THE BYRON SHIRE Volume 32 #13 Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Chinny Charge
www.echo.net.au Phone 02 6684 1777 editor@echo.net.au adcopy@echo.net.au 23,200 copies every week
pages 22-23
DISCIPLE OF THE BYRON SHIRE SCHOOL OF EXISTENTIAL RISK
Local businesses Blood on the Health & Want Cinema speak of downturn, floor for budget Healing feature food pics? reviews rent stress – p8 estimates – p12 – p27 – 30 – p44 – p51
Controversial shark nets to return Staff reporters
North coast MLC Ben Franklin (Nationals) has defended his government’s decision to reinstate shark nets for the north coast in the coming summer, despite their apparent lack of effectiveness and high marine life kill rate. Recent data from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) show the five north coast shark nets caught just three per cent of sharks while SMART drumlines caught 92 per cent of sharks. Additionally, a DPI phone survey for the region indicates a negative view of the nets at 33 per cent, a decline from 46 per cent before the trial. Newscorp (Murdoch) media trumpeted the shark net trial as ‘hugely successful’ and attacked unspecified ‘greenies’ who last year protested when then NSW premier Mike Baird announced the trial last year. But Greens Ballina MP Tamara Smith believes shark nets are ‘a sad waste of money which could be much better spent on more drone surveillance, extra jetboat patrols or funding a community group such as SharkWatch. SharkWatch volunteers scan the water with binoculars and drones for shark activity and warn people in the water that sharks are nearby.’
Not science based The Humane Society International have also condemned the nets, claiming the decision ‘flies in the face of science’. Head of campaigns Nicola Beynon said, ‘It shows
the government is letting the Daily Telegraph dictate public policy decisions rather than having the courage to follow what their own data have shown them.’ The Echo asked Mr Franklin, ‘It appears smart drumlines are more effective – would you agree, and, what scientific data/metrics and/or advice have informed the government’s decision to reinstate the nets?’ Franklin replied, ‘Public safety is the key priority for the NSW government.’ ‘We aim to minimise the risk to swimmers and surfers from shark attacks and the amount of by-catch caught. ‘Every available technology is implemented to reduce the impact on threatened species.’ Franklin continued, ‘Shark nets are fitted with a number of “dolphin pingers” and “whale alarms” to deter the marine mammals from the netted area. Contractors are required to free all animals found alive in the nets where it is practical and safe to do so. ‘Following the analysis of results of the first net trial, the NSW Government determined more data are needed in order to make a long-term decision on the future of the nets. ‘During the six-month trial we tested both nets and SMART drumlines, and while the drumlines proved more effective at catching “target” sharks, a further trial will provide more evidence of the nets’ effectiveness and allow us to address some of the issues raised. continued on page 2
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Travel inspiration in Lennox Head www.echo.net.au/travel-inspirationlennox-head
Unicorns at Shearwater
Laura Clarke with Quietway Comanche at Saturday’s Shearwater Spring Fair. Quietway delighted many children with his gentle nature. Who can resist a unicorn ride? Photo Jeff ‘Unicorned’ Dawson
Nats leader grilled over March flood NSW Nationals leader and deputy premier John Barilaro faced tough questions at a Senate estimate hearing last week over his government’s response to the ex-Cyclone Debbie in March. Labor MLC John Graham challenged Barilaro’s knowledge of the flood and questioned why the Category C funding for small businesses took in much longer to be approved than other areas. The Echo previously reported that Byron Shire was provided funding assistance much later than other shires.
Affordable Freedom!
Graham also asked why there was inequity for funding across the region. Graham told the chamber, ‘Category C funding started flowing to small businesses months after the declaration of a natural disaster.’ ‘There was significant paperwork, even if some of the paperwork and computers had been washed away. There have been reports that small businesses in some areas were eligible for $15,000 in funding, some were eligible for $10,000, some received no funding and some were given grants of $25,000. Businesses across the border in QLD were re-
portedly eligible for $25,000. Why did businesses in Tumbulgum receive less funding than others?’ In reply, Barilaro claimed his government, ‘responded more quickly than any other state,’ and ‘We were on the ground early through the Office of the Small Business Commissioner.’ Yet when Graham pressed Barilaro again on the question of when the first Category C payments begin to flow to small businesses, Barilaro admitted he didn’t know. Instead, Small Business Commissioner Robyn Hobbs told the continued on page 3
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