THE BYRON SHIRE ECHO Advertising & news enquiries: Mullumbimby 02 6684 1777 Byron Bay 02 6685 5222 Fax 02 6684 1719 editor@echo.net.au adcopy@echo.net.au http://www.echo.net.au VOLUME 20 #52 TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2006 22,300 copies every week $1 at newsagents only
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It was all downhill at Bangalow’s billycart derby Alex McAuley Whoever was in charge of organising the weather did a great job for the Bangalow Billycart Derby; despite the threat of rain the day stayed fine for the duration of the event. And once again it proved to be one of the most popular events on the Byron Shire community calendar with the number of entries up from last year, all cheered on by a large and enthusiastic crowd of spectators. President of the Bangalow Rugby Club Tony Heeson, who coordinated the event this year, was very pleased with the outcome. ‘This is such a beautiful area with such a diverse community so it was typical that the main race of this family day [open professional race] was won by Sax Leather – the sex shop in Byron Bay!’ said Tony. ‘Everything went really well. I was almost moved to tears during the parade when I drove [108 year
old Bangalow legend] Frank and Nell Scarrabelotti down the hill. The crowd gave them such an overwhelming response; they were really proud of having him in their town.’ One of the highlights of derby day this year was the skateboarding which attracted a huge number of participants including a lot of locals. The finals of the Australian Slalom Championships were run and spectators were in awe of the level of skill displayed by the competitors as they wove their way down the course at breakneck speed. Not to be outdone, the celebrities bared their teeth to put on a very competitive race which Member for Ballina Don Page won by a whisker from Byron Shire Mayor Jan Barham. Mandy Nolan came in third, possible hampered by her handbag which she’d shoved up her skirt in an effort to prevent spectators from getting a front on view of
her knickers as she sped down the hill. Tony Heeson was mildly disappointed with the result as he’d hoped to rig the race so Margot Sweeney from Summerland Credit Union would win it, but political cunning came to the fore as Don and Jan snaffled the fastest carts before Tony could put his plan into action. ‘The only thing I’d change for next year is to streamline the racing,’ said Tony. ‘We need to keep on top of the kids who sneak into heats when they fail to qualify for the finals. We had several kids do that this year, so the number of races ballooned from 50 to 60 which really slowed things down. Otherwise it was a really successful day. All the local food outlets were terrific and put on a excellent choice of meals and snacks. It was just a perfect example of the community working well together and having lots of fun while doing so.’
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Long way to the ground
Eden Burke takes the Leap of Faith from the Tower of Terror at last Sunday’s Brunswick Valley Fiesta staged by the Mullumbimby Adventist School. The fiesta also included a pet parade, fashion parade, and much more entertainment for children. Photo Jeff ‘When Push Comes To Shove’ Dawson
Tweed threatens Byron with legal action on bund
Tara Perry takes a spill. Photo Jeff ‘Sideburns’ Dawson. More photos in Sport and on The Echo website inside ‘Gallery’. Click on Echo Extra May 06 folder.
NEW SEASON
Tweed Shire Council claims it will start legal action against Byron Shire Council in a month if Byron Council fails to remove the Kallaroo Circuit bund at North Ocean Ocean Shores. Tweed said the bund is blocking the natural discharge of floodwaters from Byron Shire’s Yelgun Creek catchment to the Brunswick River and is diverting them north into Tweed Shire. According to a press release from Tweed Council, ‘Concerns have been raised that the duration of floods has been lengthened in the lower south eastern parts of Tweed Shire, resulting in severe crop losses and economic hardship to sugar cane growers and other affected landowners. Landowners have now been suffering these losses, with no offer of compensation from Byron
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Shire, for over 14 years. ‘There are significant flooding problems in the North Ocean Shores area of Byron Shire which stem from poor urban planning practices in past years. The diversion of Yelgun Creek floodwaters seems to have been an attempt to partially remediate these problems. However artificially diverting floodwaters to the detriment of Tweed Shire landowners is considered to be unjust, unlawful and environmentally indefensible. ‘Byron Shire Council acknowledged the unauthorized action in 1996 and entered into an agreement with Tweed Shire Council and the Mooball Crabbes Creek Drainage Union to install two 3.3m x 2.1m box culverts in the bund continued on page 2