Backlash
New LG panel/ battery packages now available. Give us a call now Patrick Andy
0425 256 802 0423 343 323
132 Jonson St, Byron Bay Authorised local LG solar dealer
www.junoenergy.com.au Electrical licence number: 255292C
Great news that the NSW government has offered Council the Mullumbimby hospital site for only one dollar, naturally on the condition it be indemnified against any costs in relation to cleaning up asbestos contamination. The health department will finally get its sticky fingers off all the asbestos reports so that we can see the (expensive) work ahead. Now there is interest in securing the old Byron Bay hospital site for the community. There are quite a few very rich absentee landlords who have done well out of the Byron marketplace; perhaps they’d like to chip in. Q Q Q Q
At 38 metres high, the proposed Lennox ski jump would dwarf even the Cape Byron lighthouse (23m) and many locals are not happy about the proposal. Jindabyne, where they have mountains slightly taller than 38m and there is actual snow, would apparently welcome the installation. Q Q Q Q
Backlash is usually not a fan of Senator Jacqui Lambie’s pronouncements, but she is quite right that if you are going to drug-test welfare recipients, then it is only fair to do the same to politicians before they enter parliament. There have been enough reports over the years on some of our ‘decision-makers’ being pissed off their faces before voting on important issues to cause concern. You can see the opinion of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia on this neocon brain-fart on page 14. Q Q Q Q
On page 16 Giles Parkinson reports on the purported demise of private cars in about
Byron Bay has solved its space problem by miniaturising tourists. Here chief touristcompactor Felicity Prendlegast talks a visitor from the Gold Coast through the process before offering him a very tiny brochure.
2030 when EV Transport-AsA-Service kicks in. We find it hard to believe that Australians can be weaned off their addiction to private cars, or that public electric buses would ever reach the fungally-enhanced upper reaches of our Shire, but we must remember that horses once ruled the transport world and then that world altered dramatically. One of the more whimsical consequences of the terrifying silence of EVs is that sound files are being introduced so that people can hear you coming, including that of a horse galloping. Cyclists needn’t feel left out; Trotify.com offers its own equestrian experience, which fans of Monty Python and the Holy Grail will especially appreciate. Q Q Q Q
While Dr Karl investigates in ABC Science Online the highly significant issue of why ponytails swing when we run, the Science Friction podcast looks at the countries where scientists can be branded as dissidents and thrown in jail, rather than just having their advice ig-
LISMORE CITY HALL
waxing | spray tan | eyes | nails | facials eyelash lifting | eyelash extensions
WED 14 JUNE 10AM, 12PM 6.30PM
PROUDLY USING CERTIFIED ORGANIC
TICKETS 1300 066 772 OR LISMORECITYHALL.COM.AU 48 May 17, 2017 The Byron Shire Echo
nored by the Australian government: http://bit.ly/ SFdanger. It’s not all that great for journalists, either. Reporters Without Borders (https://rsf.org/en) notes that since January this year eight journalists have been
killed, along with two netizens and one media assistant, and 193 journalists are currently imprisoned. RSF also ranks countries by press freedom, with Norway coming in first and Australia in 19th place.
Mindful, watchful wisdom
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN AUSTRALIA
MINDFUL WISDOM
The School of Practical Philosophy, in the Northern Rivers, is offering this course FREE to the first 30 people to make a booking ($10 admin fee applies)
SUSTAINABLE HAPPINESS For those who have completed Mindful Wisdom ($225, earlybird discount 20% off with online booking)
BOTH COURSES ARE 11 WEEKLY SESSIONS OF 2.5 HOURS These courses draw on the great philosophic ideas of East and West and are for all, regardless of education, occupation, age, race, political or religious beliefs. They give you the tools to become more present, more connected and more alive.
STARTS: Wednesday May 24, 2017 6.45 for 7pm VENUE: Tintenbar Hall cnr George and Tintenbar Road BOOKINGS: www.practicalphilosophy.org.au Enquiries: 0407 896 778
The School of Philosophy is a not-for-profit organisation
LA CLINICA PRODUCTS
1 Acacia St, Byron Bay | ph. 02 6685 5545
Byron Shire Echo archives: www.echo.net.au/byron-echo