Tweed Valley Weekly, February 16, 2023

Rates crunch time

By Jonathon Howard

IT’S CRUNCH time for Tweed Shire Councillors to decide whether to apply a proposed special rate variation increase of 2.35 per cent above the rate peg of 4 per cent.

If approved, Council rates will rise by 6.35 per cent. However, it should be noted that the rate peg of 4 per cent applies to council’s general income in total, not to individual ratepayers.

Council is seeking the special rate increase above the rate peg to cover a range of costs in the 2023/24 financial year, which Council cannot pay for without the proposed increase.

Among the costs is the environmental enforcement levy ($288,954), development application times ($360,000), core IT business systems to the cloud ($500,000), cyber security ($268,000) and insurance premiums ($151,000), to a grand total of $1,567,954.

“Council operates in a complex service environment with many funding challenges,” Council’s report reads.

“The following issues (see above) are considered to have the most impact on the 2023/24 and subsequent years’ budget which are unable to be funded from exist-

ing sources thus requiring consideration of an application for a special rate variation.”

In September last year the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) announced a rate peg amount — which included the new population growth factor — that would increase Council’s general income by 4 per cent for 2023/24.

Council considered a report in November 2022 detailing a number of issues that are impacting on Council’s service delivery and the budget position for 2023/24 as well as subsequent years, “which are unable to be funded from existing sources”.

“Accordingly, public notice of a proposal for an application for a special rate variation was provided, seeking community comment/feedback on such a proposal,” council’s report states.

A total of 147 residents responded to Council’s public notice of the proposed special rate variation.

The majority of respondents, 126, did not support the variation, 11 supported the increase and 10 were neither supporting or not supporting.

Should Councillors opt not to implement the special rate increase, Council noted that “alternative means of covering the ongoing costs outlined in this report will

need to be identified”.

Councillor Reece Byrnes told The Weekly he intended to vote against the rate increase.

“Considering the impacts of COVID-19 and the 2022 floods, combined with the rising costs of living, I will not support a motion to increase rates beyond the rate peg — we don’t need to ask for this now.

“We need to look in house and see where we can make key savings.”

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you believe councillors should apply the full rate increase of 6.35 per cent? The Weekly would like to hear your thoughts and letters via editor@theweekly.net.au

Another horror crash

By Jo Kennett

THREE PEOPLE have been injured in a horror crash on the Pacific Highway at Tweed Heads South on Thursday, February 9.

The accident saw lengthy traffic delays in the southbound lanes of the M1. Emergency services responded to reports of a serious multi-vehicle crash on the M1 close to Kennedy Drive.

A Fire and Rescue Tweed Heads spokesperson said firefighters received reports on their way to the scene that three cars and a truck were involved with “multiple people injured.”

Several vehicles were severely damaged in the high-speed crash including a camper trailer which was completely destroyed.

The M1 southbound lanes were closed for hours as patients were treated and three of them were transported by ambulance to hospital.

Tweed Heads firefighters said it took some time to clear the road of debris and render the road safe to reopen by police.

Councillors are set to decide on a special rate variation this week

The damaged truck. Inset (left) one of the damaged vehicles. Inset (right) Several vehicles were involved. Photos Fire and Rescue Tweed Heads

RAY

You

Lucky Sharps Road

For decades Sharps Road at Eungella was not maintained by Tweed Shire Council, but now is being maintained.

Now Council wants $150 to give reasons why via Freedom of Information.

Sharps Road is entered via a cattle grid.

Many truckers consider Sharps Road entrance as one of the most dangerous of any road in the Tweed.

Here’s the Council criteria for maintenance by Council of an unsealed road: “Road formation must be in the road reserve and be of suitable standard”.

Sharps Road does not fit the above due to the cattle grid entrance and road not within the road reserve.

I believe Sharps Road sets a precedent for the other 96 roads that should be placed on Council’s road maintenance register.

Councillors you know what has to be done!

Ray Nardi, Kielvale

Reduce speed limits

I fully support reducing the speed limit from 100km/h to 80km/h on Tumbulgum Road. The speed limit of 100km/h is absurd, particularly when you have to drop right down to 50km/h when you reach the bridge.

The 100km/h stretch on Stokers Road is another example that should be reduced.

You will, of course, be deluged by people moaning about people driving slower than the limit, whatever it is.

Mike Petty, Murwillumbah

Stupidity rife on local roads

In response to the article, (TVW February front page) on traffic accidents.

Whilst speed will make any accident worse, what I see daily on the roads

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here is many vehicles that insist on traveling in the middle of the road, or close to the centre.

Even where double lines exist many drivers seem to see these as a ‘suggestion only’.

Where there are no lines apparently there is no need to stay on the left side of the road at all.

I have just purchased a dash cam. When it is up and running I will send the clips to Dash Cams Australia.

I will attempt to ensure number plates (and any other vehicle details) are recorded in the hopes that drivers become embarrassed by their appalling driving skills.

You can change the speed limit, but you cannot legislate against stupidity, and stupidity is thriving in this region.

the road toll.

Even draconian implementation of more and more restrictive speed limits may result in driver frustration leading to road rage and dangerous driving.

It must be a difficult balancing act to determine the safest speed on a given stretch of road in order to maximise road user safety.

No doubt driver education via social media is a primary and crucial tool to remind us all to do the right thing.

Richard Holloway, Pottsville

Leave the speed limits

How come every time there’s a motor vehicle crash the cry goes out to lower the speed limit?

is well above the limit.

Delivery transport workers have also mentioned near misses.

Cars in particular are very difficult to see over the crest of the Mayal Creek bridge when entering town at excessive speed.

The speed limit should be reduced.

Pete Hanlon, Murwillumbah

Vote to save a great Australian

On March 25, the state election, voters should consider the fate of a great Australian who is facing extinction — the koala.

Before casting your vote look at the policies of the candidates in relation to supporting the koala and its survival.

it’s softwood plantations delivered a profit of $3873 for every hectare logged

Both Victoria and Western Australia are moving to ban native forest logging and NSW should follow suit as the logging is unprofitable and catastrophic to all wildlife.

On March 25 the koala needs your support. Vote for those candidates who have policies that protect this unique Australian from extinction.

Simon Dawson, Bogangar

Bird slaughter disgrace

I’ve lived close to Kingscliff park for many years and have an absolute love for the native maggies and curlews that live in this park near the high school.

Tweed Heads Common sense needed on speed limits

Meg Houghton,

As a regular traveller on the Burringbar Range I find that it goes from 80kms to 90kms on a stretch of road that probably shouldn’t even be 80.

Please make it 80kms all the way. I am glad for the overtaking lanes on the Range as I am an older driver and it lets others pass me. Please let common sense prevail.

Julie-Anne Harris, Murwillumbah

More driver education needed

Unfortunately, it’s a fact of life that driving is an inherently dangerous activity and irrespective of how low the speed limit is set there will always be deaths on our roads.

There will always be idiots that flaunt the road rules putting themselves and others at risk of injury or death.

Health problems, inattention, unexpected road conditions, extreme weather events and cars that are poorly maintained all contribute to

Why doesn’t the alleged ability of the vehicle driver be scrutinised and/ or questioned?

If people were to take the operation of a motor vehicle seriously and have control of that vehicle instead of letting their concentration waver then I’m sure that the accidents would not happen.

Leave the limits as they are, and teach the motorists to take proper care and attention to their surroundings.

Paul Atkins, Tweed Heads Tumbulgum Road speed

One hundred kilometres per hour is excessive for this narrow road that adjoins a residential street.

Drivers are using the residential area to decelerate from 100km/h. Additionally, drivers are accelerating beyond 50km/h prior to leaving the adjoining residential area.

As well as the recent accidents, several near misses have occurred with children crossing the road unable to judge the true speed of an approaching vehicle.

Residents must take great care when leaving their driveway as the traffic

While many Australians support the koala, the treatment of koalas since European settlement has been quite devastating. In the early part of the 20th century koalas were hunted for their soft, thick fur for such products as gloves, coat linings and rugs. By 1924 it is estimated that more than two million koala pelts had left Australia.

At the start of the 20th century, it is estimated that there were 8 to 10 million koalas in Australia. The Australian Koala Foundation estimated in 2022 that there could be as few as 43,000 koalas in the wild.

A major contributor to the declining numbers of koalas is habitat destruction through the harvesting of old growth native hardwood forests.

The state-owned Forestry Corporation reports stated the corporation suffered a $20 million loss in 2021 with NSW taxpayers paying $441 per hectare to log critical native forests. The harvest is mainly for wood chip and firewood with the net cost of destroying 13,500 hectares of red gum and iron bark trees coming in at $6 million. The same report noted that

After reading the ‘Horror bird kill’ article I am so angry and disgusted in these creeps who have done this. There is not other word for such people who would poison and bash such beautiful native Australian birds than to call them pure evil.

I would however like to thank Tweed Shire Council as they continually try to protect the bush stone-curlews.

They have made them a ‘safe’ fenced in area away from the lowlifes who continually terrorise the people and animals in the park by taking their cars in there and doing donuts at all hours of the day and night.

It would now be great to see the council take the next step and put in extensive security cameras and surveillance.

Sadly the ‘old’ Kingscliff is being lost, where the environment and animals were loved and protected.

Jo-Anne Stevenson, Kingscliff

Please note the views on the letters page are that of the letter writer and not of the Tweed Valley Weekly. Letters must include a suburb and contact number for verification. Letters may be edited for length or legal reasons. Send your letters to editor@theweekly. net.au.

Plans to expand Men’s Shed

By Jonathon Howard

POTTSVILLE AND District Men’s Shed has submitted a development application with Tweed Shire Council to expand its current building footprint by around 40 per cent.

Councillors are set to consider and vote on the application during their monthly meeting on Thursday, February 16.

Council has proposed several options to councillors, which include to either approve or refuse the application, or request a reduced footprint of the proposal.

Council’s report notes that an allowance was made in the Black Rocks Master Plan for the extension of the Men’s Shed. Council’s Parks and Active Communities Unit supports an expansion of the current facilities, “consistent with the master plan and previous consultation”.

However, Council’s report also notes whilst an expansion of the Men’s Shed is supported, the size and scope of the proposed extension is “considered to be in excess of that contemplated through the engagement and development of the master plan and other strategic documents”.

“This is due to the inclusion of a mezzanine area above the proposed extension, and also the enclosure of a current outdoor covered area,” Council’s report notes.

Under the current proposal from the Men’s Shed, the length of the shed building would be extended from 18 metres to 30 metres, the 39-square-metre patio would be enclosed, and a 336-square-metre addition would be constructed, creating a 588-square-metre facility.

“The master plan approved a 420-square-metre facility assuming a single-storey building,” Council’s report

reads.

“This is a 40 per cent variation resulting from the proposed second storey.

“A second level with internal mezzanine is proposed to be added to the building.

“The ground floor extension is proposed to contain a metal workshop and store, woodworking machinery and dust extractor.

“The existing ground floor area is proposed to be reconfigured and contain another workshop, storage areas, office space, pantry and members activity area.

“It is not clear what is proposed for the mezzanine level.”

Mayor Chris Cherry told The Weekly she “fully supports the Men’s Shed” and think that they do incredible work in the community.

“I also support them expanding their shed at the current site,” she said.

“For me though the expansion being envisaged is too much and I would love to work with them to provide for an expansion that is consistent with the community led Masterplan of the Blackrock Sportsfield.

“We completed this work in full consultation with the Men’s shed, the Croquet club, the Soccer Club, the Cricket Club and the Aero Club only 23 months ago.

“The plan allows for roughly a doubling of the shed from 213m2 to 420m2.

“As a comparison, Tweed Heads Men’s shed, which has very similar membership numbers, is currently seeking an expansion from 282m2 to 376m2. As Councillors we need to look at all the competing needs of the community, we need to be fair and the way we do this is by master planning the area so everyone’s ideas are considered. To simply then ignore that process is not good governance.”

Councillor Reece Byrnes told The Weekly he was keen to vote in support of the motion and allow the expansion.

“With council’s support, this Men’s Shed will continue to grow and thrive and be an integral part of our community,” he said. YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you support an increase to the Pottsville and District Men’s Shed? The Weekly would like to hear your thoughts and letters to editor@ theweekly.net.au

Pottsville and District Men's Shed has requested a 40 per cent increased to its shed

Fury at bus cancellations

By Jo Kennett

TWEED COAST residents are spitting chips because scheduled public buses they are relying on to get to work or TAFE are not turning up.

Pottsville’s Jodie Edmunds has a Danish exchange student staying who is supposed to attend Kingscliff TAFE, but four times in one week the bus scheduled to pick the student up at 8.12am from Overall Drive did not arrive.

“I am absolutely furious,” Jodie said.

“We aren’t notified and there is nothing on any of the websites to say they have been cancelled.

“We have nine international students waiting for the bus at Pottsville and then we’re scrambling around to pick them up and one of the other parents has to drive them to TAFE.

“We work and I can’t drive my student to school. It’s just horrendous.”

Jodie rang the Tweed Heads Kinetic depot to complain and was put through to Transport for NSW.

“Transport for NSW said they are turning up,” Jodie told The Weekly.

“Other parents were told Pottsville is not a priority and that they don’t have staff.

“We’ve heard that Lindisfarne students (who have to catch the public bus to school) are being left sitting at bus stops.

“It’s not just our students, it’s the young kids that need to work.”

Jodie said she had spoken to the English teacher at TAFE who said they had no idea about the problems with the bus.

“I’m sure there are a lot of teachers who have kids turning up late or not turning up at all from Pottsville,” she said. “The school hadn’t been notified that the 603 wasn’t running.

“The other day they were told they wouldn’t get a bus home until after 5pm when they asked another bus driver. They finish at 2.30 to 3.30pm so then we all started getting phone calls. One of the parents drove down from Banora and picked up some students, drove all the way to Pottsville, went back to Kingscliff and picked up his student and then drove all the way to Banora. He was an angel. We would have been lost without him.”

Jodie said that on Friday, February 10, students went to the beach after school and then tried to catch the bus home in non-peak times and the last two 603 buses that come an hour apart never showed.

“Students again were stranded and ended up couch surfing at other homestay parents in Kingscliff,” she said.

“I had to wait until 11 at least to drive as I had had dinner and wine.

“It is too late then as I would have got home at midnight to get up at 6am for work.

“Saying it’s peak time is untrue. I called the depot again on Sunday to ask if the buses were running and the only response was to look online like he had to.

“I replied online it says they are running when they are not.”

Other Tweed Coast residents went online asking if anyone knew what was going on as their buses hadn’t turned up either.

A spokesperson for Transport for NSW said they were in regular communication with Kinetic regarding service cancellations in the Tweed region.

“The primary cause of these cancellations is the current shortage of bus drivers, which is an issue for all of NSW,” the spokesperson told The Weekly.

“Kinetic is managing limited resources during peak hours by prioritising school

Greens launch

MURWILLUMBAH is seen as a priority area for The Greens in the upcoming NSW election.

That was clear when the party launched the campaigns of its Lismore and Tweed candidates at the Citadel last Friday, February 10.

services to ensure no school services are cancelled.

“Unfortunately, this sometimes means peak hour non-school service routes are cancelled.

“The peak hour 603 Pottsville to Tweed City via Hastings Point is one such affected route.

The spokesperson said that Transport for NSW launched a statewide recruitment campaign, highlighting the benefits of a career in bus driving, to address the driver shortage made worse by COVID-19.

“Transport is also working with Kinetic and other affected operators to do everything possible to maintain normal timetables.

“Customers can be assured that addressing the driver shortage is a top priority for Transport for NSW.”

Tweed Kinetic bus drivers recently went on strike calling for a pay raise and increased safety, with full barriers to separate drivers from passengers to stop assaults.

The Weekly asked Transport for NSW if they would pay for the barriers as the Queensland Government is doing, but received no response on that.

The Weekly contacted Kinetic for comment on the cancellation of services but no response was received by the print deadline.

Adam Guise, who is vying for the seat of Lismore, said The Greens were proud to launch their campaign in beautiful Murwillumbah, and celebrate music, friendship and community. The Greens are advocating for local solutions to local issues such as affordable and social housing, stopping the amalgamation of the Murwillumbah schools, and ensuring staff-to-patient ratios at Murwillumbah Hospital.

Tweed Greens candidate Ciara Denham shared the stage with Greens MP and Upper House leading candidate Cate Faehrmann, renowned comedian Mandy Nolan and Tweed Shire Councillor Dr Nola Firth.

“We all want a good life, and we can make positive changes on climate resilience, on the housing crisis, and strengthen our public services without the party politics and corporate donations which we have seen far too much of in Tweed and NSW,” Ms Denham said.

After a promising vote in Murwillumbah in the 2022 federal election, the Greens are hoping to expand their voter base in the Tweed and Lismore electorates.

THE GREEN TEAM: Greens Councillor Dr Nola Firth, Lismore candidate Adam Guise, Tweed candidate Ciara Denham with Greens MP and Upper House leading candidate Cate Faehrmann

Tweed Link

A Tweed Shire Council publication 02 6670 2400 or 1300 292

Tweed Shire Council wishes to recognise the generations of the local Aboriginal people of the Tweed Bundjalung Nation who have lived in and derived their physical and spiritual needs from the forests, rivers, lakes and streams of this beautiful valley over many thousands of years as the traditional custodians of these lands.

Last week we each used 175L a day

as at 13 February 2023

In brief ...

Murwillumbah Library delivers

Murwillumbah Library is currently looking for residents to take advantage of their free home delivery service.

If you or someone you know can’t visit the library due to disability, health or injury, you may be eligible.

The service is open to anyone who is either temporarily or permanently housebound, including people who have just given birth and full-time carers.

The library can deliver books, both normal and large print, audio books, DVDs and puzzles directly to your door.

Please note, this service is currently only available to Murwillumbah residents.

Contact Murwillumbah Library for further details on 02 6670 2427.

Win prizes to collect cane toads

Time is running out to register yourself or your team for the next week-long cane toad challenge starting on Monday 20 February. It’s easy! Simply select ‘going’ on the Facebook event then start collecting toads for 7 days! Log your catch each day and the team or individual with the most cane toads collected wins.

Council is working in partnership with Watergum and our community to rid this pest from the Tweed and we appreciate your help. Taking steps to remove cane toads will make a big difference to help protect the Tweed’s environment.

Find out about prizes and how to get involved at tweed.nsw.gov.au/cane-toads

Have your say on shark management

Proposed new animal pound for Tweed

A state-of-the-art new animal Pound and Rehoming Centre for the Tweed is one step closer following the lodgement of a development application for the new facility.

Lodged by Council on 1 February, the DA is now open for public comment until Tuesday 28 February after Councillors voted to extend the exhibition period by two weeks at last week’s Council meeting.

The proposed new development will be constructed on Council-owned land at 92 - 102 Lundberg Drive, South Murwillumbah and will replace Council’s former Pound facility at Stotts Creek, which closed in 2019.

The former Pound at Stotts Creek was closed after it was found to be flood-prone and the area was required as part of the expansion of Council’s Resource and Recovery Centre.

Since the closure, Council has worked in partnership with not-forprofit organisation Friends of the Pound and entered into a temporary commercial arrangement with a private property at Tygalgah for the boarding and care of impounded animals.

The new L-shaped building facility will accommodate Council’s primary rehoming partner, Friends of the Pound, and will include administrative space for Council Rangers.

Council’s Director Planning and Regulation Vince Connell said the DA had been developed following widespread consultation with the local community and industry experts.

“In advancing the new proposal at South Murwillumbah, we consulted extensively with our primary rehoming partner, Friends of the Pound, local vets and animal welfare experts, as well as our own internal staff stakeholders to ensure the new facility would provide the most contemporary, humane, sustainable and efficient care of any

impounded animals,” Mr Connell said.

“The new centre will be open to the public 7 days a week and have the capacity to house up to 80 companion animals – 40 dogs and 40 cats – in need of their new homes.

“The new facility has provided an opportunity to consolidate our Council Rangers and Animal Management administrative offices with our operational areas, making for much safer and more secure oversight of the impounded animals.

“It also includes space for animal enrichment at the rear of the property which is an important element of the design.”

The architect-designed pound and rehoming facility had been prepared in accordance with the latest animal welfare standards including the NSW Department of Primary Industries - NSW Animal Welfare Code of Practice No 5 - Dogs and cats in animal boarding establishments.

The proposal is classified as a Regionally Significant Development and will be determined on an independent basis by the Northern Regional Planning Panel.

Pending approval and a tender process expected to be finalised by the end of 2023, construction will start, with the facility expected to be operational by the second half of 2024.

Residents are encouraged to view the Development Application and its supporting documentation, including architectural drawings and a Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) on Council’s Development Tracker at tweed.nsw.gov.au/development-applications and search for application DA22/0793. For more information on the Pound, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/tweed-pound

Each year, the NSW Government checks in with beach users, coastal councils and other key stakeholders to understand community sentiment and confidence in the NSW Shark Management Program.

This annual survey seeks to measure sentiments about shark mitigation approaches currently used in NSW and confidence in the program which aims to reduce the risk of human-shark interactions at ocean beaches, while minimising harm to sharks and other marine life. To have your say, visit sharksmart.nsw.gov.au. The survey is open until Sunday, 19 February 2023.

Caldera Rim Walk Master Plan

NSW National Parks and Wildlife is planning a Caldera Rim Walk in Wollumbin National Park and is inviting community feedback on a draft master plan until 27 February 2023.

The Caldera Rim Walk Draft Master Plan provides overarching concepts for the proposed 8-kilometre (return) half-day bushwalk and associated facilities in Wollumbin National Park.

The proposed walk would be a Grade 4 hiking track in accordance with the Australian Walking Track Grading system, offering a challenge to bushwalkers, climbing over 500 metres in elevation to the top of the inner Tweed Caldera, through rainforest, wet sclerophyll and drier eucalypt forest, showcasing spectacular views of the Wollumbin summit and surrounding caldera.

The proposed Caldera Rim Walk would be accessed from Tyalgum Road, along the existing Tweed Hinterland Rainforest Way Scenic Drive. The draft master plan also suggests possible future options to extend the walk, which would expand the integrated visitor experiences in the area and cater for a diverse range of bushwalking experiences.

To have your say, go to environment.nsw.gov.au/caldera by 27 February.

Local achievers recognised at Seniors Festival Opening Ceremony

Local seniors who tirelessly give back to the community were recognised at the opening of Tweed Seniors Festival, with a presentation of the Local Achievement Awards.

The 12 nominees were commended for their dedication and service to the community.

The ceremony, hosted by Mandy Nolan signalled the beginning of a Tweed Seniors Festival, a 12-day celebration that includes over 40 events for local seniors to enjoy.

Guests were treated to performances by the Murwillumbah Philharmonic Choir and Coolangatta Ukulele Players and a mouthwatering morning tea provided by the Murwillumbah chapter of the Country Women’s Association.

2023 Local Achievement Award winners:

Brenda Blunden – recognised for her years of volunteering, particularly with Fingal Head Coast Care.

Veronese Burgess – recognised for her tireless work with local elders and her local community.

Julie Cummings – recognised for her service to Cabarita Beach Surf life Saving Club.

Carol Edwards – recognised for her volunteering and fundraising efforts for local charities such as Wedgetail Retreat and Murwillumbah Flood Relief.

Jeannette Horne – recognised for volunteering her time to run weekly trivia nights at South Tweed Sports Club.

Judy and Mark Eglington – recognised for almost 65 years’ voluntary service to the Tweed Shire as members of the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Margaret Hulbert – recognised for her service to Crabbes Creek Community Hall and the local community.

Denis Kinzett – recognised for his service to Crabbes Creek Community Hall.

Louise Muir – recognised for her creation of a much-loved local garden in Banora Point.

Alan Rogers – recognised for years volunteering at Murwillumbah Hospital coffee shop and Murwillumbah Theatre Company.

Alan Vincent – recognised for his service to Crabbes Creek Community Hall.

Tweed Seniors festival Runs annually as part of NSW Seniors Festival – the biggest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. The festival

highlights the ways in which our community offers support and care for each other to be an inclusive place for people of all ages.

For a full program of this year’s events, you can visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/seniors-festival

The 2023 Local Achievement Award winners.

An artist impression of the proposed new Tweed animal Pound and Rehoming Centre to be built at Lundberg Drive, South Murwillumbah (view from the south west).

Only flush the 3 Ps

Council is reminding everyone in the Tweed to flush only pee, poo and toilet paper down the loo.

Manager Water and Wastewater Business and Strategy Anthony Burnham said some people were using toilets as rubbish bins, flushing items that can cause costly blockages in their household plumbing and the Tweed’s wastewater pipes.

“Water breaks down toilet paper in no time - it doesn’t break down things like tissues, wipes, paper towels, cotton buds, dental floss and sanitary products,” Mr Burnham said.

“Five years ago, we put wet wipes, so-called flushable wipes, biodegradable wipes, paper towels and tissues in jars. They look very similar today as they did back then.

“That’s why here in the Tweed we say ‘no wipes down the pipes’. By that we also mean no tissues, paper towels, dental floss, cotton buds, nappies, sanitary products and rubbish of any kind.

“Do this and you will prevent costly blockages and help keep the Tweed’s environment healthy.”

Mr Burnham said the best place for wipes and the other unflushables was rubbish bins.

Council’s waste wizard, available from tweed.nsw.gov.au/wastewizard, can sort out what belongs in each bin.

Go to tweed.nsw.gov.au/no-wipes to find out more.

Development Application determinations

Notification of Development Application Determinations for the purposes of Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (as amended).

Application details

Approved

DA21/0146 - Small bar and use of outdoor footpath dining area

Lot 2SP 100203, SP 100203, Unit 2/No. 62 Cylinders Drive, Kingscliff

DA22/0461 - Demolition of existing dwelling and new dwelling with attached garage and 1.9 m front fence

Lot 19 DP 235189, No. 11 Vulcan Street, Kingscliff

DA22/0611 - Dwelling with attached garage

Lot 8 NPP 286231, Unit 8/No. 2981 Kyogle Road, Kunghur

DA22/0642 - Farm shed

Lot 1 DP 609733, No. 191 Pinnacle Road, Pumpenbil

DA21/0901 - Existing unauthorised signage at Twin Towns Services Club

Lot 1 DP 777183, No. 2 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads

DA22/0280 - Alterations and additions to existing dual occupancy (attached) – covered deck and garage

Lot 2 SP 13279, Unit 2/No. 28 Keith Compton Drive, Tweed Heads

DA22/0348 - Signage LED Informational sign board for front of Tweed

Heads Primary School

Lot 219 DP 755740, No. 4-10 Heffron Street, Tweed Heads South

Notification of Development Application Determinations for the purposes of Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (as amended).

The above development determinations are available for public inspection free of charge at the Planning and Regulation Division, Murwillumbah Civic Centre, during ordinary office hours or viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au

Current vacancies

View current vacancies at tweed.nsw.gov.au/job-vacancies

Subscribe to receive Job Vacancy Alerts via email at tweed.nsw.gov.au/subscribe

WATER WEEK 6 Check when your water meter is read at tweed.nsw.gov.au/meter-reading

02 6670 2400 or 1300 292 872

PO Box 816, Murwillumbah NSW 2484

Upgrade of Piggabeen Sports Complex

Construction on the long-awaited upgrade to the Piggabeen Sports Complex will commence in late 2023.

The funding, announced last week in conjunction with Tweed Seagulls Rugby League Football Club (RLFC) will see works kick off on Stage 1 of the upgrade, including:

• upgrades to the entryway

• new LED lighting for 3 sports fields

• upgrades to field surfaces

• drainage

• irrigation

• a new playground.

A $600,000 grant from the NSW Department of Planning – Stage 2 Regional Housing Fund Infrastructure Projects fund will allow Council to deliver elements of Stage 1 of its Piggabeen Sports Complex Masterplan Project.

An additional $1.68 million granted to Tweed Seagulls RLFC through the NSW Government’s Office of Sport – Multi-Sport Community Facility Funding will be used to complete additional elements of the Masterplan.

Stage 1 is expected to take approximately 12 months to complete, weather permitting. Further stages of the Masterplan implementation will progress as funding becomes available.

Read the full story at tweed.nsw.gov.au/latest-news or find out more about the history of the project at yoursaytweed.com.au/piggabeensportscomplex

Looking forward to the upgrade of Piggabeen Sports Complex are Council’s Manager Parks and Active Communities Murray Smith with young Tweed Seagulls supporters Kahu and Harmony from Cobaki.

Council Meeting Agenda - Wednesday 16 February 2023

The Council Meeting Agenda for Wednesday 16 February 2023 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

5.1 Confirmation of Minutes of the Ordinary and Extraordinary Council Meetings held Thursday 15 December 2022, Extraordinary Council Meeting held 22 December 2022 and Council Meeting held 2 February 2023.

8.1 Schedule of Outstanding Resolutions at 1 February 2023

9.1 Mayoral Minute for December 2022 and January 2023

10.1 Receipt of Petitions as at 6 February 2022

11 Orders of the day

11.1 NOM - Cr Owen - Entrance to the Tweed Shire

11.2 NOM - Cr Owen - Government commitment to take back management of major roads

15 Reports from the General Manager

15.1 Industry Central Land Swap - Endorsement of Preferred Applicant as a Successful Applicant under Expression of Interest number 2 (EOI 2)

17 Reports from the Director Sustainable Communities and Environment

17.1 Proposed expansion of Pottsville and District Men's Shed building at Black Rocks Sports Fields

17.2 Request by Chillingham Community Association to waive annual rent charges for the Chillingham Community Centre

17.3 Innovation Solutions Grant Fund Application

17.4 Murwillumbah Community Centre and Sports Facilities - Grant Application

18 Reports from the Director Engineering

18.1 Conference Report - New Zealand Rivers Group Conference 2022

18.2 Classification of Land as Operational for Sewer Rising Main - Lot 101 in DP 261914 (Cabarita Road, Bogangar)

18.3 Classification of Land as Operational for Drainage ReserveProposed Lot 38 in the subdivision of Lots 1 & 2 in DP 828298 (Crescent Street, Cudgen)

18.4 Review of Developer Contribution Plan CP 23 - Developer Contributions for Offsite Parking - Exhibition of Draft CP 23

18.5 Proposed Repeal of CP 21 – Terranora Village Estate Open Space and Community Facilities

19 Reports from the Director Corporate S ervices

19.1 Asset Management Strategy

19.2 Administration of the 2024 local government election

19.3 Quarterly Budget Review - December 2022

19.4 Corporate Quarterly Performance Report as at 31 December 2022

19.5 Northern Regional Planning Panel - Additional alternate delegates

19.6 Monthly Investment Report for Period ending 31 December 2022

19.7 Compliments and Complaints Analysis Report for the period 1 October to 31 December 2022

21 Reports from Sub -Committees /Working Groups

21.1 Minutes of the Floodplain Management Committee Meeting held Thursday 24 November 2022

21.2 Minutes of the Tweed Regional Gallery Advisory Committee Meeting held Wednesday 7 December 2022

21.3 Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee Meeting held Thursday 8 December 2022

21.4 Minutes of the Tweed Coast and Waterways Advisory Committee Meeting held Wednesday 14 December 2022

24 Mayoral minute in committee

24.1 Mayoral Minute for Renewal of Appointment of General Manager

33 Close of meeting

The agenda for the meeting, which may also include any late or supplementary reports, will be updated prior to the date of the meeting and is available on Council’s website at tweed.nsw.gov.au/council-meetings

It should be noted that confidential items are considered in closed session, which excludes media and public. Also, the minutes of this meeting will be available as soon as practical following the meeting and are unconfirmed until they are formally adopted at the next Council meeting.

Please be aware that meetings are livestreamed, and video recordings will be available on Council’s website following the meeting. A person’s image and/or voice may be broadcast. Attendance at the meeting is to be taken as consent by a person to their image and/or voice being webcast.

Development proposals for public comment

The following Development Application has been received by the Tweed Shire Council and may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au for a period of 28 days from Wednesday 1 February 2023 to Wednesday 1 March 2023

The proposal is not designated development and the Tweed Shire Council is the consent authority.

Animal rehoming facility and Council Pound and associated signage on proposed Lots 23 and 31 created from subdivision of Lot 2 DP 1139059, Lot 1 DP 232745, Lot 10 DP 1071301 and Lot 2 DP 1156966 (NRPP)

DA22/0854

Applicant Location Proposal Application No. Newton Denny Chapelle Lot 2 DP 1156966; Lundberg Drive South Murwillumbah; Lot 2 DP 1139059; No. 102 Lundberg Drive South Murwillumbah; Lot 1 DP 232745; No. 92 Lundberg Drive South Murwillumbah; Lot 10 DP 1071301; Quarry Road South Murwillumbah

Any person may, during the period specified above, make a submission in writing to Council in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is in the form of an objection, then the grounds of objection are required to be specified. Any person may, during the above period, make a written submission to the General Manager of Council. It should also be noted that Council has adopted a policy whereby, on request, any submission including identifying particulars will be made public. Council will give consideration to the "Public Interest" and requests for confidentiality by submitters in determining access to submission letters. However, the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 - GIPAA may result in confidential submissions being released to an applicant. Please Note - Requirements regarding Disclosure of Political Gifts and Donations

A disclosure is required to be made in a statement accompanying the relevant development or planning application by a person who makes the application. In addition, a person who makes a written submission either objecting to or supporting a relevant development or planning application must also make a disclosure if the person has made a reportable political donation.

Further information regarding Donations and Gift Disclosure are available on Councils’ website tweed.nsw.gov.au/development-applications

tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

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In a council experiment, 5 years after placing wipes and tissues into these jars, even the tissue hasn’t broken down.

Cops drug test truckers

By Jo Kennett

TRUCK DRIVERS were targeted in an operation on the M1 at the Chinderah Heavy Vehicle Safety Station (pictured right) , with several being charged over positive drug tests.

Operation Convoy was conducted by the Traffic Operations Group from Tuesday, February 7, to Thursday, February 9.

“One hundred and eighty-nine heavy vehicles were stopped at Chinderah weigh station and all were breath and drug tested,” Far North Coast Highway Patrol Traffic Management Inspector Dave Vandergriend said.

“Nine tested positive in random drug tests, 105 penalty notices were issued for fatigue, load/dimension, administrative (log book) offences, and 16 charges were laid for fatigue and log book offences.

“Local highway patrol also joined them for the operation.”

Car theft charges

By Jo Kennett

A MURWILLUMBAH woman appeared in court on Saturday, February 11, charged with stealing a motor vehicle after being caught as she tried to flee police.

Tweed Police said they received reports the woman was allegedly driving a stolen car near Mooball earlier the same day.

About 1.30pm police located the stolen car at a Bogangar address and arrested the 33-year-old woman as she attempted to flee.

The car was recovered and will be forensically examined before returned to the owner. The woman was taken to Tweed Heads Police Station and charged.

She was refused bail before fronting Tweed Heads Local Court.

More drink drivers

By Jo Kennett

MORE DRINK drivers were caught and had their licence suspended on the spot in the second week of a month-long police operation aimed at keeping impaired drivers off the road.

Operation Fume is running through the month of February and Far North Coast Highway Patrol Traffic Management Inspector Dave Vandergriend said from Friday, February 10, to Sunday, February 12, a total of 13 people on the North Coast were charged with drink driving and had their licence suspended.

“Of concern is the high readings returned,”

Insp Vandergriend told The Weekly.

“Three were high range. One 42-year-old man was pulled up at 9am with a reading of 0.234.

“At 1.30am on Saturday night, another local, a 35-year-old female, returned a reading of 0.208, more than four times the legal limit.

“It emphasises the importance of the operations we hold to try to keep impaired drivers off the road and will continue to run throughout the month of February.”

Insp Vandergriend said police also run drink driving and drug testing operations during the

week.

“There were several mid to low-range drink driving offences; your licence is immediately suspended for three months,” he said.

“With a low-range reading you get the suspension plus a fine, and mid- to high range is a licence suspension and a court attendance notice.

“These will continue that strong focus through February both during the week and weekends.”

Warrant offenders nabbed

By Jo Kennett

POLICE HAVE arrested three men wanted on outstanding warrants including two prior offenders who breached their parole conditions in a sting operation on Friday, February 10.

Tweed Police said that Operation Coast Safe was a “high visibility operation around public places with specific taskings.”

A 44-year-old Tweed Heads man was arrested and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station where he was refused bail.

The other two men had ‘return to prison’ warrants and were taken into custody on the

same day.

A ‘return to prison’ warrant is taken out when a previous offender breaches a parole condition such as failing to report to a parole officer or returning a positive urine test.

Tweed Police wanted to thank the community for their “continued support to report suspicious and unacceptable behaviour to their local police or Crime Stoppers”.

To speak with a Crime Stoppers representative please phone: 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: nsw. crimestoppers.com.au.

Police are busy on the beat

By Yvonne Gardiner

LOW UNEMPLOYMENT figures

and skills shortages are putting Tweed business owners and other employers in a difficult position.

Some have been forced to close their businesses or limit their hours and areas of operation.

State government policies play a big role in providing job-ready workers, in affordable training and improving conditions of employment.

Employers can more easily attract workers by offering secure work, fair wages and satisfactory conditions.

The Weekly sought answers from Tweed and Lismore candidates in the upcoming NSW election on the issue of skills shortages and lack of workers.

TWEED Susie Hearder (Animal Justice Party)

We need fairness and equality in jobs where workers have fulfilling, ethical, safe and well-paid employment, and whistleblowers have genuine protection. The Animal Justice Party will help farmers to transition away from intensive animal agriculture into cruelty-free and environmentally sound farming practices.

We will encourage investment in sustainable growth industries like thriving plant-based foods which do not harm animals or the planet.

TAFE has been gutted under the LNP government and needs reinvigorating as a prominent provider of tertiary education with greater funding and courses reinstated. Young people need the education

and skills to enter the workforce in regional areas. TAFE training should be free for any skills shortage courses, training in the renewable energy sector and natural resource management skills.

There is also a shortage of wildlife carers and this not-for-profit sector needs funding too.

The Animal Justice Party will introduce ‘Veticare’ (Medicare for animals) which will skill up vet nurses, support vets in regional areas and ensure retention of vets and vet nurses, helping wildlife and the vulnerable to keep their pets.

Frontline workers in aged care, disability support services and hospitals need an increase in staff to patient ratios and a decent wage for the important work they do.

Seasonal farm workers need fair pay, clean accommodation and safe working conditions.

We need to end native forest logging and help transition workers to plantations or the hemp industry. We need more police to ensure safer communities and police who are skilled to deal with domestic violence, sexual abuse, animal abuse, homelessness and mental health.

The flood has exacerbated the shortage of qualified trades workers who need free training, secure employment and better conditions. It needs to be financially affordable for people wishing to undertake training to upskill or change vocations and all workers need access to affordable housing.

Craig Elliot (Labor)

The Tweed needs a Minns Labor Government to fix the skills crisis

we have right throughout our region. Across so many industries, there are massive skills shortages and a lack of workers.

Every day, I hear about businesses who just can’t find staff or from locals who can’t get goods and services because of the skills shortage.

We’re in this situation because Geoff Provest (Tweed MP) and his boss Dom Perrottet have cut TAFE training and apprenticeships. They’ve also slashed services and privatised public assets which has resulted in skyrocketing energy prices, inflation, and a critical shortage of skilled workers. Geoff Provest and his government’s harsh action to cap public sector wages for the past 10 years, combined with inflation, has led to real wages falling, making it challenging for the Tweed to attract and retain the skilled workforce we require.

This has resulted in a shortage of essential frontline services including nurses, health workers, ambos, teachers, police, professional firefighters, youth justice officers and community safety staff.

The Tweed can no longer ignore how tired and out of touch Mr Provest has become. His unfair wage cap will continue to drive local workers interstate where they are being offered higher pay and better working conditions for doing the same job.

We need these valuable workers to stay in the Tweed and a Minns Labor Government will deliver better wages and conditions to do this. The fact is, the Nationals don’t invest in education and training and that’s obvious with their cruel closure of the Murwillumbah TAFE and four local

functioning schools. In contrast, Labor will build a high school at Pottsville, convert 10,000 casual teachers to permanent positions, fund an additional 600 professional firefighters, employ an extra 500 paramedics for regional communities, recruit a further 1200 nurses and midwives and enforce minimum safe staffing levels in public hospitals.

Geoff

Provest (Nationals)

There is no doubt the Tweed needs more workers to fill the demand in most sectors, and the Liberal/Nationals government has already implemented and agreed to a range of initiatives to address skills shortages and employment issues in the Tweed.

There will be amazing new training opportunities at the Tweed Valley Hospital in partnership with Kingscliff TAFE, with the development of an integrated training program to enable students and clinicians to improve and develop their skills.

I have secured more than $30 million for a huge expansion of Kingscliff TAFE, so more locals can train for great jobs without leaving the Tweed. I was there last week to tell apprentices that this month they will become eligible for the same $250-a-year fuel card that is available for Tweed pensioners.

We are investing hundreds of millions of dollars to upgrade Tweed schools including a new trade school at Tweed River High, one of the first of its kind in the state, to help students be employment-ready when they leave school.

Ciara Denham (Greens)

We are all feeling the pinch of the increases in cost of living. Day-to-

day living is getting more expensive. Workers’ pay and conditions have gone backwards.

Meanwhile billionaires and big corporations reap record profits. Our public sector workers — including nurses, midwives, health workers, paramedics, teachers, university staff, and transport and frontline workers — have been on the frontline of crisis after crisis, working tirelessly to keep us safe.

Many workers in Tweed have insecure and irregular work, with no rights to industry award wages, secure jobs and decent conditions. They are marginalised and deserve fair wages and rights.

All workers, including migrant and temporary workers, must have the same workplace rights as other workers.

The Greens are committed to abolishing the public sector wage cap and delivering real wage increases as well as increased resourcing for frontline community, health and transport workers. Other commitments are nurse-to-patient ratios, and increased staffing and resourcing in our schools. Increasing job security and conditions for gig workers, artists, labour hire workers and casuals to ensure the same minimum pay, conditions and protections as other employees, including the right to be represented by a union. Sector-wide bargaining across entire industries rather than restricted to single enterprises, portable leave, reforming the Industrial Relations Commission to ensure it is an independent and neutral body — and not doing the bidding of conservative governments.

NSW VOTES 2023

By Yvonne Gardiner

LISMORE

Janelle Saffin (Labor)

The present skills shortages and lack of workers hit our economy and way of life.

It is a serious security problem and one that the former Federal Government never saw as its responsibility. The Perrottet Government is complicit in the way it has gutted our TAFE system, cutting courses in the regions.

The Nationals in government have let regional people down badly in this critical area of vocational education and training (VET).

A Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding TAFE. TAFE trains our workforce of today and for the future. TAFE must be funded to prepare, plan and keep us ahead of the emerging and changing needs of our society.

We must take advantage of the Federal Government’s 120,000 TAFE Fee Free and VET places with 10,000 new energy apprenticeships to a Net Zero Economy Task. They have an agreement in place with the NSW Government.

But we are yet to see regional plans.

We already have a small but significant manufacturing base with a strong export reach within our region, so why not have plans to enhance it?

If elected, I will work to bring the TAFE VET sector and co-operating parties together to embrace emerging regional opportunities and challenges.

I will seek to help co-operating par-

Q&A: SKILLS SHORTAGES AND EMPLOYMENT

ties to work together in an ongoing relationship to examine and agree on regional priorities and emerging opportunities, and on a broad plan for using and adapting state and federal government initiatives within our region, including housing.

We would examine strategies to support apprentices and trainees, both young and older, to complete certification through such strategies as: financial rewards for progress towards completion, on-the-job training, and recognition of present skill level and previous experience.

Universities and other training sectors deserve and will be given separate consideration by me in a future announcement.

Alex Rubin (Nationals)

Our region has critical workforce shortages across healthcare, education, emergency services, and the agricultural sector. The Nationals and Coalition government have already invested in upgrading hospitals, schools and service centres, with promises of more to come.

The gap is getting skilled staff, but there are no quick fixes; professional qualifications take time to train and develop. The Nationals get this, having committed to increasing both our healthcare and permanent teacher numbers in NSW by more than 20,000 positions.

I believe the solution is to incentivise “Growing Our Own” professionals and tradespersons in regional areas through programs in schools, TAFE and tertiary education that motivate people to work and stay regional.

These programs include removing

HECS debts, free TAFE training options and family support packages. We need to subsidise career development for keystone professionals and trades that enable regional growth. We must move away from a reliance on importing or paying massive costs for fly-in fly-out specialists. Better recognition for professionals with regional experience, increasing on-job training time for trades and healthcare workers, because not everything needs to be learnt in a lecture theatre or classroom.

We need to break the barriers to acknowledging TAFE courses as satisfying equivalent university learning outcomes. Retaining skilled workers with better options for career progression and support packages that enable families to transition to a new home and regional life.

Small businesses are the engine room of the Australian economy. There is so much potential, so much opportunity, we need to empower small business to start-up and expand. There are no quick fixes, but we can build the Northern Rivers to become a future-ready regional hub where people want to come to work and live. We need leadership that will commit to investment in regional NSW, I will fight for this!

Adam Guise (Greens)

Apprenticeships and upskilling existing workers is essential to addressing the skills shortage. The Greens have long called for the proper funding of public schools and TAFE to ensure that every child and adult has the opportunity to receive a quality education and continue onto voca-

tional training and university studies.

University and TAFE should be free so that students aren’t saddled with crippling debt while at the same time juggling housing costs. This will attract more people into training to fill the skills shortages we have.

Inclusiveness and diversity in the workplace is important to workers, particularly to attract older people, parents and migrant workers. In order to encourage more parents back into the workforce, the Greens would provide free childcare. Childcare should be recognised as an essential service available to anyone who needs it, not just those who can afford it.

We need to ensure we get more people into caring jobs, like health, teaching and aged care. Better pay and conditions are essential to retaining workers in these important services.

Since the flood, the ability for workers to find affordable accommodation in the towns they work in has worsened. It’s essential that we have the housing needed to attract workers to our region.

The Greens would reform the cooked housing system, to ensure housing is a human right, rather than a commodity to profit from. We will regulate short-term rentals to ensure there are affordable rentals available to people wanting to live in the town they’re working in.

We would strengthen renters’ rights, by capping rent rises, ending no-grounds evictions and boosting funding to tenants’ advocacy services. We would build more social, public and affordable housing to ensure essential workers have safe homes.

Reader’s request regarding political signage

Emma K, last name withheld, would like to kindly ask that NSW election candidates please refrain from placing campaign advertisements on trees across the Tweed Shire.

“A friendly reminder for the trees,” she said.

“Please don’t nail your political paraphernalia to the trees. It causes them harm, thank you.”

As the fight for leadership heats up in Sydney this week, we talk employment and skills shortages with local candidates

Geoff has secured for Tweed apprentices the same $250 travel card the Liberals and Nationals have delivered for Tweed seniors.

He is pictured here with construction apprentices Ollie & Bailey at the Kingscliff TAFE, for which he is also delivering a $32.7 million upgrade. Visit service.nsw.gov.au for more information. Claim your fair share today.

Just Vote

Geoff PROVEST Member for TWEED

Geoff Provest with Minister Sam Farraway and construction apprentices Ollie and Bailey

Flood victims still in limbo

By Jonathon Howard

ELDERLY RESIDENTS impacted by the February 2022 flood are living in limbo and still waiting desperately for resolutions to their flooded homes.

Many have been forced out of the Tweed Shire and are sleeping rough in caravans, in tents, or even their cars, awaiting key decisions around insurance, government funds and reconstruction.

Many are desperate to get back into their homes and restart their lives, including one such case in that of Nette Hilton and her husband Ron.

The couple’s home at 15 Tamarind Avenue in Bogangar was heavily impacted by the 2022 flood and she’s still awaiting a final resolution on the property.

Nette said she’s desperate to return to their beloved home, but fears a lack of trades and materials, combined with increasing costs, are contributing to the delays in the reconstruction.

“It’s almost been a full year since the devastating flood,” she said.

“I’ve found myself in Toowoomba living in the backyard of my daughter’s property in a caravan.

“Ron has Alzheimers and moving him has created its own issues, including the costs which was $2,000 to move him to Toowoomba and that’s not refundable.”

Nette said of all the hardships she’s endured in her life the 2022 flood “takes the cake”.

“I’ve never been homeless in my whole life,” she said.

“I was a school teacher for 40 years and combined that with publishing as an author.

“Ron and I have owned our home outright since 1983 and we are devastated

we cannot move back to the Tweed, as the property cannot be financed in its current state.”

Despite many attempts to work with financial institutions, Nette has been unable to gain finance that will allow her to move on.

“I honestly don’t know why banks cannot go onto my property and see the potential as collateral,” she said.

Nette has heaped praise on her insurance company Suncorp, who she said has stepped up straight away to assist her.

However, the breakdown appears to be the connection to the building groups.

“I believe a lack of workforce in the building sector combined with a backlog of jobs is placing greater pressure on flood victims,” she said.

“I was fully insured prior to the flood.

“I think we need a backup plan, some -

Funds for clubs

TWO POPULAR Tweed surf clubs will undergo major renovations thanks to the NSW Government’s

Surf Club Facility Program.

Cudgen Headland Surf Life Saving Club will receive $194,980 to replace the entire roof of the clubhouse to make it compliant. The existing clubhouse was built in the 1960s and the current roof is about 20 years old.

thing in place to help you move on in life.

“This needs to come from the banks or from the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Commission.”

Nette said she’s been offered a support group and other in-kind offers, but they do not help her situation. Pragmatic solutions are needed.

“I’ve been in my caravan for 12 months,” she said.

“An offer of a fixed annexe would help, an offer of a connection to a septic system would help, an offer of a decent electrical connection would help.

“Fortunately, I have a great group of friends to talk to, so I don’t need someone to talk to really, I need help with my current and future housing plan,” she said.

“At any age or stage of your life, you really don’t have twelve months to mark time.”

Fingal Rovers Surf Life Saving Club will receive $53,162 to fix an upper-level water leak into the first aid room of the clubhouse, as well as upgrades to the garage facilities.

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said the funding is aimed at improving facilities to support lifesavers in their vital role of keeping the community safe.

“Our surf clubs are an essential part of the fabric of the Tweed community and I’m so pleased to announce upgrades for the Cudgen Headland and Fingal Rovers Surf Life Saving Clubs,” Mr Provest said.

“Throughout the past 12 months of flooding many of our clubs assisted greatly in the response and recovery efforts. I know this investment will be a huge boost to our hard-working volunteers who do so much on and off the beach.”

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the Surf Club Facility Program aims to create more modern, accessible facilities and to ensure lifesavers have what they need to keep the community safe on our beaches.

“Surf clubs are at the heart of coastal communities and the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is investing in them to ensure they remain an integral part of local communities,” Mr Henskens said.

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Nette and her husband Ron are still living in limbo after almost 12 months since the devastating flood

Big Country Radio

By Yvonne Gardiner

A NEW chapter in the long-running saga of a proposed high school at Pottsville is being written.

Labor candidate for Tweed, Craig Elliot, and Shadow Education Minister Prue Car were in Pottsville last Friday, February 10, to announce their commitment to a new high school.

Ms Car said the school was overdue and sorely needed.

“How ridiculous is it that there’s not a high school in this community when the primary schools are growing rapidly,” she said.

“It’s just the (Coalition) government’s poor attempt at saving money.

“We’d need to source the land where it’s more appropriate for the community.

“The communities of Pottsville and the Tweed Coast need a new high school.

“We know it won’t be delivered overnight but Labor is committed to making it happen.”

Ms Car said the commitment would stand in the event of Labor gaining power statewide at the NSW election on March 25 but not in the Tweed.

“We will provide funding to where it is needed,” she said.

“If elected, community consultation will be a hallmark of our government.”

If the NSW Department of Education has the final say, there will be no high school at Pottsville.

Minister for Education and Early Learning

Sarah Mitchell told the Weekly, based on the latest population data, including long-term growth for the Pottsville area, the current schools in the area could meet the educational needs of primary and secondary school students.

“This includes Kingscliff High School which, thanks to this (Coalition) government’s investment, is undergoing a $32 million upgrade to provide students the latest education facilities

and cater to the growing local community,” Ms Mitchell said.

“We’ve also funded an upgrade to Tweed River High School and the Murwillumbah Education Campus.”

Pottsville resident Daniel Fleming, a father of two young children, was invited to the Labor announcement.

He lives in Seabreeze, the estate where a high school site has previously been earmarked. He believes a better site would be the parcel of land between Pottsville Beach Public School and the Shell service station on Tweed Coast Road.

As a former student of Kingscliff High School, Mr Fleming is well aware of the commute times facing Pottsville youngsters.

He says having a high school at Pottsville will free up students’ travel time to play outside or do their homework.

“Young families, a lot of time they get overlooked,” Mr Fleming said.

“I’ve got dozens of friends with kids at Pottsville and Cabarita primary schools.

“They would be very keen for (a new high school) to happen.

“I think it’s a good step in the right direction.”

Tweed Mayor Chris Cherry said the Seabreeze site remained undeveloped and identified as a school site in the Pottsville Locality Plan.

“Council has again recently defended its decision in the Land and Environment Court to refuse a residential subdivision on this land due to its identification in the DCP as strategically the best site for the school and the lack of an alternative site being secured for our growing Pottsville community,” Cr Cherry said.

“We are now waiting on the court determination. If we win, it will be the third time we have had to go to court to defend trying to protect the site the developer promised to our community back in 2000 when this development was approved.

“The entire way through selling this development, a high school was promised on this site in the sales material. There needs to be some way to hold a developer to their promises.”

Mayor Cherry said Tweed Shire Council’s strategic planning had long shown this site to be superior to any other that had been put forward, and that had been backed up by the court.

“It is ridiculous to think of a population the size of Pottsville and growing, not having a high school,” she said.

“I do think there has been a real oversight by the Department of Education for a long time on this issue. They are obviously seeing the way of the future as the mega-schools but I don’t believe the community want that.

“ I have tried to ensure for many years that our children of Pottsville no longer have to travel 30 to 60 minutes each way each day to attend high school.

“Pottsville already has a population in the order of 10,000 people. Dunloe Park is also planned to bring a further 2000 houses, expanding Pottsville even further.”

Mayor Cherry said council was trying to ensure that a site was retained to make sure Pottsville could have a high school in the future.

“This site was set aside for this purpose; it is central, close to the sports fields and is the right size and zoning. Until there is another site, secured by the Department of Education for a high school, we have to do what we can to protect this one,” she said.

A NSW Department of Education spokesperson maintained that, based on current population projections, Pottsville students could be accommodated at existing high schools.

“High school students residing in the Pottsville are within the designated school intake area for Kingscliff High School,” the spokesperson said.

Tweed Labor candidate Craig Elliot said fundamental groundwork had to be done now to get high school education right for the future.

“The Tweed coast is becoming increasingly popular with young families.

We know a new high school is needed and the delays need to end,” he said.

Lumus Imaging Tweed Heads South celebrates its’ first-year anniversary.

On 7th February 2022, Lumus Imaging Tweed Heads South opened the doors of our brand new state-of-the-art facility with the goal of providing a comprehensive medical imaging service to the Tweed Coast community.

Our range of services includes a partially Medicare-funded MRI machine and a dedicated women’s imaging service. If you have had the pleasure of visiting Lumus Imaging Tweed Heads South during the past year, it is no doubt that you were greeted with a warm and friendly smile by one of our welcoming team.

Onsite principal Radiologist, Dr Kevin Leong had to say the following:

“Having opened our doors to the Tweed Coast community just twelve months ago, we are extremely proud of the role that we have played in helping many patients along their healthcare journey during that time. I am grateful for the strong relationships and mutual trust that we have built with local practitioners and our collaborative approach to patient care which is invaluable to the clinical outcome for our patients. On behalf of our team, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Tweed residents for welcoming us with open arms. We look forward to continuing to support our community, and providing the knowledge that matters by people who care for many years to come.”

Pottsville resident Daniel Fleming (centre) learns of plans for a new high school from Tweed Labor candidate Craig Elliot and NSW Shadow Minister for Education Prue Car.

Photo: Yvonne Gardiner

Pictured (from left): Heather - Imaging Manager, Jessica - Medical Receptionist, Dr Kevin Leong - Radiologist, Kyarra - Medical Liaison Officer, Dr Adelaine Wong - Radiologist, Yasmin - MRI Lead, Jules - Clerical in Charge

Imaging Tweed Heads South Shop 6, 112-140 Minjungbal Drive P 07 5506 1800 lumusimaging.com.au

New pound centre

A STATE-OF-THE-ART new animal Pound and Rehoming Centre for the Tweed is one step closer following the lodgement of a development application (DA) for the new facility.

Lodged by Council on February 1, the DA is now open for public comment until Tuesday, February 28, after councillors voted to extend the exhibition period by two weeks at last week’s Council meeting.

The proposed new development will be constructed on Council-owned land at 92-102 Lundberg Drive, South Murwillumbah, and will replace Council’s former pound facility at Stotts Creek, which closed in 2019.

Pending approval and a tender process expected to be finalised by the end of 2023, construction will start and the facility is expected to be operational by the second half of 2024. The former pound at Stotts Creek was closed after it was found to be flood-prone and the area was required as part of the expansion of Council’s Resource and Recovery Centre.

Since the closure, Council has worked in partnership with not-for-profit organisation Friends of the Pound and entered into a temporary commercial arrangement with a private property at Tygalgah for the boarding and care of impounded animals.

The new L-shaped building facility will accom-

modate Council’s primary rehoming partner, Friends of the Pound, and will include administrative space for Council Rangers.

Council’s Director of Planning and Regulation Vince Connell said the DA had been developed following widespread consultation with the local community and industry experts.

“In advancing the new proposal at South Murwillumbah, we consulted extensively with our primary rehoming partner, Friends of the Pound, local vets and animal welfare experts, as well as our own internal staff stakeholders to ensure the new facility would provide the most contemporary, humane, sustainable and efficient care of any impounded animals,” Mr Connell said.

“The new centre will be open to the public seven days a week and have the capacity to house up to 80 companion animals – 40 dogs and 40 cats – in need of their new homes.

“The new facility has provided an opportunity to consolidate our Council Rangers and Animal Management administrative offices with our operational areas, making for much safer and more secure oversight of the impounded animals.

“It also includes space for animal enrichment at the rear of the property which is an important element of the design.”

COASTLINE BUILDING CERTIFICATION GROUP PTY

Pursuant to Section 4.59 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, Regulation 124 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 The following Complying Development Certificates have been determined and are available for public inspection, free of charge, at the Tweed Shire Council Offices, Murwillumbah, during normal office hours.

Property Description

Development Description

Lot 467 DP 31998 No. 144 Broadwater Esplanade Bilambil HeightsDwelling Additions

Lot 160 DP 806789 No. 9 Bonny Glen Place Banora PointSwimming Pool

MurwillumbahDwelling

Lot 111 DP 1284746 No. 80 Castle Field Drive MurwillumbahDwelling

Lot 120 DP 1284746 No. 69 Castle Field Drive MurwillumbahDwelling

Lot 134 DP 1284746 No. 5B Mount Ernest Crescent MurwillumbahDwelling

Lot 5 Sec 23 DP 4364 No. 27 Byangum Road MurwillumbahCarport and Swimming Pool

Lot 2 DP 815960 No. 28 McAllisters Road Bilambil HeightsDemolition

Lot 52 DP 851286 No. 29 McKenzie Avenue Pottsville Shed

Lot 406 DP 1144944 No. 15 Australia Drive TerranoraSwimming Pool and Fly Over Patio

Lot 34 DP 18026 No. 36 Main Road Fingal Head Demolition

Lot 267 DP 241371 No. 11 Maple Avenue Bogangar Secondary Dwelling

Lot 103 DP 836305 No. 108 Cabarita Road Bogangar Secondary Dwelling

Lot 1 DP 808417 No. 10 Oyster Point Road Banora PointDwelling Additions & Swimming Pool

Lot 2 Sec 5 DP 29748 No. 2/36 Tweed Coast Road Cabarita BeachPizzeria Fitout

Lot 6 DP 703815 No. 9 Rosemount Court Terranora Swimming Pool

Lot 4 DP 223194 No. 58 Laura Street Banora Point Dwelling Additions

Lot 526 DP 1059141 No. 42 Mylestom Circle PottsvilleDwelling & Swimming Pool

Lot 1 DP 120221 No. 9 Chinderah Road Chinderah Secondary Dwelling

Lot 3 DP 583052 No. 394 Cudgen Road Cudgen Demolition

Lot 96 DP 31539 No. 40 McPhail Avenue Kingscliff Dwelling Alterations & Additions

Lot 704 DP 841011 No. 4 Shiraz Place Tweed Heads SouthSwimming Pool

Lot 222 DP 1139108 No. 67 Coral Fern Circuit MurwillumbahSwimming Pool

Lot 72 DP 801668 No. 50 Glen Ayr Drive Banora PointDetached Secondary Dwelling, Earthworks, Retaining Walls & Verandah Extension to Existing Dwelling

Lot 122 DP 1284746 No. 65 Castle Field Drive, MurwillumbahDwelling & Swimming Pool

Lot 7 DP 1262504 No. 82A Cylinders Drive Kingscliff Dwelling Alterations & Additions

Lot 114 DP 1284746 No. 86 Castle Field Drive MurwillumbahDwelling & Pool

Lot 112 DP 1284746 No. 82 Castle Field Drive MurwillumbahDwelling 89361

please contact the office at

Artist's impression of the new pound at South Murwillumbah

We

By Jonathon Howard

FRIENDLY AND passionate teacher Genevieve Esgate has taken over as the new relieving principal at Tumbulgum Public School.

Ms Esgate brings a wealth of knowledge as a public school leader, including working most recently as the relieving principal of Dungay Public School in 2022.

She’s also worked previously as relieving assistant principal and classroom teacher at Banora Point Primary School.

The Weekly recently caught up with Ms Esgate and some of her team, to find out more about her vision for one of the Tweed’s oldest schools and her plans for 2023.

She said she was excited to join the “beautiful Tumbulgum community and build on the great potential this incredible school has”.

“It’s such a beautiful setting and school grounds,” she said.

“I promote positivity in all that I do, build genuine relationships with students who in turn want to come to school, honouring the importance of wellbeing, school and community.

“We have such a fantastic small school setting catering for a diverse range of learners with extensive high-quality staff trained to support our students both academically and emotionally.”

Ms Esgate said she’s eager to help the school re-establish itself in the community post flood.

“Not only in our facilities which will be upgraded to be better than before, but so importantly in wellbeing,” she said.

“Looking at offering increased extra-curricular opportunities for our students in the areas of creative arts and sport.”

Ms Esgate said the “future is bright for Tumbulgum Public School” and is looking forward to the school expanding.

“When structural integrity of our site is back up and running, with our state-of-the-art facilities, we will be able to cater for increased

enrolments,” she said.

“I want to organise many community events, both sporting and cultural encouraging people back to the village and community with the hope of boosting confidence in our fantastic school.

“I am passionate about working collaboratively with local communities, staff and parents to maximise the benefits and learning outcomes of all students whilst ensuring the NSW Department of Education’s goal that ‘every student is known, valued and cared for in our schools’.” Finally, she wanted to encourage and welcome anyone interested in possibly enrolling or just coming to visit the school to come and say hello.

“You can see me any time as my door is always open,” she said.

To find out more about Tumbulgum Public School please phone: (02) 6676 6237.

New Tumbulgum Public School principal Genevieve Esgate is excited about the year ahead

Kingscliff fire station

By Jonathon Howard

KINGSCLIFF NOW has a fully operational state-of-the-art new fire station that was officially opened by Member for Tweed Geoff Provest last week.

Mr Provest was joined by Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke as well as Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter to officially open the $4.7 million facility.

Mr Provest said the station will provide the 18 on-call firefighters based at Kingscliff with fit-for-purpose facilities, including dedicated spaces for training, living and storage.

“This new station will give our firefighters the facilities and resources they need to keep the North Coast community stronger and safer in future emergencies. It’s taken three years to complete and has been built to allow for possible expansion in the future as our region continues to grow,” Mr Provest said.

Ms Cooke said the new fire station was an important part of the Kingscliff community and

surrounds, “with this new fire station providing a much-needed boost to emergency response capability,” she said.

“The two-storey station has been built on the existing Marine Parade site and includes a large dual-vehicle engine bay, dedicated ‘clean firefighter’ zones to guard against carcinogen contamination and separate male and female amenities.”

Commissioner Baxter said the station has been designed to withstand the local weather conditions.

“The crew had to work out of portable buildings for a while as the construction work was carried out.

“But it’s paid off when you look at this exciting new building that will serve and protect the people of Kingscliff and the surrounding areas well into the future,” Commissioner Baxter said.

As a tribute to one of Kingscliff Fire Station’s founders, Charlie Gilmont, a bottlebrush tree that was carefully removed during construction has been replanted at the new station.

KINGSCLIFF 347: Tweed MP Geoff Provest and Mayor Chris Cherry with local Fire & Rescue staff

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Celebrating 13 Years

Storm cell causes carnage

By Jonathon Howard

A POWERFUL storm whipped through the Tweed Valley on Tuesday, February 15, dumping more than 75mm, downing trees and damaging several properties.

Strong wind gusts tore the roof off a home on Railway Street adding insult to injury for a local family following the February flood in 2022.

Local business owner/operator Pryce Allsop was on the scene and offered assistance to the local family as the SES commenced clean-up efforts.

“It was just chaos,” Mr Provest said, describing the roof crashing into a tree at around 5.15pm.

“The family are okay, but their house at 4 Railway Street was heavily impacted and part of the roof has come off.”

Mr Allsop said he did not think any of the other homes on Railway Street were as badly damaged.

“These poor people have been battling on since last year’s floods and now their house has been inundated from the Heavens,” he added.

“The storms was ferocious. Fortunately to my knowledge the majority of residents in Railway Street where not so badly hit.”

Isolated flash flooding was also reported at Proudfoots Lane and Brisbane Street with one vehicle inundated by flash flooding.

Locals expressed shock at the freak storm.

“I live near show ground we had very heavy rain and a bit of wind but not enough wind to take off a roof,” said one local online.

“Always amazes me how different things storm wise can be in our lil’ town so close to each other.”

Residents in Tweed Heads said they received little to no rain.

“Wow nothing happened in Tweed Heads didn’t even rain at my place,” said a resident via social media.

A roof was torn off on Railway Street

It was another devastating blow to a family on Railway Street after the flood 12 months ago

Support local farmers

Kids Workshop

DATE: Wednesday 22nd Feb

ACTIVITY TIME: 9am

LOCATION: Murwillumbah Farmers Markets

Showground, Murwillumbah, 37 Queensland Rd, Murwillumbah

Get ready to dive into the world of fashion history and let your creativity run wild with a fun collage activity designed for children aged 3 to 8! Dress up your own person by piecing together different fashion prints to create a unique and fashionable look.

For Everyone

Come and discover the Tweed Regional Museums' captivating textile collection like never before at Social Fabric. Explore this hidden gem and get a glimpse of the museum's treasures.

Sweet Talk with Robert Hawken Sweet Talk with Robert Hawken

THE RECENT showers have been welcomed by the rural communities as the landscape was becoming quite dry, with the summer heat finally arriving and the pastures and cane fields needing a few good storms.

The emerging cane crop is generally still backward, but with the right weather conditions there is still time for it to grow into an average crop.

Most growers have finished planting soybeans into their fallow cane fields.

It has become common practice to rotate soybeans and other legumes into the cane growing cycle.

This has many benefits as all legumes add nitrogen to the soil as well as being a cover crop that suppresses weeds and grass, and soy is a worthwhile cash crop when harvested, usually late in April or early May.

Soybeans grown in the Tweed area have a very high protein content and command good prices in the market.

The recently formed Far North Coast Branch of the NSW Farmers’ Association was launched last week in

Murwillumbah with many local dignitaries present, including Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry, Council General Manager Troy Green, several councillors and Tweed Shire Council staff.

Also present were NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway, Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, and Member for Tweed, Geoff Provest. Nationals candidate for Lismore, Alex Rubin, also attended, along with many others.

The Branch Chairman, local Burringbar farmer Craig Huf, addressed the gathering and outlined several of the issues concerning the local farming community.

This was followed by a presentation from James Jackson, the immediate past President of NSW Farmers’ Association.

He gave a most insightful talk about the role and achievements of the NSW Farmers’ Association, and their interaction with government at all levels.

Mr Ross Farlow, Chairman of the NSW Canegrowers Council, spoke from the canegrowers’ perspective and congratulated members on the formation of the branch.

Ross is a prominent cane grower from the Clarence River and Chairman of the Clarence Canegrowers.

He emphasised the need for farmers from all agricultural industries to interact with government agencies with a united voice.

Peter Arkle, the NSW Farmers’ chief executive officer concluded the formalities with a presentation via Zoom. Members and guests then celebrated the launch of the Far North Coast Branch with refreshments. All things considered it was an excellent start for the new branch.

Bye for now, stay safe and please support your local farmers.

Rob Hawken

MOTORING

Discover more at Firestorm Motorcycles

By Jonathon Howard

THE FRIENDLY team at Firestorm Motorcycles are helping connect customers with an incredible range of products and servicing from its Enterprise Avenue location.

Firestorm has been based on the Tweed for the past 22 years and was purchased by the new owner Kim Allan in 2021.

Kim is passionate about the motorcycle industry and believes wholeheartedly in her business motto: “By rider. For riders.”

She also heaps high praise on her team who help customers via an advanced website (firestormmotorcycles.com.au), retail outlet and mechanical workshop.

The Firestorm website now offers more than 500,000 products online alongside the Firestorm retail outlet and mechanical servicing hub at 13/21 Enterprise Avenue, Tweed

Heads South.

“The business was originally started by Sam Hurley who is still working with us today,” Kim said.

“Firestorm offers the complete onestop shop for motorcycle parts and accessories including retail outlet, extensive online store with fast and free product deliveries, as well as onsite mechanical servicing.”

The Weekly dropped by the retail outlet to meet the team and check out the range.

The retail shop is jam-packed with products at great prices and expert knowledge at hand to help your riding experience.

“We have a particular focus on offroad dirt bikes, but we’re experts in road bikes and can cater to all your road bike needs,” Kim said.

“Our goal is to be the one-stop shop for the motorcycle community.”

The Firestorm team have been kicking goals with customer feedback and have received some high praise from their regulars.

Kim said the praise from customers is because her team have a personalised approach and understand the motorcycle industry.

“We look after teams and mechanics along with the general retail sector,” she said.

“We wanted to advertise locally and let locals know we’re here and to encourage them to check out our range and come and say hello to the team.”

Kim said her future plans are to continue expanding the product on-

line to reach one million products, while providing the best range and service to local customers.

“We are the only place between Murwillumbah and Nerang to get bike parts, accessories, clothing, protective gear and servicing,” she said.

“We’re a one-stop shop for your bike needs.”

Kim said she has got one of the best teams in the Tweed Shire.

“They go above and beyond for our customers and are amazing to work with,” she said.

“My team are bike people. They know bikes and can find the right solution for you.”

The Firestorm team are the experts

in dirt bike parts, but have an amazing range for the road and adventure rider.

“Our grassroots is the dirt bike riders, but we’re expanding our offer to cater for the road rider as well,” she said.

“Come and meet our friendly team, who have amazing knowledge in the motorcycle sector and can find a solution for your needs.

“We also have some brilliant knowledge from experts such as Dave Webster, who has 30 years’ experience in the sector.”

Firestorm Motorcycles is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm. Speak with one of the friendly staff via

(07) 5523 2266 or email: Orders@ firestormmotorcycles.com.au

Firestorm Motorcycle team including owner Kim Allan (left), are eager to help with your motorcycle needs

Motorcycle mechanic Ash Peek is your man for all things mechanical

Online and retail sales expert Rosie Ginger has you covered on parts

Highway bandits halted at gunpoint

By Jo Kennett

A MAN and two teenage boys were arrested at gunpoint following a cross-border pursuit on Thursday, February 9, with one of the trio taunting police and live streaming the incident on social media.

A Queensland Police helicopter (Polair) had been tracking a stolen black Mercedes SUV along the M1 following reports of a break-in attempt at Cleveland around 9.30am on Thursday morning.

Polair followed the vehicle until it crossed the border where New South Wales Police took over.

Tweed Police said at about 12.20pm, NSW officers commenced a pursuit of the car after it crossed the border from Queensland and allegedly failed to stop when directed to by police.

Multiple police cars were involved in the chase, with one of the teenage occupants of the car sitting on top of the sunroof videoing the police behind them and live streaming it on Facebook.

Road spikes were deployed at the Cudgen Road Tunnel, near Tweed Valley Way, which slowed the vehicle down, before it stopped on the M1 Motorway at Cudgera Creek.

Three males from Queensland aged 28, 17 and 16, were arrested at the scene at around 1pm and several items were seized from the vehicle including two swords, a knife, tomahawk, cannabis, and cash.

Some people took to social media saying the teen sitting on the sun roof had a firearm, however, he was just holding up his phone and also

reportedly giving passing drivers the middle finger.

The chase made international tabloid news when it was dubbed Australia’s slowest car chase, but a local police boss was quick to defend the operation.

Far North Coast Highway Patrol Traffic Management Inspector Dave Vandergriend said the older male was a passenger and the two teenagers were in the front of the vehicle.

“I’ve seen footage and spoken to involved officers and I think it was a well coordinated operation that had an effective and safe result for all,” Insp Vandergriend told The Weekly.

“Polair tracked the stolen vehicle into NSW where it was safely and effectively pursued and incapacitated with the deployment of road spikes until the subsequent ‘high risk’ vehicle was stopped at gunpoint.

“They were wanted for serious crimes with weapons. They were throwing items out the window of the car at police when they were being pursued including a tomahawk, glass jars, clothing and registration plates.

“The fact they had guns pointed at them probably discouraged them from trying to flee.”

Continued on page 30...

Residents were shocked by the teen's antics

Highway bandits halted at gunpoint

By Jo Kennett

INSPECTOR VANDERGRIEND said the stolen car was allegedly used in “various offences” in Queensland “so that’s how they knew the occupants.”

“The older male was wanted for armed robbery and numerous burglary offences along with car theft offences,” he said.

“They were all wanted for alleged burglary and using stolen cars.

“I think it is a good message to send to criminals in Queensland that choose to come across the border into NSW that they will be arrested and dealt with accordingly.

“Polair helps us to more effectively track offenders and monitor them as they cross the border until they are arrested whether they choose to remain in the vehicle or are on foot.”

The trio were taken to Tweed Heads Police Station where the 17-year-old driver was charged with police pursuit – not stopping – driving dangerously, driving a motor vehicle while on a suspended licence, two counts of receiving property stolen outside NSW and one count of possessing a prohibited drug.

The 16-year-old passenger was charged with receiving property stolen outside NSW, using offensive weapons to prevent lawful detention and travelling in/on part of a vehicle not for passengers/goods (out the sunroof of the car).

The 28-year-old passenger was charged with two counts of receiving property stolen outside NSW.

All three were refused bail, with the teenagers appearing before a children’s court and the man appearing before Tweed Heads Local Court on Friday, February 10.

The three occupants of the vehicle were arrest by Tweed Police following a slow-moving pursuit

Students embrace science careers

By Jonathon Howard

MOUNT ST Patrick College hosted a special event to celebrate women and girls in science on Friday, February 10.

The Weekly was invited to meet with an inspiring group of up-andcoming science students, who are eager to tackle the challenges of climate change and make positive changes to the world.

The students follow in the footsteps of some of incredibly talented female scientists who have taken on important roles in shaping our future.

The current year 12 science students spoke with past students via video link to inspire their future careers and to break down the gender divide in science.

Based on global studies, men continue to outnumber women two to one in the scientific workforce and, on average, have more productive careers and accumulate more impact. But schools like Mount St Patrick College are aiming to change those statistics, by encouraging and driving female students to embrace a career in science.

Mahalia Ashforth is studying earth and environmental science. She’s hoping to study that at university, particularly environmental protection. She finds Greta Thunberg inspiring.

Rosie Davis is studying biology, chemistry and earth science. She wants to study wildlife conservation at university.

Mount St Patrick acting leader of learning in science, Sher Millward, spoke with The Weekly about the special event and introduced seven year 12 students developing a passion

“And we have some amazing graduates from Mt Saint Patrick College, who have found incredible careers in science, and it was great to have them back for a video chat, or a video submission to help inspire our current seniors.”

Jamie Cotelli is studying biology and earth science. Hoping to study architecture based around sustainability at university. She finds the teachers inspiring at Mount St Patrick.

Maya O’callagh is undertaking accelerated chemistry and this year biology and earth science. She’s hoping to study something medical. She’s inspired by women in the field of advanced medical science.

Among the former graduates is Dannica Shultz who is now an Indinator, Ella Shultz is an exercise physiologist, Riley Chaffer is now a

medical engineer, Maddison Sherrah is an epidemiologist and now senior data analyst, Jordan Debono became a scientific advisor for CSL Seqirus and Ashley Selwood is a scientific officer for NSW Health Pathology.

Indie Phattharapraphakorn is studying biology and hopes to study medicine at university. She finds her science teacher Mrs Jackie Tilsey especially inspiring.

Phoebe Grafin is studying biology and earth science and hopes to study something to do with science at university. She’s inspired by all of the above answers.

Isobel Gresham did chemistry last year and biology this year. Hoping to go into medicine. She’s inspired by all women in the role of science.

Tweed Citizen of the Year

Joan Henderson on refugees

TEN YEARS ago, just like so many people, I knew nothing about refugees.

As a social worker with years of experience, I am ashamed to say that my knowledge was negligible.

Then I was invited to go inside a detention centre to visit a family who had experienced great trauma, and this experience proved to be life changing.

It is confronting to enter into this heavily fortified environment, where you must first hand over all of your possessions, which are locked away.

You are then tagged with an identification wrist band.

You must sign in before going into a further locked environment where you are under the constant surveillance of guards.

It was within this setting that I was introduced to a very young, slightly built and fragile looking couple.

The young mother cradled a tiny one-weekold baby girl wrapped in a light blanket. She clasped her baby extra tightly because she was the most precious of gifts.

Their first-born child had tragically died in their arms just months before on their horrific journey. The enormity of their grief was palpable.

I had a few simple gifts for their baby, and we sat together for a long time. Adding to their sadness, the couple was not even able to send photos of their newborn back to their families, as phones and cameras were forbidden.

Their baby spent the first eight months of her life in a confined space in a detention centre.

This visit sparked so many questions. Why were we imprisoning and punishing this young couple who had already suffered such immense loss and had committed no crime?

This was not an Australia that I recognised.

Celebration of summer

Our family began sending items to detention centres in Australia and on the distant islands of Manus and Nauru, thinking that this was one way we could try to help.

We started with magazines and craft supplies, trying to give people something to do during the endless days that often became years. We sent baby clothes and supplies for young mothers giving birth.

One of the most poignant experiences was being asked to send little mosquito net covered bassinets to Nauru, as families were distraught about how severely their babies were being bitten.

We often received messages saying, “Thank you, We can manage now, but please can you help our friends who have nothing?”

Over the past ten years, I have learned that these are not people to be feared, as they have been so falsely portrayed, but people from whom we can actually learn so much about kindness and compassion.

They truly demonstrate such grace in the face of our current cruel policies. It is time for us all to learn what has been happening in our name, and for us to demand change.

Two-year-old George was born in detention on Nauru. Image by World Vision Australia

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     

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Artist Andia Cally is fascinated by water. 'Undulating' is mixed media on a wood panel

Art show about water

By Madeleine Murray

MURWILLUMBAH ARTIST Andia Cally is fascinated by water. Her show called The Ripple Effect opens at Murwillumbah Small Works Gallery on Friday February 17.

“When the flood waters arrived one year ago and back in 2017, they ravaged houses and the surrounding environments, but they also brought us together as a community,” Andia told The Weekly.

Since then, Andia has been reading about the secret life of water.

“I am fascinated by the work of Dr Masaru Emoto and Veda Austin who have shown that water has its own intelligence and like everything else, is affected by the words, actions and

intentions that surround it.

“Water comprises more than 70 per cent of the human body so it is natural to feel the ripple effects of the energetic inputs around us,” she said.

The Ripple Effect is a series of artworks that focus on the flow-on effect of our thoughts, words and deeds on others and the world around us.

The exhibition highlights the importance of our connection with nature, and water in particular, which covers 71 per cent of the earth’s surface.

The pop-up exhibition opening, with drinks and nibbles, is at the Small Works Gallery, Murwillumbah, from 5-7pm on Friday, February 17. The show runs from February 18 to 23.

Rave reviews for Starbird

By Madeleine Murray

AFTER A series of setbacks over almost two years, the Starbird Cafe is now open and already receiving rave reviews.

“My father passed three days before the land settled,” owner Allira Cornell told The Weekly.

“I couldn’t even go over there for ages as I was grieving, I wasn’t going out in public for quite some time.”

Work eventually started on the site, but little problems kept cropping up.

“It was just one thing after another. We got through it all and formed up the garden. We were due to open in mid-March 2022 and then the floods came,” Allira said.

“Thankfully the formwork in the garden held, but the water came inside and damaged the floor, we had to realign the cool room, and replace the roof.

“We were pretty much ready to go in October but then had trouble finding staff.

“There were more unexpected and unfortunate events over those months too, but each time we

just picked ourselves up, and held the vision knowing it’s such a sweet spot by the river. It’ll rise like a phoenix in the end.

“She’s a sweet little star, that bird. Hence the name.”

The Weekly visited the bright pink cafe with the happy facade and upbeat interior on February 1, the second day of opening.

People were busy working in the open kitchen and customers were trying to decide what to order from the appealing drinks menu that includes fresh juices, interesting smoothies, teas, and Bastion Lane Espresso.

The setting is beautiful, with lawn chairs under big trees, right on the Tweed River, overlooking the mountains.

You can relax by the river and enjoy filled savoury croissants, sourdough sandwiches, wraps, brownies, banana bread, muffins, pork and fennel sausage rolls, pies, quiches, salads, chia cups, fruit salad and amazing burgers. Everything is freshly baked each morning.

“We’re absolutely overwhelmed with joy at all the people who have some to show us support,” Starbird manager Roxane Carbery told The Weekly.

“The staff have been amazing, we are feeling really excited about what lies ahead for the Starbird Cafe.”

The Starbird Cafe is at 237 Tweed Valley Way, on the roundabout to Quarry Road and is open from 6am to 2pm Monday to Friday.

STARBIRD TEAM: Charlie Stone, manager Roxane Carbery and Maddie White

Birdwatchers Rodney Fisher and Lynne Martin relax at Starbird after a morning in the field

There’s a loud hum of activity at The Regent – the buzz of a booming music program. March stars align to showcase some of my all-time favourite artists! Dreams manifest as we welcome the magnificent Mama Kin Spender on Friday 3rd. Festival favourites and long-time collaborators, the ARIA nominees Mama Kin (Danielle Caruana) and Dingo Spender present a powerful duo show. Expect drums played standing centre stage, in Danielle’s distinctive way, and Dingo’s scorching guitar, weaving love stories with dexterity and tenderness. The chemistry between these two on stage is palpable! I had the pleasure of catching them as they first burst onto the scene in 2018, utterly captivating me at the Mullum Music Festival. They scooped worthy awards and a wealth of nominations that year. The lyrics instantly embedded in my mind, held close to my heart, and their debut album “Golden Magnetic” is absolute perfection, in my opinion! It quickly became a family favourite in the car, with songs requested as lullabies at bedtime, downplayed for my acapella pre-sleep

style. “There is a future in the air between us…” I had similarly transcendental experiences seeing them at WOMADelaide that year, again, and last year at Byron Bay Blues Fest. It was then I planned to invite them for our audience, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude that they agreed to give us an exclusive gig for the region! Wild Thyme bring their “Between Worlds” album launch tour on Friday 17th, joined by specialguest percussion maestro, Greg Sheehan. Lior & Domini perform on the 23rd March. These two artists are exceptional in their own solo careers, and I can’t wait to witness what this Covid collaboration has created. Last, but certainly not least, William Crighton (whom I missed last year due to Covid!!) is returning, this time cobilling with the stunning Liz Stringer to wrap up the March music extravaganza on the 31st. Live music sets my soul afire, and it’s a true privilege to be able to share my passion with you. Please book ahead and show these artists you love them as much as I do!

Thursday 16th come one, come all, to celebrate Vaginas through a vast array of conversations about lived experiences of this most powerfully intimate of private parts. Examine the roles we play due to our gendered world with MC, Zenith Virago, holding space for 10 brave souls to bare all. Ticket proceeds go to Tweed DVIRC Impact Fund, helping women and children escape Domestic Violence in the Tweed Shire and across the Northern Rivers. Dinner by KHANTHALY’S KITCHEN available from 6pm

NEW FILMS THIS WEEK: THE WHALE – see why Brendan Fraser earned 6-minute standing ovation at Cannes Film Festival, and is a hot contender for this year’s Best Actor Oscar. Cate Blanchett stars in TÁR with her Oscar-nominated role, also commencing this week.

FINALS: CORSAGE (Fri 17th) + BABYLON (Sun 26th)

Feel fantastic for FREE with our new Friday Balcony Sessions curated by the multi-talented, Mohini Cox, featuring an array of exceptional guests, plus our regular Saturday Sunset Soirées, with a sensational selection of super-talented local artists. Any end-of-week winddown is a welcome reason to rock up to The Regent for a sunset cocktail, and a rich menu of talent on our beautiful Balcony. Wheelchair accessible.

On Saturday 18th the ethereal beauty of Nina-Rae Saunders will light up our Balcony for the first time. Then Saturday 25th Elena B. Williams is back, solo style, to improvise with impromptu songs inspired by you, the audience! Sounds like fun!

***CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR ALL THE AMAZING LIVE EVENTS COMING UP & BOOK AHEAD TO SECURE YOUR SEATS… MARCH IS FAST APPROACHING!!***

Arts award for Allira Cornell

By Madeleine Murray

THE 2022 Tweed Shire Australia Day Arts and Culture Award went to Allira Cornell.

It’s been almost two years since Allira bought The Regent Cinema, throwing a lifeline to our community and the beautiful art deco building in the heart of Murwillumbah.

It takes a person of great courage and vision to buy a one-room cinema in the age of Netflix, and at the time of Covid.

“It was a strange time to step in and buy The Regent biz in May 2020,” Allira told The Weekly.

“The world had suddenly ground to a halt and social distancing made it hard to gather in crowds – essentially what an audience is!

“But I thought if I can make it now, it will thrive in the future!”

Allira talks and writes with lots of exclamation points. She is full of enthusiasm and visions for the future, but still has a deep respect for the past.

Without Allira’s bold move, The Regent could have been a languishing historical relic, or an insurance office.

Murwillumbah is lucky to have people like Allira, and M|Arts owner Stephen Webb who have the faith and courage to invest here.

“I love to dream big and have so many visions on how to bring this beautiful historical venue into the modern era, whilst paying homage to the purpose she was built for,” Allira said. “I would like to upgrade the seating, stay tuned for fundraising efforts!

“And the tech all needs an upgrade and expansion to be able to offer gig opportunities to bigger artists.

“I want The Regent to be known as the premiere local regional venue, firmly planted on the tour route for travelling artists.”

The Regent now has live theatre, and a thriving music scene, with live performances by big name artists such as Ed Kuepper and Jim White, free Sunset Soirée music on the balcony on Friday and Saturday nights, and Sacred Sound Temple music.

“I have even bigger visions for when downstairs is complete, and will be working closely with Spangled Drongo peeps to bring them to fruition,” she said.

“It’s such an incredible big open area downstairs and I see circus action, cabaret shows, music with dancing room: a constant flow of various events and fun stuff!”

After she took over, Allira improved the venue by putting in a classy bar, an inclinator, vivid red carpet, and more balcony seating.

“I love live music, so it was a no-brainer to add that. I’m stoked to have Mohini Cox curating our Friday nights now!

“I’m looking forward to jumping on the stage myself for a little surprise contribution sometime soon!”

Allira has provided the venue at discounted rates and sometimes for free for not-for-profit groups and charities.

“I see The Regent as a meeting place, not just for entertainment purposes, but also as a hub for people and community groups to have a safe space to enjoy creativity, art, music, information sharing and general gatherings.

“Please reach out if you need a space for these types of get-togethers.

“Let’s boost our oxytocin! It’s the antidote to all our woes. Come one, come all!”

Allira Cornell is a star in the local arts sector

JUNIOR CROSSWORD

CLUES

1 Loud noise when sleeping

2 Pop, rock, jazz, etc.

3 A t ype of tree and its fruit

4 Can add a spoonful to tea

5 To hit

6 Small breed of dog

7 A carnivorous riverside mammal

8 DC super hero, Wonder –?

TEST YOUR TWEED SHIRE KNOWLEDGE

1. Do both sexes of the Bush stone-curlew look after their eggs?

2. W hat year did the Greens political party form?

3. W hat is the name of the new Labor party candidate for the Tweed?

4. How many species of native bee does Australia have? 1000, 1500 or 1700?

5. W hat does OAM stand for?

THE WEEKLY’S LOOK AT

WITH PAUL DORIN

ACROSS

1 Mosque tower (7)

5 Archipelagic state (8)

9 Female server (8)

13 Returned to natural state (9)

14 Large printed picture (6)

16 Court of justice (8)

17 Great (7)

18 Power (8)

19 Rudolph is one (8)

20 University residence (9)

25 Cosmos (8)

26 Intended (6)

27 Abnormal (8)

28 Gauge (7)

30 Boring (7)

33 Used to operate a device from a distance (6,7)

37 Underground cemetery (8)

41 Person who controls a specific network (5)

42 Landlocked country (11)

43 Belief system (5)

44 With affection (8)

47 Illegitimate legal proceedings (8,5)

50 Gin-based cocktail (7)

53 Idea (7)

56 Try out (8)

57 Sharp (6)

59 Malicious hint (8)

60 Independent journalism (4,5)

65 Assortment (5,3)

66 Elation (8)

67 Style of handwriting (7)

68 Send off (8)

69 Infrequently (6)

72 Sing (9)

73 A single bead of liquid from the eye (8)

74 Person who is deliberately destructive (8)

75 Dictatorship (7)

DOWN

1 Mythical fish-tailed creature (7)

2 Atomic (7)

3 Pasta envelopes filled with meat or vegetables (7)

4 Underwater missile (7)

5 The quality of being unassuming about one’s abilities (7)

6 Pair (3)

7 Screen (3)

8 Additional fee (9)

9 Not easily affected by moisture (5-9)

10 Begins (9)

11 There and back (5,4)

12 Of a triangle unequal on all sides (7)

14 Scent (7)

15 Eyewear (coll) (7)

21 Swine sound (5)

22 Lack of foresight (6)

23 Ingredient common

to gazpacho, minestrone and ratatouille (6)

24 Circle (4)

29 Brunch item (7)

31 Land surrounded by water (6)

32 Contradiction (6)

34 Keen (5)

35 Quintessence (7)

36 Small marine mammal (5)

38 Rousing song (6)

39 Burial container (6)

40 Something that can be used to gain an advantage in a deal

(10,4)

45 Tease (6)

46 One who prepares text for publication (6)

48 Equitable (4)

49 Stud (4)

51 Cayenne (3,6)

52 Egg-hatching apparatus (9)

53 Agreement (9)

54 Secured with a belt (7)

55 Plan (7)

58 Style of cooking (7)

60 Quill (7)

61 Citation from a larger work (7)

62 Sitting room (7)

63 Installment (7)

64 Landscape (7)

70 Room where science experiments are undertaken (3)

71 Elect (3)

WORDSEARCH: COFFEE SHOPS IN MURWILLUMBAH

Can be Reversed or Diagonal

9 LETTER PUZZLE

Minimum word length 4 letters. No plurals allowed. Every word must contain the centre letter (once only). agar, agate, cage, cagier, cigar, crag, garlic, glacier, grit, lager, regalia, triage,

A C A I G 149 PUZZLE: L E R T

21 words: Good 31 words: Very good 42 words: Excellent

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

Jujus, WildeThyme, Relish, Keith,

Takeabreak, ModernGrocer, Austral, Tikis,

NewLeaf, Starbird, BensPatisserie, KombuchaCafe,

RoadandRail, Apex

LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU

524169873

742581936 437618295

PET OF THE WEEK

Princess Jay

Foster Dog FD1559

$550 Bull Arab X D.O.B. 01/03/2021

Desexed Female

M/C # 953010004759062

ACQUIRED 03/11/2021

Princess Jay is still waiting for her furever home, she is a lovely Bull Arab X. She is good with other dogs and well behaved. Princess Jay would suit an active family with older kids. Good fencing is mandatory.

Location: Murwillumbah

For more information contact Yvette on 0421 831 128. Interested?. Please complete our online adoption expression of interest.

https://friendsofthepound.com/ adoption-expression-of-interest/

Ayers Asphalt : 0499 546 166

FOR ALL your asphalting needs including potholes, patchwork or driveways, look no further then Mitch Ayres at Ayres Asphalt.

Mitch is a born and bred Tweed Shire local and has a passion for his work and the area.

He has more than 17 years’ experience in asphalting and is a specialist in the field.

Mitch felt the full brunt of the February flood last year whilst he was living in South Murwillumbah and understands the great need for quality road

FEATURED BUSINESS

& driveway repair in the area.

Mitch said his plan is to work hard and build his business back up in 2023.

His client’s also back his work. Jane from Terranora says “great work Mitch, extremely happy with our new driveway” and Kevin from Byrill Creek says ““Mitch and the boys did a top job patching my 3km driveway. Good crew, good bloke”

Ayres Asphalt offers competitive rates and free quotes across Northern NSW and Southern Gold Coast.

Modern Design Fencing

0407024014

2007 NISSAN X-TRAIL ST-S 24x4 Silver 210,000kms. Auto, Air, Power Steer, Full Electrics, Sun Roof, Mag Wheels, Airbags, ABS Brakes,Cruise Control, Radio/Cd. Just Serviced Engine & Transmission, New Tyres, Suspension Etc. Rego Jan 2023. $7,700. Ph 0407 120 113

2015 VOLKSWAGEN POLO 281 TSI comfort line, 6 speed manual, 5 door hatch back. 138,000km, Rego till Oct 2022, very well maintained, one lady owner. $11,700 Phone 0439 067 981

1997 BMW E36 323I SEDAN , 5sp auto, cruise control, sunroof, 211000kms, log books, 11 months reg, unmodified, very good condition, great drive, smooth, quiet & economical, $7500, Ph 0412 493 980

Caravan for Sale

FOR SALE Pop-Top Caravan Gazel 14.6ft. Double island bed. Good Condition, New roof. $11,000 phone 0457 247 862

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

COURSE

Improve knowledge of mental illnesses and their treatments and confidence in providing assistance to individuals with mental illness.

2 day training from 9am to 3.30pm offered over separate weeks Certificate on successful completion of the course Morning and afternoon tea will be provided + Standard MHFA manual

Make enquiries: wendy@wellnessrocks.com.au

Phone Wendy: 0411 393 367

TWEED HEADS Original Thai Massage. Phone Yah 0477594800

Positions Vacant

DRIVERS WANTED Are you on the pension and looking for extra cash, why not drive a taxi. Unemployed and got a good driving record. For more information contact Ken 0412 899 145

White Card Engraving

Construction Induction Tweed Heads South Phone 0466 015 373 Safety CORP RTO 91694

DRIVER National Transport & Logistics company looking for experienced HC or MC drivers at Condong Broadwater or Harwood Sugar Mill sites. Excellent seasonal pay & conditions. Send resume to Wendy.Keel@sctlogistics.com.au.

FARMER NEEDS HELP Excellent Remuneration. All enquiries welcome. Ph: (07) 5590 7029

Legal Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE OF PEOPLE, TACIT ACCEPTANCE

Felicia Gunhild Engstrom of Tweed Heads West, New South commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of protected Trade Names Felicia Gunhild Engstrom, FELICIA GUNHILD all relevant variations of Naming Conventions since unrebutted jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth 2022, Public Recording Number RPP4463900051001677183605.

ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia any further infringement upon these copyright protected misaddressing

Classifieds Thursday, February 16, 2023

Business for Sale

Car for Sale

1999 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 4WD Prado. RH2093 One owner driver since new. Has not worked hard, Bondi to Tweed Heads several times. Well cared for . Low Kilos. Rob 66761418

Caravan for Sale

20FT ROADSTAR 4000 2005 model, well cared for, Ensuite, Airconditioning, full annex. 0429 721 529 $35.000

1990 TOYOTA COASTER MOTOR HOME

Converted to rear engine, 3.5 litre diesel motor, 5 speed manual. 122,906 Kms. Fully engineered, NSW 12 months rego. Car licence, suit couple. $47,500 Ph: 0412 769 520

For Sale

HILL-ROM ELECTRIC BED Electric multi function adjustable bed and mattress in excellent working condition. Adjustable rails with removable head and foot boards. The multi functions include: up & down, head up & down and foot up & down, controlled by push button controls on both sides of the bed frame. The bed has a safety brake locking system. The mattress is waterproof. Email: vnskean@gmail.com

Positions Vacant

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

CD Civil are offering a great opportunity in the Ballina, Lismore and Tweed regions for.

• Excavator Operators

• Final Trim Grader Operators

• Truck Operators

• Experienced Civil Laborers’

• Civil Pipe Layers

Permanent positions, competitive rates with penalties. Please email your resume to admin@cdcivilgroup.com.au or call our office during business hours 0437 756 621.

POSITIONS VACANT

Casual Cleaner Required

10 Hour Per Week - No Weekends!

2014 JEEP Compass North edition, 2ltr 4cyl petro; 4x2 automatic. 118,000km. Loaded with features. Excellent condition inside and out. NSW rego EKJ47X 14/10/23. Taylor Made Car Sales MD 16862. $14,000. Phone: (02) 6672 5454.

Bed,AirCon,Toilet/Shower. Good Cond. Avail Now $35,990 Neg. Phone: 0412 543

Commercial cleaning position suited to experienced cleaner who prides themself on a high quality of work and dependability. Contact Serene Living on 07 5536 6820 / or email: mish@ sereneliving.com.au for further information and applications.

Positions Vacant

Beautiful riverside cafe, STAR BIRD is awaiting key team members. Do you have 2+ years experience as a chef, cafe manager or head barista? This could be the perfect place for you! Looking for a dynamic and reliable supervisor for this prime location. Above award wages, flexible hrs. Early start, early finish shifts available. Get in touch with us ASAP! OPENING 25th JANUARY for a busy Summer season. starbirdcafe2484@gmail.com

MAZDA VAN, 5 speed Rego 5/23, Drives well, make good camper, DCG1GR $4,500 Taylor Made Car Sales MD16862 Phone: (02) 6672 5454

Massage

2008 SUBARU LIBERTY HERITAGE 2.5LTR 4cyl, 5sp Manual. 218.000km. clean car inside and out. Leather seats, sunroof, log books with service history. NSW rego DF25BC 15/5/23. Taylor Made Car Sales MD 16862. $7,500. (02) 6672 5454.

Courses

First Aid Courses

HYUNDAI 2001 ELANTRA 134,020 km, one owner, auto, 4 cylinder, QLD rego to 3July, just inspected roadworthy, perfect condition, many extras, $6000 ONO - 0406 168 482.

White Card

Massage Tweed Heads South Wed-Thurs, Sat, Sun Ph 0473 512 021 www.goodhandsmassages.com

TWEED HEADS Original Thai Massage. Phone Yah: 0477 594 800

Do you need to Tune a piano? Move a Piano? Call Jed the Piano man Cheapest and the best. 35 years in the biz

Complimentary Piano tune With every removal (07) 5590 5778 0448 985 778

Motorcycle Posties & Delivery Drivers needed

Urgently required Motorcycle riders to deliver mail and small parcels on the Tweed Coast.

Full time positions available, $28.91 PH

Please call Sean on 0419 246 662 or Sharon 0402 530 140

Positions Vacant

POSITION VACANT - CASUAL RECEPTIONIST NEEDED FOR DENTAL STUDIO BASED IN TWEED HEADS. Dental experience preferred. Knowledge of HI-Caps and Zero accounting program. If interested please contact info@tweedcoastdenturestudio.com.au or Phone: (07) 5536 9009.

TWEED HEADS COOLANGATTA TAXIS LOOKING FOR WORK? NEED EXTRA CASH?

All training provided join our friendly team right now.

Phone 07 5536 3371

TRADE ASSISTANT/LABOURER Local electrician has a position vacant for a motivated person interested in “hands on” learning in electrical & solar power work. Great opportunity for someone looking to gain experience, before embarking on an apprenticeship. Casual position 2 to 3 days a week. Must have own transport. Contact Darren 0412 693 189 or email solarmurwillumbah@gmail.com

Positions Vacant

DRIVERS WANTED Are you on the pension and looking for extra cash, why not drive a taxi. Unemployed and got a good driving record. For more information contact Ken 0412 899 145

Public Notice

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meets on the second Thursday of each month. Doors open in the community Room at 10-30 NSW time. All welcome. Phone: 0427 432 071.

Snake Relocation

Social Group

SOCIAL GROUP OVER 50, Men and ladies, Singles, Organized outings, Get togethers, Nice people and Friendship. Phone: 0428 523 423. Genuine people only

To Let

FREE ACCOMMODATION AND BOARD near Mt Warning. In exchange for veg cooking and light housework, share with female musician in chemical free house, no pets , woofas welcome. Phone: 0467 848 819

COOLANGATTA room to rent 200 metres from the beach, Club, shops, fully furnished, cooking facilities, No lease and No bond. Over 50’s from $225-$250 per week. (07) 5599 1089

Wanted BOOKS bought for CASH

Please

Wanted

WANTED by pensioner couple competent person to cut 2 Ringneck birds their claw nails on a regular basis at our home in Banora Point Please call on 0466 789 666 - leave message if no answer

WANTED - Old neglected nylon string or steel string guitars. I fix them and give them to primary schools. Please call Guitars For Schools on 0418 479 170

431 736

BUYING ALL COINS Banknotes - MilitariaBadges - Rugby League & Sporting Memorabilia Call Peter on 0407 783 910.

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

WE BUY GOOD & BAD TRUCKS, VANS, 4X4’S, UTES, CARS & MACHINERY Any condition up to $12,500 Free Tow as Needed. Call now to discuss 0403 118 534

RENTAL WANTED Flood affected, local working family of 4 desperately seeking a 3+ bedroom max. $650. Prefer Murwillumbah area but open to other locations. Phone: 0477 581 884

Margaret Elizabeth HARDIE 2/02/2023

White Lady Funerals 07 5536 5300

Jean Doris SMITH 24/1/2023

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

William Ernest STOCK 25/1/2023

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

Vera Joyce CHARLTON

29/1/2023

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

Anna Michelle GLINATSIS 6/2/2023

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

Ernst Ulrich MACK 6/2/2023

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500 Coralie COE 12/2/2023

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

BARRETT Patrick Justin 01/02/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

CONWAY Brian Stewart Edward 07/02/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

SCOTT Elizabeth Lila Ann 08/02/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

MACBETH Gail Olive 10/02/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

POWER Lynette Janice 10/02/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

GAIL OLIVE MACBETH

Late of Nunderi. Aged 70 years.

Passed away peacefully on 10 February 2023.

Loving wife of Brian and much loved mother to Luke, Bindi and Bella.

Mother-in-law to Krystal, Mitch and Leigh.

Devoted Nanny to Lachlan and Charlotte.

Treasured sister of Craig and Jackie and adored Aunty.

Family and Friends are invited to attend a service to celebrate the life of Gail which will be held at the Tweed Valley Cemetery Chapel 813-871 Eviron Road, Eviron NSW on FRIDAY 17 February 2023 commencing at 9am (NSW time).

No flowers by request, donations to United Hospital Auxiliaries – Murwillumbah Branch.

Rob Smith

Late of Murwillumbah. Passed away suddenly on Sunday 29th January 2023. Aged 71 Years.

Loving Dad to Carolyn, Daniel and Leanne. Cherished Poppy of Five.

Loving Brother of Gloria, Trevor (dec), Keith (dec), Taru, Val, Neville, Glenda (dec), Trish and Janine. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Rob’s Funeral Service to be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Murwillumbah on Thursday 16th February 2023 at 11am (NSW time).

McGuiness Funerals

Ph: (02) 6672 2144 Murwillumbah

In Loving Memory of KATHLEEN MARY EVERETT (NEE O’BRIEN)

6th September 1950 - 19th February 2022

One Year has passed The love and Memories will never pass away always in our hearts

Loved Husband Brian Daughter Sarah Sister to Colleen, Philip. Mary & Families

Roy Francis Dunstan

15/9/1932 – 8/2/2023

Beloved husband of Gwen (Dec). Dearly loved Dad of Jennifer, Gaye (Dec) and Lee.

Much loved Grandfather “Grandy” of Samantha, Matthew, Regina, Lauren, Nathan, Jo, Lee.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Roy’s farewell at Tweed Valley Lawn Crematorium Chapel; Eviron Road, Eviron which will be held on Friday the 17th of February, 2023 at 2pm.

Tweed Heads Ph: (07) 5599 1500

Russell Alan Shoobridge

Passed away on 28th January 2023

Late of Murwillumbah.

Aged 73 years.

Loved son of John & Gladys (both deceased), much loved brother of Norma and Richard (both deceased) and brother-in-law of Eric King Loving uncle of Shane (deceased), Sharon, Caroline, Mark (deceased), Steven and their families.

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service for Russell to be held at the Tweed Valley Lawn Cemetery Chapel, Eviron Road, Eviron on Friday 17th February 2023 at 12.00pm NSW time.

Tweed Heads Ph: (07) 5599 1500

In Memorium AMELIA POTOCNIK (NEE SLOCKEE)

5-06-1937 to 14-02-2020

Thank you for the years we shared

Thank you for the way you cared.

We loved you then, we love you still, Forget you not we never will.

Your loving family

Skate prodigy wins silver at world titles

By Jo Kennett

TWEED HEADS skateboard prodigy Chloe Covell has won silver at the World Skateboarding in the United Arab Emirates.

At 12 years old, Chloe was the youngest competitor in the event, winning valuable points towards her Paris Olympics campaign.

“There are four Olympic qualifiers and I’ve competed in two,” Chloe told The Weekly. “The first one was in Rome about six months ago and I came seventh in the world in the street skating open womens.

“I’ve gotten a lot better since Rome and have trained heaps before Sharjah and I happened to land the tricks that I needed to.

Chloe said she was feeling confident going into the finals because she placed well in the open qualifiers.

“The top 32 go through to the quarters, then the top 16 went into the semis and then the

top eight make the finals,” she said.

“I qualified first in the open qualifiers out of about 200 people of all different ages; the oldest was about 30 and I was the youngest.

“I came second in the quarters, fifth in the semis and second in the finals.

“Chloe said that at every different stage she starts with easy tricks and then as the stages get higher she “levels up” and does harder tricks.

“We have the five best tricks in the final and you need to land at least two,” Chloe said.

“My first was sketchy so I crossed it out with my arms to the judges so they didn’t count it.

“Then I landed a swift flip down a drop, a front side flip down a drop and crook nollie flip; I try to improve with the scores every time.”

Chloe led some of the finals until her Brazilian competitor stepped up and took the win.

“I was super happy with second. I couldn’t be happier.” she said.

“It means I represent my country and know

I put in enough work.

“You have to get so many points throughout the qualifiers and be one of the top three in your country to go to the Olympics but only the top 20 in the world get to go.

“My next qualifier is in Rome in June and we aren’t sure where the last one is.”

Chloe, who turned 13 after the competition, said her mum Julie and dad, former NRL player Luke, are her number one supporters.

“It’s great to have them come overseas with me,” she said.

“Everyone is friends in skateboarding.

“There are never fights and even in comp mode we are always talking to each other, having fun and supporting each other.”

In March 2022 she won the Australian Street Skateboarding League National Street Champion for the second year in a row and then won bronze as the youngest competitor at the World X Games in Japan.

Piggabeen Sports Complex to go ahead

MAJOR UPGRADES to the Piggabeen Sports Complex are set to get underway this year after the NSW Government announced it will throw its support behind the long-awaited project.

Piggabeen Sports Complex is home to Australia’s oldest provincial rugby league club the famous Tweed Seagulls, with past players including Wally Lewis, Nathanael Barnes, current head coach David Penna and many more. The funding, announced on site by Member for Tweed Geoff Provest in conjunction with Tweed Seagulls Rugby League Football Club and Tweed Shire Council, will allow works on stage one of the upgrade to begin later this year. Stage one works include upgrades to the entryway, new LED lighting for three sports fields, upgrades to field surfaces, drainage, irrigation and a new playground.

A $600,000 grant from the NSW Department of Planning – stage two Regional Housing Fund Infrastructure Projects fund will allow Council to deliver elements of the first stage of its Piggabeen Sports Complex Masterplan Project. An additional $1.68 million granted to Tweed

Seagulls RLFC through the NSW Government’s Office of Sport – Multi-Sport Community Facility Funding will be used to complete additional elements of the Masterplan.

Council’s Manager Parks and Active Communities Murray Smith welcomed the funding for the project.

“This venue is a vital piece of infrastructure for the sporting community in Tweed Heads West and is well-used and loved by the wider community,” Mr Smith said.

“Council is grateful for the funding to upgrade the facility so we can provide an improved and more functional space for local clubs and residents to use.”

Tweed Seagulls CEO Matt Francis thanked all stakeholders, saying the funding would help secure Seagulls’ future as a pathways club to the NRL.

“Over the past three years we’ve worked closely with Council on the development of a Masterplan for Piggabeen that has been instrumental in us seeking funding with Geoff’s support,” Mr Francis said.

“This process has involved community consultation as well as the support of our governing bodies and game partners including the NRL, QRL and our affiliate, the Gold Coast Titans.

“Tweed Seagulls is also indebted to the unwavering support of the Norths Collective through Seagulls Club where the commitment to rugby league is underpinned by our shared values to make a difference in the communities we serve.”

Mr Provest announced almost $1.7 million in funding under the NSW Government’s MultiSport Facility Fund to expand the facility to three upgraded fields, provide a community playground and increase broader community usage.

“Tweed Seagulls have a proud history in the sport, but it is also their commitment to the broader community that will enable more local residents to enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation,” Mr Provest said.

Stage one is expected to take approximately six months to complete, weather permitting.

Locals ripping at Oakberry Tweed Coast Pro

By Jo Kennett

WILD WAVES via Cyclone Gabrielle made for some challenging conditions in the opening rounds of the Tweed Coast Pro which kicked off with the junior event on Saturday, February 10.

The main event was relocated from Cabarita, which was too big and out of control, to Kingscliff, which was smaller but with chaotic conditions making it hard for any of the surfers to find a scoring wave in the main event.

The juniors started with better conditions before the bigger swell and the notorious Kingy rip kicked in.

Fingal Heads’ Dane Henry was on fire in the juniors, getting scores up in the 15s, some of the highest of the competition, as he blasted his way through to the quarter finals before bowing out.

Cabarita surfer Kyan Falvey also made it through to the quarter finals with some of the top scores in his rounds and scored some valuable points in the Junior Tour along the way before going down despite scoring a 7.27 wave.

Caba surfer Seb Bungate cruised through his first heat but lost out in his high scoring second heat.

Lennox Chell eventually took the win in the junior event.

Caba’s Maddi Parker won her round one heat but got knocked in round two, with Sierra Kerr eventually taking the title.

There were big points on offer in the Tweed Coast Pro Qualifying Series 5,000 event, with plenty of big name surfers including former pro Josh Kerr.

Kerr was competing alongside veteran charger Nathan Hedge and Soli Bailey, plus a stack of seasoned QS campaigners.

While the juniors were spared the rip, the surfers got out in the open event and were paddling flat out trying to get within cooee of the peak in front of the Cudgen Headland surf club.

Kyan Falvey came up against some big guns in the main event and was knocked out in his opening round in the difficult conditions.

Local fave and big wave rider Timmy Chalmers won his first round despite the crazy tricky conditions with 8.23 points in a low-scoring heat, but was knocked in the second, unable to find a decent scoring wave in the chaos.

He needed a 3.8 but no wave came.

Kingscliff Boardriders Mitch James was on fire in round one, somehow finding a 6.83 and a 6.17 for the highest total of the Round of 128, 13 points. He only just missed out on progressing through the next round, chasing 5.18 as the clock ran out.

Cabarita Boardriders Brent Savage also won his first heat with a total of ten points before bowing out in a high scoring second round. Fingal Heads’ Juluung Slabb got knocked out in the opening round.

Dane Henry was ripping in the main event, scoring a 11.33 in to take out his heat in the

Round of 96.

He was knocked out in the next round but said it was ‘sick’ to get the opportunity to surf against some of the bigger names.

He certainly showed he can mix it up with the best in the Qualifying Series.

Kingscliff Boardriders Micah Margieson needed a 6.37 in the Round of 64 as the last five minutes wound down.

He scratched into a wave with under a minute to go and built up some speed down the line but it pretty well went nowhere and he also bowed out.

Casuarina’s Zahli Kelly scraped through her heat with a 5.17 total in second spot to big-hitter Sarah Baume who scored a total of 11.3. In the open women’s comp, Maddi Parker and Fingal’s Jalaan Slabb both went down in the opener, as the event relocated back to Caba.

The biggest standout of the women’s was 11-year-old Tahitian Tya Zebrowski who scored 15.7 in the opening round against India Robinson, with Tweed Heads born prodigy Sierra Kerr making it through her heat in second place to Phillipa Anderson.

Stay tuned next week to see who took out the Tweed Coast Pro for 2023.

Nette and her husband Ron are still living

Cr James Owen, Manager Parks and Active Communities Murray Smith with young Tweed Seagulls supporters Kahu and Harmony Jacobs

Fingal Heads local Dane Henry in action during the Tweed Coast Pro. Photo by Cait Miers

Tweed Heads born Sierra Kerr wins the juniors

Photo by WSL Cait Meyers

Cities down but Tweed still red hot

By Jo Kennett

THERE HAS been a marked decline in national property prices but regions experienced a slight increase and the Tweed Shire has mostly increased over 2022 according to the latest property data.

Casuarina was one of the few Tweed suburbs to experience a slight decline, but it was units in Murwillumbah that bucked all trends and jumped by more than 50 per cent over the past year.

According to the PropTrack

2023 Property Market Outlook Report, national property prices had declined 4.3 per cent by December 2022, with houses recording a larger decline (down 4.6 per cent) than units (down 2.6 per cent) from their peak in March 2022.

“As prices have fallen and the cost of borrowing has risen, the urgency to sell and purchase has reduced significantly,” PropTrack Director of Economic Research, Cameron Kusher, the author of the report, wrote.

“This is highlighted by fewer properties coming to market for sale and the ongoing fall in the

number of property sales.

“This suggests that most homeowners aren’t in a position where they have to sell, and that buyers aren’t under pressure to purchase.

“It will be interesting to see how this evolves in 2023 once interest rates peak and as those on fixed rates due to expire face the reality of much larger mortgage repayments.”

That’s the big question, with many financial experts believing the Reserve Bank should keep interest rates on hold until the effects of the rise in rates on the economy and households — which lags months behind the actual rises — can be seen.

The biggest drop in prices was in Sydney, with a 7. 2 per cent decline.

“Nationally, we are forecasting prices to fall by a further 7 per cent to 10 per cent by the end of this year,” Mr Kusher said.

“This forecast is based on the assumption that the cash rate will increase 50 basis points from its December 2022 level (3.1 per cent).

“We are expecting a further two 25 basis point increases in the

cash rate.

“Thereafter, we expect rates to remain on hold, with the potential for them to be reduced in late 2023 or early 2024.”

Mr Kusher said demand for regional properties is also likely to slow and, given prices have seen stronger growth in these areas than within the capital cities, they expect to see price falls in these markets too.

Right now, though, the Tweed Shire market is holding fairly firm, with only a slight decline in prices as the dust settles on the pandemic real estate madness. While regional prices declined nationwide by a lower 2.1 per cent, prices actually rose by over 1.1 per cent in NSW.

In Murwillumbah things were looking even rosier.

The median prices for houses in the 12 months from February 2022 to January 2023 rose 4.2 per cent to $800,000 although they are definitely flattening off. Unit prices in Murwillumbah jumped an astronomical 51.3 per cent to a median of $575,000. In Tweed Heads median house prices jumped 19.8 per cent over the year to $1,257,500.

Units experienced a jump in prices of 9.8 per cent to a median of $706,250.

Houses in Tweed Heads West were up 9.6 per cent to $885,000 while units were up 8.8 per cent to $462,500, making them one of the best bargains in the shire.

Kingscliff homes (which includes Salt) were already through the roof but were up a further 11.1 per cent over the past year to a median of $2 million.

Units there were only up 4.9 per cent to $880,000 with a flattening of the price curve now becoming evident.

House prices in Casuarina were one of the few to decline, down 2.4 per cent to $2.05 million.

Casuarina units bucked that suburb’s trend, up 16.6 per cent to $932,500.

Bogangar homes were down but only by 0.5 per cent to $1,432,500 while median unit prices were up 11.1 per cent to $852,000.

The median price of Pottsville houses was up 9.4 per cent over the 12 months to $1.4 million while units there were up 13.9 per cent to $900,000, which seems

a lot but remember some of these units come with a big price tag and water views which raises the median substantially.

Median house prices in Banora Point were up 10.1 per cent to $980,000 while units only experienced a 2.8 per cent increase to $650,000, which is still a lot of money for a unit.

Prices in Terranora were also up for houses by 18.3 per cent to $1,242,500 with not enough unit sales to establish a clear trend. There were big declines in sales in regional NSW, down 23.9 per cent.

“For regional areas, it is reflective of the reduced impetus to leave the capital cities,” Mr Kusher said.

“In the larger capital cities, it reflects homeowners’ reduced confidence to sell as interest rates have continued to climb and prices have fallen.”

Unit 2, 13 Silky Oak Court at Bray Park for sale for $589,000

HEADS

OWNERS SELLING INVESTMENT - NEAT & TIDY

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81

PRICE

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10m balcony straddles whole length of apartment 200m flat walk to either Greenmount beach or Rainbow Bay beach

Do you want to know what your property is worth in today's current market?

Schmith Estate Agents is a boutique agency specialising in selling and leasing from Gold Coast to Byron Bay. Local Agent, Ben Tribolet has serviced and successfully achieved premium results for his client around the Southern Gold Coast and surrounds since 2007. We offer an effective and proactive approach that sets us apart from others. Our brand represents sophistication, integrity and success.

CONTACT ME TODAY TO ARRANGE A COMPLIMENTARY AND CONFIDENTIAL SALES OR RENTAL APPRAISAL

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6 3 2

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15 DALLIS COURT, DUNBIBLE

65 COMINAN AVENUE, BANORA POINT FOR SALE 4 1 5

COUNTRY RETREAT WITH PICTURESQUE VIEWS ONLY MOMENTS TO TOWN

Privately positioned in a quiet cul-de-sac country lane setting with only one neighbour. A feeling of seclusion yet uber close to in-town convenience, with ideal northeast facing views of the surrounding farmland set on a manageable 1.87 acres. The single level, easy to maintain brick and tile residence offers open plan living, with two separate areas and undercover alfresco patio for entertaining and relaxation. Featuring an American style barn shed for plenty of secure storage. Two minutes' drive to Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre and Guinea's Fruit, Veg & Asian Grocery Store. Ten minutes to renown Mavis' Kitchen and Cabins.

3 Highland Drive Terranora

Enjoy a hint of cool country living close to all major amenities, from this overly spacious (4) bedroom lowset residence commanding scenic views and surrounded by a playful 7635m2 allotment with rolling lawns.

KEY FEATURES

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• Ducted reverse cycle air-conditioning

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Land Size 7635m2

For Sale

$1,800,000

Open Saturday 18th - 11:30 - 12:30pm (NSW Time)

David Stringer 0418 150 731

david@djstringer.com.au

the home of real estate

Auction In-Rooms 14th March at Ivory Waterside Tavern Tweed Heads 6pm AEDT

AUCTION AUCTION

Auction In-Rooms 14th March at Ivory Waterside Tavern Tweed Heads 6pm AEDT

| $980,000 - $1,060,000

623 Terranora Road, Terranora

17 Sovereign Way, Murwillumbah