THE BYRON SHIRE Volume 26 #14 Tuesday, September 13, 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 23,200 copies every week
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Pub and drive-through approved for Sunrise
Cape Byron Steiner blossoms Saturday
important Council made its position clear on pokies and the effect it has on Sunrise is set to get a hotel, restaurant the community. Cr Tucker was the only councillor and a drive-through bottle shop on who voted against the foreshadowed Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay. Council’s decision, however, at motion to oppose any future pokies. Thursday’s meeting came with a foreshadowed motion opposing any Residents in support Also at the public access on Thursfuture pokie machines from Greens Councillors Simon Richardson and day’s meeting, eight residents and local business owners – including the Tom Tabart. The DA (development application) architect for the proposal – addressed Council in favour of the development. does not include gaming machines. Some spoke of the high costs of goDA with conditions ing into town by taxi and that Sunrise John Anderson – aka Fast Buck$ doesn’t have a place where residents – addressed Council on the pub’s can socialise. The site is just under two acres and DA submission but steered clear of opinions regarding another alcohol is located next to the unused train tracks. The proposal is being put foror pokie outlet. ‘I’m not opposed to the pub or pok- ward by the North Beach owners (for‘Blossoming’ is Cape Byron Steiner School’s 2011 Spring Fair theme, in celebration of the beginning of spring and the ies,’ he said, setting the stage for a mally the Becton site). North Beach continuing blossoming of the school. Students Jayden, Phoebe, Jarrah, Rosabella, Luka, Fergus and Alexandra are well-worn tirade on Council conduct. is associated with mining magnate just a few of the 300 students from Kindergarten to year 12, who have created a unique flower which will form part ‘Council has an obligation to clarify Brian Flannery, as featured in The of a wondrous blossoming garden bed of colour and variety showcasing just a part of the creativity of the school. its power to attach conditions to DAs.’ Echo on November 30, 2010. For more The ‘Blossoming’ Spring Fair will be held this Saturday at the school in Ewingsdale. Photo Eve Jeffery Cr Tabart told the gallery that it was visit www.thesunbistro.com. Hans Lovejoy
Lennox residents take Ballina Council to ICAC
Hans Lovejoy
Residents in Lennox Head have taken Ballina Shire Council to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) over a recently erected Optus tower in their street. Spokesman for the group living in Basalt Court, Sue Hetherington, says that after reading information provided by the council under Freedom Of Information Act (FOI), she maintains her group were provided misleading documentation by Ballina Shire Council. Speaking from Sydney, Ms Hetherington told The Echo she has taken her and her neighbours’ concerns to state parliament on Macquarie Street. She says there is missing council documentation in relation to the process of allowing Optus to take possession of the site. ‘When the document was originally
sent, it was only addressed to four residents and addressed Skennars Head as the location, not Lennox Head. ‘Documents were also sent to the wrong government member as per the telecommunications code. Justine Elliot should have been notified; instead it was was sent incorrectly to Janelle Saffin. ‘The application’s drawings were also incorrect, describing there were no antennas, and now we have three antennas protruding.’
New signage A sign erected Monday September 5 has resident Rob Godwin worried. Mr Godwin is perhaps most affected by the tower. ‘It’s six metres from my bedroom and over-shadows the house virtually,’ he told The Echo. Through its new signage, Mr Godwin says Optus have indicated that most of his house, including the bed-
rooms, have been placed in an RF (Radio Frequency) Hazard Area. ‘It’s in an insane position and shouldn’t be that close to any house.’ Although the tower did not need a DA for approval, Ballina councillors were unanimous in opposing Optus’s insistance that it be located within the residential area.
Now a federal matter MP Don Page told The Echo it has now become a federal issue, and as such, should be taken up with the federal member, Justine Elliott. ‘I have written to the federal minister responsible, senator Stephen Conroy, seeking his advice.’ Ballina Council General Manager Paul Hickey told The Echo, ‘We are not aware of anything incorrect in regards to the tower’s application process.’ He also encouraged the residents to contact Council with their concerns.
Lennox resident Rob Godwin’s house been placed within a RF (Radio Frequency) Hazard Area. This photo was taken as the tower was being erected and clearly demonstrates its proximity to the house. MP Don Page is seeking advice from the Federal Communications Minister Stephen Conroy and says it is now a federal matter.
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