THE BYRON SHIRE Volume 30 #10 Wednesday, August 19, 2015
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S P E A K I N G F R E E LY M AY E A S I LY O F F E N D T H E A L R E A D Y O F F E N D E D
R E J U V E N AT E PA M P E R PAGES 16–17 I N D U LG E
AUDIT
Political inquiry Letters of Spag Byron Real Gig gets political – complaint and Circus 2 Bruns Estate guide Mungo – p8 praise – p9 – p18–19 – p20 – p21–27 – p37
Celebrating 20 years
Last weekend saw the 14th Bangalow Music Festival which also marked 20 years since the Southern Cross Soloists, who present the program, were formed. Pictured are violinists Victoria Sayles and Alan Smith, playing Vivaldi at Sunday afternoon’s closing concert. A photo gallery is posted at www.echo.net.au. Photo Jeff ‘Nothing But Violins’ Dawson
Online in
netdaily
Land-clearing code ‘still risky’ despite changes www.echo.net.au/land-clearing-code-stillrisky-despite-changes/
Byron paid parking thrashed out – again Paid-parking plans again consumed last Thursday morning, with Councillors debating amendment upon amendment and lodging unexpected motions. The issue has split the controlling rightwing voting block of Crs Hunter, Woods, Ibrahim, Cubis and Wanchap. While Cr Hunter appears to have no doubts, Woods and Cubis seem reluctant and Ibrahim and Wanchap are against (Wanchap voted for while Crs Ibrahim and Cubis against). Mayor Richardson and Crs Cameron and Spooner were in favour while Cr Dey was absent. So what’s the latest? A ratepayer exemption fee of $50 per annum for fee-paying locals would now apply, down from the previous $100. A non-Shire resident worker/volunteer exemption fee of $100 per annum will also apply, with a report requested on establishing
costs, benefits and other criteria. Recognition was also made of the markets and their desire to stay on at Butler Street. Current plans would see the Butler Street reserve being developed as an ‘all day carpark, operating 6am to 6pm daily with an hourly rate of $3, up to a maximum of $20 all day.’ Cr Ibrahim told the chamber that previously he voted against the project and asked for more consultation but was outvoted. ‘Now we are finally starting to see how underdeveloped it is’. He spoke of the unknown impacts of Butler Street parking and the carpark spaces at the yet-to-bebuilt Mercato shopping centre. A foreshadowed motion by Cr Ibrahim for Council to wait until the bypass is completed before implementing paid parking was unsuccessful. For more, see Council’s advertisment on page 13.
GM rebuffs Echo story on EDO letter over rock wall Council’s general manager (GM) Ken Gainger is disputing last week’s story regarding due process over a legal letter sent to Council over its controversial rock wall project at Belongil. On behalf of non-government organisation Positive Change for Marine, a letter from the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) has asked Council to provide an environmental impact study (EIS). The Echo understands the EDO requested a response by July 31 or an injunction may be filed. Mr Gainger contends due process was followed and the mayor was ‘aware of the letter (from a source other than Council) the following day (internal email from the mayor to staff on Wednesday July 29 confirmed), not the “end of the week” as The Echo reported.’ But Cr Paul Spooner told The Echo, ‘I am able to confirm that councillors were informed of the details of the EDO let-
ter in a confidential memo on August 6. At the time, it was indicated that Council was seeking legal advice regarding the issues raised by the letter.’ Mr Gainger continued, ‘As is usual with any matters of a legal nature, the EDO letter was immediately (upon receipt) referred to Council’s legal services co-ordinator for action.’
Complex legal issues ‘Because of the complex legal issues surrounding Belongil coastal protection matters, the legal services co-ordinator forwarded the EDO letter to Council’s Sydney-based lawyers for advice before responding to the EDO. Councillors were advised of this. ‘Contrary to The Echo’s suggestion, no Council meeting was ever contemplated or suggested for August 3 or 4 to deal with the
EDO letter. Contrary to The Echo report, the EDO letter did not go “disregarded”. It was dealt with promptly, legal advice was urgently sought, and the Council responded to the EDO, agreeing to give them 72 hours notice of construction work commencing at Belongil. The GM being off sick had no bearing on the EDO letter being promptly and appropriately dealt with. ‘It is not unusual for the council to be threatened with legal action – such threats are made regularly and are only occasionally proceeded with. It is usual for the council to seek advice on the veracity of legal matters before informing councillors. Due process was followed.’ In reply, The Echo contends that the mayor was quoted accurately and in good faith, specifically The Echo reported the mayor’s understanding of Council staff ’s response to the letter and whether a meeting was planned.
Gyuto Monks Return! Free All Day For Everyone – Saturday 29 August We are looking forward to another wonderful week of Gyuto magic as we welcome our dear friends the Gyuto monks back to the Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens to celebrate the third birthday of the Kalachakra World Peace Stupa. The monks will be doing their full program over 24–29 August. On the final day they will also conduct the White Tara Long Life Empowerment ceremony with an hour of chanting followed by a guided visualisation.
See program: crystalcastle.com.au/experiences/
crystalcastle.com.au