Local News Massive Jonson Street hotel DA extended Byron Residents Group are urging concerned residents to have their say over a massive hotel proposal next to Mercato on Jonson Street after submissions were extended. They say the proposal exceeds planning polices, such as floor space and height, while the traffic and dewatering reports are inadequate. Council are collecting submissions, and they can be emailed to submissions@ byron.nsw.gov.au.
New plaque unveiled
General & family dentistry Crowns Bridges & Veneers | Smile Design Software Laser Treatments | Cosmetic Orthodontics Safe Amalgam Removals | Endodontics Airflow Tooth Cleaning | Periodontics
A new memorial plaque commemorating George and Rupert Harvison, whose family donated the land for Mullumbimby Showgrounds to the Mullumbimby Agricultural Society in 1908, has been remounted. Pictured is Annette Simpson, niece of George and Rupert Harvison, with Mullum Showground committee chairman Arthur Hatch, and Mullum Agricultural Show Society chairman Mark Ward. Photo Jeff Dawson
Council’s cultural and arts policy delayed Hans Lovejoy Despite public outrage over Council’s $50,000 ‘Disco Dong’, an overhaul of Council’s cultural and arts policy was pushed back at last week’s Council meeting, again, despite efforts by Cr Jan Hackett (Labor). Greens mayor Simon Richardson took umbrage at her motion, which noted there were ‘no direction priorities in place for spending in the cultural domain.’
Cr Hackett’s motion also recognised that ‘current spending in the cultural domain is being delivered without community sanction and, in many cases, benefit’. The mayor was visibly annoyed and lectured Cr Hackett over criticising Council. He called the motion ‘inflammatory and inaccurate,’ and told Cr Hackett, ‘It’s a shame you decided to smack into Council because you couldn’t get your way. You can’t say “give us the
money”. I spent a lot of time going through budget to find $100,000 [for an arts policy co-ordinator]. I’m trying to create a win.’ It later emerged that Council’s art policy is outdated and only deals with Aboriginal art. Drafting a new policy has been put back because it’s not seen as core business, Cr Hackett said. Cr Hackett added, ‘It upsets me that we get no bang for our buck with our spending; instead we get
criticism and derision… the contract for the Bayshore Drive sculpture was full of holes…’ Eventually councillors voted for the funding to be sourced at a later stage. Meanwhile, a new petition up on change.org (bit. ly/2FLaVJD) is calling for the removal of the Disco Dong sculpture, located on Bayshore Drive roundabout. The last online petition calling for its removal in December attracted nearly 2,900 signatures.
02 6694 3083 Dr Marcus O’Meara 59/1 Porter Street, Byron Bay, NSW 2481
Khentrul Rinpoche Renowned Scholar and Teacher of Tibetan Buddhism Khentrul Rinpoche will give a public talk on
The Knowledge Necessary to Know Peace and Happiness Sunday July 7, 4 – 6pm, $10 Byron Theatre, 69 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
WEEKEND TEACHING:
Taming the Wild Horse of the Mind Saturday 13 July and Sunday 14 July 10am – noon, 2 – 5pm, both days Marvell Hall, 37 Marvell St, Byron Bay Limited space, pre-register online: katogcholing.com/thekey. Chairs are provided, but if you prefer to meditate in a traditional sitting posture on the floor, please bring your own cushion. Questions: email juliabevins@hotmail.com.
y b m i b m Mullu
SALE SINGLE BED
FROM $30 UP TO
70% OFF
STOREWIDE
BEDDING • PLUSH TOYS • ACCESSORIES 33 BURRINGBAR STREET, MULLUMBIMBY www.echo.net.au/byron-echo Byron Shire Echo archives
`ƖōƷ Ǫǽ ǩǧǨǰ The Byron Shire Echo 5