THE BYRON SHIRE Volume 26 #25 Tuesday, November 29, 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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SOFT LANDINGS FOR LEMMINGS
CAB AUDIT
Council wants halt to Mellow musicfest massages Mullum West Byron rezoning Ray Moynihan
Byron Shire Council wants the state government to hold off considering the rezoning of West Byron until broad transport issues, including traffic by-passes, are resolved. The government is currently exhibiting plans for a major development of over 100 hectares adjacent to Ewingsdale Road and Belongil Creek, and submissions close this Wednesday. In a motion which passed narrowly last Thursday, Council said the rezoning should not proceed until ‘adequate arrangements and funding’ are in place so transport issues can be addressed to the ‘satisfaction of Council and the community.’ Another motion from the Greens councillors rejecting the West Byron development was narrowly defeated. The Byron Bay West Landowners Association is proposing a new suburb including light industry, tourism development and a commercial centre, with a total of almost 1,000 dwellings.
‘Death of creek’ Supported by some as a welcome addition to the local housing stock and economy, others including environmentalist Dailan Pugh have expressed grave fears about the potential
for extra pollution flowing into the neighbouring estuary and wetlands. ‘It could well be the death of Belongil Creek,’ said Mr Pugh. Documents prepared for the landowners outline that the site does include acid-sulfate soils – which can be toxic when disturbed – and vegetation of high conservation value, including koala habitat. But they also suggest that subject to further planning, development can occur ‘without adverse environmental impact’; effects on the wetlands can be ‘avoided or mitigated’ with the right design strategies; and water quality in the creek can even be improved with better management of drains and stormwater run-off.
No guarantees However an analysis of the proponents’ documents by Council staff points out that there are currently no strong guarantees that the environment will be protected, and that improved water quality in the Belongil estuary ‘cannot be assured.’ Mayor and state member Jan Barham is strongly opposed to West Byron saying it is the ‘wrong location’ and the site is ‘inherently unsuitable’ because of its proximity to wildlife corridors, dangers to plant and animal life and threats to the health of
Burlesque performer Mae Wilde starts off on the beginner’s pole while the Perch Creek Family Jug Band wonders if this is appropriate entertainment for a music festival. Photo Jeff ‘Leave It To Cleavage’ Dawson Kelly Greenhalgh
Mullum Music Festival is a unique experience for people of all ages. Locals, visitors and musicians alike relish the vibes of this enchanting little town. As a young local, I was amazed to see the involvement of so many from continued on page 2 the community and the support they showed to the festival and visitors. Aside from the character of Mul-
lumbimby, the uniqueness of the festival is down to the fact that the whole town is utilised and people could move freely from venue to venue. One of the magical things about the festival is how easy it is to enjoy it without even going to the venues. The eccentric street performers provided constant entertainment to people and the Magic Bus was an experience in itself. Having the opportunity to go on a ride with a band
and two lovely prizewinners was one of my many great experiences. I loved how festival-goers and performers were enthusiastic, regardless of grey skies on Saturday. A fabulous parade under blue skies on Sunday went completely against weather reports, showing how Mullum refuses to be predictable. But one thing is for certain: the Mullum Music Festival will be back again next year in all its glory.
Ease off on unauthorised dwellings: Cr Tabart
Videographer Sharon Shostak filmed environmentalist Dailan Pugh at Belongil Creek for Friday’s Echonetdaily (see www.echonetdaily.net.au).
Byron Shire councillor Tom Tabart has called on compliance staff to ease off on action against unauthorised dwellings. His notice of motion is expected to be debated at Council’s meeting next Thursday at 10.30am, while activist Fast Buck$, who is being pursued by Council over his property at Coorabell, intends to support Cr Tabart’s move during public access from 9am. Cr Tabart intends to move, ‘That
Council restrict compliance action with regard to suspected unauthorised dwellings only to cases where there is a demonstrable risk to health or safety – this approach to continue until the state and/or the federal government implements measures to fully address the growing problem of the affordable housing shortage.’ Cr Tabart also intends to move that ‘action against unauthorised use of approved dwellings (eg holiday let-
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ting) be continuedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Unauthorised housing in Byron Shire has become a mainstream source of low-income accommodation, according to Cr Tabart. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;It is unrealistic to continue to hide behind the anachronistic requirements of the legislation in the face of a major social crisis. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;In any event the compliance capacity of Council is so limited that
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