The Echo’s Byron Bay Office has moved!
THE BYRON SHIRE Volume 25 #19 Tuesday, October 12, 2010 Mullumbimby 02 6684 1777 Byron Bay 02 6685 5222 Fax 02 6684 1719 editor@echo.net.au adcopy@echo.net.au www.echo.net.au 21,000 copies every week
NEW ADDRESS: Unit 5, 6 Tasman Way, Byron Bay Arts & Industry Estate
REVOLUTION POSTPONED DUE TO RAIN
(next to Luscious Foods)
Council backflip on Drizzle no barrier to bikers land applauded Eve Jeffery
Council voted unanimously last week to rescind the decision to swap land in Brunswick Heads for land in Byron Bay with the NSW Land and Property Management Authority (LPMA). Council’s turnabout on their July resolution was applauded by the people of Brunswick Heads. Councillors’ background notes to the rescission vote stated ‘Since the passing of the subject resolution, it has become apparent that the current LPMA draft plans for the redevelopment of the Brunswick Heads Caravan Parks are potentially detrimental in many aspects of their community impact including parking, traffic movement, foreshore access, safety and residential amenity.
Not critically evaluated ‘It would appear that in moving to negotiate on land swaps with the LPMA these impacts were not fully taken into account and we now need to consider them in more detail.’ In her public access speech, representative for the Brunswick Heads Foreshore Protection Group Michele Grant said that is was clear that Council had not critically evaluated the five proposed sites in Brunswick Heads. She added that until recently they were not even aware of the impact of the resolution on traffic, parking, pedestrian access or the general amenity of the community. ‘The Land acquisition process detailed in the Corporate Manager’s report may be legal, but it has clearly failed to provide adequate information to our elected councillors or engage in proper consultation with the affected communities. There has been no consultation with interested stakeholders in Brunswick Heads. Neither Council nor LPMA have informed local residents or adjoining
neighbours of their plans to close the roads they live in.’ As a resident of Brunswick Heads, Councillor Diane Woods was unable to vote during the process, though her ideas on the subject were clear. ‘I think the rescission motion is fair,’ she said. ‘Given that the community did not have the opportunity to meet and discuss the implications of the change of ownership of the lands in question.’ Cr Woods said that the original decision was made when it came before council as a late report. ‘It was at the end of a very long day in the chambers and the collateral effect of all the changes was not evident at the time,’ she said.
Securing Fishheads tenure denied There is a suggestion that council’s main priority was to secure tenure over the Fishheads restaurant. Cr Tom Tabart denied that saying, ‘There is no possible connection between the land swaps and tenure of the Fishheads shop. ‘Any suggestion that there is must be the figment of an overactive imagination. There was however a dark and seamy tale surrounding the Fishheads past dealings with staff which completely passed the media by.’ Cr Tabart did agree that the original decision was not a good one. ‘Yes the majority of councillors certainly lost the plot on Bruns Parks.’
Mistakes admitted ‘impressive’ ‘It’s easy to see how Councillors “overlooked” the issue,’ said Ms Grant after the meeting. ‘I am really impressed with the way they admitted the report slipped under their radar and have quickly moved to reconsider the deal, now that they are properly informed.’
Velocette owners from the country gathered at Lennox Head last week for a run around the Northern Rivers. The cyclists had short rides planned for each day of a week long run but had to reduce the length of their daily rides due to the inclement weather that dogged the whole trip. The rain didn’t stop them taking a trip to Murwillumbah and the hinterland last Friday however. About 60 bikers stopped at the driver reviver at Yelgun, where Velocette veteran of 55 years Bryan Dawes, took the opportunity to warm up with a cuppa and cake served by the Lions ladies Val Armstrong and Lyn Fitzgerald. Bryan said that despite his protective gear, he was still wet underneath but the run was worth it.
Events policy sparks community debate Hans Lovejoy
Council’s events policy was passed last Thursday, and with it the future framework for the Shire’s festival management and size was outlined. The policy’s main points include a limit to 17,500 people per day, with two major music festivals per year.
Right balance: CFFS Coalition For Festival Sanity’s (CFFS) Mac Nicolson told The Echo, ‘We believe it is a very constructive step towards defining our community’s wishes in regards to the frequency, size and nature of events and festivals to be held within Byron Shire.’
CFFS represents over 30 progress associations, community and environment groups in the Tweed and Byron region. Mr Nicolson added that it finds the right balance between encouraging the local music and arts industry, while protecting the community, its infrastructure, amenities and environment from the excesses of too
many major, high impact festivals. ‘We applaud council for its careful and considered vote on the issue. ‘We believe that the policy finds the right balance between encouraging the local music and arts industry, while protecting the community, its infrastructure, amenities and
enrich your spirit
www.crystalcastle.com.au Open 7 Days 10am-5pm (NSW time) 81 Monet Drive, Mullumbimby 40 mins from Tweed Heads 20 mins from Byron Bay (02) 6684 3111
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