THE BYRON SHIRE
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Volume 25 #35 Tuesday, February 8, 2011 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 23,000 copies every week
19 19 I N T E R G A L A C T I C W O R D FA C T O R Y C H U R N A L I S M
Spraying locals with chemicals US corporation goes nuts with fungicides on Dunoon macadamia plantation Ray Moynihan
Their 2010 report on agricultural chemicals used in the region lists close to 30 pesticides registered for spraying on Macadamia farms, including seven chemicals prohibited in Europe, and ten which may cause harm to humans.
Helicopter spraying of potentially harmful chemicals on corporate macadamia nut farms in the area has sparked calls for greater transparency in spraying practices. The United States based Hancock Agricultural Investment Group – Neighbours must give which owns several macadamia farms written permission near Dunoon – used choppers for The Australian Macadamia Society aerial spraying on at least two occasions late last year, causing serious chief executive officer Jolyon Burnett concerns within parts of the local strongly defends the industry’s use of pesticides, arguing growers are using community. non-chemical methods of controlling Possible carcinogen pests, and have reduced their spraying During one incident in late Novem- from around ten times a year to three ber, a chopper sprayed close to neigh- or four times annually. In addition, regular national surbouring properties during windy conditions, with one neighbour ex- veys show macadamia nuts are free periencing a tingling sensation on her of pesticide residues. On the specifics of the Dunoon face and tongue, and others unhappy aerial spraying, Mr Burnett says he’s about possible spraydrift. The residents’ concerns led to satisfied Hancock’s did all it was rea local meeting in Dunoon, which quired to do by law, though he acdemanded that the corporate farm knowledged there is a ‘mismatch beshould in future give neighbours no- tween community expectations and tice of all sprayings, including an ex- legal requirements’. Regional manager of the state enact list of dates and the names of the vironment department Brett Nudd chemicals to be used. During the November incident the told The Echo there was no evidence chopper sprayed difenoconazole, a the company had sprayed within 150 substance that is described as a ‘pos- metres of neighbouring houses, a sible carcinogen’ and suspected of practice prohibited by law unless the damaging the hormone system, ac- farm’s neighbours have given written cording to a recent report co-written permission. ‘We would welcome any by the Lismore-based Environmental information from anyone that would Defender’s Office, and a green group, warrant further investigation.’ he said. However, the Environmental Dethe National Toxics Network.
fender’s Office believes – based on what it heard from residents – that aerial spraying may have occurred around Dunoon within 150 metres of neighbouring houses without permission, which could mean a possible breach of the law, according to senior solicitor Sue Higginson. The current conflict over macadamias is taking place against a backdrop of growing global concern about chemical use in agriculture, the rise of organic farming, and the push to reduce or eliminate pesticides – which is now official policy in parts of Europe.
‘This intensely chemical process is highly undesirable’ says Jo Immig, coordinator of the National Toxics Network. Ms Immig recently conducted a small survey of six rainwater tanks in the region, finding that all six tanks had traces of the now-banned endosulfan. While the levels were below those considered in government guidelines to be dangerous, Ms Immig said ‘in my view there is no safe level of endosulfan.’ Managing over $1.5 billion worth of
farming land, the United States based Hancock group has expanded in to macadamia nuts and other crops in this country because there are ‘few regulatory constraints on production’. Silas Long, an organic banana farmer who organised the Dunoon meeting, says he welcomes that Hancock’s management is open to discussion and dialogue, and is waiting for an official reply from the comapany. Hancock’s managing director in Australia, Andrew Strahley, did not return phone calls from The Echo. See comment page 12
Trucking the goods up north
Echo home delivers in Lennox The Echo has expanded home deliveries in the North Coast from last Tuesday. All homes in Lennox Head will now be home-delivered a weekly Echo, providing a total distribution of 2,750 copies for the town. Copies can still be collected at the
Lennox Newspower newsagency in Ballina Street. The Echo will additionally publish news and articles from the Ballina Shire area. Be involved – we would love to hear from you if you live or work in Ballina Shire and have worthy news for the region.
In response to a call for donations for the Queensland flood appeal, staff at Mullumbimby Removals have spent days driving around picking up an unexpected two 12 tonne truckloads of mattresses, tables, tellys, chairs, white goods and brown goods and all manner of useful items for those in need. The trucks were loaded up by the company’s removalists and drivers, who worked free of charge on Friday afternoon and evening. The load was delivered to the Toowoomba Lifeline and is to be distributed Saturday morning. Photo Eve Jeffery
enrich your spirit perhaps the most tranquil tourist attraction on the East Coast and a wonderful place to spend a couple of mellow hours… Brisbane News, December 2010. 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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