Tweed Echo – Issue 2.09 – 29/10/2009

Page 1

Melbourne

Cup 2009

THE TWEED SHIRE Volume 2 #09 Thursday, October 29, 2009 Advertising and news enquiries: Phone: (02) 6672 2280 Fax: (02) 6672 4933 editor@tweedecho.com.au adcopy@tweedecho.com.au www.tweedecho.com.au

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LOCAL & INDEPENDENT

Outspoken Hastings Point local targeted Luis Feliu

Environmental champion Richard Gow feels he is under siege after officers from Coffs Harbour-based water police and Fisheries arrived at his Hastings Point home as tensions mount in his strife-torn village. The 44-year-old local mechanic and father of three has been left shaking his head as conflicting accounts began emerging this week about the reasons behind the surprise visit two weeks ago by a team which also included a council ranger. But Mr Gow, who has compiled an extensive video and photographic record of the slow destruction of the Cudgera Creek estuary system, is convinced the heavy-weight response is linked to moves by a developer to reinforce fencing around his vast Creek Street property with barbed wire.

Regular patrols

Dynamic firie duo honoured Kim Cousins

Burringbar Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers Therese and Frank Zambelli (pictured) have been awarded lifetime membership for their combined 20 years service. The awards were presented to the couple last month during the unveiling of the restored Burringbar cenotaph. ‘I think that means we can’t leave,’ joked Therese. If volunteer numbers keep dropping, Therese and Frank may be the only ones left.

‘There are very low memberships, all brigades are looking for more volunteers,’ Therese said. ‘We’re waiting for the young ones to take over.’ Tweed RFS superintendent Dave Cook said the couple were deserving of their award and an integral part of the service. ‘It’s not very often the brigade gives out lifetime membership awards,’ Dave said. ‘Frank does repairs and Therese is the first aid officer. They are also involved in education and safety. ‘If you can educate the community

it minimises the number and impact of fires.’ Dave said the service was always on the lookout for volunteers, especially given the recent spate of fires in the Tweed, Clarence and Tamworth areas. ‘It’s just something you do,’ Therese said of her commitment. ‘Sometimes you can be called out five times a week, other times it is very quiet. During high fire periods we’re very busy and when it’s wet and flooding we help the SES.’ If you have time to volunteer with the firies, call 6672 7888.

The developer, Walter Elliott Holdings, reignited long simmering tensions over the contentious fence when he also installed a caretaker in a new two-storey house on the property with instructions to conduct regular fence patrols. (see story on page 2). Mr Gow says while he’s no fan of the fence he’s learnt to live with it, but concedes it has upset many creek users, particularly students studying the estuary, tourists and some older fishermen. He says when the three-man team arrived at his house with a police boat in tow he was up the road attending a Land and Environment Court case relating to one of three massive developments which residents are fighting to prevent further degradation of their fragile creeks. ‘Neighbours thought I was being victimised because of my opposition

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to the Creek Street development, one told me the Fisheries ranger and police officer had a look in my backyard,’ he said. ‘When I later rang the police officer to see what it was all about, he told me that Athol Youngblutt, the developer’s caretaker, was worried about his well being and emphasised that he was the caretaker and not the developer.

Barbed-wire fence ‘He suggested I organise a conflict resolution meeting with the community and the developer. He agreed there was an issue with the barbedwire fence along the estuary foreshore and said he would speak to the landowner. ‘I have no idea why I was singled out apart from the fact I might be seen as a greenie because I’ve never had any argument with Athol and I even ring him for permission to go onto the site to retrieve my boys’ footballs or round up stray chooks.’ Mr Gow said he contacted Mr Elliott to discuss the opportunity for a meeting but ended up copping an earful of abuse. When The Echo called the Fisheries officer, Bradley Harrison, he declined to comment on the issue, referring questions to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), but was happy to discuss recent mangrove destruction at Tumbulgum The Echo also contacted water police officer, Senior Constable Gordon Prewett, who said he had ‘bumped into’ the Fisheries officer and decided to accompany him on the visit, which was related to ‘a fisheries matter’. DPI media officer Phil Bevan said the visit was to investigate a complaint by an unnamed ‘informant’ about ‘mangrove damage’, which was found continued on page 2

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