voices of our residents are heard and acted upon.

I seek election as a councillor to advocate for our community’s needs and expectations, which I believe have been overlooked. I envision a council that prioritises collaboration and constructive dialogue to foster outcomes that enhance opportunities for individuals, small businesses, and the community as a whole. My approach will focus on assessing opportunities based on merit, rather than political ideologies or agendas.

I am passionate about addressing the issues that will drive the Tweed Shire’s future, including the preservation of our unique environmental surroundings, the promotion of local businesses, the enhancement of tourism, the support of agriculture, and the development of community projects that benefit families of all generations.

Read more on page 22.

Tweed Link

Making a splash at Jack Evans Boat Harbour: revitalised beach and swim area

Get your togs on and prepare for some water fun at the newly upgraded beach and swimming area at Jack Evans Boat Harbour, Tweed Heads.

The revitalised facilities were officially opened earlier this month, offering improved water access and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to the Tweed’s premier open space.

The upgrade has been made possible thanks to a $748,000 grant from the NSW Government as part of its Places to Swim program which aims to better connect people to natural waterways and support the wellbeing of the community.

Over the past 2 years, the Jack Evans Boat Harbour precinct has seen major upgrades, including an inclusive play space, new barbecue facilities, picnic areas with shelters, shade umbrellas, enhanced landscaping, and a youth recreation space with skateboard and basketball facilities.

Council will also improve the landscaping around the park’s public toilet facilities to complete the upgrades.

To find out more about the upgrade visit yoursaytweed.com.au/goorimahbah

Flood restoration works continue: Pinnacle Road completed

The Tweed’s rural road network is steadily being restored following the devastating flood of 2022. Pinnacle Road at Pumpenbil is now fully open to traffic following the repair of damage caused by a landslip.

The $1.2 million restoration project included the removal of slip material, soil nailing, shotcrete works, rebuilding the shoulder and reconstructing the damaged pavement to its pre-flood condition. Contractor PAN Civil successfully completed the job on schedule and within budget.

Council extends its gratitude to residents for their patience and cooperation during this period.

For more information on Council’s flood restoration efforts, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/flood-restoration-works

Improved flood monitoring intelligence with updated policy

Council is updating its Flood Monitoring Cameras Policy.

What’s new? We’re adding more cameras and changing how long images stay up on our website. These cameras, chosen with help from the NSW SES and other authorities, will boost our flood event intelligence.

Previously, you’d see one image every 15 minutes.

Now, you’ll get a rolling 4-hour window of images at 15-minute intervals, providing more flexibility and more information for residents.

Do you think this is important for your community? Want to have your say? Check out the draft policy and share your thoughts by Wednesday 4 September 2024.

Visit yoursaytweed.com.au/floodmonitoringcameras

In brief ...

Save water, save money

Advisory Committee EOI date extended by 2 weeks

Want to make a difference? Residents are invited to join Advisory Committees. These committees are crucial to Council's commitment to engaging with the community.

Councillors rely on their advice and recommendations to make decisions that benefit the Tweed Community. If you have the right knowledge, skills and experience, we'd love to hear from you by 4 pm on 26 August 2024.

Learn more and apply at yoursaytweed.com.au/ adviosry-committee-expressions-of-interest-2024

Creek seawalls repair project update

Work to restore the training walls at the mouth of Mooball Creek at Pottsville will now begin in October following the school holidays, and not in late August as previously advised.

The project will see the north and south walls topped up with rock to bring them back to their original condition.

The work, to be carried out by specialist marine infrastructure contractor MGN Civil Pty Ltd, will commence on the southern wall from early October after the Spring break and continue for about 4 weeks before shifting to the north wall which will also take about 4 weeks.

Safety measures will be in place as construction equipment and trucks delivering rock will be in operation.

Speed Limit Changes to Fingal Road

Motorists are advised the speed limit on Fingal Road has been reduced from 60 km/h to 50 km/h. This change comes after community requests and will cover the entire stretch from the M1 offramp roundabout near Barneys Point Bridge to the intersection with Main Road and Lighthouse Parade. New speed signs have beem erected, and motorists are advised for everyone’s safety, please stick to the new limits.

Want to know more about our road safety initiatives?

Visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/road-safety

Chillingham Community Association AGM

Join the Chillingham Community Association’s AGM on Saturday 7 September 2024 at 2 pm.

The meeting will be held at Chillingham Community Centre, 1469 Numinbah Road, Chillingham. The agenda includes:

• recap of the past year’s accomplishments

• upcoming projects

• nominating and voting in the new executive committee.

To join the committee, lodge your nomination by 31 August at chillinghamcommunitycentre@gmail.com.

For more information visit chillingham.org.au

Get the Tweed Link early

Be one of the first to see all the latest news from Tweed Shire Council each week.

Subscribers to the Tweed Link receive it by email each week on Wednesday mornings, in addition to it appearing in print in the Tweed Valley Weekly on Thursdays.

But that’s not all – you can also subscribe to Council job alerts, media releases and a range of e-newsletters and Council facility program alerts.

Sign up at tweed.nsw.gov.au/subscribe

Tweed Shire Council wishes to acknowledge the Ngandowal and Minyungbal speaking people of the Bundjalung Country, in particular the Goodjinburra, Tul-gi-gin and Moorung – Moobah clans, as being the traditional owners and custodians of the land and waters within the Tweed Shire boundaries. Council also acknowledges and respects the Tweed Aboriginal community’s right to speak for its Country and to care for its traditional Country in accordance with its lore, customs and traditions.

Splish splash: Local residents taking a dip at the newly upgraded beach foreshore at Jack Evans Boat Harbour.

Aerial views of the newly upgraded Jack Evans Boat Harbour.

Completed road works at Pinnacle Road, Pumpenbil.

Expressions of Interest for Limpinwood Hall

Scenic Landscape Protection Policy adopted following community input

The draft Scenic Landscape Protection Policy, which was on public exhibition from 3 April to 15 May 2024, received 15 community submissions, most of which were in favour of the policy. At the June Planning Committee meeting, the Council decided to adopt the Policy. They also recommended including scenic impact assessment controls in the ongoing review of the Tweed Development Control Plan 2008. Plus, a 12-month review will be conducted to see how well the policy evaluates visual impacts on our beautiful landscapes. Have Your Say! If you’d like to have your voice heard on key projects like this in the future, why not join us? Register now at yoursaytweed.com.au and be part of shaping our community.

Proposed classification of land – Kings Forest

Council is in the process of acquiring Drainage Reserve (Lot 112 in DP1308587), Sewer Pump Station (Lot 113 in DP1308587) and Drainage Reserve (lot 317 in DP1305892) in a proposed plan of subdivision at Kings Forest Estate (Lot 2 in DP1270901).

Council proposes to resolve to classify the (3) Lots as operational land in accordance with the provisions of section 31(2) of the Local Government Act 1993. The (3) Lots are highlighted in yellow in the diagram shown below.

Have your Say

Comments must be in before 4 pm Wednesday 11 September 2024 in one of the following ways:

• Online at yoursaytweed/kingsforestestate

• Email to tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au with the subject: Proposed land classification Kings Forest

• Mail to the General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816, Murwillumbah, NSW 2484

Enquiries to Kelly Lorkin, Technical Officer – Property, phone 02 6670 2400.

Council is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a licence to oversee Limpinwood Community Hall operations.

Successful applicants will be granted a licence to oversee hall activation including general usage and maintenance.

Applicants must satisfy the following eligibility criteria:

• be an incorporated not-for-profit community organisation (proof of non-profit status will be required)

• have proven financial capacity (copies of audited financial statements required)

• demonstrate ability to activate the space for community benefit.

Applicants must not be a commercial, sole trader

and/or profit-making organisation.

EOI’s must be submitted no later than 4 September 2024 either online at yoursaytweed.com.au/limpinwood-2024 or by visiting a Council administration building and requesting a paper form.

EOIs will be evaluated by a selection panel based on criteria aligned with Council's priority areas, strategies, and legislative and regulatory frameworks.

Council owns and manages community halls across the Tweed which are activated by local groups for use by the wider community. These facilities significantly contribute to helping the Tweed’s people and places to thrive.

For more information email: communitywellbeing@tweed.nsw.gov.au

Council meeting agenda – Thursday 15 August 2024

The Council Meeting Agenda for Thursday 15 August 2024 is available on Council's website tweed.nsw.gov.au/councillors-meetings. The meeting will be held at the Harvard Room, Tweed Heads Administration Building, Brett Street, Tweed Heads commencing at 3.30 pm.

Agenda

Reports for consideration

Confirmation of minutes

5.1. Confirmation of minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held Thursday 18 July 2024

Schedule of outstanding resolutions

8.1. Schedule of Outstanding Resolutions as at 6 August 2024

Mayoral minute

9.1. Mayoral Minute for July 2024

Receipt of petitions

10.1. Receipt of Petitions as at 31 July 2024

Orders of the day

11.1. Nuclear Power

11.2. Single Use Plastics and Materials Policy

11.3. Share the Dignity

11.4. Protecting Tweed Shire Animals Marine and Birdlife From Improperly Discarded Fishing Line and Gear

11.5. Short-term solution to desperate need for basketball courts in the Tweed

Questions on notice

12.1. Future plans for large parcel of land in Coral Street, Tweed Heads

12.2. Update to repairs to walkway Little Duranbah Beach

12.3. Correlation between on-call kerbside pickup and increased illegal dumping

12.4. Return to weekly red bin collection be considered in the future

12.5. Additional high tables and seating along walkway edge at Places to Swim, Jack Evans Boat Harbour

12.6. Update on Tyalgum Road landslip

12.7. More rubbish bins for commercial and retail areas Marine Parade, Kingscliff

12.8. Update on the Pottsville Telecommunication Tower Installation

12.9. Update on Wollumbin (Mt Warning) Summit Track

12.10. Update on Murwillumbah Multi-Level Carpark

Reports from the Director Planning and Regulation

16.1. Tweed Shire Council (TSC) Submission to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) on the proposed Hanson Tweed Sand Plant Expansion (SSD-10398)

16.2. Development Application DA15/0828.02 for an amendment to Development Consent DA15/0828 for three townhouses at Lot 53 SP 91510 No. 53/77 Tamarind Avenue, Bogangar

Reports From The Director Sustainable Communities and Environment

17.1. Pottsville Open Space Masterplan

17.2. 2024 Community Grants Program - Funding Recommendations

17.3. Burringbar Memorial Reserve and Masterson Park Concept Plan

17.4. Preschool and Early Years Learning Centres - Licence Fee Review

17.5. Variation of Essential Energy easement on Councilowned land - 80 Depot Road, Kings Forest (Lot 100 in DP1192162)

17.6. Acceptance of funding from the Australian and NSW Governments under the Community Assets Program (CAP) for the repair, restoration or betterment of community infrastructure that was damaged by the 2022 floods

17.7. Sport and Active Recreation Strategy - 2023-2033

17.8. Draft Youth Outdoor Recreation Action Plan 2024-2034

17.9. RFO2024057 - Supply and Installation WIFI Tweed Shire Council Holiday Parks

17.10. Draft Ageing Well in the Tweed Strategy Reports from the Director Engineering

18.1. Private Application for Road Closure and Purchase - Road Reserve adjacent to Lot 34 Deposited Plan 838583 (493 Clothiers Creek Road, Nunderi)

18.2. Classification of Land as Operational - Proposed Lot 94 in the Subdivision of Lots 1 and 2 in DP1098348 for a Sewer Pump Station (Walmsleys Road, Bilambil Heights)

18.3. Classification of land as Operational - Lot 2 in DP1114894 (11 Old Lismore Road, Murwillumbah)

18.4. Environmental Impact Statement - Raising of Clarrie Hall Dam

18.5. Classification of Land as Operational - Proposed Lots 701 to 712 (inclusive) in the plan of subdivision of Lots 603 and 604 in Deposited Plan 1244954 (208 Lundberg Drive, South Murwillumbah)

18.6. Variation of Restriction on Use - 18 Kanooka Crescent, Bogangar (Lot 5 DP1273771)

18.7. Grant Funding Offer - Detailed Design of Murwillumbah CBD Levee Spillway Upgrade

18.8. Lease of airspace over Council public road; Condong Sugar Mill Overland Conveyor; Tweed Valley Way and McLeod Street, Condong (Lots 1 and 2 in DP1079958)

18.9. Status Report on private landslip near Illawong Crescent, Terranora

18.10. Reduction of Water Related Charges due to Undetectable Leakage Policy - change to calculation of charge adjustment

18.11. Hastings Point Wastewater Treatment Plant Performance Upgrade Options Assessment

18.12. RFO2024036 removal of biosolids from Tweed Shire Council wastewater treatment plants, for use outside of Tweed Shire Council boundary

18.13. Grant Funding Offer - Accelerated Infrastructure Fund, Depot Road Sports Fields and Tweed Coast Road Upgrade

Reports From The Director Corporate Services

19.1. The Tweed Events Strategy 2024-2028

19.2. Events Sponsorship Policy

19.3. Applications for 2024-2025 Events Sponsorship Funding

19.4. Annual Loan Borrowing Report 2024/2025

19.5. Monthly Investment Report for the Period ending 31 July 2024

19.6. Corporate Performance Report as at 30 June 2024

19.7. Councillor Expenses 2023-2024

Reports From Sub-Committees/Working Groups

21.1. Minutes of the Equal Access Advisory Committee Meeting held on Thursday 27 June 2024

21.2. Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee Meeting held Thursday 11 July 2024

Reports from the Director Corporate Services

22.1. Councillor Expenses 2023-2024

Late Reports from the Director Corporate Services

23.1. General Manager Delegations

Mayoral Minute in Committee

26.1. General Manager Annual Performance Review for 2023/24 and determination of the General Managers Performance Agreement for 2024/25

Reports From The Director Engineering In Committee

33.1. Acquisition of easement for batter support at 1123 Urliup Road, Urliup (Lot 2 in DP559382)

33.2. Acquisition of part of Council Public Road by Essential Energy for a zone substation; Depot Road, Kings Forest

Council is seeking EOI's for a licence to oversee the operations of Limpinwood Community Hall.

Winter crime drop

By Jo Kennett

CRIME IS down across the shire according to a local police crime boss, after recent blitzes and domestic violence and child protection operations which saw a number of charges laid.

Tweed-Byron Police District Crime Manager, Detective Acting Inspector Chris Elliot, says there has been a “steady reduction” in crime during the winter months in all crime categories in the Tweed-Byron Police District (TBPD).

A/Insp Elliot said the biggest reduction was in assaults (non-domestic violence), stolen vehicles, stealing from dwellings and fraud.

“Since the week of 21/05/2024, weekly stolen vehicle numbers have fluctuated but the numbers have remained low,” A/Insp Elliot said.

“There has been a significant reduction for the month of July 2024 compared to the month of June 2024.”

Charges have been laid in relation to domestic violence offences.

“Recently we ran a domestic violence operation in the TBPD utilising local resources and staff from the Northern Region High Risk DV Team,” A/Insp Elliot said.

“As a result of this operation, numerous ADVO (Apprehended Domestic Violence Order) compliance checks were completed and a number of outstanding DV offenders were arrested and charged.”

A/Insp Elliot said that included a 24-year-old male who was extradited from Queensland and a 31-year-old male who had two outstanding

arrest warrants for serious DV offences and a violent home invasion.

Tweed-Byron Police also recently committed staff to a statewide operation focusing on compliance of people listed on the Child Protection Register.

“As a result, a number of lawful 16C inspections [entry by police officers to verify residence] were conducted with two persons being charged for breaching their reporting obligations/conditions,” A/Insp Elliot said.

A/Insp Elliot also had news on a recent break and enter and fire at a Tweed Heads South shopping complex.

“A female aged 33 years has been interviewed and is to be charged with this matter, however fled the hospital when seeking treatment for burns suffered during the offence,” he said.

“Arrest warrants are to be obtained for her in the near future.

“Her male accomplice is known to police also, however it appears that both parties have fled into Queensland with further investigation currently being undertaken.”

A/Insp Elliot said the operation local police ran earlier this year “relating to homelessness and anti-social behaviour in the TBPD which also involved the offering of support services to those affected by homelessness” had been very well received by the community.

Police also recently ran a high-visibility public transport operation to help keep public transport safe for users and drivers which resulted in a number of arrests and fines,

Village intruders shock

By Jonathon Howard

SEVERAL RESIDENTS at Banksia Waters

Village at Tweed Heads West are calling for a lockable gate at the over 50s village, after an alleged intruder incident on Tuesday, August 13.

The incident took place at around 6am when it is believed a group of four people in a vehicle entered the village and allegedly attempted to enter several homes.

The incident resulted in an altercation with one resident, who told police he’d received an injury from a vehicle strike.

A resident of the village, who preferred not to be named, contacted The Weekly to express their shock at the “brazen attempts” by the offenders, who they believe were trying to take advantage of the elderly.

Tweed Police are investigating the matter and forensic detectives were on scene throughout the morning gathering evidence.

“We believe the four would-be intruders have entered the village and started to search between the houses for items of value,” the resident told The Weekly.

“One of the residents has fronted the four people as they were in a vehicle and a confrontation has ensued, which led to the vehicle

striking the resident.”

The resident who was struck by the vehicle sustained an injury and was treated at the scene by paramedics.

Residents are now calling for a lockable gate into the village to further increase security and deter intruders from entering.

The Weekly took these concerns to the village’s owner, Hometown Australia, Sydney, who were looking into the matter.

A response will be printed in a future edition.

The Weekly also spoke with Tweed Police who are appealing for witnesses to phone the station on: (07) 5506 9499.

Recent police operations have contributed to a drop in crime in the Tweed-Byron Police District

allegedly

A Tweed police forensic officer was at the scene for several hours following the incident

Pottsville seawall works

By Jo Kennett

WORK IS set to begin on the long-awaited repairs to the Mooball Creek seawall at the entrance to the ocean at Pottsville, after Tweed Shire Council received final approvals from the state government.

The Mooball Creek Seawalls Repair Project will reinforce the north and south walls with additional rock, restoring them to their original levels.

Work will begin after the September school holidays and run for around eight weeks, with work on the south wall starting first and running for around four weeks, weather permitting.

Mayor Chris Cherry said it was “incredibly exciting” to see work finally about to start on the project.

“The reconstruction of Mooball training walls is something we have been working on at council for many years,” she said.

“It has been difficult to get the state approvals, but now they have been issued it is full steam ahead.

“Repairing these walls will help with the erosion issues that we have been seeing from wave action along the creek edges and should stop sand building up in the mouth of the creek.

“Dave Cranwell has been the Pottsville Community Association’s representative on council’s Coastal Waterways Committee since the days when I was president of that community association. He brought it to our attention and has worked tirelessly to get it done.

“I am so glad that he will get to see the project completed before he retires from the committee.”

The mayor said she, like many local residents, has a personal connection to the project.

“My family loves swimming and snorkelling in the creek, and renewing the walls will help with tidal flushing and water quality so I am looking forward to the works happening before the summer holidays,” she said.

David Cranwell has been working to get the repairs done for several years.

“It’s just been a matter of the state government giving approvals,” he said.

“Originally council thought it was the state government’s responsibility, but when it came to try to get any work done the state government turned around and said it was the responsibility of council.

“We got approval to do some of the work and when the government changed we had to get approval from the new government.

“Then they found we didn’t have enough money to do the work because in those three years the price had increased.

“After we were given approval and got funds we had problems getting planning approval from the state government.”

Mr Cranwell said the southern wall had been breached when it fell into disrepair, allowing sand to wash into the creek on high tides in big seas.

“Unless you go to the beach you don’t see what is going on and how flat the beach is at the moment,” he said. “A lot of the dunes have been taken away recently with the big swells.

“The main concern is for flooding in the Pottsville area which is why the walls were built in the first place.

“I couldn’t have done it without the mayor. She’s been a great help to me.”

MGN Civil Pty Ltd won the tender for the work, with rock stockpiling on the southern side near the beach access at the end of the cul-de-sac.

Work is set to begin on the seawalls at Pottsville

Big win on bus U-turn

By Jonathon Howard

TRANSPORT FOR NSW has listened to the concerns of Tweed Coast residents in relation to a bus turnaround at The Village Lane in Cudgen, which many locals feared was dangerous.

Passenger buses servicing the Tweed Valley Hospital were using The Village Lane while ‘out of service’ to perform a U-turn, which local Mick Hourihan felt was dangerous.

Mr Hourihan, who was not alone in his concerns, raised the matter with The Weekly and called for community input.

Mick’s campaign led to an appeal to Transport for NSW, who worked for several months to find a solution.

“In response to community concern, Transport for NSW has ensured that from Thursday, August 15, buses servicing the new Tweed Valley Hospital will take a different route when they finish one trip and turn around to start another,” a spokesperson for Transport told The Weekly.

“In early May, various bus route timetables in the Tweed Heads area were changed to better connect the region to the new hospital and more services put on to cater for an expected demand for public transport access to the new hospital.

“However, some residents raised concerns about the bus turnaround route travelling along local roads in the suburb of Cudgen.”

The spokesperson said the now ‘out of service’ Route 601 bus will turn around via Cudgen Road, Tweed Coast Road and the Pacific Highway, as residents had suggested.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the route via Tweed Coast Road is non-residential and minimises community concerns.

“This option balances community impacts with public transport outcomes,” the spokesperson said.

“In coming to this decision, Transport worked with the bus operator Kinetic to investigate

several alternative options for the turnaround path, considering the varying impacts to local residents, timetable implications and resourcing of buses and drivers.”

As well as the new turnaround route, Transport for NSW said it will continue to work with NSW Health, TAFE NSW, Tweed Shire Council and consult with the community to investigate longer-term bus turnaround alternatives and improved access to bus stops within the Tweed Valley Hospital site.

“Transport is also committed to working with council to improve access for bus users to the hospital,” the spokesperson said.

Mick said he wanted to extend a big thank you to Transport for NSW, Kinetic and Tweed Valley Weekly.

“I’d really like to acknowledge the work of The Weekly, our local newspaper, it was thanks to their help and advocacy that we’ve had this great result and our small local roads are safer for it,” he said.

The bus driver was forced to mount the gutter to perform the turn

Vietnam Veterans’ Day

By Jonathon Howard

TWEED RESIDENTS are invited to commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day on Sunday, August 18, with special services taking place across the shire.

This year marks 58 years since the Battle of Long Tan, which was the largest engagement of Australian troops in combat during the Vietnam War.

Murwillumbah Services Club will once again host its commemorative service from 10.45am sharp for an 11am start.

Murwillumbah RSL sub-branch secretary

Cassie Prentice said veterans and the general public are encouraged to commemorate Vietnam veterans during this special service.

“This is an important part of Australia’s history and we have many local veterans who took part in the Vietnam War and would appreciate your attendance,” Cassie said.

The Murwillumbah sub-branch committee wanted to extend a special invitation to veterans from modern wars to attend.

“We have many local veterans from multiple global conflicts, and we are encouraging those

veterans to attend this service to acknowledge their great contribution,” Cassie said.

Locals and Vietnam veterans Ian Campbell and Kevin Sharpley were in the thick of the Vietnam War in 1966 and have shared their stories in an insightful new video posted by the Murwillumbah Services Club, which is available via the club’s Facebook page.

Other services are set to take place including at the Cenotaph in Anzac Park at Pottsville from 4pm.

Pottsville RSL sub-branch member Wendy Bowler contacted The Weekly to encourage veterans and residents to attend.

“Please join us to remember the service of our Vietnam veterans and to honour those who served and gave their lives in Vietnam,” she said.

“A short service will be held followed by the veterans and sub-branch members gathering at the Pottsville Tavern.”

From the time of the arrival of the first members in 1962, over 60,000 Australians, including ground troops and air force and navy personnel, served in Vietnam; 523 died as a result of the war and almost 2,400 were wounded.

Vietnam veterans Kevin Sharpley and Ian Campbell were two locals that experienced the full force of the Vietnam conflict and have recorded an insightful new video series

Desexing dogs a win-win

By Jo Kennett

A LOCAL veterinarian says she is concerned about the alarming number of undesexed dogs they are seeing, which puts pets at risk of injury and illness.

Since opening in Bay Street, Tweed Heads earlier this year, Dr Charlotte Witty says she has noticed the number of undesexed dogs in Tweed Heads has reached “alarming levels” prompting her to raise a red flag.

“Desexing, or spaying and neutering, is a critical aspect of responsible pet ownership,” Dr Charlotte said.

“Undesexed female dogs are at risk of de veloping a severe uterine infection called pyometra.

“This condition often necessitates emergency surgery, which can cost upwards of $2,000.

“By desexing your female dog, you can prevent this potentially fatal ill ness and avoid the stress and financial burden of emergency veterinary care.”

Dr Charlotte says desexing female dogs also drastically reduces the risk of mammary tumours.

“By spaying your dog be fore her first heat, you can almost eliminate the risk of breast cancer, ensuring a healthier and longer life for your pet,” she said.

“Undesexed male dogs are notorious for their wandering tendencies, driven by the instinct to find a mate.

“This behaviour increases the likelihood of them running away, getting hit by a car, or ending up in the pound.

“Releasing a dog from the pound can incur significant fees and emotional distress. Neutering your male dog reduces these risks, ensuring he stays safe and close to home.”

Dr Charlotte says that one of the common issues with undesexed male dogs is their tendency to urinate on everything in their environment as a way of marking territory.

“This can be particularly frustrating and unhygienic within the household,” she said.

“Neutering at a suitable age can prevent this behaviour, making for a cleaner and more pleasant home environment.”

The veterinarian said that desexing is “really an essential procedure”, however it is often seen as too expensive, especially with the current cost-of-living crisis.

Dr Charlotte recommends calling your local vet to see if they have discounted desexing prices, which the Bay St Vets are now offering, so that your pets don’t suffer due to financial constraints.

Bay St Vets' Dr Charlotte Witty

Financial Advice

Fishing line death trap

By Jonathon Howard

AN IMPORTANT motion to help address the scourge of discarded fishing line, lures and other tackle that can easily become choking hazards for local wildlife will be raised by Councillor James Owen during council’s monthly meeting this week.

Despite efforts by council staff, working through the Sustainability and Environment Unit, the issue of animals choking and becoming entangled in fishing line and other fishing gear remains at alarming levels.

In fact, Cr Owen’s motion notes that in the past year, Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers had 90 calls to its hotline for black swans, 45 rescues, and 16th rescues of black swans suffering from marine entanglement.

Cr Owen will move that council notes the current Tackle Bin Project throughout the Tweed Shire and undertakes a public education campaign using both print and social media to educate residents about the Tackle Bin Project and about the damage caused by improperly discarded fishing line, lures and other tackle which poses choking and entanglement hazards to marine and bird life.

In response, council staff noted the tackle bins are unfortunately “not considered to be genuinely effective”.

“Generally, there isn’t a reason for a fisher to leave waste behind in a public location,” council’s response read.

“Most fishers have a bucket or a tackle box of some kind that can accommodate hooks, lures, line, or bait packets that become waste.

“Often locals remove bait bags and metres of fishing line every day, roll it into a small ball and put it in their pocket for transport to a bin.

“Many easily accessed and popular fishing

locations are already close to public bins, and most fishing locations in general are far from public bins and tangler bins.

“In addition to this, much of the fisher waste is not disposed of correctly and tangler bins are notorious for being stuffed with cans, fish and chip paper or bait bags and rendered (due to their shape) quickly incapable of receiving the tackle waste that they are designed to accept.”

Council staff said an integrated and effective media campaign will have much greater reach and impact.

Tragically, on August 5, Wendy Litchfield from Tweed Valley Wildlife carers received a phone call that a duck was in trouble and unable to stay afloat at Lake Kimberly, Banora Point.

“I headed down to find two members of the public who had tried to reached the duck but it was too far out in the water,” Wendy said.

“As I watched its head went below water and it did not resurface. I tried to find a member of TVWC available with a kayak with no luck. It would have been way too late by then.

“I also opted not to swim out to the duck due to concerns about safety and the water quality of the lake.

“I went back to the lake that afternoon to see if I could retrieve the duck and he had been swept to the side with the tide.

“I had a good look at what might have been the cause of the problem and found a fishing line, a hook and sinker firmly wrapped around both legs to the point he was unable to move much so had not been able to fly or paddle back to land.”

Cr James Owen with concerned residents

Mayor says ‘no’ to nuclear

By Jonathon Howard

MAYOR CHRIS Cherry will raise a motion this week to “strongly reject” the use of nuclear power stations in Australia.

The motion, titled ‘nuclear power’, will be raised during council’s monthly meeting on Thursday, August 15, and follows widespread debate from residents over the pros and cons of nuclear power.

Although not specifically suggested for the Tweed Shire, the opposition leader Peter Dutton’s Coalition says it will consider nuclear in Australia’s energy mix should it form government at the next election.

In fact, Mr Dutton has already outlined seven proposed nuclear reactor sites (see pictured).

Murwillumbah

Mayor Cherry acknowledged that this is not something the council can influence but stressed that since the announcement “community members have been raising concerns about the substantial cost and timescale of building large nuclear reactors as well as worries over safety and nuclear waste disposal”.

“It is often raised that clean energy, such as wind farms and solar, can be built and come online much faster and more cost efficiently,” the mayor’s motion reads.

Mayor Cherry’s report highlights the high cost of nuclear power plants with examples from the USA in Georgia and Hinkley Point C in the UK, which have faced severe budget overruns and delays.

“The Georgia plants, for instance, exceeded their initial budget of $20 billion by more than $25 billion, while Hinkley Point C’s costs have ballooned to an estimated $81.7 billion — nearly 150 per cent above the original estimate,” the mayor’s report states.

The mayor also highlighted the financial burden of any possible nuclear disasters using the clean-up costs of the Fukushima disaster and the Chernobyl disaster.

In a move to formalise the council’s stance,

Mayor Cherry is recommending council reject the Coalition’s nuclear power proposal and oppose the establishment of waste facilities in regional areas.

Candidate for the upcoming Local Government Election Kimberly Hone is pro-nuclear and said Australia could benefit from an energy mix that includes nuclear power.

“There will never be and doesn’t need to be a nuclear plant within the Tweed Shire,” Ms Hone told The Weekly.

“Cr Cherry’s motion indicates she is supportive of wind farms and solar farms in the Tweed.

“A three-times Greens candidate Steven Nowakowski has come out strongly against wind and solar farms, with their construction having devastated thousands of hectares of rainforest and prime agricultural land. Directly impacting fragile ecosystems and threaten our food security.

I would like to know where Cr Cherry plans to run the Tweed’s transmission lines, and does she oppose wind turbines on our mountain tops and off our coastlines? And will she protect our prime agricultural land from solar factories?” YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you believe nuclear should be a part of our energy mix? Or are you against the idea? Please share your views and letters via email: editor@theweekly.net.au

Proud to Belong at Murwillumbah Public School

An extremely successful education week was held at Murwillumbah Public School last week. The theme for 2024 “Proud to Belong” was demonstrated throughout the week with students enthusiastically participating in the planned activities.

Tuesday began with a fabulous community breakfast that has been a tradition at the school for over 30 years. Breakfast was followed by visits to classrooms around the school. There was also a focus in our heritage building where the

annual book fair was taking place. The theme “Catch the Reading Wave” was features throughout the school and visitors were treated to displays of artwork and an inspiring school assembly which featured performances by the award winning stage 1 choir. Students received awards for quality work, excellent attendance and wearing of full school uniform.

A group of very excited students then attended the Byron Bay Writers Festival on Thursday. They were thoroughly entertained by the

speakers and had the opportunity to mingle with some of the country’s greatest writers.

On Thursday 45 students competed in the district athletics carnival in Kingscliff. Inspired by the exciting events taking place in Paris they competed at the best level displaying a great attitude and appreciation of other athletes. Over twenty students quali ed to take part in the Far North Coast athletics carnival to be held in Kingscliff on Friday 23 August.

On Friday, Principal, Les Daley, attended the award ceremony at Star Casino, for the announcement of the winner of the most outstanding national regional school. Whilst not winning the award the school was still acknowledged as one of the most successful schools in regional Australia. High praise and a recognition of the ne work being done by the school’s leadership team and staff. The students are certainly proud to belong at Murwillumbah Public School.

SBS produced the above graphic for the proposed nuclear power plant sites

PACIFIC BITUMEN

Gardening workshop

By Jonathon Howard

MURWILLUMBAH COMMUNITY Garden is delighted to welcome residents and visitors to a special regenerative gardening workshop on Saturday, August 24.

Special guests Matt and Carlie Bateman (pictured) are from Caldera Flower Farm at Upper Crystal Creek.

It’s one of the few flower farms to actively embrace regenerative agricultural principals to grow their beautiful and healthy fresh cut flowers here in Northern NSW.

This workshop is designed to be hands-on and you can learn several new methods to improve the health of your soil and gardens.

You will learn about biochar and its use as a soil building strategy — it’s one of Matt and Carlie’s secrets of success.

On the day participants will make biochar and will even have the chance to take some home.

Here’s some of the amazing insights that Matt and Carlie will share on the day, “Instead of the continued use of synthetic chemicals, regenerative agriculture works with natural systems to try and build and maintain healthy soil ecosystems,” Matt writes in a recent essay.

“This can include enhancing soil biodiversity by building up soil organic matter, fostering beneficial microbes in the soil, sequestering carbon and improving carbon cycling, thoughtful crop selection, maintaining soil coverage and disturbing the soil as little as possible through low, or no-till, practices.

“In this hands-on practical workshop, we will discuss some of the principals of regenerative agriculture as applied to gardening and taking a deeper look into one soil building strategy.”

Matt will discuss and show you how you can save money by making your own supercharged compost as well as powerful home fertilisers and microbial and biochar inoculants to help get your gardens thriving with life.

Please wear closed footwear. Bring a hat and sun protection Any children attending this workshop will need to be closely supervised. The workshop will run from 2.30pm to 4pm. Admission: $25/$15 concession/$10 members and children. Please book online via: trybooking. com/CRKYN

Matt and Carlie Bateman are passionate about regenerative farming

Q&A with candidates - make your vote count

Q. What is one or more things you would change about the Tweed Shire if elected? And why should Tweed Shire residents vote for you?

Reece Byrnes (incumbent)

At the upcoming election, Reece Byrnes and Labor need your support to end the alliance of the extreme Greens and the dangerous Liberals and Nationals on council.

In my eight years on Council I have put the community first in every decision.

In contrast to the extreme Greens, who block infrastructure and housing, my agenda balances the need for jobs with environmental sustainability and common sense.

For a start, we need better amenities for our residents in the north of the shire. This means speedier maintenance and better footpaths and bus stops. In Pottsville, residents can’t make 000 calls in an emergency and need the phone tower built. Residents are angry that the interference of the Greens has delayed the build commencing by months.

I’m standing with the community to save Norries Headland upper car park from closure and revegetation. Closing well-loved community spac-

es is just one example of where the Greens put extreme ideology first and local residents last.

The alliance between the Greens, Liberals and Nationals on council has been so harmful to locals over the last four years. Residents will never forget they teamed up to vote for a rate rise and a gave themselves a pay rise at the same meeting.

At the September 14 Tweed Shire Council Election — vote 1 Labor.

Meredith Dennis (incumbent)

T he biggest issue in the Tweed is affordable housing and our huge homelessness situation.

Following the floods a large number of people living in the more affordable areas have now lost their homes, available rentals have been reduced and this has resulted in a huge increase in rentals forcing many people on to the streets. There is no affordable housing available. Support services are stretched to the limit and funding for some of these services rely solely on volunteers and donations to survive.

We need more housing and different types of housing to suit these people.

The biggest demographic of people without homes are woman over the age of 60.

We can not have single women and women and children sleeping in cars with no stable housing.

I have been a resident of the Tweed for 27 years, for all of those years I

have devoted my time to Murwillumbah Hospital Pink Ladies Auxiliary that started the first coffee shop on hospital grounds.

I have been a part of and run Tweed Palliative Support and Wedgetail Retreat for many of those years.

I have a deep love for this community, our seniors, the sick, our most vulnerable, our environment and our wildlife.

I have lived on a farm, run small businesses and volunteered for the community and have a deep understanding of many of the issues facing our community. I am not a member of any political party and run totally as an independent voice for the people.

James Owen and Rhiannon Brinsmead (incumbents)

The community regularly tell us that the Tweed Shire is a great place to live, work and play but that they are concerned by the current ‘stagnate’ state that Tweed Shire Council is in.

As community-focused councillors, when the Tweed Shire talks, we listen. We engage with residents and ratepayers on the issues/matters that are important to them and work hard to deliver better outcomes for the entire community.

Some key areas for improvement, as we see it, are community consultation, leadership, customer service

and communication.

Genuine and consistent community consultation needs to be undertaken on all the issues/matters that are important to the Tweed Shire community, not just when it suits a narrative, or a self-serving position, of some councillors.

Ideology and personal agendas have no place in the chamber. As we have seen during this term of council, they inhibit proper, thorough, and extensive community representation. Councillors need to be reminded that they represent all the shire, not just those who share similar views and opinions with them.

Further, the way that community consultation is undertaken needs to be more user friendly and streamlined across multiple platforms to ensure that it is simpler and more efficient and effective, which will result in increased engagement. It shouldn’t be an exhausting and time-consuming process as this deters people from participating.

Residents and ratepayers are the customers of Tweed Shire Council, and councillors work for the community.

It’s essential that this core sentiment isn’t forgotten and that it is at the forefront of everything we do.

Council’s ‘official’ leadership needs to be people who have the right vision, skills, experience, charisma, and leadership skills to steer the Tweed Shire in the direction that the community supports/wants.

It is imperative that these leaders

understand the importance of efficient customer service and effective communication.

When these aren’t delivered, the community becomes frustrated and that’s the feedback we’re overwhelmingly receiving.

Ballot draw

T HE OFFICIAL ballot paper draw will take place at Seagulls Club at Tweed Heads West on Thursday, August 15, to decide the order of each candidate.

NSW Electoral Commission

Tweed returning officer Lisa Murray said the draw will take place from 2pm.

All seven current councillors are set to run again with Cr Rhiannon Brinsmead again running under Cr James Owen’s group.

Ms Murray said the ballot draw is a public event and open to everyone.

“Please follow our procedures on the day and anyone with specific questions can please contact the candidate’s hotline on 1300 022 011,” she said.

“I urge candidates with any questions to please phone the candidate’s helpdesk, the team are very helpful and knowledgeable.

“To determine the ballot draw, each name is placed inside small plastic tubes, and these are placed into an authorised ballot box. The tubes are pulled out randomly by the local electoral team and that is how the draw is determined.”

Appointments

Standard

Skin

Psychology

Immunisations

Plant-based

New mechanics in town

By Jonathon Howard

A&F MECHANICAL Services has recently launched in South Murwillumbah and can handle all your vehicle servicing and repair needs.

The business is owned and operated by local couple Adam and Fab McKinlay who are passionate about quality workmanship at affordable prices.

The couple also have keen focus on safety for motorists.

“We use the motto ‘keeping your family safe’ which is at the core of everything we do to ensure our customers are not only confident in their vehicle but can be assured their vehicle is maintained to the highest standards,” Adam said.

Adam was the manager of the Ford machinal workshop in Murwillumbah for more than a decade and is supported by his wife Fab and two outstanding local mechanics.

“My extensive experience means I understand the importance of customer service and looking

after and supporting the local community,” he said.

Adam and his team specialise in a wide range of vehicles from classics to modern cars.

“We can handle all your servicing, suspension and air conditioning, diagnostic repairs, as well as NSW safety inspections and all your mechanical needs,” he said.

Adam and Fab took over the business in July and kept on the two highly experienced mechanics Hayden and Jacob, who are committed to quality workmanship and live locally.

“It’s great to have a strong team and we’re ready to take your next vehicle service or repair job,” Adam said.

A&F Mechanical Services offer a range of quality parts as well as pensioner discounts.

To find out more about their comprehensive and affordable mechanical services, call A&F Mechanical Services: (02) 6672 4500 or visit the friendly team at Unit 2/42-48 Prospero Street in South Murwillumbah.

A&F Mechanical Services Keeping

Servicing • Pink Slips & E-Safety

Brakes & Clutch Repairs

Specialising In Ford, Holden, Mitsubishi, Toyota & Newer

The dedicated team at A&F Mechanical Services

Rego and fines increase

By Jo Kennett

WHY HAS registration in NSW gone up so much? The Weekly has been doing some sleuthing to find out what’s at the bottom of the crazy prices we pay to get from A to B.

First stop Transport for NSW, where a spokesperson said that, “Road licences and vehicle registration fees, along with other fees and charges such as offences increased by 5.89 per cent on July 1 in line with CPI.” Wow, even offences go up with inflation. How nuts is that? Why would it cost more to park illegally, speed, or steal a car than it used to?

The CPI (Consumer Price Index) is bureaucratic speak for how much stuff goes up over a period of time. Transport is one component of the CPI, which was up 3.8 per cent in the last quarter, the same as inflation. The cost of transport increased 4.6 per cent in the year to June, outpacing inflation. Insurance is up more at 6.4 per cent, which adds to the cost of running your vehicle.

It’s the same as we saw with fuel prices. The more things go up, the more things go up. The more housing (renting and buying) goes up, the more inflation goes up, the more interest rates go up, the more housing goes up. It’s ridiculous. The people making these decisions are grown adults with degrees. They went to universities like Cambridge and Harvard and Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia Michelle Bullock went to the London School of Economics. Call me a contrarian but if I was Ms Bullock, I’d drop interest rates to bring inflation down. Think how happy everyone would be and your rego would be cheaper too.

The latest Australian Automobile Association (AAA) data shows that the average family pays 17 per cent of their income (both parents are

employed and at rates like this the kids will be straight down the first coal mine as soon as they turn five) for transport. That’s $458.82 per week (they must have flash jobs in the city) and up $3.79 since the March quarter this year. It’s worse in Melbourne. Those costs include car repayments (interest rate increases), rego, fuel, insurance, et cetera.

“At a time when cost-of-living pressures across the board are hurting most Australians, increased transport cost rises are a major pain point for households and businesses,” AAA

Managing Director Michael Bradley said.

“Transport is a significant and unavoidable expense for households, and it is also one of the key drivers of general inflation. Governments at all levels must consider these cost pressures when formulating policy.” Fighting words indeed.

If you think you can drink your way out of this whole cost-of-living conundrum, think again. Alcohol prices are up more than anything, 6.8 per cent in 12 months.

Bring on the bemo I say. The Indonesians know how to do it. You have little vans running around the neighbourhood so you can walk out your front door — even if you live in Doon Doon or Dungay — wave one down, jump in, give them 20 cents and they drop you right where you want to go. Okay you might have to change once but it beats paying hundreds of dollars to get to places, like work, that you would rather not go at all.

We aim to exceed customer needs and expectations by offering you a variety of quality pre-owned vehicles and products and giving you exceptional service at every point from purchasing, finance & insurance, road side assistance, Parts, accessories and servicing.

Toyota RAV4 Edge

(Jungle

MOTORING IN THE TWEED

Cheapa Auto Spares

By Jonathon Howard

THE FORMER Auto One site on Nullum Street in Murwillumbah has been rebranded to Cheapa Auto Spares with an even better range and operated by the same great staff.

Owner Mick Kelly took over the site in 2001 and has built the business into a thriving auto parts operator for both retail and trade.

Mick said he wanted to make the switch to revitalise the site and enter a new era for the local business.

“Come down and check it out,” he said.

“We’re still offering the same great range, friendly service and advice at highly competitive prices.”

This new chapter brings an expanded inventory and an enhanced shopping experience, all while maintaining the familiar and friendly faces of the same dedicated staff.

Mick and his team’s vision and drive has been instrumental in developing the business into a leading auto parts provider, serving both retail customers and trade professionals with high-quality products and exceptional service.

With this rebranding, Mick aims to inject fresh

energy into the business and mark a new era of growth and innovation.

“We’re thrilled to introduce Cheapa Auto Spares to the community,” Mick said.

“Our new name reflects our commitment to offering an even wider selection of auto parts at competitive prices.

“We’re still the same team you know and trust, ready to provide you with the same excellent service and expert advice, so come down and say ‘g’day’.”

Mick invites both long-time patrons and new customers to visit the newly-branded Cheapa Auto Spares and experience the expanded range of products and services.

“Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional in need of reliable auto parts, the team at Cheapa Auto Spares is eager to assist you,” he said.

“Come down to Nullum Street and discover how the combination of a refreshed brand and dedicated staff can make all the difference in your auto parts shopping experience.”

To find out more please visit 55-57 Nullum St, Murwillumbah or phone ahead on: (02) 6672 3675.

Out with the old and in with the new Cheapa Auto Spares (right)

Extended care is on the road

By Jonathon Howard

IN A NSW first, Extended Care Paramedics (ECPs) will soon hit the road across the Tweed Shire to provide support to residents for urgent but non-life-threatening medical conditions in the comfort of their own homes.

The Tweed Urgent Care Service is currently available five days a week, from 8am to 4pm, through scheduled visits to residential aged care facilities, but this will expand to offer care to people of all ages, seven days a week, in the coming months.

The innovative model is a partnership between the Northern NSW Local Health District and NSW Ambulance and will allow dedicated ECPs to be dispatched to patients in an effort to reduce avoidable presentations to emergency departments.

Highly qualified ECPs are now on the road, in addition to the existing skilled paramedics who provide emergency care to the Tweed community.

NSW Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said the Urgent Care Service is enabling residents to receive high quality, expert care without leaving their familiar environment.

“Providing a better patient experience and easing pressure on the region’s busy emergency departments,” Mr Park said.

“I am so pleased to see innovative models of care like this one being introduced in our regional communities to support patients to receive more timely care in the appropriate setting.

“The best way to get access to our urgent care services if you’re feeling unwell or worried about symptoms is to call healthdirect anytime on 1800 022 222.

“A registered nurse will assess your condition and connect you with the care you need. It means healthcare, anywhere, in the time it takes to make a phone call.”

Labor Spokesperson for the Tweed, Emily Suvaal MLC, said the new model will make a major difference to the Tweed Shire, as residents will be able to access care for urgent conditions from home.

“It’s fantastic for both the patient and our health workers that members of the community will be able to avoid a trip to a busy ED for a range of conditions like fractures, dislocation or wound treatment,” she said.

If you or someone you care about needs health advice, treatment or care and it is not a life-threatening emergency, call Healthdirect on tered nurse dition and place

MURWILLUMBAH TYRE SERVICE

Health Minister Ryan Park

By Jonathon Howard

TWEED’S DEDICATED tour boat The Spirit of Wollumbin has recently launched its Saltwater Cultural Cruise to give passengers one of the most unique and insightful experiences on the Tweed River.

Tweed Escapes is offering this enriching experience for group bookings and school programs of all ages with local Indigenous cultural educators and artists, on Bundjalung Country.

Tweed Escapes co-owner Michael Simmons said the two-hour Saltwater Cultural Tour allows schools and local groups to explore Indigenous culture and history while enjoying a cruise guided by amazing storytellers.

“This is the tour the Tweed has been waiting for,” he said.

“Discover traditional local place names and meanings and immerse yourself in the culture of Bundjalung Country and beyond.”

Mr Simmons said the authentic Indigenous experience can include traditional smoking ceremonies, Welcome to Country, cultural

dance displays and Indigenous art workshops.

“Students and educators can join our Saltwater Cultural Tours for professional development and cultural training through cultural intelligence workshops on Country,” he said.

“Learn from local Indigenous storytellers and artists to further integrate local Indigenous perspectives into the curriculum.

“The tour provides a unique venue for various events, including corporate gatherings and team outings.”

The Spirit of Wollumbin is also available for private charters, accommodating up to 50 guests and is one of the best ways to experience the majesty of the Tweed River.

“We offer great rates and a special discount for local bookings,” Mr Simmons said.

“Why not book one of our unique charters starting at $25 per head (based on 40 people) for the upcoming holiday seasons, and end-ofyear celebrations.”

For more information please phone: 0422 405 011, or visit the website via: www.tweedescapes. com.au

By Jonathon Howard

QUEEN OF common-sense parenting and former Uki resident Maggie Dent was back in the Tweed last month to throw struggling parents a lifeline with her new book.

Today’s teens deal with challenges that their parents may never have imagined, accord ing to Maggie, who wears many hats as an educator, podcaster and author.

Last week, Maggie launched her brand-new book, Help Me Help My Teen, and on Saturday morning, Au gust 17, she will host her first live presentation at Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School.

“Change is stressful, so adolescence, by its nature of being a transitional phase of development, has always been stressful for our kids,” she said.

“However, social media and changing cultural norms have only increased the pressure to excel and ‘fit in’, leading to increased stress, anxiety and depression for our teens.

“That’s why I have written this book, because I believe that teens are capa ble of handling these pressures with resilience and strength when they are supported by stable, loving connections with family, teachers and other caring adults.”

Maggie, who is commonly known as Australia’s queen of common-sense parenting, has drawn on up-to-date research, a survey of 1500 teens and her own experiences as an educator, counsellor and mother for the book.

The bestselling author said her goal is to show parents how to provide a safe and supportive environment for their teens, while also offering clear, compassionate and useful advice on how to approach sensitive topics such as school grades, technology use, sex, drugs, alcohol, mental health and identity.

Maggie said the book was her 10th and final book for parents.

“I started my career teaching teens at high school and I am now publishing my final book for people who live and work for teens — it’s a full-circle moment,” she said.

Help Me Help My Teen is now available online and bookstores. Maggie’s talk, Help Me Help My Teen, is at Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School, Terranora, from 10am to 12 noon, Saturday, August 16.

Tickets are $40 and are available for purchase via: maggiedent.com.

Former Uki resident Maggie Dent is back in the Tweed and launching a new parenting book

PLENTY OF talking points from round 23 rolling into the last four games of season 2024.

The Storm win again and the Titans go from the top to the bottom with a performance that was concerning when you talk about consistency.

The Eagles with their for and against have pretty much secured a top eight spot.

The Broncos have me at a loss and could possibly sneak spot eight which would worry some teams but they are paddling and no Walsh is not going to help for the last month.

The Bulldogs continue to win but caused some controversy with the Crichton bite claim that always has plenty of grey areas.

The Phins had a great result and remained in the top eight on the back of O’Sullivan’s clincher from a distance at the death, what a great shot it was.

The Panthers did it again and showed what a class team they are, scoring three tries in seven minutes and that man Cleary having the radar on to get an unlikely victory and set up a massive top of the table and probably minor premiership match.

The Thursday night game will be an absolute ripper and will go a long way to see who picks up the $100K and the JJ Giltinan shield.

Several games in round 24 will have a major effect on the top eight and things are getting very interesting.

We have plenty of negative stories that get air time regularly with the NRL but there are also plenty of feel good stories around.

I loved the social media shout out to Walsh and Staggs who went out in Townsville last week and spent time with the locals and bought those a bit less fortunate food and supplies.

Walsh then went social with his effort to show a young boy in Townsville a great time singing the team song protecting him the whole time (with what we now know was a broken hand) and throw in Hamiso’s extra effort to see the young girl who travelled 10 hours with Dad and it’s pretty cool to see the effect these players can have on the community.

The NRRRL have reached the semi-finals.

Congratulations to all the teams who have made the finals and those that finished on top. It is

a special achievement to finish minor premiers in any competition and well done to Ballina A grade, Seagulls in Reggies who went through undefeated, Byron in U18s, Bilambil in the Women’s league and Tweed Heads in the Ladies League Tag.

Teams 1 and 2 in each competition will enjoy the weekend off this weekend while 3rd to 6th play the elimination games at Bilambil and Evans Head respectively.

Congratulations to all of the staff who have been appointed to the Northern River Titans campaign in 2025 for the Laurie Daley Cup, Andrew Johns Cup, Lisa Fiaola U17s, Opens Women and the U19s Academy. All the staff are well equipped and thoroughly deserve their role. A special shout out to Paula Wagner appointed as U19s Academy Head Coach for the girls in what is a wonderful addition to the rep schedule in the space where we need to ensure our girls continue to play the great game and continue to prosper and improve.

The Tweed Seagulls and Lisa Fiaola/ NRT Women’s trials will take place on September 14th at Piggabeen and Lismore in what shapes to be a wonderful pre-season and bonus to the female game on the back of how well the NRLW is shaping up.

See you at the footy. Quinny

Walsh and Staggs in Townsville. Image by @SelinaHughes

The Gift of Song raising funds

By Madeleine Murray

MURWILLUMBAH PHILHARMONIC Choir will be singing their hearts out on Sunday, August 24, to raise money for the Wedgetail Retreat palliative care hospice.

The community choir presents The Gift of Song featuring a variety of musical genres ranging from Renaissance madrigals to modern popular songs.

“Music is one of those subjective experiences, so to cater for all members of the choir and audiences we try to share this variety, keeping our minds open to all types of choral experiences and interpretations,” music director Heather Martin OAM told The Weekly.

The diverse program includes a 1608 madrigal by Thomas Weelkes called Late in my Rash Accounting, Percy Grainger’s I’m Seventeen Come Sunday, the 1925 show tune Ol’ Man River from Showboat, the dramatic ballad You Raise Me Up, Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, Que Sera Sera, Da Doo Ron Ron and more including some solo acts.

“ We are so lucky to have the gift of song,” Heather said.

“The experience of singing releases such a

range of emotions. To share the experience with others in a choir is so rewarding, everyone is on the same page, having similar thoughts and feelings. To have the opportunity to express the array of emotions, silences, confrontations, ups and downs written by a huge variety of composers and arrangers is emotionally, mentally and physically exhilarating. We hope you will share our pleasure.”

This annual concert has always been a feel-good day and culminates with light refreshments and mingling at the end of the performance.

Tweed Palliative Support is a multi-awardwinning cancer support and palliative care charity that started in 1998. In 2015, it opened the doors to Wedgetail Retreat, NSW’s only adults’ 24/7 community hospice.  This well-established community-run organisation provides free and donation-based support ser vices for people living with a life-limiting illness.

The Gift of Song is on at 2:30pm on Sunday, August 24, at the Jessie McMillan Hall, 16 Wollumbin St, Murwillumbah. Tickets at door, adults $20, concession $15. Card or cash. Enquiries 02 6672 8459 or info@tweedpalliativesupport. com.au

The Murwillumbah Choir will perform in a benefit for Wedgetail Retreat

Museum street party

By Madeleine Murray

THE TWEED Regional Museum is throwing a free street party on Saturday, August 31. With a large forecourt and closed streets, the museum is the perfect place for a sprawling party with lots of live music, performances, a maker’s market, collaborative public art, delicious food, cocktails, a beer garden and more.

The event is inspired by all things Tweed –local people, places, biodiversity and history are part of the museum’s 20th birthday celebrations.

Museum Director Molly Green said the day was about celebrating the Tweed, its uniqueness, heritage and place as an epicentre of culture and creativity.

“We are so proud to be able to build on the incredible success of last year’s party and bring people another wonderful afternoon and evening of free activities and entertainment to enjoy with family and friends,” Molly said.

“There is something for everyone to experience and enjoy! We invite you to come down and enjoy the magic of the Tweed with us – and to say happy birthday to our stateof-the-art regional

museum, loved by our community and beyond.”

The party starts at noon and lasts for seven hours until 7pm. The live music line-up features Lazy Ghost, Blackline, Bella Amor, Tomorow’s Forecast, Ben Whiting, The Jacks and Love Banana.

Experience the return of the Tweed Valley Banana Festival Float with its regal throne and four fabulous Banana Queens. Visit the Story Salon and explore the objects display in the Museum on Wheels. Have a yarn with Bundjalung elder Uncle Franc as you explore the Six Seasons Cultural Calendar. Be transformed by face painters into a native species from the Tweed to roam wild throughout the party.

Pick up some food from Oki Foods’ Japanese delights, Kat Harvey’s cheese station, Yulli’s Modern Asian and Mediterranean cuisine, Southeast Asian from Khanthaly’s Kitchen, Flyin’ Fox Icy Poles, and more.

Kick back and listen to the bands in the Swamp Beer Garden while sipping a tasty beverage by Spangled Drongo and the Gin Experience (left).

The Street Party goes from 12pm–7pm on Saturday, August 31, at the Tweed Regional Museum, Queensland Rd, Murwillumbah. For more info go to museum.

Opera comes to Kingy

By Madeleine Murray

OPERA ON KINGSCLIFF will be on for one night only on Saturday, September 7.

This is a great chance for opera fans to experience the splen did drama and musical brilliance of opera without leaving the Tweed Shire.

The picturesque Kingscliff Com munity Hall on the beach will transform into a hub of musi cal delight as it hosts Opera on Kingscliff, brought to you by the Underground Opera Company.

as possible so you can make it as formal or as casual as you like. It’s a great opportunity to glam up for a great night out with you and your friends.

Known for their exceptional, intimate, and ac cessible concerts, the company promises an evening filled with magnificent performances of opera greats, sprinkled with musical theatre numbers.

With only 100 seats available, this event guarantees an unparalleled intimate experience, perfect for both seasoned opera lovers and newcomers.

“I love the intimacy of these shows,” director Bruce Edwards told The Weekly.

“Opera on Kingscliff is a concert of some of opera’s greatest moments including the incredible O Fortuna from Carmina Burana that has featured in countless movies to enhance those intensely dramatic scenes, The Lakmé duet most easily recognised as the old British Airways TV commercial and the immortal Nessun Dorma that needs no explanation. We always have a dash of musical theatre and an incredible show stopper from Les Miserables.”

Based in Brisbane, the Underground Opera is a professional theatre company dedicated to producing extraordinary performances in breathtaking spaces.

“You can literally reach out and touch the audience. This intimacy allows our world-class singers to have a direct connection with the audience and vice versa. There are no barriers to break down between the performance and the audience.

“We like to make our audience as comfortable

“Since our inception in 2007, we’ve curated a list of venues ranging from the majestic confines of still-functional and abandoned mines, the echoing chambers of ancient castles, to the expansive interiors of aeroplane hangars and power stations,” Bruce said.

Opera on Kingscliff is on at 7:30pm on Saturday, September 7, at the Kingscliff Community Hall, 61 Marine Parade, Kingscliff. For more info and tickets, go to undergroundopera.com.au

Louise Dorsman and Rebecca Cassidy take The Lakmé duet into the audience

Jon Maskell and Louise Dorsman putting the laugh into the Laugh, Cry and Cheer motto

Museum?

3. The word ‘vandalism’ has it’s origins in the East German tribe, the Vandals, who looted Rome in 455. True or False?

4. The NDIS stands for the National Disability Insurance what?

5. What year did the Greens party form?

ACROSS 1 Melancholy (7)

5 Punch (8)

9 Native American tribe (8)

13 Male name (9) 14 Fortress (6)

16 Casings on the outside of an aircraft (8) 17 Facsimile (7)

18 Prehistoric stone monument (8)

19 Positions in a hierarchy or scale (8) 20 Blame taker (9)

25 Farmer (15) 26 Ready (8) 27 Merit (7)

29 Destructive insects (7) 32 Chances (13) 36 Decode (8)

40 Preamble (coll) (5)

41 Hard outer layer (11)

42 Tailor (5)

43 Donated to; bestowed upon (4,4)

46 Cooling appliances (13)

49 Halves (7)

52 Decode (7)

55 Distinguishing badges (8) 56 Biochemical

emission of light (15)

58 Highway repairs (9)

63 Data about data (8)

64 Displays (8)

65 Comic book villain (7)

66 Cypriot cheese (8)

67 Evening party (6) 70 Striking repeatedly with hard blows (9)

71 Revolt (8)

72 Placated (8) 73 Scorn (7)

DOWN

1 Attempts (7)

2 Moral examples (7)

3 Enumerate (7)

4 US city known as the ‘Windy City’ (7)

5 Disheveled (7)

6 Historical period (3)

7 Tabby (3)

8 The Simpsons Halloween episode, - of Horrors (9)

9 Praising someone (14)

10 Unconventional (9)

11 Where you’d find liquid gold (9)

12 Surfaces (7)

14 Related (7)

15 Indulge, - on (7)

21 Schlep (4)

22 Ancient scroll materials (6)

Can be Reversed or Diagonal

23 Gaudy (6)

24 President’s assistant (4)

28 Cue sport (7)

30 Positive aspect (6)

31 Himalayan mountaineer (6)

33 Tine (5)

34 Russian author, Leo - (7)

35 Citer (5)

37 Bury (6)

38 Knife (6)

39 Spokesperson (14)

44 Knowledgeable (6)

45 Slowly (6)

47 Common dog name (4)

48 Flounder (4)

50 Parts which make up a word (9)

51 Bellflower (9)

52 Indigestion (9)

53 Looser (7)

54 Childish (7)

57 Japanese art of flower arrangement (7)

58 Unopened rose (7)

59 Warned (7)

60 In contrast (7)

61 A Greek wine (7)

62 Weapon (7)

(3)

Greek letter (3)

Minimum word length 4 letters. No plurals allowed. Every word must contain the centre letter (once only).

TRADES AND SERVICES

I DIG It Excavations owners and local couple Bec and Josh Cole have been living in the Northern Rivers for the past 10 years and have moved to the Tweed Shire in the past 12 months.

The couple are passionate about delivering quality work to their clients with an outstanding track record and honest and reliable service.

“We moved to Tweed Shire just over a year ago with our two children partly to be closer to their school, also for a lifestyle change,” Bec said.

“We love the lifestyle here and the kids have more of an opportunity to join lots of community activities, sports and events.

I Dig It offers an excavator that is just under 1,800mm wide which means it can get into tight spaces.

“With the machine we can dig, scrape, trench, post holes, landscaping, driveways and terracing,” Josh said.

“The machine has rubber tracks which means it won’t damage your driveway and it is not as hard on your lawn.

“We have three different sized buckets, a ripper and a post hole auger which are all easily interchangeable with a power tilt hitch.

“The tilt hitch allows you to dig or scrape at different angles, which makes it more efficient when working on uneven ground.

“Having the four-tonne tipper allows us to also remove rubbish or soil if the job requires it.”

Josh has 20 years’ experience in excavation and landscaping and can offer competitive rates, fully licensed and insured.

Read some of the testimonials from their clients:

“ Just a shout out & thank you for the professional job done recently, sinking holes on our property.

“Very appreciative of the attention to maintaining the integrity of our lawn area despite the extremely wet conditions no damage etc. Job well done, cheers.” Alan & Wendy.

“I Dig It is a great company to work with. Josh’s friendly attitude makes him easy to talk to and explain what you are after. He is a safe operator on site and always comes up with a solution for any situation. Highly recommended.” Michael (Builder) Terranora.

“Bec and Josh from I Dig It Excavations are wonderful to work with. They are always punctual and reliable with excellent communication, finishing all projects to exceptional standards.” Scott Adams Liquid Pool and Landscape.

Tweed

Bene t for Health and Mind.

Phone Margaret: 0438 819 809

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Social Group

No need to sit alone at home, no need to be bored. Come along for genuine friendship & companionship. Ph: 0428 523 423

To Let

Share accommodation, Furnished room. 40+ open minded, clean and tidy person to share with 2 others, separate room from main house, own toilet, kitchenette, share bathroom + common areas. $460 per fortnight including utilities + $450 bond. Please call Ness 0448 404 911

TO LET White Hall Lodge, Located in Coolangatta. Fully furnished single rooms only to rent with cooking facilities. Would suit retired aged pensioner. Close to Club, Shops, beach. No Lease or Bond required. From $275 per week. Ph: 0448 363 233 or 07 5599 1089

Wanted

WANTED TO BUY ANTIQUE FURNITURE. Fine China, garden tools, LP Records, Doc Martin boots, jewellery, general furniture, quality clothes, fishing gear, old bottles, garage oil bottles eg Castrol fuel & Esso, old prints & paintings, anything old and interesting. Happy to come and look. Phone 0417 606 052

WANTED TO BUY, All makes and

WE BUY CARS, VANS, TRUCKS, 4X4s, UTES & MACHINERY. Good & Bad condition. Paying more than trade in prices. Call now to discuss. 0403 118 534

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WANTED - storage close to Coolangatta for six-meter long camper van. If you have space in your back or front yard for rent, give George a call on: 0422 385 090 or (07)5536 4404

Marie Sophie Rawson

Nee Heine, previously Scheimann 06/06/1928 - 08/08/2024

Marie has had a full life. Touched many souls. Wife to Samuel (dec) Roy (dec) and partner to William (dec). Mother to Marianne, David, Heitje and Geoffrey.

Grandmother to Simon, David, Tina and Jodi, Michelle, Darren (dec) and Matthew, Samantha and Kathryn and Stacey and Adam. Great grand mother to 14. Missed by All Celebrate a wonderful life and remember her philosophy “What ever will be will be” & “Enough is enough”

Loving Memory

Denise Veronica Chrisostomos

Late of Murwillumbah. Passed away peacefully on Saturday 10th August 2024. Aged 78 Years.

Dearly loved Wife of Chris.

Loved Mother and Mother-in-law of Sonya & Craig and Deon (dec’d).

Cherished Nana of Vanessa and Blake.

A Private Funeral Service has been held.

e family would like to invite friends of Denise and Chris to a ‘Celebration of Life’ on Sunday 25th August 2024 at 11:30am at Murwillumbah RSL Club.

In loving memory

BARRY ‘BAZZA’ FRANCIS CHARMAN

The family of the late Barry Charman express their special thanks for the cards, flowers, kindness, support and messages of comfort and sympathy during this time of sorrow. To all Family and Friends who attended Barry’s Funeral or sent their apologies, thank you.

We especially thank Barrys dear friends, Bernie and Margaret Quinn, Lou and Dawn Smith.

We also send our gratitude and thank you to Father Paul McDonald, Drs Morrison and Camilleri, and Main Street Medical Centre, the Renal Dialysis Unit, Ward 5B, Drs Shaw, Butcher and Stewart and John Flynn Hospital, Tweed River Jockey Club and Libby Varela from McGuiness Funerals.

Please except this as our sincere thank you.

Susan Mary Hennessy

04/09/1951 - 06/08/2024

Aged 72 years. Late of Murwillumbah. Passed away peacefully at John Flynn Hospital, following a private battle with cancer, surrounded by her family.

Always in our thoughts. Forever in our hearts. Graeme, Mark & Jess, Joanne & Scott & Hugh, Paul & Grace.

As per Susan’s wishes, her ashes will be scattered on the Tweed River by her family.

Please join us for an informal gathering to remember Susan on her birthday, Wednesday 4th September at 3pm, Murwillumbah Golf Club.

Joyce May Chilcott

Joyce May Chilcott

In loving memory of May.

In loving memory of May In loving of Late of Murwillumbah, Formerly of Tweed Heads Murwillumbah, Formerly of Tweed Passed away peacefully on Monday 12th August Passed peacefully on Monday 12th Aged 87 Years Aged

Late of Murwillumbah, formerly of Tweed Heads. Passed away peacefully on Monday 12th August, aged 87 years.

Loved Mother & Mother-in-Law of Michael & Andreina Loved Mother-in-Law of & Sheryl & Leigh and Wendy. Sheryl & Leigh

Loved Mother and Mother-In-Law of Michael & Andreina, Sheryl & Leigh and Wendy. Adored Grandma of Jack, Brooke, Jessica, Amber, Grace, Adam and Zack.

Adored Grandma of Jack, Brooke, Jessica, Amber, Adored of Jack, Brooke, Jessica, Amber, Grace, Adam and Zack. Grace, Adam Zack.

Cherished Granny-May of Olivia, Easton, Sophia, Jock

Cherished of Olivia, Easton, Jock and Luca and Luca

Loved Sister of Hazel (decd.), Tom (decd.), Edna, Ollie,

Cherished Granny-May of Olivia, Easton, Sophia, Jock and Luca.

Loved Sister of Hazel (decd.), Tom Edna, Ollie, Claire (decd.) Ted, Jean, George (decd.) and Merle. Claire (decd.) Jean, George (decd.) Merle.

Loved sister of Hazel (decd.), Tom (decd.), Edna, Ollie, Clarrie (decd.), Ted, Jean, George (decd.), and Merle.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend May’s and warmly to Funeral Service on Wednesday 21st August 2024 at Wednesday 21st 2024 1pm at Tweed Valley Lawn Cemetery Eviron Rd, Eviron. 1pm at Cemetery Eviron Rd,

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend May’s Funeral Service on Wednesday 21st August 2024 at 1pm at Tweed Valley Lawn Cemetery, Eviron Rd, Eviron.

Pietro Dusina

29/12/1929 -9/8/2021

We are locally owned and operated 0416 389 587

Late of Crabbes Creek and formally Ono Degno Italy. Passed away peacefully at home 9th August 2021. Aged 91 years.

Lyn Rosemary GROEN 31/07/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

David COWEN 06/08/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

Margaret Leonie KEEP 06/08/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

Howard John SMITH 06/08/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

Dearly loved brother, brother in law, uncle, cousin and friend to many.

We offer holistic and unique funerals that empower you to have a deeply meaningful and inclusive experience

Direction cremations $2560 including transfers and all legal paper work

Much loved and sadly missed by his family in Australia, Italy and Switzerland. Thankyou for all kind thoughts and wishes.

Full Service Cremations starting at $6360. www.tiarefunerals.com

Ronald Charles LAWRENCE 08/08/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

Marie Sophie RAWSON 08/08/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

Ph: (02) 6672 2144 Murwillumbah McGuiness Funerals

In Loving Memory

Funeral Notice

Funeral Director

Real Estate Real

FROM COAST TO COUNTRY

Dream lifestyle awaits at Birrigan Iluka Beach

By Jonathon Howard

THE SERENE beachside community of Birrigan

Iluka Beach is offering its last remaining lots in Stage 3, with prices starting at $290,000. This represents a unique opportunity to build your dream home in one of the North Coast of NSW’s most coveted locations.

For those looking for a ready-made solution, Birrigan house and land packages are available from $786,620.

To find out more about the latest land release, The Weekly Real Estate caught up with Birrigan sales director from First National Real Estate Iluka, Lauren Ford.

Ms Ford said the packages include a brandnew, four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home with a double garage, all situated within this picturesque coastal development.

“With Stages 1 and 2 already sold out and construction underway, now is the time to act if you wish to join this vibrant community,” she said. Iluka is nestled between the Clarence River and the World Heritage Gondwana rainforests and offers unparalleled access to pristine beaches, bushwalks, and local amenities.

It’s a 15-minute drive off the Pacific Highway, providing convenient access to nearby Yamba (40 minutes), the Gold Coast (2.5 hours),

Brisbane (3 hours), and Sydney (7 hours).

“The final stages of the development are yet to be announced, but the current offerings present exceptional value,” Ms Ford said.

“The community attracts both young families and downsizers, drawn by the area’s rich lifestyle opportunities, including beach swimming, local schools and golf courses.”

In 2023, Birrigan Iluka Beach received the Stormwater NSW Awards for Excellence in the

Open Homes

Saturday, August 17

Tate Brownlee

• 2/21 Beach Street, Kingscliff, 9-9:30am

• 17/18 Brett Street, Tweed Heads, 9-9:30am

• 2 Cambridge Court, Kingscliff, 10-10:30am

• 8 Ellis Street, Banora Point, 10-10:30am

• 1/10 Kintyre Crescent, Banora Point, 11-11:30am

• 4 James Cook Drive, Banora Point, 11-11:30am

• 14 Market Parade, Terranora, 12-12:30pm

• 2/36 Recreation Street, Tweed Heads, 12-12:30pm

• 11 Trutes Terrace, Terranora, 1-1:30pm

• 81a Old Ferry Road, Banora Point, 1-1:30pm

• 31/15 Kingston Drive, Banora Point, 1-1:30pm

• 14 Hibiscus Parade, Banora Point, 2-2:30pm

• 2/6 Lochlomond Drive, Banora Point, 2-2:30pm

individual freehold titles while upholding high standards of home design and construction through its guidelines.

“The community also benefits from professional maintenance of road verges and surrounding native bushland.”

Ms Ford said there are exciting developments on the horizon for Iluka, including a new medical centre that aims to offer various health services.

‘Integrated Stormwater Design’ category.

The innovative design integrates seamlessly with the natural environment and ensures effective stormwater management, combining aesthetics with practicality.

“Birrigan Iluka Beach is also notable as Iluka’s first and only community titled estate,” Ms Ford said.

“This exclusive development maintains

• 2/4 Parkland Place, Banora Point, 3-3:30pm Schmith Estate Agents

• 26/9 Domain Road, Currumbin, 10-10.30am

• 18/14 Lorikeet Drive, Tweed Heads Sth, 12-12.30pm

• 159 Bilambil Road, Bilambil, 1-1.30pm

JET Real Estate

• 1/34 Beryl Street, Tweed Heads 9.30-10.00am

• 103 Commercial Road, Murwillumbah 11-11.30am

• 133 River Street, South Murwillumbah 12-12.30pm McGrath

• 255 Darlington Drive, Banora Point, 1-1:30pm

• 10 Durigan Place, Banora Point, 12-12:30pm

• 8/40-48 Kamala Crescent, Casuarina, 10-10:30am

• 4/2 Creek Street, Coolangatta, 9:30-10am

• 8 Guilfoyle Place, Cudgen, 11-11:30am

• 140 Riverside Drive, Tumbulgum, 1-1:30pm

• 50 Enid Street, Tweed Heads, 10:30-11am

While details are still emerging, the vision includes pathology, physiotherapy, and podiatry services.

“Additionally, the Sedgers Reef Hotel is undergoing refurbishment. While specific timelines remain uncertain, updates suggest that progress is being made, with hopes for completion around summer,” she said.

“Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to purchase some of the most valuable real estate on coastal NSW, it will sell out.”

For more information on available lots and packages at Birrigan Iluka Beach visit: birriganilukabeach.com.au/, or please contact the sales office on: 0420 836 000 to secure your place in this idyllic coastal community.

• 1/56 Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads, 9:30-10am

• 3041/2 Thomson Street, Tweed Heads, 11:30-12pm

• 187/1 Mariners Drive West, Tweed Heads, 10:3011am

DJ Stringer Property Services

• 1/130 Marine Pde, Coolangatta, 9:30-10am

• 2/3-5 Barrett St, Tweed Heads, 10-10:30am

• 9/24 Dutton St, Coolangatta, 11-11:30am

• 2/11 Lloyd St, Tweed Heads South, 11-11:30am

• 20 Eliza Fraser Court, Terranora, 11-11:30am

• 5/22 Garrick St, Coolangatta, 12-12:30pm

• 1/27 Kiata Pde, Tweed Heads, 1-1:30pm

LJ Hooker

• 11 Alva Street, Tweed Heads, 11-11:30am

• 17 Flemington Street, Banora Point, 11-11:30am

• 10/52 Darlington Drive, Banora Point, 10-10:30am

• 1/60 Keith Compton Dve, Tweed Heads, 10-10:30am

• 54 Clothiers Creek Road, Condong, 2pm-2.30pm

Above: Birrigan Iluka Beach is beautifully presented in a dream location. Right: The existing Sedgers Reef Bistro Iluka is undergoing a major refurbishment and will be a great local watering hole

Noble Lakeside Park

The best in resort-style living for the over 50s, Noble Lakeside Park is located in Kingscliff on the North Coast of NSW where you can experience the comfort of living among a community of like-minded people in this fabulous land lease community. Downsize or just move to the perfect private resort representing a positive lifestyle choice for your future where you have a choice of spacious two- or three-bedroom homes.

The expansive 25-acre property features delightful walkways, avenues lined with giant palm trees, sweeping lawns and well-tended gardens all maintained by our groundsmen. Keep fit and fabulous with indoor and outdoor sports and exercise facilities such as lawn bowls, tennis court, pools and spa and recreational fishing in our own private lake. New Tweed Valley Hospital & ambulance station close by.

Arrange an obligation free guided tour of the park easily organised simply by phoning the Community Managers on 02 66740938

214 /34 Monarch Drive, Kingscliff NSW 2487

$550,000

2-bedroom, 1 bathroom, 1 park

Features open plan living with reverse cycle air conditioning opening out onto a paved back area with a low maintenance garden and a fully renovated kitchen.

219 /34 Monarch Drive, Kingscliff NSW 2487

$550,000

2-bedroom, 1 bathroom, 1 park

Located in a quiet area of the park, this 2-bedroom home features an open plan living/ dining area with air conditioning which opens onto a full-length bull nose covered-in verandah which captures summer breezes and winter sun.

Email: kingscliff@noblelakeside.com.au

177 /34 Monarch Drive, Kingscliff NSW 2487

$620,000

3-bedroom, 1 bathroom, 2 toilets, 1 park

The home features open plan living with reverse cycle air conditioning, a good-sized kitchen with plenty of cupboard space, air con in the master bedroom. Enjoy relaxing in your fully enclosed front patio.

Web: www.noblelakeside.com.au

For Sale by Peter Walmsley

54 CLOTHIERS CREEK ROAD, CONDONG

CHARMING 1920’S HOME WITH MODERN TOUCHES

Nestled in the serene community of Condong, this delightful 1920s high-set home offers a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern convenience. This property is ideally suited for families seeking privacy and beautiful farmland views.

The heart of the home features the formal lounge and dining rooms adding a touch of elegance, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying family meals in style. The home exudes quality and character expected from this era including high ceilings, large shed and a cozy sunroom as well as a very comfortable everyday combined living room with direct access to the kitchen.

Open this Saturday 17th August, 2pm-2:30pm.

3 KARINGAL AVENUE, BILAMBIL HEIGHTS

A FAMILY ENTERTAINER WITH STUNNING VIEWS

Situated in one of Bilambil Heights most desired streets, with stunning views over the Terranora Lakes, this home ticks all the boxes. This, well built, low maintenance home is set over two levels and boasts a large in-ground swimming pool. Perfect for a growing family, this home has multiple living spaces and would suit multigenerational living or those desiring a teenage retreat. The clever design of this home also offers the potential to facilitate dual living (STCA).

The open plan living, kitchen and dining room open onto a generous entertaining deck. The master bedroom features extensive views, a walk-in robe and a large ensuite. Downstairs, off the third bedroom is a large family room with sitting room, sunken fireplace and a wet bar. This fabulous entertaining space opens onto a an undercover deck and in-ground swimming pool.

Inspections by appointment only.

Coolangatta

Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads

waterfront lifestyle awaits

3041/2 Thomson Street, Tweed Heads North facing with sea breezes

159 BILAMBIL ROAD, BILAMBIL

PICTURESQUE, POSITION AND LIFESTYLE ACREAGE PERFECTION

5 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 4 CAR

OPEN FOR INSPECTION SATURDAY & SUNDAY 1:00PM - 1:30PM AUCTION “ON SITE” THIS SUNDAY 18 AUGUST AT 1:30PM

Idyllic rural aspect with an exciting integration of ecosystem, fertile soil and a generous multi-generational homestead residence set with endless vista views offers a private lifestyle property without compromise, setting the scene for a unique entertainer lifestyle set in the coveted Bilambil Valley. Set upon 15 acres (approx.) of fully fenced and well-pastured land with expansive creek frontage, a picture of pride introduces a classic ranch-style family residence that is immediately impressive, offering beautifully presented, supremely comfortable and super generous formal and informal living an d entertaining spaces set amidst serene garden surrounds. Generously zoned for the modern family, this entertainer’s paradise is light and open, with countryside vista views from every vantage point and a seamless connection with the outdoors. A cosy wood heater warms a generous formal living area and easily connects with the adjacent living and dining area serviced by the gourmet stone kitchen compr ising modern appliances, abundant storage and preparation space leading out to the all-weather alfresco entertaining area. An oversized rumpus room with wet bar leads out to yet another outdoor entertaining area offering the perfect location for sundowner drinks and dinner parties, whilst a spectacular magnesium inground swimming pool and lush lawned expanses ensure the largest of gatherings and fami ly get-togethers are easily catered to. Set across its expansive floorplan, five bedrooms are zoned for maximum privacy and include a king-sized master with a walk-in robe and spa ensuite. A central family-sized bathroom, separate laundry and double garage with internal access complete the offering, with the bonus of a fully self-contained granny flat boasting a generous living/dining, full kitchen, separate bedroom and bathroom for superior multi-generational living for senior family members or adult children looking for extra space and privacy. Other property highlights include air conditioning, two dams, shed with 3-phase power and established horse riding trails set on the property. Positioned in lifestyle perfection, the property offers a central location with a quiet rural aspect within e asy access to the M1 Freeway and close to Gold Coast’s beaches, shopping and entertainment precincts, Snapper Rocks and Coolangatta and Tweed Heads central business districts and within an easy drive of Byron Bay.

If you have a vacant property, one that is under performing or you simply require a greater return and a more personalised service, then experience the difference with DJ Stringer Property Management.

To find out why more landlords prefer to place their trust in our services and to arrange a complimentary market appraisal, please contact our investment advisor

Terri Whitney 0491 644 897 terri@djstringer.com.au in the strictest confidence today.

GIANETTA