THE BYRON SHIRE Volume 33 #03 Wednesday, June 27, 2018
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Regulated rural weddings and events edge closer Hans Lovejoy
Weddings, events and function centres in the Shire’s rural areas could be soon regulated after councillors voted last Thursday to send their planning proposal to the state government for Gateway determination. If approved, the Byron Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2014 would be amended to ‘permit function centres in the RU2 Rural Landscape Zone with development consent and subject to appropriate controls relating to site suitability and management.’ Greens Cr Michael Lyon broke a deadlock between those in favour and against, after adopting mayor Simon Richardson’s motion to proceed. Cr Basil Cameron opposed proceeding because ‘wedding function use and other uses [are] inconsistent with the zoning objectives for the RU2 zone as the proposed uses are not “associated with primary production and environmental conservation”. And owing to the public feedback that was largely against the planning proposal, Cr Cameron sought to ‘Engage with community and the wedding industry to develop a “well managed and sustainable industry for all” that particularly examines existing facilities in zones with objectives that can accommodate weddings and other functions.’ Cr Lyon’s foreshadowed motion passed (Crs Coorey and Cameron voted against) and ensures ‘that all amplified music will cease no later than 8pm; and that all event attendees will be off site no later than 8.30pm.’
Originally, the mayor’s motion called for a 10pm curfew. Under the proposal, function centres in the RU1 Primary Produce Zone will not be allowed. Additionally, Council staff have been asked to ‘Investigate the possibility of implementing a registration system for approved rural function centres.’ During morning public access, Jane Magnus from the Byron Events Association supported the proposal, saying that management plans are needed. But Matthew O’Reilly, aka Cleva, representing The Community Alliance for Byron Shire (CABS), spoke against. He said, ‘It’s disingenuous to say there is public support.’ ‘This is only supported by those who want it. How will increasing events lower pressure on infrastructure? ‘This will add zero dollars [to Council’s finances]. You all know people are fed up with overdevelopment… [councillors] should defer this to get more prescriptive. In Tweed Shire, councillors made an amendment for water extraction. The community were against it, and then heaps of applications were lodged.’ During councillor debate, Greens Cr Sarah Ndiaye asked staff if there are fewer compliance problems in recent times. Director planning Shannon Burt replied yes, yet added that it could be owing to weddings being seasonal. Cr Ndiaye also questioned where will wedding patrons go after 8pm. ‘Will they go to other venues? Isn’t this moving the problem?’
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Bodi Neylan rocks out with the Mullum Primary band for the Pocket School’s annual Winter Festival on Sunday. Shearwater and Cape Byron Steiner also celebrated the winter solstice last week. Photo Jeff Dawson
Disability service provider collapses Chris Dobney
QLD-based disability service provider FSG Australia, which has hundreds of clients on the northern rivers, told staff on Friday that the company is going into voluntary administration on June 30. Meanwhile the Services Union say they have filed a dispute with the Fair Work Commission in relation to FSG and its lack of consultation with its workforce.
Revenue loss As Echonetdaily reported in March, the company flagged problems its annual report, saying that it recorded a $5.2 million loss of revenue last financial year, representing
7.6 per cent of gross income. FSG describes itself as a ‘forpurpose community organisation offering a wide range of innovative services in the fields of disability, mental health, aged care, family and children’s services’. Its diversified portfolio includes a cafe, retail and co-working spaces, FSG Travel, a nursery, packaging and selling environmentally friendly cleaning products, and the Rock Indoor Climbing Gym. A spokesperson for the company told The Echo that while administrators will not be appointed until June 30, arrangements were already in train with ‘a very large provider’ with a view to that organisation taking over ‘some of FSG’s clients’.
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The Echo understands this arrangement will include the company’s clients on the northern rivers. FSG CEO Vicki Batten said in a statement, ‘FSG – like many organisations in our sector – has had to make large investment decisions to prepare for the NDIS, and despite our best efforts it has become clear that we cannot continue to deliver our high quality of support to our customers.’ ‘With this announcement, our priority now is to ensure our customers can transition to a new service provider with minimal disruption. Richmond MP Justine Elliot (federal Labor) confirmed she wrote to social services minister Dan Tehan continued on page 2
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