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OVER
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It’s time to get out and do what many folks in tyrannical countries can’t do – vote! Saturday is shaping to be a close contest between sitting Green MP Tamara Smith, Labor’s Asren Pugh and Nationals’ Ben Franklin (not the famous US polymath). See election coverage page 8. Q Q Q Q
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Large QLD development corporation Villa World wants to plonk bog-ugly housing over wetlands in West Byron against almost everyone’s wishes. But last week the company began its due diligence to be swallowed by an even bigger toxic fish, AVID Property Group. The ASX announcement claims AVID have a ‘$3bn portfolio of broad acre and medium density residential and industrial projects’. And AVID is owned by ‘international institutional investors’ based in the US. Q Q Q Q
Which state election candidates would like to see West Byron bought by the government? The Greens say all of it, and Labor say a part buy back. The Nationals candidate is only in favour of reducing its size, without a buy back. Q Q Q Q
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Liberal premier Gladys Berejiklian was safe in the capable hands of her security goons after BayFM’s Jim Beatson, 73, was swiftly manhandled for calling out questions about her ongoing koala annihilation program in Brunswick Heads last Wednesday (see page 4). It’s a sad reflection of a society where those elected to govern (for all) refuse to answer basic questions. Carefully staged photo ops do not inform anyone – it’s all sizzle and no steak, or
The new Palace Cinema in Byron will be opening on Thursday April 4! Tickets for all films screening in opening week are available at www.palacecinemas.com.au. Pictured is Palace Cinema assistant manager Briar Rhoades and general manager Eli Ayo. Photo Jeff Dawson vegan sausage if you prefer. This is no one off dismissive either – Gladys also scoffed at a Newcastle Herald journo recently. Accompanied by MP Andrew Constance, they both mocked the reporter’s media outlet and ignored a legit question regarding transport costings – all live on TV.
looks about the world’s only sane leader at this point. Q Q Q Q
Looking for the candidates’ policy statements? There’s
plenty available at www. echo.net.au – just follow the elections tab. And remember: a parliament left hanging benefits everyone.
Q Q Q Q
The Echo was tipped off that a senior staff member at a district hospital was being investigated for fraud, and so the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) was asked to confirm. Acting chief executive Lynne Weir replied, ‘Northern NSW Local Health District cannot comment on any staff matters’. Q Q Q Q
Since the horrors in Christchurch, it was very odd to see the likes of Morrison and Latham attempt to spin themselves as compassionate and empathetic beings. Can long political careers based on stoking fear and division be glossed over and forgotten so easily? NZ PM Jacinda Ardern
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North Coast news daily in Echonetdaily www.echo.net.au