THE BYRON SHIRE Volume 27 #23 Tuesday, November 13, 2012 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
pages 18-19 I THINK THEREFORE I AM DANGEROUS
CAB AUDIT
Legs On The Inside Wall’s Symphony this – p21 week
Arts The Shire’s Feature best gig – p27 guide – p28
Arakwal CEO slams dept of fisheries & marine parks Hans Lovejoy
A protest against NSW Fisheries & Marine Parks is being planned on December 15 and 16 to highlight what the Arakwal people of Byron Bay say is a total lack of engagement from the Liberal/National state government. Arakwal people of Byron Bay CEO, Yvonne Stewart, says she’s ‘fed up’ with the department after waiting ten years for the Cultural Resource Agreement to be endorsed.
Protest planned Ms Stewart told The Echo that after an initial meeting with the marine parks, no further communication has been forthcoming. ‘It’s been a challenge to get the department to respond to our letters and correspondence,’ she said. ‘I have no faith in this present gov-
Movie reviews Lots of lovely Real with John Estate Classies Campbell – p29 – p47 – p38
Byron Shire Council Notices Pages 45
Mullum shows talent
ernment when it comes to working with Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal people in this state.’ The Echo tried repeatedly to contact the minister responsible for NSW fisheries & marine parks, primary industries MP Katrina Hodgkinson (Nationals), but her media advisers failed to respond. Ms Stewart also claims a designated Aboriginal marine parks ranger position in the Cape Byron Marine Park remains vacant. ‘Fisheries are the only government department in NSW that doesn’t work with Aboriginal communities or employ Aboriginal people in their department.’ Furthermore, arrangements, MOUs and Indigenous land-use agreements are not being honoured, Hundreds braved the less-than-clement weather to enjoy the Mullum Show last weekend. The Spaghetti Circus was she claims. continued on page 3 one of the major drawcards with their packed performances wowing the crowds. Photo Jeff ‘All Show’ Dawson
Surf tender process to be set on price, not bid Hans Lovejoy
Good news finally for Byron Bay Surf School operator Jaymee Edwards as Council voted Thursday to set a standard annual fee for the tender process for surf schools and kayaking operating on coastal reserves. It will replace the previous criterion of a ‘highest bid’ on fee. The decision comes after an independent review suggested that while the methodology adopted by the evaluation panel for the scoring criteria was consistent with Council’s policies and tender guidelines, ‘it was not the most appropriate method’ and did not have a ‘sound basis’. The Echo reported on July 31 that Mr Edwards and elite surf coach Steve Foreman both lost against competitors who offered more in the ‘fee’ criterion, despite an unblemished
record and sound local knowledge. The GrantThornton review also recommended that the Surf School be offered a temporary licence, which Council will seek to provide, conditional on the support and approval of the Cape Byron Marine Parks, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Department of Primary Industry Crown Lands. The report also noted in its key findings that ‘Council has adequate processes in place… in accordance with relevant legislative and statutory requirements… to ensure tenders are treated fairly, impartially and with due diligence.’ The report also included a confidential report to the Reserve Trust and advice from Marsdens Law Group. ‘All eyes across the nation have been on this case, and the precedent it may set for other surf schools who need
Council sub-licences to stay afloat,’ lem with the process. The process is okay – we endorsed it. It’s not about Mr Edwards told The Echo. local preference, its about the best Precedent benefit for the community for those After his school was denied the wanting to use it for commercial gain.’ Mr Edwards gave thanks to ‘the inright to operate, Mr Edwards took a consultancy role with Academy of credible support and understanding from fellow surf-school operators in Surfing Instructors (ASI). ‘A key function of this role is to the Byron Shire during this ordeal. ‘They saw how blatantly unfair and work with councils across the country to introduce flat rates for sub-licences, so eliminating the dangerous and fraught ‘auctioning’ style system which the Byron Shire Council apLegendary musicians Paul Simon pears to have recently attempted.’ During debate in the chambers, in- and Rufus Wainwright have been andemnity from litigation, due process nounced as the two latest acts added and setting a standard fee was dis- to Bluesfest 2013. They join legendary frontman of cussed between councillors and staff. Cr Basil Cameron was the only band Led Zeppelin Robert Plant, voter against the motion. ‘There is an Santana, Ben Harper, ex-Supertramp expectation that we will look after the singer/song writer Roger Hodgson, interest of all. I reject there was a prob- Jimmy Cliff, Iggy & The Stooges,
devastating this process was and how they could have been next. I look forward to a fair and decent flat rate being introduced by Byron Shire Council to ensure none of us have to go through this again. Special mention has to be made of the legendary elite coach, Steve Foreman, who also lost out. I have the feeling though, nothing can stop him from doing what he does best.’
Paul Simon confirmed for Bluesfest Madness, Wilco, Mavis Staples, Rodriguez, Chris Isaak, Steve Miller Band plus many more. For full festival lineup and playing schedule go to www.bluesfest.com.au. The 24th Bluesfest will take place between Thursday March 28 and Monday April 1, 2013 at Bluesfest’s permanent home at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm.
NOVEMBER CLEARANCE SALE 30 – 50% OFF EVERYTHING Open: 9am-5pm Monday to Friday Unit 5, 21-23 Tasman Way, Byron Bay Phone: 6680 7007 Website: www.creativelightingsolutions.com.au <echowebsection=Local News>