A victim of twice convicted paedophile John William Hardy wants more victims to tell their stories to help them deal with their trauma and to ensure he stays in jail for the rest of his life. Hardy, 71, was convicted in Adelaide earlier this year on charges of molesting five young boys on Kangaroo Island between 2002 and 2019. He was sentenced to years jail, with a 12-year non-parole period. In 1991 Hardy was jailed after he was found guilty of molesting at least 15 boys in Maclean. One of those Maclean victims is James de Dassel. He was just seven years old when the abuse started. Mr de Dassell, now in his 40s, runs a successful business and is a father of two young children.

Bendy Bridge’s 90th birthday bash

TIM HOWARD

When the Grafton Bridge opened 90 years ago, it was a big deal.

The program for the day’s event on July 19, 1932, bore the august title “Clarence River double-decker rail and road bridge” and the dignitary cutting the ribbon with golden scissors was no less than Australian Governor General, Sir Isaac Isaacs.

Hundreds of Graftonians turned out on Sunday to celebrate the passage of those 90 years and relative good health of the the bridge.

As Clarence Mayor Ian Tiley noted, these days we are less formal and the engineering marvel that crosses the Clarence at Grafton is colloquially known as “the Bendy Bridge”.

But the bash for the bridge’s 90th birthday did attract some frepower with the NSW Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Sam Faraway on site, knife in hand to cut one of the two special birthday cakes made for the occasion.

Cr Tiley noted the historical and engineering rarity of the bending double decker bridge carrying both train and cars across the river.

He also noted the original tenders to build the bridge were too rich for the government of the day and instead the Department of Public Works took the project on at a cost of 500,000 pounds.

He compared this to the $240 million price tag for the new Grafton bridge built 100m or so downstream.

Sunday’s festivities included a sausage sizzle, an enthusiastic rendition of Happy Birthday to You for the bridge.

People queued for the chance to sign the visitor’s book and enjoyed the outstanding weather the Clarence Valley turned on for the occasion.

Stress… a bird’s eye view by Nigel Dawe

FOR well over a century, popular culture has been privy to the expression ‘fight or flight’ thanks to the findings of Harvard psychologist, Walter Bradford Cannon. Walter being the same go-getter who managed to get ‘Mount Cannon’ named in his honour after scaling a previously unscaled peak in the wilds of Montana whilst on his honeymoon in 1901.

To say Cannon might well have veered more often down the fight path, as his last name aptly suggests might be an understatement, but one thing that is clear – his turn of phrase for the acute stress response of every animal in nature when faced with danger, has certainly stuck.

Not to digress, because I thought the catchy concept of ‘fight or flight’ might only work in English, but it translates ridiculously well across the entire globe. ‘Pertarungan atau penerbangan’ is how it rolls off the tongue in Indonesian; and not to be outdone or left behind in any way is how the phrase ‘takes off’ in Zulu: ‘ukulwa noma indiza.’

Strangely enough, being stressed over any infinite number of things in our surrounds (and how we respond accordingly) is nothing new to us human beings. As far back as Ancient Rome, the leading wordsmith of the day, Horace, coined the all-strife, struggle and altitude conquering phrase: “Remember, when life becomes steep to keep an even mind.”

So, that’s the fun part; the more serious side to stress, which according to research – is something 91% of Australians will feel at some stage with regard to one or more important parts of their life. The dreaded ‘S’ word is found to be a key contributor to many, if not all of the top causes of death (such as heart disease, cancer, accidents and high blood pressure) in the western world.

The degree of stress any one of us feel on any given day is largely determined by such things as our coping skills and thinking patterns. It is also understood that some of the main sources of stress in the broader community are derived from issues pertaining to money, work/ job stability, relationships, personal safety, and health.

It has been scientifically proven that laughing reduces stress hormones in our body and it also helps to strengthen our immune system. The consumption of dark chocolate is another ‘tonic’ that apparently helps to reduce the hormones that heighten stress; getting enough sleep and sufficient physical activity are other ways to counter the pressing effects of worry on our lives.

According to other studies, the topmost stressful jobs were found to be commercial airline pilots, surgeons, photojournalists, advertising account executives and real estate agents. At the other end of the ‘cruisy’ work-life spectrum were dietitians, astronomers, system analysts and software engineers.

Irrespective of what you do as a line of work, or what you stress out about the most, Stephen R. Covey was perhaps spot-on by saying: “Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important…The key is not to prioritise what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities

Councillors sleep rough to raise funds for homeless

Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry and Councillor Nola Firth will leave the warmth and comfort of their homes behind for one night during August to raise awareness of rising homeless numbers in the Tweed.

The Councillors will join community leaders from across the Tweed when they participate in the annual Fred’s Place Vinnies Community Sleepout at Seagulls Club at Tweed Heads West on Friday 19 August from 6pm.

The pair will call an empty cardboard box home for the night as they brave the cold to raise awareness and funds for Fred’s Place – the only drop-in centre for homeless people in the Tweed.

“The situation with homelessness in the Tweed Shire has reached breaking point,” Cr Cherry said.

“We had already declared a housing emergency before the COVID-19 migration, now the devastating floods have taken a further 500 homes out of circulation.

“Everybody deserves to be able to access that basic right of shelter. This is not a situation that is going to get better without serious intervention.

“We are calling on the owners of short-term holiday rental properties in the Tweed to spare a thought for these people and rent out their homes to those in need.

“The 2021 Census figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics recently showed 3,892 or 9.4% of private dwellings in the Tweed were unoccupied on the night of the Census. Think how much that could help if only half of these homes were added to the permanent rental pool.”

Cr Nola Firth, who participated in her first St Vinnies Sleepout last year, said the growing number of homeless people across Australia was “a disgrace”.

“It really distresses me that in a country as rich as Australia we should have a growing number of people homeless in our community: this wasn’t the case when I was younger and Australia was less affluent,” Cr Firth said.

“In 2016, the Census showed us there were 444 people who were homeless in the Tweed – I hate to think what that figure is now after the flood.

“It may be only a token thing for us to sleep rough for one night but it’s better than nothing. I feel very strongly about this.”

Cr Firth has called for a workshop to update Councillors on the issue of homelessness in the Tweed and look at what can be done to assist.

“I know it is a State issue but it is so serious we all need to be doing something about it,” she said.

All funds raised will go towards Fred’s Place which is the only dropin centre in the region and is fully funded by donations.

Fred’s Place has recorded an increase in demand for services since the flood. The centre provides a place for the vulnerable to access services ranging from food and health support to laundry and bathroom facilities.

Last year, the 2021 Fred’s Place Vinnies Community Sleepout raised $40,000 – a strong result after the Sleepout had to turn virtual at the last minute due to a COVID-19 lockdown.

To find out more and to support Crs Cherry and Firth in their campaigns, visit Fred’s Place Vinnies Community Sleepout 2022.

LEADING THE WAY IN BUSHFIRE RESILIENCE

NSW will be a world leader in bushfire technology commercialisation and position itself for international export of innovative bushfire solutions under a NSW Government program.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the Bushfire Commercialisation Fund presents opportunities for the many talented innovators who call the Coffs Coast home.

“The Fund will support local innovators translate their cuttingedge research into practical solutions that will improve bushfire detection, preparation and response,” Mr Singh said.

“A total of $16 million over three years has been allocated, with the first round of funding offering grants of between $200,000 and $8 million to individuals, companies, research institutions and universities to help them commercialise their research.

“The devastating Black Summer of 2019-20 has had a lasting impact on communities here and right across NSW and this funding will ensure our emergency services have the best technology to help keep us safe.”

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the program will help to develop products that complement the work of emergency service organisations.

“By better understanding fires and enhancing the firefighting capability of frontline personnel, we are able to minimise their impact on the community.”

Works on Byron Bay’s $2.6m skate park project get underway

Construction is set to begin on Byron Bay’s $2.6m skate park project at the Sandhills Estate near Main Beach, with Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Arts and Regional Youth Affairs, Ben Franklin, launching the project on Friday.

The Sandhills Skate Park has received $2.05 million NSW Government funding support with an additional $600,000 from Byron Shire Council.

The all ages and abilities skate park, being built by CONVIC will include a range of skate features including small ramps for young beginners, a street section and a 10-foot competitionspec bowl for aspiring professionals.

“First and foremost, I offer my heartfelt thanks to the Arakwal people and Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council, who have enabled this significant project to go ahead, for the benefit of the Byron Shire community,” Mayor Michael Lyon said.

The project will also improve flora and fauna by undertaking environmental restoration of areas adjacent to the skate park.

Council will remove invasive species regenerate and actively cultivate native trees.

“Once the precinct is transformed, it will also greatly improve connection from this area to the town centre, the Recreation Grounds, Main Beach, Clarke’s beaches, the library and the YAC,” the Mayor said.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Arts and Regional Youth Affairs, Ben Franklin thanked the Bundjalung of Byron Bay Corporation (Arakwal) RNTBC and Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council, for generously agreeing to make land in the Sandhills Reserve available for this project.

“I extend my deepest thanks and respect to the Arakwal people and Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council and this project will proudly celebrate the cultural values of the site including through artworks, plantings, yarning circles and interpretative signage,” he said.

“Not only will it be an important place for learning about culture but also a space for the area’s youth to be active and engage with their community.”

The Sandhills area is the next precinct to be rolled out as part of the Byron Bay Masterplan, following close to $50 million of infrastructure investment in town’s rail precinct over recent years.

Vegetation works will begin on the site next week, with construction of the skate park to kick off mid-August, with completion scheduled for early 2023.

“A big thank you to the community for sharing their thoughts and feedback during community consultation over the years,” Mayor Lyon said.

Award nominations roll in for Byron bus interchange

Byron Bay’s centrally located bus interchange has won a string of prestigious awards in recent months and this week received a nomination for the Premier’s “Putting Citizens at the Centre” award.

“This precinct was the first to roll out from the Byron Masterplan and delivers significant outcomes in terms of removing heavy traffic from the centre, improving pedestrian and cycleways, creating beautiful new community spaces and celebrating our town’s heritage,” Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon said.

“There is always uncertainty and scepticism when we talk about change in Byron, but we are thrilled that the feedback we’re getting is that these projects have given the community confidence that Council can sensitively and respectfully improve the way the town centre looks and feels, and how it’s used,” Mayor Lyon said.

That was always the aim and we feel like it’s been achieved in this precinct,” Cr Lyon said.

In addition to the Premier’s recent “Putting Citizens at the Centre” award nomination, in June the Byron bus interchange received Australian Institute of Landscape Architecture Awards (AILA) for: • NSW Excellence Award in Infrastructure • Regional Achievement Award for Northern NSW

The interchange was a partnership project delivered by Transport for NSW and Council as part of the Byron rail precinct upgrades completed in 2021.

The vision was to transform a disused and unsafe area of town into a place where community could gather, that could be accessed safely and easily.

The area had consistently received negative community feedback due to illegal camping, rubbish dumping, community safety and flooding.

The project teams worked together to address these issues while celebrating the site’s rail heritage and link it with significant local Aboriginal heritage.

The old Green Frog jetty engine, which chugged around Byron Bay from 1923 to 1983, has been restored and will be permanently housed on the rail platform, a reminder that long before it was a tourist destination, it was a working-class town with a meatworks, butter factory, whaling station and sand mining operation.

The planning, design and delivery of these projects involved a collaborative process with a broad range of stakeholders including Transport for NSW. Sydney Trains, Heritage NSW, design teams, engineers, local building contractors and the local community through the Byron Masterplan Guidance Group, Byron Historical Society and the local Arakwal people.

“We will soon see the next round of Masterplan projects roll out, with construction of the new skate park at Sandhills beginning in August and the proposal to move the markets to the centre of town later in the year,” Mayor Lyon said.

“We know there’s both excitement and nerves around these next projects too and hope the community will continue to work with us to deal with any issues as they arise and hopefully celebrate a great result at the end,” he said.

Have your say on the Draft North Coast Regional Plan 2041

The NSW Government has reviewed and updated the Draft North Coast Regional Plan 2041.

The long-term vision is to build a more resilient region to shield communities against natural disasters, protect its spectacular coastline and natural environment, boost tourism, and safeguard Aboriginal land. It also recognises the need for a steady supply of housing in the places where people need it.

The Department of Planning and Environment is working with The Planning Studio to undertake a range of online community engagement activities during the exhibition period to talk with communities, local groups and organisations across the region. These conversations will inform the finalisation of the regional plan.

Community members are invited to join one of the following online workshops held by DPE and The Planning Studio: • Thursday 28 July - 6pm - 7.30pm - Northern Rivers communities workshop (Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed local government areas) • Thursday 4 August – 6pm - 7.30pm, Mid North Coast communities workshop (Bellingen, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Nambucca and Port Macquarie-Hastings local government areas) • Thursday 11 August - 6pm - 7.30pm - All of region communities workshop

To read the draft plan, register for one of the online workshops and provide your feedback, please visit dpe. mysocialpinpoint.com. au/north-coast-2041

If you have any questions about the draft North Coast Regional Plan 2041, contact the DPE Northern Planning team via northern@ planning.nsw.gov.au

“Leemo has views on just about anything”

OH NO… ‘MUM JANE’ IS GOING AWAY

‘Yep, I’m off to Qld. for a few days next month’. ‘Leemo Cat’ here. I distinctly heard ‘Mum Jane’ telling this to someone on the phone. Well, what am I supposed to think, you tell me? Mum has not enumerated one word of this ‘few days away’ conniving plan to Meesie? Hearing her tell someone else has hurt & agitated me greatly. I took deep, soothing, meditative breaths and placed myself up a tree to quietly ruminate. Hmmm. Thinking thinking! Aha, a light bulb memory came to me. Years ago she also told me she was going away and that she would get a meanie step-mother in to mind me. I lost 2kgs during that time due to premonitory stress, BUT, (yippee) it never came to pass. Plans changed. She didn’t go. The 2kgs was hastily regained. I fgure this is just another dumb plan that won’t come to fruition so I calmly came back inside. I was greeted by ‘Leems precious, we need to chat so please sit with me. In my mind, this bodes of frightfulness, so I sat in trepidation. She spoke. ‘Leems, I am going away for a few days next month to a family gathering in Qld. I’m just letting you know in advance...OK?’ (OMG…NO, it is not at ALL OK!) More rabbiting on. ‘Do you think you can manage on your own Leems’? ‘I shouted, NO NO, I can’t! I know all the misconceptions about cats that run around in a tiny human brain. Most of it is crapp. Mum, you are SO totally wrong to think you can leave me all alone for days. Whilst it shames me to admit it, my mental/physical health is reliant on you Mum. I need interaction with others. If you make me spend time alone, I shall become depressed and ‘probly overweight, and develop even more psychological problems. So, you’d better come up with some ANSWERS!’. Dearie Me! She wandered off to our kitchen & started doing stuff. Chop chop, slam, chop, mutter, slam. Eeek, perhaps it is time for a purrsies, leg rubbing, chirruping ‘suck-up’ drooling approach to the old bat. I slunk toward her in my most beguiling slinky manner, staring at her lovingly. I started with a soothy head rub against a veiny old ankle. NUP. Didn’t work? Ooooh…she spoke. ‘Leems, I DO actually have ‘minders’ coming to look after you and attend to your every whim whilst I’m away so quit the suck-up stuff. GOT IT? I was jesting about leaving you alone ‘cos there is no way ever I would leave you here to create mayhem whilst I am absent.’ Well, what a bloody ‘Catch 22’ comment THAT is! ‘Mum, I must meet and question them…who are they? Will they play “Laser Torch” and “Feathers on a Stick” games with me? 3 brushes a day? Bluey on our TV? Will my bowls be full of ‘fruits of the world’ treats for cats? Lullabys when I’m restless? Ooooh... Mum’s ire is truly up now. ‘Leems, go away, just go away! Your selfsh ME ME diatribe impresses me NOT one iota. BUT THEN, she said... ‘Leems, tu sais très bien que je t’aime grand comme le monde.’ CRIKEY! I have no idea what all that drivel says but, ooooh...I feel now I can’t wait to meet them! I believe they talk in English. Goodie. Nite with purrsies, Leemo

More playground equipment being added at Gaggin Park for all to enjoy

Two brand new pieces of accessible playground equipment, a wheelchairaccessible carousel and bird nest swing, are being installed at Gaggin Park playground in Suffolk Park this week.

The new equipment is the fnal stage of Council’s upgrade of the Suffolk Park playground which features an accessible car parking space, accessible toilets, pathways and bubbler, alongside the already popular Fire Engine climbing equipment.

The latest improvements were made possible thanks to $75,000 from the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play program fund and a further $135,000 investment from Byron Shire Council.

“We are really excited to be installing this fun, safe and age appropriate equipment that’s for everyone, of all abilities,” Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway said.

“Integrating a more inclusive design into our park upgrades is the objective of the Everyone Can Play funding and it’s what we’re doing at every opportunity now, right across the shire. Our aim is to create spaces where everyone has a chance to participate and have fun.”

Monash Commission recommends global pursuit of deliberate strategies to grow and enhance intermediary cities

The Monash Commission has released its perspective on future-oriented features of Intermediary Cities that aims to improve liveability and resilience for large cities of the future.

The report - The liveable metropolis: The opportunity of Intermediary Cities to deliver resilience, impact and prosperity - sheds new light on urban planning, transport, governance and inclusion by looking at the unique role played by Intermediary Cities.

A central recommendation suggests the future of the networked cities requires clarity of national urban plans and visionary leadership to understand the connection and strength between large cities and Intermediary Cities - their smaller, more agile counterparts.

Alongside this recommendation, the Commission also suggests that in a COVID-19-infuenced landscape, a fresh approach could also see new indices of liveability to be developed, so that in the future we rank world-class cities on the extent to which the city contributes to economic and social prosperity in wider locations, and not just the city centre itself.

In conducting its inquiry, the Monash Commission canvassed research from experts that explored the emergent infrastructure requirements of future cities, the changing needs and demands of society and citizens, as well as the economic and structural systems in place to support them to thrive.

Chair of the Monash Commission, Mark Birrell AM, said the Commission has amplifed a global conversation about Intermediary Cities and polycentric networks.

“The Commission investigated high performing and innovative Intermediary Cities across the world and distilled features and key enablers that have led them to be at the forefront of development,” Mr Birrell said.

“We hope the report will spur Intermediary Cities to consider their future role and provide useful guidance to policy-makers, governments and investors globally on how to enhance existing Intermediary Cities or develop new ones”.

The inquiry has highlighted six case study cities and identifed future-oriented features that Intermediary Cities are using to pursue ambitious agendas to address long-standing community issues and improve outcomes for citizens. Regions or cities highlighted include: The Randstad, Netherlands; Canberra, Australia; Aspern, Austria; Lund, Sweden; Surrey, Canada; and Bradfeld, Australia.

An full copy of the report can be found at www.monash.edu.

FLOOD RECOVERY PROGRAMS EXTENDED

Flood-affected communities are being further supported through the extension of a range of flood recovery programs to safely clear debris and hazardous chemicals from land and waterways.

Minister for Environment James Griffin said extending the NSW Environment Protection Authority’s (EPA) flood clean-up programs will help the flood recovery effort.

“Already this year, the EPA’s Shoreline Clean-up Program has made enormous progress, removing more than 9400 cubic metres of flood debris from waterways around NSW,” Mr Griffin said.

“By extending these programs, we’re helping our flood-affected communities recover faster, and restoring our environment both on the land and in the water.”

Extended programs include the Shoreline Clean-up Program, the Submerged Debris Program, the Land Based program, and Agricultural Chemical Clean Out program.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said a safe and quick clean-up is critical for helping flood-affected communities get back on their feet.

“Continuing these programs will provide a much needed boost for communities cleaningup after yet another flood,” Ms Cooke said.

“We know debris can spread far and wide after a flood, like we’ve seen in the Northern Rivers, which is why we’re pulling out all stops to get the cleanup complete, so the long-term recovery can begin.”

Members of the community can report flood debris in local rivers and beaches or seek advice regarding the removal of hazardous materials through the Environment Line on 131 555 or info@epa. nsw.gov.au or flood. programs@epa.nsw. gov.au

For a full list of the EPA’s flood recovery programs visit: https:// bit.ly/3c1BL36

IN BRIEF

Northern NSW mental health services

Looking after the mental health of ourselves, friends and family is an important part of staying well. If you require support, there are a number of services that can be accessed for free.

Visit Northern NSW Mental Health Services at www.health.nsw.gov.au/ emergency_preparedness/ weather/Documents/ mental-health-servicesnnswlhd.pdf and also see www.health.nsw.gov.au/ mentalhealth/services/ Pages/default.aspx for a fact sheet.

The Mental Health Line is a 24 hour telephone service with trained professionals available to help and refer you to services and programs. You can phone 1800 011 511.

Chess Connect

The Business Resilience Project is a free service providing small business operators with the tools, guidance and connections needed to support recovery, resilience and wellbeing for themselves and their workforce. For more contact the North Coast business mentors on 1800 899 017.

Rural Adversity Mental Health Program

RAMHP provides specialist knowledge, education and support for people experiencing mental health concerns in rural communities. RAMHP also supports workplaces and community members on how to recognise someone experiencing a mental health concern and how to provide support.

Visit www.ramhp.com. au/training for more.

Australia must invest in copper now to reach sustainability targets

Government investment in green energy will be signifcantly undermined if Australia doesn’t secure the copper it needs to build a grid to support it.

The claim, made by global management consultancy Partners in Performance calls for renewed investment in copper mining to strengthen the electrical grid.

While the Federal Government referred to investments in microgrids in the recent federal budget, and the opposition promised to invest in renewable energy in its reply, neither major party has recognised the opportunity Australia has to become a leading global copper producer vital to supporting a renewable energy future, says the Australian headquartered management consultancy.

Australia is currently the world’s sixth largest producer of copper, but we have the second largest copper reserves in the world. Copper is already essential to our everyday lives - primarily in the delivery of electricity and water. But as we look to renewable energy solutions, such as electric cars, solar and hydro energy sources, the increasing pressure on the electrical grid has made copper “the new oil.”

Having helped clients mitigate 36 Mtpa CO2 emissions in the past 18 months, Partners in Performance believes that copper, alongside lithium and cobalt, is one of the most important commodities in Australia’s journey to net zero.

“To meet energy transition needs, the Australian government must act now to address global copper shortages,” says Michael Huggins, Partners in Performance Director of Australia and New Zealand. “Failing to do so, will see it struggle to secure supply and face hyper-infated costs on the open market, driven by global demand.”

“Both major parties have focused on investments in renewable energy technology, without adequately thinking about how that energy will be delivered,” added Huggins.

“All the hydrogen, solar and wind energy in the world isn’t any good if we can’t get it to people.”

“Electrical grids rely on copper and there is currently a global copper shortage. This scarcity is only going to get worse as countries around the world wrestle to meet sustainability demands.”

Feedback invited on draft Clarrie Hall Dam Water Release Policy

Tweed Shire Council has drafted a new policy to clarify and formalise Council’s operational practices in relation to water releases from Clarrie Hall Dam.

The Tweed’s main water supply is the Tweed River. Opened in 1983, Clarrie Hall Dam is located on Doon Doon Creek approximately 15 km south-west of Murwillumbah. The dam has a catchment area of 60 km² and holds up to 16,000 megalitres of water. Releases from the dam help keep the Tweed River flowing when water levels are low.

Clarrie Hall Dam was designed for the purposes of water storage for water supply only and it has an uncontrolled spillway. As such, Council cannot regulate or change the flow of water through the spillway, change the Full Supply Level (FSL) of the spillway, or maintain a surcharge above the spillway level.

Council’s Manager Water and Waste Water Operations Brie Jowett said the draft policy aims to explain Council’s operational practices when it comes to water releases from Clarrie Hall Dam.

“Due to its design and purpose, Clarrie Hall Dam cannot be operated to release water ahead of rainfall events to provide any form of storage capacity for flood mitigation purposes,” Mrs Jowett said.

“We know there is some misinformation within the community about water releases for flood mitigation and during floods at Clarrie Hall Dam and we want to clear that up.

“We’ve put the draft policy on exhibition as we want to hear from all Tweed residents – especially those in flood–prone, downstream communities including Uki, Murwillumbah, Condong, Tumbulgum and Chinderah – to make sure they have all the information they need to understand how Council’s water release operations work.

“It’s important our community understands that it’s not possible to use the dam for flood mitigation. There is no capability to regulate or change the flow of water through the dam’s spillway, nor change the full supply level of the spillway.

“We are encouraging everyone to learn more about the dam’s design and how it is operated by reading the policy and let us know how to improve the policy to make it clearer.”

During a flood event, Council continuously monitors the safety of Clarrie Hall Dam and provides information to relevant authorities as per Council’s Dam Safety Emergency Plan.

You can review the draft and share your feedback by completing the online survey or attend the community information session on Wednesday 10 August at Murwillumbah Services Club from 4.30 pm. Registration is essential. For more details and to register visit yoursaytweed.com. au.

Submissions close on 16 August 2022.

FUNDING BOOST FOR ROCK FISHING SAFETY

Rock fshers will have access to more safety measures than ever before, with the NSW Government partnering with Surf Life Saving NSW to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our coastline. The NSW Recreational Fishing Fund will invest $205,000 into a new Rock Fishing Safety and Skills program, which will be delivered by Surf Life Saving NSW. Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the funding will see 1,000 life jackets deployed to at-risk coastal communities. “Life jackets are a nobrainer, they save lives,” Mr Saunders said. “Hundreds of volunteers work tirelessly every day to look after our swimmers, surfers and fshers, and now we are giving them a helping hand by ramping up safety measures for rock fshing. “I am thrilled to work with Surf Life Saving NSW to ensure our rock fshers feel supported and protected when they engage in this activity.” Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the NSW Government’s partnership with Surf Life Saving NSW is more important than ever before. “We have seen far too many tragic deaths and near misses involving rock fshers this year.”

NSW poker machine losses total $135 billion in the last 30 years

Last Sunday, Victoria celebrated the grim 30year anniversary of the introduction of poker machines to the state, with losses estimated at $66 billion. In the same period in New South Wales, losses are estimated at $135 billion, twice that of Victoria.

NSW is home to just under half of Australia’s 200,000 poker machines, and they are easily accessible, with the overwhelming majority in local pubs and clubs.

“NSW was the frst state to legalise poker machines in 1956, so we’ve got a 36-year head start and weak public policy that is an invitation to criminals and puts industry profts ahead of people,” says gambling reform advocate and Wesley Mission CEO, Stu Cameron.

“Australians lose $25 billion each year through gambling, and half of the total losses are through poker machines. The problem is worst in NSW, and the Government is letting the industry self-regulate in so many areas, all to the detriment of people in our communities, who are being bled dry by predatory practices.”

Seeking reform to address the signifcant social harm caused by poker machines has been a long-term issue for Wesley Mission. In 1973, Wesley Mission Superintendent and Lifeline founder, Sir Alan Walker, called clubs “the most dangerous vested interest in Australia” and poker machines “an insidious and serious gambling racket”.

“I expect that in taking a stand, we’ll come up against those vested interests and groups with deep pockets who have effectively captured the state over gambling reform through donations and threats,” says Cameron.

“And we know change won’t happen overnight, but Wesley Mission has seen a lot of change in its 210 years, and we’re in it for the long haul.

“The community is withdrawing the social license that has permitted the gambling industry to set the agenda for reform.

“We’re not antigambling; we’re anti-exploitation. We’re sick of scandal-plagued casinos being given chance after chance. We reject the narrative from clubs and hotels that measly community grants and jobs created by gambling rooms are in the community’s best interest.

“We’re inviting people, businesses and organisations to join us.”