Letters Only step one?
At first glance, the plan by our government to cancel mercenaries’ citizenships sounds good. But is this only step one? Can we soon expect the same treatment for every Australian who votes other than for the Liberal Party? Ron Bay Suffolk Park
Flying foxes
In reply to Lisa Sandstrom’s letter (May 20) concerning the flying fox colony at Federation Bridge on Brunswick River at Mullumbimby. Yes, Lisa, I am the one with ‘the bats were here first attitude’ and spoke at Council public access on behalf of the bats. As you say, flying foxes are incredibly important to our ecosystem. And I also said at public access that the flying fox is protected under the Threatened Species Act and it sounds like at Mullum they are under threat from you and your group! Paul Brecht Mullumbimby
Parking costs
I fully endorse the principle of paid parking in Byron Bay. As the mayor has said in his press release, ‘the decision has been about finding a balance to support our roads, drain-
More than a distraction Is Cr Rose Wanchap’s wardrobe malfunction at a recent Council meeting merely a ‘distraction’ from ‘responsible governance’? (Echo, May 27) I would argue that the two are inextricably linked. An elected representative throwing any kind of missile at the public gallery is seriously out of kilter with adult, let alone responsible, behaviour. While the first shoe went wide (much like a delivery from John Howard) I understand the second one came within a foot (no pun intended) of striking the man sitting next to the apparent target, Jim Beatson. The Echo singles out Beatson somewhat disparagingly, but he
was merely one among many at the meeting who were all quite vocal in their dismay at what was happening. Which brings us to the second point. The gallery was full because many people in the Shire are distressed at the hijacking of our local democratic processes by Cr Wanchap’s now well-documented defection. ‘Responsible governance’ was the topic in an Echo editorial on October 14, 2014 under the heading ‘Resignation Please’. I quote: ‘The extent of the damage caused by Cr Wanchap’s decision [to abandon the Greens] is hard to overestimate... [while supporting] inappropriate de-
velopment will cost far more than a by-election.’ Many politicians change parties but manage to keep their core values intact. It would seem however that Cr Wanchap is now completely at odds with her preelection views. She used to aspire to be ‘like Bob Brown’ and ‘keep our Byron as beautiful as it is’. See http:// bit.ly/wanchapYT. Cr Wanchap was elected as part of the Greens ticket with 3,448 Greens preferences and only 31 votes below the line (her personal tally). When people feel betrayed they can get angry too. Paul Davies Suffolk Park
age, and parks.’ Non-ratepayers do need to contribute to use and maintain what I, as a ratepayer, have been paying for, for years. I absolutely object, however, to having to pay to park in Byron Bay! As a ratepayer I already make a contribution to the ‘roads, drainage, and parks’. I object to paying again. Especially when as a rural resident I receive very poor road access and main-
tenance, and no support for my own supplied water and sewerage. I live 9km from the PO in Byron and come into town at least once a week to shop and go to the beach. As a self-funded retiree I am limited in meeting new financial imposts, especially a nearly fourfold increase over the existing parking fee. I note also that ratepayers in high visitation beach-
side councils in Sydney (eg Manly and Warringah as well as those in the eastern suburbs of Sydney) get two free parking stickers per ratepayer. Come on, Byron Council where is ours? Paul Gannon Coopers Shoot
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Wireless wankery
Judging by the full page ad in last week’s Echo, Telstra wants to get better acquainted with Brunswick Heads. This is probably a good move, since continued on next page
Letters to the Editor Send to Letters Editor Michael McDonald, fax: 6684 1719 email: editor@echo.net.au Deadline: Noon, Friday. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut. Letters already published in other papers will not be considered. Please include your full name, address and phone number for verification purposes.
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KATHRYN JONES DUO The Byron Shire Echo June 3, 2015 11