THE BYRON SHIRE
Byron Bay Film Festival Program in this issue
Volume 32 #16 Wednesday, September 27, 2017
www.echo.net.au Phone 02 6684 1777 editor@echo.net.au adcopy@echo.net.au 23,200 copies every week
I F O N LY P O L I T I C I A N S C O M M I T T E D T O C L I M AT E S C I E N C E L I K E T H E Y D O VA C C I N AT I O N S C I E N C E
It’s camel by committee! Council roundup – p8
Is it really made in Byron? – p10, 11
School holidays! – p24–26
Home & Garden – p21–23
Gig guide – p45
Bruns paid parking rejected by chamber The Brunswick Heads Chamber of Commerce has told The Echo that parking in Brunswick Heads can be improved, but are strongly against the introduction of paid parking. It comes after Council’s general manager Ken Gainger suggested that, if introduced, it could raise $900,000 per year for the town. According to chamber president Zac Tooth ‘There are better ways to fix our parking issues that won’t destroy our fragile economy or result in job losses for locals.’ ‘For years the Chamber’s position has been to reduce some of the existing parking time limits around Brunswick Heads and increase the turnover of spaces. Specific suggestions include more one-hour zones, 15-minute “hot spot zones” (such as outside the bank), a drop-off area at Torakina beach, additional loading zones, better located disabled-access parking, dedicated motorbike parking and the creation of more parking spaces. ‘The importance of this issue for Brunswick Heads cannot be underestimated,’ says Tooth.
Lack of consultation ‘We have all worked hard over the past 15 years to revitalise our economy, create jobs and nurture our Simple Pleasures ethos. We do not want to see this destroyed by the introduction of paid parking.’ He says the chamber is ‘surprised by the lack of consultation to date.’ ‘We pride ourselves on working together with Council and other stakeholders on community pro-
jects and to resolve any issues that arise in the village,’ says Tooth. ‘We don’t understand why we have been kept in the dark about paid parking. The chamber was not informed that such an important issue was to be discussed at a Council ordinary meeting on August 24. Therefore, no-one was present to represent Brunswick Heads. In contrast, the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce has a voice, as two councillors are associated with their chamber. ‘The meeting was presented with exactly the same recommendations for both Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads: to consult with the community on a possible implementation of a revised parking layout (with reduced time limits) and a pay parking scheme. However, the final resolutions were different. The possible pay parking scheme was dropped for Mullumbimby but not for Brunswick Heads.’ He says the chamber does not agree that there would be significant benefits to the village. ‘Many locals are not impressed with the “sweetener” offer of revenue raised being allocated directly to Brunswick Heads-based projects. Brunswick’s income from outdoor dining fees is not quarantined for Brunswick projects, so there isn’t a lot of confidence that any paid parking revenue would be either,’ says Tooth. ‘The chamber looks forward to meeting with Council soon to discuss its concerns and alternative ideas. After all, there should be little disagreement. The Chamber’s views, bar continued on page 2
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Public safety put at risk by airport developments www.echo.net.au/public-safety-putrisk-airport-developments
Circus feats this weekend!
This weekend is all about the circus at the Mullum Showgrounds, where two big tops will feature acrobats and performers for the Mullum Circus Festival. Director Shien Chee says the industry ‘creates one-third of Australian cultural exports and our best are coming to this festival. There will be wildly successful global touring artists performing alongside local faves and young stars on the rise!’ For more visit www.mullumcircusfest.com. Pictured are performers Willow Darling and Jai Lee. Photo Jeff Dawson
Pyramid scheme resurfaces Hans Lovejoy
An international pyramid scheme is duping women from the area, say a number of locals. The Echo reported the issue in 2013 when a group called Women’s Wisdom Circle was operating and cloaking itself in themes of new-age spirituality and women’s empowerment. The latest incarnation is called the Lotus Circle, which The Echo understands is run by the same group of women who ran the Women’s Wisdom Circle.
Under the Australian Consumer Act 2010 [Part 3-1 Division 3], it is illegal to participate in a pyramid scheme or attempt to induce someone to join one. Like a pyramid scheme, Lotus Circle women part with a $5,000 ‘unconditional gift’ to join as a ‘seed’ and are lured with a promise of an eventual $40,000 if they ultimately blossom into a ‘lotus’. Recruitment is made generally through social media or face to face. Additionally a new circle has emerged, called Fractal Circles,
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which encourages men to also join. Local woman Karma Barnes says apart from a strong Byron Shire presence, the Lotus network also includes chapters in New Zealand, Bali, California, Hawaii and Canada. ‘I have seen a lot of women being sucked in around Byron Shire and New Zealand,’ she says. ‘I am really concerned for women, particularly new women to the area, that may be targeted. It’s deeply unethical and predatory. Because of the exponential growth, there will always continued on page 3
18 Quality ‘Trevor Mead’ Meat Trays to be won!
Why not stay for dinner - Bistro open from 5.30pm
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