THE BYRON SHIRE Volume 31 #05 Wednesday, July 13, 2016
www.echo.net.au Phone 02 6684 1777 editor@echo.net.au adcopy@echo.net.au 23,200 copies every week CAB AUDIT
pages 17–19
T H E M I S U S E O F T H E W O R D L I T E R A L LY M A K E S M E F I G U R AT I V E LY I N S A N E
What? A Pauline Phillip Frazer examines Back to Arts Hanson resurgence? the comfort of school time feature Mandy Nolan – p32 conspiracies – p11 – p16–17 – p27
Cruising with chrome
The annual Back to Brunswick Hot Rod Run came to town last weekend. Visitors had the chance to see dozens of immaculate vehicles, including this 1927 Doctor’s Highboy Coupe. The only tarnish on owner Pauline Blenkins’s shiny show was losing a ring of great sentimental value near the pub. Pauline is offering a reward to the ring’s finder. Contact The Echo for details. Photo Eve Jeffery
Lennox BMX track plans spark argy bargy An independent Ballina Shire councillor pushing for a BMX track on a Lennox Head nature reserve has again come under fire from neighbouring residents, who accuse him of misrepresenting them. The development proposal is located at Ocean Breeze Reserve, and neighbours claim that the area has an 18-year-long history of residents wanting it to remain a ‘passive recreation’ area. A code of conduct complaint has been lodged with Ballina Shire Council by resident Allison Goodman against Cr Jeff Johnson, with claims he is spreading false claims about the affected neighbours through a let-
terbox drop. She says claims made in the letter were ‘misleading and disrespectful.’ In her complaint to the general manager, Ms Goodman also says information about the track lacks detail. She claims a July 7 letter to residents from Cr Johnson states that the adjoining landowners have made ‘outrageous claims’ in regard to increased crime and noise. She said, ‘These are not claims, these were legitimate questions raised by residents for were formally invited by [Council] to give feedback on this proposal.’ Among other complaints was the distribution of the letter with his ti-
tle as councillor stapled to an official council document. ‘It is extremely misleading and he has used his position to influence and take advantage for his own personal interest.’ But Cr Johnson refutes the claims, and provided The Echo with letters from residents in support. He said ‘It’s amazing the lengths Ms Goodman will go to in her unrelenting attempt to have the proposed children’s bike track located away from the park which adjoins her property. There is no interest like selfinterest, even if it is only perceived.’ ‘I stand by my comments about the outrageous claims that Ms Goodman has made.’
Take Back Your Power! Solar Energy 24 Hours A Day Why pay for electricity when it is cheaper to make your own? Selling your solar power for 4 - 6 cents per kWh sucks! Beat the network by generating and storing your own power. Our revolutionary new solar & battery systems put you in charge of your home energy production. We supply customised new or retrofit systems to match your power use - not a one size fits all package. You get personalised, local service with free 12 month power monitoring and tune ups.
NSW Solar bonus scheme ends this year!
Online in
netdaily
Lifeline Northern Rivers to expand life-saving service www.echo.net.au/lifeline-northernrivers-expand-life-saving-service
Mullumbimby affordable housing bid contested Luis Feliu & Hans Lovejoy
Byron Shire councillors opposed to a controversial 10-unit development on the site of an old fibro cottage in Stuart Street, Mullumbimby, have lodged a rescission motion in a bid to overturn last month’s narrow approval. The four councillors backing the local community against the plan for the development, on a singlehouse block, are Crs Simon Richardson, Duncan Dey, Basil Cameron and Rose Wanchap. The rescission motion will be dealt with at Byron Shire Council’s meeting of August 4. Surprisingly, Labor-affiliated Cr Paul Spooner unusually sided with the pro-development faction of Crs Sol Ibrahim, Di Woods, Chris Cubis and Alan Hunter in approving the contentious development, which council staff say would add to the stock of ‘affordable’ housing in the town. But locals argue it would set a precedent for increased density. Almost 100 objecting submissions were overruled in the approval, as well as more than 1,000 signatures on an online petition. Just three of the ten dwellings (30 per cent of the floor area) are actually proposed to be let as affordable housing. Mayor Richardson told The Echo his only issue, ‘was the number of units, and therefore the lack of car spaces and the tiny size of apartments.’ He said, ‘I totally support affordable housing, yet this would have been great if it were six to eight units rather than ten.’
‘Because of the feedback given by myself, who opposed the plan as submitted, the developers have agreed to voluntarily reconsider the design. ‘The applicants have entered into discussions with staff and me about amendments to the design and site layout of the proposal to address issues raised. ‘This is potentially another example of the benefits of some councillors having the courage to say “no, it can actually lead to better outcomes”.’
Negative message Meanwhile Cr Spooner said it ‘sends a very negative message about dealing with Byron Shire Council as it is a clear attempt to frustrate an approved redevelopment.’ He said, ‘I believe it is an abuse of process, should be reconsidered and withdrawn.’ ‘Do we want Mullumbimby to go the same way as Byron Bay in terms of over-priced redevelopment?’ Cr Spooner also doesn’t believe it will lead to a precedent as the affordable housing policy allows for such density. But resident Daniel Smallwood says the plan did not pass or comply with the character test in Clause 16A of the SEPP (State Environmental Planning Policy 2011), which urges that consideration be given to whether the design of the development is compatible with the character of the local area. He said, ‘We acknowledge there is a lack of affordable housing in Mullumbimby, and something needs to be done. But this proposal is not the answer.’
“I love showing people how they can beat the electricity network and save money with solar power. Why support big coal and CSG companies to profit from your electricity use? Take back your power Now!”
Affordable Hybrid and Off Grid Solar Battery Storage & Solar Hot Water 888
Call Vincent Selleck for a Free Consultation
Ph 02 6688 4480 www.888solartek.com.au