Tweed Valley Weekly, January 19, 2023

By Jonathon Howard

A MYSTERIOUS photograph taken on a phone looking through the Burringbar Range Tunnel has local families baffled.

The Weekly was contacted by ABC North Coast Wildlife Weekend broadcaster Gary Opit this week, who was equally flabbergasted by the image, but also felt there could a “reasonable scientific explanation”.

“We are always happy to hear from anyone who has observed something unusual, whether it is wildlife related or some other phenomena and are thrilled when someone can provide photographic proof,” he said.

But this one has Gary stumped and he’s hoping a reader or a scientist might offer an explanation.

The story behind the mystery photo starts with Darryl (last name withheld), who emailed Gary an image taken by Damian Palise after he and friend Tyson Cornwall decided to investigate the work being undertaken at the Burringbar Range Tunnel.

It’s important to note that the rail trail is currently closed to the public and until its official opening later this year, it is not advised that anyone visit the trail or tunnel until it opens.

The pair live near the location of the photo and have often visited the site along with their family.

But this particular visit has revealed an optical illusion, or something else, that’s

baffled the pair and prompted them to appeal for help from the scientific community.

“As they approached the tunnel they saw the roller at the tunnel entrance and what they thought were the trail workers standing at the other end of the tunnel during a tea break,” Gary told The Weekly.

“Damian took the first photo and then they walked into the tunnel.

“They noticed that the figures at the other end of the tunnel did not appear to be moving, they seemed to get smaller as they walked toward them.

“The figures appeared to disappear into the ground as they walked through the tunnel and there was no sign of anybody or anything at all when they reached the other end.”

The pair mentioned their strange experience and showed the photo to family members who told them that the tunnel should be longer than it appeared in the photo.

They decided to return the next day and took the second photograph in the same place at the same time and could not repeat the original image, with the new image showing the actual length of the tunnel.

“They would appreciate a response from anyone who may be able to shed some light on what they both say happened and have the photos to prove it,” Gary said.

Darryl said the first image was taken at the Burringbar train tunnel on October

1, 2022, at about 4pm.

“The second photo was taken about the same time with the same phone the following day,” he said.

“The first thing they noticed is what they thought were workmen at the other end (524 meters away) but after some time we decided to go into the tunnel, but as we walked toward the figures, they got smaller and then completely disappeared before their eyes.

“When arriving at the other end there were no footprints on the wet ground which confused them even more.”

The pair showed the pictures to their brother who also grew up on a property nearby and he could not understand why the opening at the other end seemed, so large as though the tunnel was shorter or somehow bigger.

“Not sure what to think, but their story hasn’t changed over the weeks, and there may well be a scientific explanation to some or all of the circumstances,” Darryl said.

“The family and men are genuine in my opinion and have not used any photo editing of the images.”

Burringbar Range Tunnel opened on December 24, 1894, and closed on May 16, 2004.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you have an explanation of the image? Or perhaps you have seen something strange or similar to the above and can assist? Please contact the editor via editor@theweekly.net.au

Burringbar Range Tunnel by Damian Palise (first photo) Burringbar Range Tunnel by Damian Palise (second photo)

Fix unmaintained roads

Now Tweed Shire Council can fix all council roads.

In The Weekly edition, January 12, Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said Council can now apply for their slice of $500 million in NSW Government funding for urgent road repairs.

The 98, now 96, roads that are not maintained by council — but once were — missed out on the $23 million council received for Cyclone Debbie repairs and also of the $100 million in the last flood.

And now, recently, not entitled to any funds of the $1.7 billion transport infrastructure fund, which is only for sealed road — unsealed roads have been left off.

Government roads audited under council criteria for unsealed roads and are not maintained by council are eligible for restoration of storm/ flood damage by council if grant funds are made available.

The 96 roads fit the council’s criteria and these roads are entitled to their share of the millions available.

For decades these roads have been ignored by previous councils and can now be rectified by this council.

We must have roadworthy vehicles to drive on unroadworthy roads — the hypocrisy of this anomaly is out of hand and must be fixed.

Residents living on unsealed, unmaintained council roads are not asking for grand highways or even sealing of the roads, just basic works and safety.

Councillors do your job that you were elected to do and give equality and social justice to all — just do it.

Ray Nardi, Kielvale

Horses have no courses on rail trail

We heard during the past week how horses will not be allowed on 90 per cent of the Tweed Shire end of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

As Mr Lonsdale said in his local ABC interview: “I gave no promises

[to the horse-riding fraternity]”.

Why You Need Solar & Batteries Now!

Power Prices Rise by 18%

Australian electricity prices have risen by up to 18.3 per cent under a decision by the Australian Energy Regulator due to increased cost of generation due to global rises in coal and gas prices. The increases, which came into effect from July, amount to more than $250 a year based on ACCC figures putting the average residential electricity bill at $1,434.

Feed in Tariffs for Solar Crash

Electricity retailers are in a price squeeze and have slashed the amount they pay for your excess solar, now paying zero - 8c per kWh, down from the 21c we were paid in 2020. Unless you have solar and batteries you are facing serious increases in energy costs. 888 Solar Tek have installed hundreds of solar battery systems in the last 8 years and can help you with great deals on the most reliable and long lasting solar batteries in Australia.

Are we to imply that only bike riders will be welcome on the bike track because yes, you guessed it, he only gave promises to the lycra set?

And they wouldn’t represent one per cent of the resident population at the most.

But this was never about getting a rail trail. The so-called rail trail was always a means to an end.

It was always a roundabout way of getting ownership of the rail corridor, in my opinion, which they now have.

Step two was to destroy and remove the existing rail lines which they have now done, and step three will be to sell off as much land as possible.

God help future generations if we do not try to stop them.

This is an eye-opening visual indication of democracy Tweed style.

Keep this in mind, because we will have yet another local government election and it will be high time for us to unite to get rid of those who feel they were elected or employed to rule us.

Mike Yarrow, Byangum I say no to the Voice

In reply to Neville Jennings regarding the Indigenous Voice (TVW, January 12 Letters).

Jacinta Price is right in what she said about the ‘Voice’. Nothing will change and more money will be wasted in the wrong places.

We have eleven elected members of the Federal Parliament who are of Aboriginal descent. Are they not using the voice they already have to highlight their issues?

Anyone of Aboriginal descent, if they have a grievance about anything, can do what their fellow Australians do and that’s see their local member of Parliament, who has an office in most towns or a phone number.

If you provide them with a separate pathway you are being more ‘divisive’.

When you form a committee of people who have no experience of power, and place among them a few

aggressive radicals who sway the debate their way, then they feel they have to come up with decisions to justify their position on this committee.

That’s when you get all the divisive ideas, for example a local Wollumbin Advisory Committee closing Mt Warning, which in turn creates more division, in my opinion.

The Voice is another smoke and mirrors idea by politicians to appease a noisy minority.

We will never have complete reconciliation in Australia, there will always be a small noisy minority on both sides who will oppose everything.

Garry Ingram, Murwillumbah Two-ply toilet paper dilemma

Ian Jefferys can solve his problem (TVW, January 1 Letters, ‘Two-ply toilet paper’) easily: make your own two-ply toilet paper.

When ensconced he can take the roll and separate the outer ply. It comes off easily. I’ve done it myself. Simply blow on the end of the paper and a ply separates.

Quilton is one brand that can be used.

This can be done along the roll as time allows and three-ply becomes two-ply.

The one-ply can be then folded to make it two-ply, so there is no waste.

Ken Leighton, Tweed Heads

We agree on some points

I’m with Bill Collins on the Iraq war (TVW Letters, January 12).

I even marched against it. I also thought the pen would be mightier than the sword against the regressive Taliban ideology in Afghanistan.

These US-initiated wars had the benign but futile intent of liberating perpetually quarrelling people from despots.

How much worse is an indiscriminate war against peaceful civilians who love their democratically elected leader, by a deranged despot deter-

mined to subjugate them.

I would like to send Bill to Ukraine to see for himself what is happening there.

He might return with a better understanding of democratically controlled capitalism and less admiration for totalitarian communism with its corrupt state-controlled monopoly.

D Weston Allen, Cudgen Thank you council for dog controls

Congratulations to Tweed Shire Council on doing a great job in curbing the number of people letting their dogs roam off lead in designated ‘onlead’ areas — especially the beaches.

There are still a few who think that the laws don’t apply to them, but a fraction of what there was last year, and hopefully if they get fined they will get the message.

My on-lead dogs and I really appreciate being able to now enjoy our walks in peace without being accosted by off-lead dogs.

Also, as always, thanks again to Margie Coll and her praise of the staff at Woolworths — there’s no better way to start the New Year with the big smile that Margie always puts on my face.

Bruce Douglas, Banora Point Fund our public schools

Australia is, by any measure, one of the richest countries in the world. Yet it has sizable proportion of its people, including children, living in poverty.

Alas, the gap between the well off and the poor is growing ever wider.

There are many reasons why this is occurring including the way school education funding is being allocated. A child’s best chance of doing well at school is to be born into a welloff family.

Well-off families tend to go to well-resourced schools while children from poor or disadvantaged families tend to attend poorly-resourced schools.

Test Drive a Nissan

We have 24, 30 & 40 kWh cars at half the new price.

A decade or so ago there was an attempt to fund schools according to need so that all schools could attain resource standards that met the needs of their students.

It appears that this goal has largely been forgotten by governments.

Public schools, that educate the vast majority of the children from disadvantaged backgrounds, suffer most from this neglect.

It is due time that both state and federal governments prioritise public education funding rather than giving more and more money to schools that are already very well off.

Christiaan Goudkamp, Murwillumbah

Remember the sunscreen

A poem by Maggie Cadman

Remember the sunscreen, and you won’t regret

As the years go by you’ll be glad I will bet.

Look after your skin, it’s worth saving your face, When you are older it will be your saving grace.

It has to last your whole life through, Your face is your fortune, your beautiful you.

A tan is nice for a while, but beware, It can damage your skin, without your due care.

Apply sunscreen all over until you’re all done, Find shade and don’t stay too long, under the sun. Now if you haven’t heard one word that I said, Just remember the sunscreen, you’ll be glad that you did.

Maggie Cadman, Tweed Heads

Please note the views on the letters page are that of the letter writer and not of the Tweed Valley Weekly. Letters must include a suburb and contact number for verification. Letters may be edited for length or legal reasons. Send your letters to editor@theweekly. net.au.

By Jonathon Howard

COUNCIL RATES look set to rise by 6.35 per cent this year, pending approval under a special rate variation (SRV) that Tweed Shire Council has applied for to help cover mounting costs.

Council is seeking an additional 2.35 percentage point rise in addition to the 4.0 per cent rate rise set for the Tweed by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) – an independent body that determines rate rises for local councils throughout NSW.

Council is under increasing financial pressure, according to general manager Troy Green, who said the rate rise is needed to maintain service levels.

“Unfortunately, if we are to maintain our current level of services, we have no alternative but to apply for a special rate variation to our general rate levy ahead of our next budget cycle,” Mr Green said.

Councillors will be asked to formally decide on whether to apply for the special rate variation at the upcoming council meeting in early February.

The SRV application comes after councillors voted against seeking a similar rate variation last year to help lighten the burden on Tweed ratepayers in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated border closures.

Ratepayers received updated land valuations from the NSW Valuer General last year, and with property prices skyrocketing over the past few years, many fear that rate bills could rise further.

Mr Green said it is difficult to determine the exact impact these new valuations would have on individual ratepayers.

“Until we have processed the new land valuations through our rates system, it’s

difficult for us to estimate the individual rates costs for property owners,” he said.

“But it is important to note the increase in land valuations does not have any impact on the total amount of rates revenue Council is permitted to raise.

“If we are successful in our special rate variation application through IPART, the Tweed will be permitted to increase our rates by a total of 6.35 per cent in 2023/24 — regardless of the increase in land valuations across the shire.

“This doesn’t mean every ordinary and special rate will increase by 6.35 per cent.

“Some people will find their rates increase by less than this, while others will see a higher percentage rise in their ordinary and special rates — but overall Council cannot increase rates revenue above this level.”

Council’s manager of financial services Michael Chorlton said rates are assessed on a rate in the dollar of the land value supplied by the NSW Valuer General, in a process undertaken independently of Council approximately every three to four years.

Mr Chorlton said it is important to note the increase in land valuations does not have any impact on the total amount of rates revenue Council is permitted to raise.

“But rather the changes in land value will determine the distribution of rates across the shire,” he said.

“The impact of land revaluations on individual ratepayers will depend on how much their valuation has increased compared to the overall increase in properties within the shire.

“For example, if the overall increase in rateable land valuations in the shire has increased by 50 per cent, properties that have valuations increased by approximately 50 per cent will pay the same ordinary rates (residential, farmland, business) as last year plus any proposed rate increase, properties with a valuation increase greater than 50 per cent will pay more ordinary rates plus any proposed rate increase while properties with increases between 0 per cent and 50 per cent will pay less ordinary rates plus any proposed rate increase.”

HI, MY name is Dr Tom Solano and I work as a skin cancer doctor at Tweed Health For Everyone GP Superclinic.

I love my job and perform many skin checks in a typical week.

I wanted to take the time to remind everyone about sun safety and skin cancer.

All too often I see patients young and old come into my office unaware they have a skin cancer.

In some situations, this can be a life changing event – so let’s chat more about this topic with the hope that you may learn something that could potentially save your life.

To start with, no matter how young or old you are, there is no such thing as a healthy tan. We know that skin cancer has many causes, so it is not surprising that back in 2002 Ultraviolet light was declared a skin carcinogen by the ‘National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.’

So please consider the UV intensity if you are venturing outside.

The UV index is often reported in the weather apps on your smartphone. If going outside, strongly consider adhering to the slip-slop-slap message when the UV index is three and above.

It may only take a few sunburns to drastically increase your risk of skin cancers including melanoma.

Another benefi t of wearing a daily sunscreen is that it can also help reduce premature ageing.

Excessive UV exposure can help cause wrinkling and ageing of the skin.

If you are like me and want to do all you can to keep healthy, make sure that you stick to the slip-slop-slap message but also think about self-examination - by that I mean look closely at your own skin and also get your partner to check your back and areas that you can’t see yourself.

If you have a funny looking spot that is changing shape, colour or size or giving you any symptoms such as ulcerating, bleeding, itching or causing irritation – don’t delay, please go and get it checked by a skin GP.

It’s never to late to start good habits, so book yourself in for a routine skin check, it may just save your life.

Dr Thomas Solano

Dr Solano at work in the Superclinic at Tweed Heads

Rates could go up by as much as 6.35 per cent

Powerlines downed

By Jonathon Howard

SEVERAL POWERLINES were accidentally dislodged from a power pole on Kyogle Road near the Murwillumbah SES and Rural Fire Brigade building on Thursday, January 12.

Tweed Police said the incident took place at around 9.30am and involved Tweed Shire Council roadwork crews.

“Council staff were conducting maintenance of parkland on Kyogle Road about 200 metres east of Hideaway Lane,” Chief Inspector Dave Silversides told The Weekly.

“A council vehicle was parked nearby, and the workers were doing some earthworks when they have unfortunately reversed the vehicle and struck a power pole dislodging the powerlines from the pole.”

Ch Insp Silversides said the force of the truck dislodged an ageing timber crossbeam which fell some distance onto two vehicles.

“The vehicles were parked at the time,” he said.

“A man, not a council worker, sustained some mild impacts from the electrical current. Nothing life threatening.

“Workers at the scene attended to the man, once power was cut by Essential Energy.

“There were no serious injuries to the man and he was conveyed to Murwillumbah Hospital as a precaution.”

Ch Insp Silversides clarified the incident took place in a park and not on the road.

“Police and ambulance attended the scene and placed a traffic diversion,” he said.

“Tweed Shire Council reported the incident to Work Cover NSW.

“The council workers did not sustain any injuries.”

A council spokesperson also confirmed the incident.

“A council road crew undertaking routine roadside maintenance along Kyogle Road, at Murwillumbah on Thursday, January 12, accidentally made contact with a power pole while reversing along the roadside verge,” the spokesperson said.

“The crew immediately notified Essential Energy and emergency services to ensure the safety of all concerned.

“SafeWork NSW was also alerted about the incident and a workplace health and safety report completed as per council protocol.”

Power was briefly cut at the site before it was rediverted by Essential Energy.

Firearms Registry will relocate to Casuarina

By Jonathon Howard

THE FIREARMS Registry office on Nullum Street in Murwillumbah (pictured above) will relocate to Casuarina in the middle of this year, according to NSW Police.

The move follows years of debate around the Murwillumbah site where a staffing review was undertaken in 2018, which resulted in no job losses.

The Weekly put several questions to Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Police, Paul Toole, who referred the matter to NSW Police for comment.

A NSW Police spokesperson confirmed the Murwillumbah site was in the process of shifting its staff to the Tweed Coast.

“The current Firearms Registry office in Murwillumbah will be relocated to the Casuarina area,” the spokesperson said.

“The premises is currently being fitted and the relocation is expected to take place by mid-2023.

“The new premises will provide Firearms Registry staff with better facilities and better accommodate the 84 employees.

“Staffing will not be reduced due to the relocation.”

For operational reasons NSW Police were not able to confirm the exact new location at

this stage, but it is believed a site has already been selected.

The new site is anticipated to offer better facilities and greater space for staff.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the move is a “body blow” to the Murwillumbah community.

“Particularly our businesses and farming community and firearms community, including those businesses located in the Tweed Valley,” she said.

“As the local member I have not been informed formally as I wasn’t with the announced Murwillumbah schools closure that will result in 24 job loses.

“I have to put the question: what don’t the National Party in Government like about Murwillumbah?

“To change this situation of the downgrading of Murwillumbah, we need to change government and I’m on the warpath. Murwillumbah and Tweed Valley deserve much much better.

“The Deputy Premier (Minister for Police) should be announcing a greater police presence for Murwillumbah not shifting services in secret and reverse the schools closure decision that his predecessor John Barilaro forced on the community.”

Free solar - savings up to $600 on electricity bills

The NSW Government is offering a new way to assist people on low incomes with their power bills by installing free solar systems for eligible households in place of their Low Income Household Rebate. This program aims to improve energy affordability by helping households unlock long terms savings on their electricity bills. While this means you will no longer receive the $285 annual rebate on your electricity bill, you could receive up to $600 in savings per year from your new solar system!

The offer is only available to households that live in the specified regions and meet the eligibility criteria. When participating in this program households will receive a free, fully installed 3kW solar system in place of their Low Income Household Rebate.

SAE Group are the approved provider, designing and installing solar systems to eligible homes in your region.

To be eligible you must:

- Currently be receiving the Low Income Household Rebate

- Agree not to receive the rebate for ten years

- Own your own home

- Not already have a solar PV system

- Hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or a Department of Veteran Affairs Gold Card

- If you are not the registered homeowner, but your spouse is, you may be considered eligible collectively as a household

A 3kW system is designed to generate an average of 12.6kwh per day, which will deliver electricity savings depending on each household’s energy consumption. Managing Director of SAE Group Glen Ashton comments “We know electricity bills continue to place a lot of pressure on households, and we are pleased to be working with the NSW Government to help ease the pressure on low income households.”

SAE Group are an Australian owned and operated organisation with over ten years’ experience in the solar industry. SAE Group are a Clean Energy Council Approved Retailer, and hold accreditations ISO 9001, ISO 45001 for safety and quality systems. Safety is paramount to us, and it our goal to ensure we provide quality solar systems to eligible households that will deliver ongoing savings for many years to come.

Want to find out more?

Visit: https://energysaver.nsw.gov.au/solar-low-income-households to check your eligibility and apply online or visit www.saegroup.com.au or call us on 02 66 389 439. The Solar for Low Income Household Offer is supported by the NSW Government.

The Kyogle Road power pole had some considerable wood rot and has since been replaced

Tweed Link

Last week we each used 180L a day

In brief ...

Want to win some great local prizes?

Do you have thoughts or ideas about preparedness for extreme weather, storms, floods and bushfires and reducing greenhouse gas emissions at home?

Council has engaged Griffith University to run the communityled Climate Ready Tweed project over the next 6 months, starting with a 20-minute online survey. The survey will inform the support that's needed for the Tweed to be climate ready.

To get a well-rounded range of views, Griffith Uni is now particularly seeking responses from people in the 18 – 40-year-old range however, all responses are welcome.

If you live in the Tweed, complete the survey by 30 January for your chance to win some great prizes! Visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/climatechange to find out more.

The project has been made possible by grant funding from the Australian Government with seed funding through Griffith University.

Save money on bills

As part of Seniors Week 2023, Tweed residents are invited to 2 free events to ‘speed date’ experts in solar, batteries and home energy efficiency.

The first event will be held on Wednesday 8 February from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Banora Point Community Centre and the second will be on Friday 10 February from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Kingscliff Bowls Club.

Council’s sustainability program leader Debbie Firestone invited residents to join the workshop to find out more and share their tips.

Blue-green algae bloom in warmer weather

Although it can happen at anytime, blue-green algae is more likely to bloom in Tweed waterways from August to April.

Algae can bloom in our marine environments along the beaches and estuaries as well as our freshwater environments such as our rivers, creeks and dams.

The warmer weather typically results in algae blooms on the North Coast and other sub-tropical waterways.

Some blue-green algae varieties may produce toxins that pose a health risk.

Whenever a bloom is detected, Council will always ask everyone to avoid swimming and other recreational activities that involve contact with affected waterways, to keep animals away and to not eat shellfish from affected waters.

Residents who come into contact with algae are asked to rinse it off with fresh water.

Being safe is the foundation of a healthy Tweed community. Head to tweed.nsw.gov.au/water-pollution#algal-bloom to find out more about blue-green algae blooms.

Online flood monitoring cameras show water levels

Tweed residents are now able to keep an eye on floodwaters at key flood-prone public roads and bridges following adoption of the Flood Camera Monitoring Policy.

Under the policy, residents will be able to view still images which are refreshed every 15 minutes from 6 flood monitoring cameras located at key sites across the Tweed

This information will be useful for community awareness of flood events and to help motorists avoid flooded roads.

The flood monitoring cameras also help gather intelligence for the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), Council operations and other emergency service organisations during flood events.

Residents now have access to near-live photographic flood information at 6 key locations, strategically selected in consultation with the NSW SES to improve their flood event operational intelligence.

The 6 flood monitoring cameras are located at:

• Bilambil Sports Club on the corner of Bilambil and Hogans roads, Bilambil

• Boatharbour Bridge on Numinbah Road, Nobbys Creek

• Byangum Bridge on Kyogle Road, Byangum

• Murwillumbah Bridge on Wollumbin Street, Murwillumbah

• Piggabeen Road at the culvert just west of Banksia Waters Village, Tweed Heads West

• Tweed Valley Way (Oaks Avenue) north of the Cudgen Road and Tweed Valley Way intersection, Chinderah.

The cameras operate 24 hours a day. Some cameras may not work as well during low light conditions and severe weather.

View the images from the flood monitoring cameras at tweed.nsw. gov.au/flood-monitoring-cameras or go to our Emergency Dashboard at emergency.tweed.nsw.gov.au/home

“Not only will people get quality, personalised advice about tackling electricity costs at home, but participants will also get a chance to share their ideas,” said Ms Firestone.

“We are excited to hear people’s experiences about the sorts of programs that could help others in our community to manage their power bills too.”

Attendees will go in the draw for a free home energy assessment (valued at $250) to receive personalised advice about saving money on energy bills.

Light refreshments provided and places are limited. Register for either session by 9am Monday 6 February at tweed.nsw.gov.au/saving-energy

Plaques to be restored

Sixteen plaques at the Banner Street Memorial Park rotunda at Murwillumbah will soon be restored back to their original state.

The plaques will be removed from the rotunda in late January and during this time signage with a QR code will be available at the rotunda so visitors to the site can view the list of memorials on Council’s website.

Council’s Cemeteries Business Coordinator Greg Puch said restoring the plaques is something that has been needed for some time.

“Maintaining these plaques is important to maintain the history of our community and to ensure the memories of family members live on,” Mr Puch said.

“We hope this small improvement will make a difference to those who regularly visit the memorial.”

The restored plaques will be reinstated in April 2023.

To view the complete list of memorials at Banner Street visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/other-cemetery-sites

Let’s talk rubbish

Come and join the experts from Council's Waste Management Team and North East Waste at a free event this February and learn all about why we use the 3-bin system here in the Tweed.

Most importantly we will show you why correct waste disposal is vital in reducing our impact on the natural environment.

Council to seek support for Special Rate Variation

Tweed Shire Council is seeking support on plans to apply for a Special Rate Variation ahead of the 2023/24 Budget cycle.

Council is seeking to apply for a 2.35% rise in general rates in addition to the 4.0% rate rise approved for the Tweed by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) – an independent body that determines the level of rates able to be collected by councils across NSW.

Council’s General Manager Troy Green said this would allow Council to maintain a high level of service to the community.

“While Council was in a good financial position at the start of this financial year, there are some challenges ahead, with an inflationary environment for goods and services, wage increases, insurance premiums increases and an unprecedented growth in development applications,” Mr Green said.

“We are also facing increased information technology costs as we

must retire our on-premises corporate system and move to a cloudhosted software solution along with further investment in our cyber security monitoring to protect our network and our data.

“Unfortunately, if we are to maintain our current level of services, we have no alternative but to apply for a Special Rate Variation (SRV) to our general rate levy ahead of our next Budget cycle.”

Councillors will be asked to formally decide on whether to apply for the Special Rate Variation at the upcoming Council meeting in February 2023. The SRV is only applicable to ordinary and special rates.

To find out more about how your rates are calculated, including an easy-to-understand video on the issue, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/property-rates/rates-charges/rates-explained

To have your say on the proposed Special Rate Variation and to see what the impact of the SRV will be to ratepayers, visit yoursaytweed.com.au/srv

Together we will also uncover the answer to these frequently asked questions:

• What goes in which bin and why?

• What can't be recycled in kerbside bins?

• Where can I take alternative recycling?

• Where does all my green waste go?

All attendees will receive a reusable shopping bag and compostable kitchen caddy l on arrival PLUS there will be a range of environmentally conscious prizes to be won too!

We invite you to send us any questions you have prior to the workshop to education@tweed.nsw.gov.au

Workshop details:

Friday 3 February 10:30 – 11:30 am

Banora Point Community Centre Cnr Leisure and Woodlands Drive, Banora Point

To book, visit rubbishtalk.eventbrite.com.au Bookings are essential as spaces are limited.

The warmer weather may result in algae blooms like this in our waterways.

Boatharbour Bridge over the Rous River through the camera after the river subsided in March 2022.

Notification of integrated development application

Development Application No. DA22/0729

A development application has been lodged by DAC Planning Pty Ltd seeking development consent for dual occupancy (attached) at Lot 4 DP 240847; Hogans Road, Bilambil. Tweed Shire Council is the consent authority for the application.

The proposed development constitutes “Integrated Development” pursuant to Section 4.46(1) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979.

The following approvals are required in this regard:

Provision Approval

Sections 89, 90 & 91 of the Water Management Act 2000

Water use approval, water management work approval or activity approval under Part 3 of Chapter 3

Authority

Department of Planning & Environment’s Water Operations Division

The development application and the documents accompanying it may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au

The documents will be available for a period of 28 days from Wednesday 18 January 2023 to Wednesday 15 February 2023.

Notification of integrated development application

Development Application No. DA22/0734

A development application has been lodged by Kurrara Rise Pty Ltd seeking development consent for community title subdivision in two stages comprising of 30 residential lots and one community title lot at Lot 11 DP 1221128; No. 45A Marana Street, Bilambil Heights. Tweed Shire Council is the consent authority for the application.

The proposed development constitutes “Integrated Development” pursuant to Section 4.46(1) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979.

The following approvals are required in this regard:

Provision Approval Authority

Sections 89, 90 & 91 of the Water Management Act 2000

Water use approval, water management work approval or activity approval under Part 3 of Chapter 3

Department of Planning & Environment’s Water Operations Division

Section 100B of the Rural Fires Act 1997 General Approval Rural Fire Service

The development application and the documents accompanying it may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au

The documents will be available for a period of 28 days from Wednesday 18 January 2023 to Wednesday 15 February 2023.

Notification of integrated development application

Development Application No. DA22/0793

A development application has been lodged by Zone Planning Group seeking development consent for depot, general industry and public administration building and signage (NRPP)_ at Lot 604 DP 1244954; No. 208 Lundberg Drive, South Murwillumbah. The Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP) is the consent authority for the application.

The proposed development constitutes “Integrated Development” pursuant to Section 4.46(1) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979.

The following approvals are required in this regard:

Provision Approval Authority

Sections 89, 90 & 91 of the Water Management Act 2000 Water use approval, water management work approval or activity approval under Part 3 of Chapter 3

Planning & Environment’s Water Operations Division

The development application and the documents accompanying it may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au The documents will be available for a period of 28 days from Wednesday 18 January 2023 to Wednesday 15 February 2023.

Notification of integrated development application

Development Application No. DA22/0795

A development application has been lodged by H Ghamraoui seeking development consent for consolidation of 2 lots and erection of residential flat building comprising 55 units, 3 levels basement carparking and swimming pool at Lot 7 Sec 4 DP 2379; No. 41 Boyd Street TWEED HEADS; Lot 8 Sec 4 DP 2379; No. 43 Boyd Street TWEED HEADS. Tweed Shire Council is the consent authority for the application.

The proposed development constitutes “Integrated Development” pursuant to Section 4.46(1) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979. The following approvals are required in this regard:

Provision Approval

Sections 89, 90 & 91 of the Water Management Act 2000

Authority

Water use approval, water management work approval or activity approval under Part 3 of Chapter 3 NSW Water

The development application and the documents accompanying it may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au

The documents will be available for a period of 28 days from Wednesday 18 January 2023 to Wednesday 15 February 2023.

Any person may, during the above period, make a written submission to the General Manager of Council. It should also be noted that Council has adopted a policy whereby, on request, any submission including identifying particulars will be made public. Council will give consideration to the ‘Public Interest’ and requests for confidentiality by submitters in determining access to submission letters. However, the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 –GIPAA may result in confidential submissions being released to an applicant. Any submission objecting to the proposed development must state the ground upon which such objection is made.

Please note – requirements regarding Disclosure of Political Gifts and Donations

A disclosure is required to be made in a statement accompanying the relevant development or planning application by a person who makes the application. In addition, a person who makes a written submission either objecting to or supporting a relevant development or planning application must also make a disclosure if the person has made a reportable political donation.

Further information regarding Donations and Gift Disclosure are available on Council’s website at tweed.nsw.gov.au/development-applications

for

•

•

•

In accordance with Clause 118 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021, there is no right of appeal under Section 8.8 of the Act by an objector.

Any person may, during the above period, make a written submission to the General Manager of Council. It should also be noted that Council has adopted a policy whereby, on request, any submission including identifying particulars will be made public. Council will give consideration to the "Public Interest" and requests for confidentiality by submitters in determining access to submission letters. However, the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 –GIPAA may result in confidential submissions being released to an applicant.

Please Note - Requirements regarding Disclosure of Political Gifts and Donations

A disclosure is required to be made in a statement accompanying the relevant development or planning application by a person who makes the application. In addition, a person who makes a written submission either objecting to or supporting a relevant development or planning application must also make a disclosure if the person has made a reportable political donation.

Further information regarding Donations and Gift Disclosure are available on Councils’ website tweed.nsw.gov.au/development-applications

Have your say

Add your voice to decision making in the Tweed

On Exhibition: Child Safe Standards Policies

Working toward being a Child Safe Organisation

The Child Safe Scheme requires local Councils to meet the NSW Child Safe Standards (the Standards). The Standards are designed to complement existing child protection compliance requirements.

Council proposes to introduce policies to work towards being a child safe organisation in compliance with the Standards.

Have your say

These policies are available for review on Your Say Tweed website.

Submissions relating to these policies are to be made to Council by no later than 4pm, 15 February 2023.

Online: yoursaytweed.com.au/childsafe Mail: PO Box 816, Murwillumbah NSW 2484

Email: tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

Enquiries: Viv Wright, Governance Officer, Phone: 02 6670 2400.

On Exhibition: Draft Conflict of Interest Policy

Conflict of Interest for Council Related Development Applications Policy

New requirements have been introduced into the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 to address conflicts of interest in council related development.

Part of these requirements is that Councils must adopt a policy that specifies how conflicts of interest in connection with council-related development applications will be handled.

A draft Policy "Managing Conflicts of Interest in Council Related Development Applications" is now on public exhibition.

Have your say

Submissions relating to this draft policy are to be made by no later than 4pm, 15 February 2023. Submissions can be made to Council: Online: yoursaytweed.com.au/conflict-of-interest Mail: PO Box 816, Murwillumbah NSW 2484

Email: tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

Enquiries: Viv Wright, Governance Officer, Phone: 02 6670 2400

Council confidentiality policy: On request, any submission including identifying particulars will be made public. Council will give consideration to the ‘Public Interest’ and requests for confidentiality however, the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009

Pop- up coffee kiosk at Jack Evans Boat Park

You’ll

This

For more information visit yoursaytweed.com.au/lovejackevans

Get the Tweed Link early by email

Subscribers

Tweed awards to celebrate the Australian spirit

The Tweed community will reflect, respect and celebrate what it means to be part of the unfolding national story on Australia Day next week.

The Tweed Shire Australia Day Awards set to be held in Murwillumbah on Thursday 26 January will recognise outstanding achievements by members of the community.

This will be followed by a citizenship ceremony which will see 35 residents from 17 countries - from as far afield as Finland, India and Brazil - become Australian citizens.

As in previous years, this is an invitation-only event for recipients and their families. A number of public community events are being held across the Tweed, including Tumbulgum and Tyalgum.

The ambassador at this year’s Tweed Shire Australia Day official ceremony will be State Emergency Services (SES) volunteer Grant ‘Jack’ Frost. Mr Frost was the winner of the Volunteer of the Year –

Development application determinations

Individual Award at the 2022 ceremony.

Jack spent more than 4 decades in the aviation arena, first in the Royal Australian Air Force and then as an international commercial pilot. Now retired, he spends a significant portion of his spare time as a NSW SES volunteer.

Jack has been a member of the SES since 2014 and before that was a volunteer member of the Kingscliff Coast Guard. As the Unit Commander of SES Murwillumbah, Jack is involved with the leadership, training, preparedness and operational capability of the local SES unit and its volunteers.

Winners of the Tweed Shire Australia Day Awards will be announced at the ceremony. The categories are: Citizen of the Year; Community Event of the Year; Arts and Culture; Sport Achievement (Individual and Group); Volunteer of the Year – (Individual and Group) and Young Achiever of the Year.

Notification of development application determinations for the purposes of Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (as amended).

Application details

Approved

DA22/0561

- In-ground swimming pool

Lot 25 DP 239101, No. 33 Hibiscus Parade, Banora Point

DA22/0577 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including carport, swimming pool, spa and front fence

Lot 196 DP 261796, No. 56 Bosun Boulevard, Banora Point

DA21/0854 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including living and garage extension, carport and secondary dwelling located above garage in 2 stages

Lot 82 DP 716444, No. 13 Jarrah Place, Banora Point

DA22/0170 - Use of existing carport Lot 1 SP 20150, Unit 1/No. 21 Elsie Street, Banora Point

DA22/0730 - Inground swimming pool

Lot 1 DP 558993, No. 244 McAllisters Road, Bilambil Heights

DA22/0613 - Alterations to existing dwelling including a second storey addition, swimming pool and deck

Lot 469 DP 221546, No. 19 Rosewood Avenue, Bogangar

DA21/0977 - Detached two storey dual occupancy Lot 9 DP 247427, No. 9 Cooley Street, Bogangar

DA22/0355 - Dwelling, double garage, swimming pool and shed Lot 2 DP 880732, No. 51 Rock Road, Bungalora

DA22/0365 - Secondary dwelling (detached), garage and demolition of existing carport and shed Lot 31 DP 789650, No. 44 Waranga Crescent, Burringbar

DA22/0435 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling Lot 77 DP 1030322, No. 20 Eclipse Lane, Casuarina

DA21/0883 - Use of unauthorised rooftop deck Lot 39 SP 76913, Unit 39/No. 40-48 Kamala Crescent, Casuarina

DA22/0012 - Attached secondary dwelling and alterations and addition to existing dwelling Lot 136 DP 1201995, No. 95 Laceflower Parade, Casuarina

CDC22/0125 - In-ground swimming pool

Lot 5 DP 852218, No. 42 Spring Valley Road, Cudgera Creek

DA22/0320 - Alterations and additions to an existing shop at the waste and resource management facility (Tweed JUNKtion)

Lot 1DP 590220, No. 298 Bartletts Road, Eviron

DA21/0686 - Alterations and additions to an existing dwelling and conversion of carport to double garage Lot 11 DP 1215220, No. 6 Elizabeth Street, Fingal Head

DA22/0526 - In-ground swimming pool

Lot 21 DP 18026, No. 9 Queen Street, Fingal Head

DA22/0416 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling Lot 188 DP 852230, No. 2 Kingfisher Circuit, Kingscliff

Temporary road closure

Queensland Road between Waterloo and Bent Street will be closed 10 am - 10 pm, Saturday 28 January 2023 (weather permitting) for the Tweed

Regional Museum event "Capturing Nature Street Party", 4 pm - 8 pm.

The specified Queensland Road area will be closed with an alternative route via Mooball Street provided, and Bent Street will have one lane traffic for local residents. The public is asked to avoid this area. Thank you for your patience and hope that you can join the Museum for this free community event.

Enquiries: Tweed Regional Museum, Bianca Charleston

Email: trm@tweed.nsw.gov.au Phone: 02 6670 2493

DA22/0553 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including carport within the front building line

Lot 84 DP 31539, No. 16 McPhail Avenue, Kingscliff

DA21/0673 - Telecommunications facility

Lot 115 DP 241663, Lot 101 DP 31539, Faulks Street, Kingscliff

DA21/0927 - Alterations and additions to an existing attached dual occupancy and front fence Lot 2 SP 22013, Unit 2/No. 19 Ozone Street, Kingscliff

DA22/0329 - Alterations and additions to existing residential flat building including fencing, replacement of front balconies and enclosure rear balconies

SP 16763, No. 116 Marine Parade, Kingscliff

DA22/0656 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling Lot 4 DP 26837, No. 7 Olga Street, Kingscliff

DA22/0369 - Shed

Lot 2 DP 827366, No. 60 North Arm Road, Murwillumbah

DA22/0402 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling Lot 7 DP 12586, No. 10 Boscabel Avenue, Murwillumbah

DA22/0535 - Carport withinn the front building line and modification of existing fence

Lot 14 DP 21993, No. 200 Murwillumbah Street, Murwillumbah DA22/0593 - Dwelling with attached garage

Lot 125DP 1284746, No. 59 Castle Field Drive, Murwillumbah DA22/0626 - Dwelling with attached garage Lot 113DP 1284746, No. 84 Castle Field Drive, Murwillumbah DA22/0682 - Single storey dwelling with attached garage including retaining walls

Lot 102DP 1284746, No. 62 Castle Field Drive, Murwillumbah DA21/1010 - Replace existing signage

Lot 40 DP 1087661, No. 1-7 Buchanan Street, South Murwillumbah DA22/0433 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including carport and swimming pool

Lot 2DP 1262815, No. 241 Palmvale Road, Palmvale DA22/0261 - Carports within the front building line, pool house, deck and in-ground swimming pool Lot 407 DP 1052083, No. 4 Euodia Avenue, Pottsville DA22/0481 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling and detached garage

Lot 538DP 1076975, No. 7 Marsupial Drive, Pottsville DA22/0572 - In-ground swimming pool Lot 700DP 1078611, No. 10 Grey Gum Street, Pottsville DA22/0635 - In-ground swimming pool Lot 1138 DP 1115395, No. 8 Nambucca Street, Pottsville

DA21/0102 - Secondary dwelling

Lot 50 DP 788605, No. 38 Andrew Avenue, Pottsville

DA21/0973 - Secondary dwelling

Lot 198 DP 806528, No. 2 Westminster Court, Pottsville

DA22/0176 - Two storey dwelling with garage and carport

Lot 3 DP 1015038, No. 778 Round Mountain Road, Reserve Creek DA22/0690 - Farm building

Lot 101DP 1255992, No. 149 Sleepy Hollow Road, Sleepy Hollow DA22/0503 - In-ground swimming pool

Lot 441DP 1270825, No. 37 Market Parade, Terranora

DA22/0676 - In-ground swimming pool with deck and retaining wall and use of unauthorised earthworks and front fence

Lot 206DP 1237760, No. 1 Woodroffe Street, Terranora DA22/0691 - In-ground swimming pool and deck

Lot 464 DP 1144944, No. 8 Australia Drive, Terranora

DA21/0806 - Detached dual occupancy

Lot 2DP 1264394, No. 77 Henry Lawson Drive, Terranora

DA22/0390 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling and use of unauthorised works

Lot 370 DP 249774, No. 26 Leeward Terrace, Tweed Heads

DA22/0648 - Demolition

Lot IDP 7219, No. 16 Boundary Street, Tweed Heads

DA22/0142 - Change of use to business premises (hairdresser)

Lot 5 DP 549037, No. 18 Bay Street, Tweed Heads

DA21/1014 - Replace existing signage

Lot 26 DP 740300, No. 96-98 Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads West

DA21/0955 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including the use of existing bathroom Lot 112 DP 30960, No. 26 Jacaranda Avenue, Tweed Heads West

APPROVED - Deferred commencement

DA21/0950 - Demolition of existing structures and construction of a residential flat building (6 x 3 bedroom units) and (1 x 4 bedroom unit), swimming pool and basement car parking and vegetation works Lot 356 DP 755701, Lot 3DP 1276752, No. 15 Murphys Road, Kingscliff

Refused

DA21/0021 - Demolition and construction of a residential flat building comprising 2 x 1-bedroom units, 24 x 2-bedroom units, 2 x 3-bedroom units

Lot 1 DP 360543, Lot 2 DP 360543, No. 26 Recreation Street, Tweed Heads

Section 4.55 modification application for public comment

The

tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au tweed.nsw.gov.au

Subscribe to the Tweed Link online at tweed.nsw.gov.au/subscribe or follow Council on:

2023 Tweed Seniors Festival For full program and more info visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/seniors-festival or Community Services at communityservices@tweed.nsw.gov.au or 07 5569 3110.

The above development determinations are available for public inspection free of charge at the Planning and Regulation Division, Murwillumbah Civic Centre, during ordinary office hours or viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au

Pottsville

with youth crime

By Yvonne Gardiner

POTTSVILLE RESIDENTS are searching for solutions to guard their community against youth crime.

Children as young as eight years of age are among a group of young people who roam the village’s streets day and night creating havoc.

Assaults, rocks thrown at vehicles, theft, vandalism, destroying bushland to make bike trails, graffiti — all of these crimes are evident from reports to authorities and on social media.

Pottsville Community Association (PCA) president Wendy Pluckrose said much of the youth activity occurred around Ambrose Brown Park, Tweed Coast Road, Philip Street Reserve, Overall Drive and the bridge over Mooball Creek.

“They’re as young as eight, up to 16 (years old) and they run around the streets,” she told The Weekly.

“They’re on bikes, skateboards, scooters and they’re running amok.

“People are saying, ‘Pottsville has got nothing for the kids to do’.

“They’ve got the beach, the park and activities with the Tweed Coast Youth Service during the school holiday period.”

PCA called a special community meeting on Wednesday, January 11, at St Mark’s Church in Pottsville to address the problems.

About 28 people attended, including police officer Matt Woods, Tweed MP Geoff Provest, and Tweed Coast Youth Service (TCYS) chairperson Hamish Bunney.

Mr Bunney does not believe that more police presence is a long-term solution.

“I don’t think this problem is worse than in other towns,” he said.

“The police do important and excellent work but we need funded and trained service providers and youth workers on the ground to provide young people with a different path.

“The community can assist by volunteering

with a local organisation, whether TCYS, the neighbourhood centre or otherwise, to help deliver effective programs for young people.

“They can continue to follow the advice of police if criminal conduct occurs.”

Mr Bunney said youth voices were at the heart of successful youth outcomes.

“Working with young people to support them in their lives is vital,” he said.

Rocks, eggs and fruit have been thrown at cars and properties in Pottsville.

“I’m surprised that someone hasn’t been killed yet,” Ms Pluckrose said.

“Someone at the meeting brought a rock. She was struggling to hold it.

“It was thrown by youngsters and big enough to kill someone

“Rocks were also thrown at a car, as posted on Facebook, doing damage to the car door.”

Tweed Police have stepped up patrols in Pottsville.

“We have to help them by reporting incidents to the police,” Ms Pluckrose said.

“The police urge our community to ring and report.

“They’re on the ball. They know exactly what’s going on. They’re doing everything they can.

“Police patrol with two cars 24/7 and are mobile, using their CAD system for on-thespot reporting — more effective than sitting in a police station.”

Mr Provest said he took seriously any Tweed community concerns about law and order.

“Tweed police numbers have increased in line with our election promises for several years now and the Tweed police do an outstanding job in uniquely difficult circumstances, including the recent floods, COVID and the related border closure,” he said.

“I strongly encourage all Tweed residents to support our courageous local officers.”

Incidents of criminal behaviour can be reported to the police assistance line on 13 14 44 or anonymously via Crimestoppers 1800 333 000.

Tweed Coast Youth Service chairperson Hamish Bunney and Pottsville Community Association president Wendy Pluckrose discuss youth activities in Pottsville. Photo by Yvonne Gardiner

By Yvonne Gardiner

RED POPPIES are well-known as a symbol of war remembrance.

Poppies grew on the battlefields of Belgium and France in World War I where many Australian soldiers died.

Pottsville ceramic artist Shelly Gilbert makes and displays poppies to build awareness of the mental health problems faced by ex-servicemen and women, including alcohol abuse, family breakdowns and suicides.

“This week I finished hand-sculpting 1000 ceramic poppies for a massive display on Anzac Day 2023,” she said.

“Honouring and supporting our returning service men and women is not only a duty, it’s a privilege.

“As a nation, we must ensure that their physical and mental wellbeing is taken care of.

“Mental health issues such as PTSD, depression and anxiety can have long-lasting effects on our veterans.”

Shelly will set up her display at Pottsville Sports Club in time for Anzac Day on April 25.

She has had personal experience of a loved one serving in wartime overseas.

“He went to the first Gulf War, in the Australian Navy on a battleship,” she told The Weekly. “It’s a tough gig for sure.

“They go overseas and to war, and it’s really hard for them to integrate into civilian life.

“It’s difficult to get help. Integrating into social situations is really difficult.”

Last year, Shelly’s poppies were displayed in Taree on the mid-north coast of NSW.

“I donate my poppies. Most of them go on returned service persons’ graves,”

she said.

Once fired and glazed, her latest 1000 poppies will make up a powerful display of remembrance in the Tweed.

“I’ve made 1000 poppies in five days,” Shelly said.

“It’s a process of love, because you definitely don’t make money out of it.

“I just wanted to bring some awareness to mental health in our returned servicemen and women.”

She asks that anyone wanting to support her cause can donate to ex-service organisations like Wounded Heroes, RSL clubs and Open Arms.

New swim site funding

JACK EVANS Boat Harbour in Tweed Heads is among 11 swim projects on the way for communities across the state, thanks to newly announced NSW Government funding.

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said Tweed Shire Council has been selected to receive $748,000 in funding from the Places to Swim grant program, which supports councils and eligible agencies to improve public access to natural waterways.

Work on this latest pool of projects, including at Jack Evans Boat Harbour, will begin early next year with the aim of having all works completed and facilities open by mid-2024.

“We know our communities value the wonderful rivers, lakes and pools across NSW and, thanks to this latest round of funding, we are able to help ensure these natural wonders are safe and accessible for people of all ages,” Mr Provest said.

“The importance of having accessible places to swim and relax close to where you live can’t be overstated — it can help improve physical and mental wellbeing while providing much-needed space to cool down on hot days.”

The Places to Swim program supports the creation of great places for people to enjoy rivers, lakes, dams and other inland waterways to undertake activities such as kayaking and paddle boarding or walking and being around water.

For more information visit Places to Swim.

Ceramic artist Shelly Gilbert raises awareness of war veterans' mental health with her poppies. Photo by Yvonne Gardiner

Mayor Chris Cherry, Geoff Provest MP and Big Trev from Watersports Tweed Heads

Geoff Provest is WORKING to make life more affordable.

Tweed

WORKING Liberal & Nationals NSW with the Government to expand the Container Deposit Scheme. From next year you will also get a 10 cent refund on wine and spirit bottles.

Tweed residents have returned more than 132 million containers, making us regional NSW’s leading recyclers and pumping more than $13 million back into the Tweed economy, as direct payments, supermarket vouchers or gifts to local charities.

WORKING Liberal & Nationals NSW with the Government to introduce great new savings initiatives like 3 x $50 Back to School vouchers for each of your kids. Available this from this month. Tweed Small Business strongly encouraged to apply to Service NSW to become a provider.

WORKING Liberal & Nationals NSW with the Government to build the largest ever hospital outside Sydney, so that 5,000 fewer Tweed residents face the expense and inconvenience of leaving the area for medical treatment.

WORKING with State and Local Government representatives from all sides so that we get

great results for the Tweed.

Geoff PROVEST TWEED

BACK TO SCHOOL

Look for “Savings Finder” at service.NSW.gov.au

Authorised

Wollumbin decision likely to take longer

By Jonathon Howard

CONSULTATION IS expected to be announced soon for a new 7.2km walk in Wollumbin National Park, known as the Caldera Rim Walk, but a decision is yet to be made on access to Wollumbin (Mt Warning) itself.

The Wollumbin summit track has been closed since March 2020 and has impacted businesses and prompted widespread debate.

A quick search of ‘Wollumbin’ on social media reveals downright toxic comments, with several remarks of anger and outrage.

More than 100 residents rallied in protest against the closure of the summit track on Saturday, January 14.

The majority of residents appear to appreciate the significance of Wollumbin as a spiritual place for Aboriginal people, but many are now calling for a compromise to enable residents and visitors access to the mountain. The process is expected to take some time.

In 2014, 447 hectares of Wollumbin National Park was declared as an Aboriginal Place, which is defined as an area of land that has special significance to Aboriginal people.

“Wollumbin, particularly the mountain summit, is considered to hold special significance for the Bundjalung community who have been actively involved in the management of the national park for more than 10 years,” the NSW Atlas of Aboriginal Places states.

The Weekly put several questions to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), including whether the recently formed Wollumbin Stakeholder Advisory Committee (WSAC) could provide a solution that would allow visitors to return.

The WSAC held its first meeting in December 2022 with Mayor Chris Cherry in attendance.

“The NSW Government announced in October 2022 that it will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Wollumbin Consultative Group (representing different family groups and organisations with connection to Wollumbin) that will provide a framework for Aboriginal decision-making about the national park, as a first step to joint management,” a spokesperson for NPWS said.

“Planning is progressing to reopen visitor precincts below the summit Aboriginal Place damaged by flooding in Wollumbin National Park as soon as possible, with a preliminary timeframe of July 2023, pending favourable weather.

“Public consultation will also occur in the next few months for a draft masterplan for a proposed new walk in the park, the Caldera Rim Walk.”

The WSAC provides a forum for key stakeholders, including local government and the tourism industry, to provide input to future decisions regarding Wollumbin.

NPWS executive director Deon van Rensburg said the meeting was positive.

“Participants in the independently facilitated session stated that it was constructive and productive,” Mr van Rensburg said.

Tweed Shire Council Mayor Chris Cherry said the meeting discussed a range of important issues.

“There was a shared acknowledgement of the importance of the cultural significance of Wollumbin/Mt Warning to Aboriginal people by the group,” Mayor Cherry said.

“We spent time exploring ways the park’s unique environment could be shared with the broader community in the future in a culturally sensitive way, which acknowledges the significance of the Aboriginal Place.

“There were also discussions on the development of alternative experiences such as development of new bushwalking trails.”

NPWS said it will support the Advisory Committee and facilitate its engagement on ideas and opportunities for the future management of Wollumbin which can be shared with the Wollumbin Consultative Group.

“The Advisory Committee will also provide an opportunity for representatives to share their views and provide comments on future recreational opportunities at Wollumbin (outside the Aboriginal Place) and in other national parks of the wider Tweed-Byron areas,” NPWS said. They said it will be a decision for the Aboriginal custodians “whether or not to reopen the summit track”.

NPWS added that the NSW Government has not imposed, and does not intend to impose, any restrictions on the use of images of Wollumbin.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Would you like to see the reopening of the summit track? Or do you believe a new trail such as the Caldera Rim Walk could hold a good compromise? Send us your thoughts and letters to editor@theweekly.net.au

WOLLUMBIN: One of the most hotly debated topics in the Tweed Shire relates to the iconic Wollumbin (Mt Warning)

WORKING with Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Senior Vet Dr Michael Pyne and Tweed Shire Council to deliver the Tweed’s first ever Koala Hospital.

WORKING with Tweed wildlife community groups, volunteers and locals to deliver practical outcomes to save and grow the Tweed koala population.

WORKING with the NSW Government to buy up more habitat to support Tweed koalas , including expanding the Cudgen Nature Reserve.

Geoff Provest’s Tweed Koala Plan is working Geoff PROVEST TWEED

WORKING in NSW Parliament by not supporting legislation inconsistent with the Liberal and Nationals Government goal of doubling the NSW koala population by 2050. Authorised by Geoff Provest MP using

By Jonathon Howard

THE YOUTH Driver Program

launched by Murwillumbah Sporting Car Club (MSCC) several years ago has this week received a major funding boost courtesy of Southern Cross Credit Union (SCCU).

MSCC president Darren Holland and fellow members gratefully received the cheque for $10,000 from SCCU community and sponsorship specialists Cassie Nicole and Alyssa Tunstall.

Mr Holland said the funds will go a long way in meeting the needs of an important youth program this year.

“Especially in the purchase of another vehicle and meeting the associated costs of insurance, registrations and the staging of junior events,” he said.

“Along with SCCU, we are very lucky to have the additional support of local business in our endeavours.

“Without their generosity, there would be no program.”

The MSCC Youth Driver Program is a leading engagement program for young drivers that exposes them to the many challenges on the road.

Mr Holland said the program is crucial at the early stages of developing driving skills, as we are at high risk when we first take to the road.

“The area has a particular high accident rate in youths across the Northern Rivers,” he said.

“We’ve helped educate and provide early experiences for around 30 young drivers.

“Through this generous funding from Southern Cross Credit Union we hope to expand our youth program and purchase another vehicle.”

The club now has four vehicles to train and educate in, but the funds also mean new opportunities.

“We can now go to the skid pan at Mount Cotton and engage a professional driving coach to advance their car control and accident prevention,” he said.

The club was one of three local community organisations to each receive $10,000 from the Southern Cross Credit Union towards their projects for this year.

“It was very difficult to determine winners amongst many other deserving groups,” Ms Nicole said.

“SCCU looks forward to working in partnership with the car club over the next twelve months and delivering real life skills to our youth.”

The next MSCC Youth Driver Program is taking place on Saturday, March 11, followed by the Motorkhana Cross on the following Sunday, March 19.

The club was formed in April 2018 after a meeting of motorsport enthusiasts who wished to see more competition-based motorsport in the Tweed Shire. Since then members

have participated in motorkhanas, navigation runs, social events, go karts, hill climbs, super sprints and the Challenge Bathurst series. The club works closely with other car

clubs, including the Gold Coast Tweed Motorsporting Club and the Z Car Club Qld to provide a varied motorsport calendar throughout the year.

For more information, or to get involved with MSCC, please contact 0407 120 113 or email: mscc2484@ gmail.com

MAJOR BOOST: MSCC's Rob, Darren, SCCU's Alyssa and Cassie with Barry from MSCC

THE RAINFOREST Way is one of the most spectacular and memorable drives in Australia taking in vistas of Wollumbin (Mt Warning) and the beauty of the caldera.

Promoted by Tweed Tourism Co, the vastness of the caldera, the mosaic of farmlands and the deep green of the rainforest stand out against the spire of Wollumbin on this cruise.

“A highlight is the breathtaking view from the Pinnacle Lookout on the rim of the great caldera, at 919m above sea level,” Tweed Tourism said.

“To stand on the rim of the great caldera is to experience one of Australia’s great natural wonders.”

This drive takes you into the Border Ranges National Park with spectacular views, waterfalls, sparkling creeks and rugged ridges.

The Border Ranges National Park has two entrances: one at the western section (via Wiangaree) and the other at the southern section (via Wadeville).

An entry fees does apply and you can find out how to join a personalised or group day tour of the National Park as well.

The National Park offers the chance to dust off your binoculars and go bird watching or search for the Red Cedar trees, believed to be 1,000 years old.

From Murwillumbah, Nimbin or Lismore, staying overnight at the Wadeville Woollies. Follow the escarpment through the Border Ranges National Park, exiting at the Sheepstation Creek rest area.

Things to do along the way:

1. Do the walk to the Pinnacle Lookout and stand on the edge of an ancient volcano

2. Grab some fresh local produce from a roadside fruit stall and stay for a break or picnic at either Black Butts, Forest Tops, Bar Mountain or Sheepstation Creek picnic areas

3. Wander through a stand of ancient Antarctic Beech Trees at Bar Mountain

A map of the drive around the National Park

Pinnacle lookout is one of the best

By Jonathon Howard

MOTORISTS ARE being reminded to check their vehicle’s towing capacity and weight specifications before towing a loaded trailer or caravan to avoid expensive accidents.

The advice came from Tweed Police following a single-vehicle accident on the Pacific Motorway near Cudgera Creek Road on Sunday, January 15.

It appears a Toyota HiLux (pictured) was towing an BMW X5 on a trailer, before the HiLux rolled on the motorway.

The X5 weighs around 2.2 tonnes and combined with a large trailer makes for a heavy

towing load for the HiLux, which weighs around 2 tonnes.

Police said the highway was closed in both directions whilst emergency workers worked to reopen the road.

“Southbound traffic was delayed shortly as the towing authority positioned the vehicles in a safe manner to right the vehicle onto its wheels,” police said.

After about 45 minutes all lanes were then reopened.

Anyone wanting to find out more about their vehicle’s towing capacity is encouraged to visit Pedders in South Murwillumbah.

Community Transport desperate for drivers

By Jonathon Howard

THE COMMUNITY Transport Company is making a desperate appeal for more volunteer drivers to help keep our elderly and disabled residents moving around the Northern Rivers.

Drivers are needed in the Tweed, Byron and Ballina shires to provide door-to-door transport for medical and other appointments.

The Community Transport Company in the Far North Coast delivers over 80,000 trips to locals every year and does it with the help of a great group of volunteers.

“We rely on our volunteers to help people who can’t use regular public transport or their own vehicles,” Community Transport CEO Bethany Langford told The Weekly.

“It’s a great way to make a huge difference in

people’s lives.”

Volunteering for Community Transport is also a great way to get solid work experience for job seekers or for retirees to meet Centrelink obligations.

Community Transport provides volunteers with fleet vehicles, training, uniforms and references, as well as a wonderful feeling of giving back to your own community.

Volunteers find that as well as helping others, their own health and wellbeing improves.

Research shows that volunteering has amazing benefits including lowering blood pressure, reducing stress and depression, and increasing physical activity.

For more information on joining this fantastic organisation as a volunteer, call your local Community Transport office on 1300 875 895.

Kevin Grady loves his volunteer role helping keep our community moving and making a difference

By Madeleine Murray

Ida Daly

Ninety-five-year-old legend. Mother-of-eight. Ex-dairy farmer. Uki

I don’t have any New Year’s resolutions. I just want the world to be a wonderful place.

child in myself. My New Year’s resolution is to walk slowly, breathe deeply and stop often, giving myself the space and time, to feel and to connect with my inner self and with Nature, to trust Her to guide me through the journey of life.

personally, of realigning one’s self for the challenges and rewards in the year ahead. For me, the tick-tock of the clock turning into the New Year means a clean slate. It’s a fresh start.

Professionally, I’m aiming to complete the restoration of the Heritage-Listed Uki Post Office building. It’s six years since I took ownership this year, so I look forward to completing this wonderful project.

Personally, being an owner-operator, it can be challenging to take time off. Luckily, I’ve got a great team, the best I’ve worked with in my 25-year career. This means I plan to take some more time off, and fine-tune my work-life balance.

Kath Sheeran

Owner of Kath’s Home & Garden, Farm Flowers & Gift Shop. Burringbar

My New Year’s resolution: to educate others about the importance of buying locally grown seasonal flowers. We need to stop the imports.

Echo Liu

Chinese and Japanese language teacher. Frenchs Forest, Sydney

2022 was quite an intense and stressful year with unexpected changes to life. When life suddenly became overwhelming and complicated, I started to realise the importance of feeling through the journey and trusting my intuitions, through which I have stayed closer to the inner

Managing

I wouldn’t have a clue. I don’t

Gary Wall

director, Bastion Lane Espresso. Uki Resolutions are an essential part, both professionally and

Ben Storey

Owner, The Barn. Burringbar

Horses limited on Rail Trail for safety

By Jonathon Howard

AS TWEED SHIRE Council progresses towards the grand opening of the Rail Trail, expected in March, residents are slamming the lack of access for horses, as well as safety concerns regarding E-bikes and scooters.

The Weekly put several questions to Tweed Valley Rail Trail Project Director Iain Lonsdale, who emphasised that council recognises the importance of the equine industry and is supportive of recreational horse riding in the shire.

Mr Lonsdale acknowledged that early promotional material of the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail reflected council’s desire to incorporate horse riding as a user group.

“As with any new asset, its use, cost and governance must take into account all matters affecting or likely to affect public safety,” he said.

“A full risk analysis was undertaken as part of the Rail Trail’s project scope, which found shared use of the trail by horse riders to be an unacceptable risk without more evidence of use and behaviour, patronage and the like.

“While a separate bridleway option was initially investigated, it presented a number of design challenges that could not be overcome at this time, within the confines of the available funding and time.”

Mr Lonsdale said to gather more evidence his team have agreed to a trial of horse riding over a 2.2km defined area around Burringbar.

“This will assist with further assessment based upon information gathering and observation of actual use of the trail, not only about where horse riding is permitted but more broadly,” he said.

Mr Lonsdale again emphasised that public safety is the number one concern.

“There is no substitute for facts and evidence in decision-making, especially when the risks presented are significant,” he said.

“We also have to balance the concerns raised by some adjoining landowners of the biosecurity risks posed to them and their property by introducing horses into this new environment.”

Another area of concern is how electric vehicles are used on the trail including the increase in electric bikes and scooters.

Mr Lonsdale said his team are passionate about making the track as accessible as possible for all users – for those walking, riding on bikes, scooters and E-bikes, on wheelchairs and pushing prams.

“The safety of all users of the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail has been central to the design and construction of the new facility,” he said.

“An extensive educational campaign will be launched ahead of the opening of the attraction in March, focusing on providing safety tips and outlining the trail’s rules for users both before they use the track and while on-track.

“As with most other rail trails across the world, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail will operate under a self-policing model, which relies on users to report any problems on the trail via designated channels such as council’s report a problem service.”

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you believe that horses, cyclists and pedestrians can share the rail trail? Or is there a safety concern? The Weekly would love to hear your thoughts via email: editor@theweekly.net.au

Holly Burnell, of Bella Rae Bridal, shows off the impressive venue

Anna Broomfield (left), owner of The Belle Riverhouse at Tumbulgum, and Mia Connolly, Ivy and Bleu stylist and planner

Wedding plans under discussion for (from left) Aziz Easat, his fiancé Katie Wall and Finns Salt Kingscliff general manager Flo Elineau

A musical duo entertains during the Tweed Wedding Trail

Meg Bouw serves up gelato at Plantation House

Images and story by Yvonne Gardiner

White

THE WHITE Light Health & Wellbeing Expo at Pottsville

Beach Community Hall on Saturday, January 14 was a big success.

Expo organiser Adrian Moore said around 180 people attended, and even though the weather was wet, there were

plenty of residents and visitors eager to attend.

“We had plenty of people take up tarot and oracle card readings as well as metaphysical and self-help advice and therapies,” he said.

“We also had great results from our crystal and tumbled

stone sales stall.”

Two new stallholders, holographic kinetics and a crystal healing also reported a great turnout and successful day.

“We also had a shamanic healer, which went gangbusters with attendees,” he said.

“We would like to thank ev -

eryone for their attendance and look forward to our next visit in 2024.”

Anyone wanting to find out more information, or to get involved, please visit: www. whitelightexpos.com

Sweet Talk

Sweet Talk

with Robert Hawken

with Robert Hawken

THE PROJECTED cane crop for the Condong Mill area this year is likely to be down on the normal five-year average.

This is due to a combination of several issues that growers have had to deal with for most of last year.

A very wet winter made harvesting difficult and many ratoon fields were left in poor shape. This situation continued into spring, which was unusually cool and wet.

Some early planted cane was badly affected by water logging resulting in poor germination and slow growth in many fields and a significant amount of plant cane and ratoons have struggled to grow because of the cooler weather.

The grass and weeds have also become a real problem for most growers.

On a positive note, the recent dry weath-

Tough year ahead for cane farmers

er has enabled many growers to prepare fallow land for planting soybeans, which is now well underway.

Hopefully, without any flood events this summer, soy crops will do well, along with other legumes.

The sugar world price is still relatively high and hopefully this will continue into 2023-2024.

All Australian canegrowers need to do is grow a good crop of cane and the sugar milling companies need to ensure their mills run reliably, and the Australian sugar industry will prosper again, but this is easier said than done.

In November last year, many local farmers, including canegrowers, came together to form a new branch of the NSW Farmers’ Association.

This Far North Coast branch consists of primary producers from the Tweed and Byron areas.

The NSW Farmers’ Association represents farmers from all primary industries in NSW and is a voice to all levels of government regarding issues faced by farmers and their local communities.

Hopefully our mill staff, harvester crews, truck drivers and growers enjoy some holiday time before maintenance programs commence once again.

It is at this time of year that many growers service and maintain their equipment and make plans for their farm’s program for the growing crop.

Bye for now — best wishes to all readers, Rob Hawken

Forecast says rain on the way

THE TWEED Shire is in for a wet three months, according to the Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) long-range forecast.

The forecast up until April shows a 75 per cent chance of 400mm and a 60 per cent chance of greater than the median rainfall of 661mm, which follows a relatively dry end to 2022.

In fact, according to BOM statistics, October 2022 rainfall measured at Dungay was 36mm, compared to the monthly median of 111mm.

The December median rainfall is 145mm, but the Tweed Valley at Dungay received only 80mm.

So far in 2023 we have received 40mm as of mid-January.

But 2022 went down as the second wettest year on record since 1974 with 3,106.9mm of rain in total for 2022.

Since the 1950s, it was the second wettest year on record after 1974 which recorded 3,292.6mm.

As La Niña is expected to ease, the risk of drought and fire are fresh concerns, along with water usage.

“Large parts of Australia have close to equal chance of above or below median rainfall for the period February to April,” BOM’s long-range forecast notes.

“This forecast reflects the status and forecasts for several climate drivers, including La Niña, positive SAM and warm ocean temperatures around Australia.”

PLANTING UNDERWAY: Harvesting the cane shoots for planting is full steam ahead

Giant wombats roam

By Madeleine Murray

TWEED REGIONAL Museum will come alive at night and this time the party is spilling onto the street.

For a place normally full of dead things, the Tweed Museum is becoming a vibrant hub, where children run around marvelling at the exhibits, and families relax with international food and gin cocktails, while listening to live music.

The giant Diprotodon (an extinct genus of marsupial from the Pleistocene of Australia) puppets are back roaming the exhibits and the streets at this Museum Up Late event inspired by the Capturing Nature exhibit.

The huge puppets, based on a type of giant wombat, roar and rear, terrifying and thrilling adults and children alike as they pass by.

“The street party is a celebration of science, natural history, and our community’s shared love of protecting wildlife in the Tweed,” museum curator Erika Taylor told The Weekly.

“The museum is thrilled to be able to host The Dead Puppet Society as they bring their magical diprotodon puppets to life; it’s a performance not to be missed.”

The museum will expand into surrounding streets with activities, music, food stalls and pop-up bars.

The mobile Gin Experience will serve amazing

cocktails, mixers and beer. There will be Asian food from Khanthaly’s Kitchen, and Japanese tasty bites from OKI. Caravana Taqueria will provide authentic Mexican food from a 1960s vintage caravan.

You can have fresh juices, smoothies, Acai bowls, and cold brew coffee from Smooth Juice, as well as gelato, and sorbet from Benilato.

Felicity Lawless on guitar and vocals, and Miscellaneous on saxophone and clarinet will bring the party out onto the street.

You can drop into workshops with eco-warriors, artists and animal experts, have your face painted, meet a curator, play a large scale Adventure Game with the Museum Mates, dig for fossils and much more. Eco-warriors Green Heroes will be doing hands-on activities, there will be interactive displays of seabirds, shore birds and sea turtles, as well as a huge communal chalk mural on the road.

The psychedelic caravan Museum on Wheels will be there for a visit, and the new museum shop will be open.

This amazing night will be great fun for children and adults alike. Don’t miss it!

Museum Up Late is free and starts at 4pm to 8pm, on Saturday, January 28.

All ages welcome. Bookings are required. Please visit the Tweed Regional Museum online and book a ticket through the Eventbrite link.

Blue-green algae alert for waterways

THE POSSIBILITY of a rise in blue-green algae blooms at the lower reaches of Cudgen Creek has promoted a warning from Tweed Shire Council for residents and visitors to avoid swimming and surfing in coastal waters, creeks and estuaries where algae is detected.

Council said the naturally occurring bluegreen algae Trichodesmium has been seen in the lower reaches of Cudgen Creek, particularly in the area near the river mouth in recent days, although marine winds have dispersed some of the bloom.

Cudgen Creek has been a popular summer holiday spot for hundreds of beachgoers, but the danger period is likely to be later in the year.

Council’s senior program leader – environmental health, Marcela Lopez, said although it could happen at any time, blue-green algae was more likely to bloom in local waterways from August to April.

“As the temperature rises, we often see Trichodesmium along the Far North Coast at this time of year,” Ms Lopez said.

“It is often mistaken for oil or slimy effluent slicks on beaches and in rivers where it has been blown onshore by winds and tide.

“While Trichodesmium is a blue-green algae, it can come in a lot of other interesting colours including orange, grey, brown, green and purple.

“It decays quickly, usually turning greenish and then pink-red as it dies. It smells bad, like rotting plant matter or chlorine gas, with some people describing it as a ‘fishy’ smell.”

Ms Lopez said blooms of some Trichode -

smium could produce toxins that may pose a health risk.

“While the direct risk to human health is very low, we encourage people to avoid wading, swimming or surfing in water where a bloom is visible and keep animals away,” she said.

“We are also advising residents not to eat shellfish from affected waters and the water should not be used for potable water supply.

“If you come into contact with the algae, rinse it off with soap and fresh water as soon as possible.”

Trichodesmium is a member of the phytoplankton family and plays an important role in the aquatic food chain.

Calm conditions, northerly currents and warm water temperatures can increase growth, with blooms disappearing naturally.

Being safe is the foundation of a healthy Tweed community. Head to tweed.nsw.gov. au/water-pollution#algal-bloom to find out more including a handy fact sheet on the issue.

DIPROTODON: The giant puppets even roar and make for a great time at the museum

Blue-green algae has been spotted at Cudgen Creek at Kingscliff recently

There’s so much coming to The Regent over the next few months, from award-winning cinema (I’m eagerly awaiting The Banshees of Innisherin even more after its Golden Globe triple win!), more Oscar nominees than you can shake a gold statue at, stellar documentaries – don’t miss “You Can Go Now”, arriving on Australia/Invasion Day – as well as family-friendly fun in all shapes and sizes, starring two animated cats, a talented crocodile and a marvellous mollusc! I’ve done my best to cater to a variety of tastes, including options for all ages, but it seems now that Avatar has left the cinema, so has the audience. The bums-on-seats have shouted volumes by their absence! It’s always tricky to guage when a lm will have run its course, as many factors a ect attendance, with the weather of the day being the nal clincher. I did wonder with Avatar particularly, as I’ve never shown a lm so many times! Yet it’s been playing over a busy month, and I realise I may have been premature in pulling it, in order to show all the fantastic lms waiting

patiently in the wings for some screentime! I have listened, bringing back an Encore screening for the nal weekend of the holidays. Due to its epic duration, it’s hard to swap out, as two movies could be played during Avatar’s screening time. I’ve already juggled the schedule multiple times over the holiday period, which I’m always reluctant to do, to avoid confusion or disappointment. However, once February hits, and we’re only open from Fridays to Sundays again, with special live events every week, we’d be delighted to reserve further screenings for private bookings. So, bring your friends, have the cinema all to yourselves, and we’ll deliver food and drink as you desire throughout the 3 hours of Avatar immersion, at a time that suits you (outside normal operating hours). Please do book ahead for all the live shows, so the artists see you’re keen to see them! Events may be cancelled if the pre-bookings aren’t enough… and we all know the show must go on!!

Marcel the Shell

runner-up trophies, a few finalist honours, and 9 more contests still pending final voting.

Thursday the 19th is the only exception to our new opening hours of first screenings at 2pm weekdays, 10am Sat/Sun. (Doors open half an hour prior to the movie.)

From February, we return to our regular Fri-Sun open days, plus our plethora of special events occasionally occuring on Thursday nights. Kirtan will be back bi-monthly this year, on Tuesday nights beginning on February 14th, Valentine’s Day – the perfect time to raise the love vibe! March is morphing into a mega music month – stay tuned via our newsletter, and book ahead to secure your seat!

NEW FILMS THIS WEEK: THE AMAZING MAURICE + BLUEBACK + A MAN CALLED OTTO + WHITNEY HOUSTON: I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY COMING SOON: YOU CAN GO NOW (26/1) + THE FABLEMANS (27/1)

FROM FEB: THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN + BABYLON

Our Sunset Soirée on Saturdays sees MOHINI COX begin her monthly residency – the same night as the Knox Park market day (3rd Saturday of the month). February and March are both on the 18th making it even easier for you to remember to come on up to our Balcony, and get down with some funky tunes and smooth grooves of this incredible vocalist! Next week, another local legend, Parissa Bouas, is back on our Balcony to give you a fine time whilst you wine and dine!

LIVE EVENTS: KUEPPER WHITE (2/2) + THE VERY LAST LIST OF VIVIEN WALKER (3/2)

+ SACRED SOUND TEMPLE presents LULU & MISCHKA with GAIATREE KIRTAN (14/2)

+ THE VAGINA CONVERSATIONS (16/2)

+ WHO WE BECOME: COMMUNITY STORIES from POETS OUT LOUD (24/2)

MARCH MUSIC: BOBBY ALU with WILD THYME (17/3) + LIOR & DOMINI FORSTER (23/3)

+ WILLIAM CRIGHTON & LIZ STRINGER (31/3) …stay tuned for more special announcements soon!

MARCEL THE Shell with Shoes On first burst on the internet-sensation scene a decade ago. This cute character captured hearts worldwide, so the creative team who dreamt him up have spent the last seven years making a feature film for this sweet seashell to truly become a star.

With a tongue-twister name, and googly-eyed appeal, it’s really the voice that completes the sense of wonderment emanating from him.

Marcel was actually born voice first, highpitched and full of childlike inflection, the key to the anthropomorphic transformation for this live-action, stop-motion animated comedy-drama mockumentary movie, delighting both critics and audiences alike, all around the world.

“Hilarious… extremely sweet... a feel-good movie that’s not like anything you’ve seen before… somehow whimsical, bittersweet, life-affirming and a little bit heartbreaking all at once,” is how it’s described.

Universally acclaimed, 50 award nominations have followed in its wake during the film festival tour over the past year, with 17 wins, 5

What an impressive first impression for Dean Fleischer Camp’s feature-length directorial debut, with a screenplay by Fleischer Camp, Jenny Slate and Nick Paley, from a story by the same crew, plus Elisabeth Holm.

Screen legend Isabella Rossellini plays the voice of Connie, Marcel’s beloved grandma, whom he lives with in an AirBnb in LA.

The largely improvised film has been given a touching backstory, and the RT critical consensus describes this independent film as “poignant, profound, and utterly heart-warming.

Marcel The Shell With Shoes On is animated entertainment with real heart.”

Be moved by this movie - now showing at The Regent.

Emily 2:35PM

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On 5:10PM

A Man Called Otto 7:05PM

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On 2:00PM

Blueback 3:55PM

A Man Called Otto 6:05PM Emily 8:30PM

The Amazing Maurice 10:00AM

Blueback 12:00PM

Triangle of Sadness 2:05PM

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish 4:55PM

Sunset Soirée (LIVE MUSIC on the Baclony)

MOHINI COX 6-8PM

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On 7:00PM

A Man Called Otto 8:55PM

Register for Rail Trail

By Jonathon Howard

the rail trail.

The easy-to-use online form requires basic business details, what type of experience businesses are offering, and a summary as to how they will align with the trail’s values of discovery, connection, freedom, and fun.

Emily 10:00AM

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On 12:35PM Blueback 2:30PM

A Man Called Otto 4:40PM

I Wanna Dance with Somebody 7:05PM

Council and its tourism partner The Tweed Tourism Company will work with operators interested in commercial partnerships to offer guest experiences across the areas of: taste (food and beverage), stay (accommodation), move (travel and transport options), explore (education and recreation) and enjoy (entertainment and events).

Manager destination, communication and customer experience, Tiffany Stodart, said adjoining landowners and businesses who want to be part of the region’s newest must-do experience should register their interest now.

“We are ready to hear from our business community and those interested in making the rail trail a great experience,” Ms Stodart said.

“The opportunities are many — cafes and coffee, ice cream and gelato, gourmet hampers and picnics, bike hire and shuttle services, education, recreation and cultural tours and so much more.”

The Rail Trail Partner Program provides adjoining landowners and businesses the opportunity to progress to commercial partnerships to make the most of the economic benefits of

“This call out for businesses to register their interest is aimed at attracting a wide range of operators, to ensure the rail trail provides quality guest experiences,” Ms Stodart said.

A new and comprehensive rail trail website also is on track to launch in early February 2023 and will provide a wide range of trail information and experiences. The new site will replace the existing page at northernriversrailtrail.com.au.

To find out how to register your business interest in becoming a partner of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, email partners@ northernriversrailtrail.com.au

For enquiries regarding the operation of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail please phone: (02) 6673 0404 or email hello@ northernriversrailtrail. com.au

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile 2:00PM

The Amazing Maurice 4:10PM

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On 6:10PM

Triangle of Sadness 8:05PM

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On 2:00PM

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile 3:55PM

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish 6:05PM

I Wanna Dance with Somebody 8:10PM

Blueback 2:00PM

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On 4:05PM

A Man Called Otto 6:00PM

I Wanna Dance with Somebody 8:25PM

BUSINESSES WANTING to tap into fresh revenue streams from the soon to be opened Rail Trail are being invited to register their interest via the Rail Trail Partner Program run by Tweed Shire Council.

Spolight with The Regent

Jazz & Blues Club back at Condong

TO BRING on the new year, and to celebrate Tweed Valley Jazz and Blues Club returning to the Condong Bowls Club on Friday, January 27, the club is welcoming back perennial club favourites the Mojo Webb Band.

Event coordinator Peter Hurcombe said members were “excited” to return to the Condong Bowls Club after being away from the most of 2022 due to the damage the club sustained from the February 2022 flood.

“The place is looking great and we are hoping for our supporters to return to the Friday night regular show at Condong again,” he said.

“We appreciated the support of the Murwillumbah Golf Club for the second half of the year, which was a huge help.”

Peter said it’s going to be a cracker return to

the club’s home venue.

“It will be a great night for all including dancers with the return to Condong and their wonderful dance floor,” he said.

“Mojo’s authentic blues sounds travel all the way back to the Delta, with overlays of the Chicago elements that came later.

“But the presentation is always fresh and vibrant, and you can’t fail to feel Mojo’s love for the genre that he invests with his own personality and style.

“This multi-instrumental band never fails to deliver the goods with their naturally captivating stage presence.”

Come along and join the Jazz and Blues Club members with tickets at the door from 6pm.

JAZZ AND BLUES: Mojo Webb Band is back and ready to rock Condong

Northern Rivers Aqua Pressure Cleaning

Dean

He relocated the business to Murwillumbah two years ago after living and working on the Southern Gold Coast for the past 17 years.

“My partner is a local of nearly 30 years and has a deep connection to the Tweed and surrounding shires, with family and friends living in the area,” he said.

Dean is hoping to grow his business and to let all of the Tweed Shire and beyond know about the services he offers.

“Northern Rivers Aqua Pressure Cleaning services all of the Tweed, Byron, Ballina and Lismore Shires,” he said.

“I

“I

For commercial jobs, we offer all of these jobs as well as carparks etc.

“No job is too big or too small, and if you have something else that requires a pressure clean, all you need to do is ask,” he said.

“Northern Rivers Aqua pressure cleaning is also a preferred contractor for some local real estate agents, cleaning properties for owners as well as tenants.”

Since launching his small business several years ago, Dean has received stellar reviews and testimonials from clients:

“Shout out to the legends at Northern Rivers

Pressure Cleaning for blasting all that dirt and grime off our footpaths and bringing them back to new for when we return,” said one happy customer, Trident Fish and Grill.

“Thanks Deano, the driveway has never looked so good. Highly recommend Northern Rivers Aqua Cleaning,” said another happy customer from a residence.

Call 0426 119 550 for a quote! 87477

Positions Vacant

DELIVERY DRIVER Chilled &

Thursday & Friday early starts, knowledge of Brisbane preferable. Well presented & good communication skills required. Text 0488 156 524 for details

DELIVERY DRIVERS WANTED Tweed Valley Weekly is seeking several drivers for newspaper delivery every Thursday Morning. Great Rates, Must be available Thursday Mornings, Insurance provided for first year. Phone: (02) 6672 4443

SINGHS BUS SERVICES are looking for drivers to service Tyalgum. L/R or M/R licence required, 20 hrs p/w. Ph 0412 661 794

Public Notice

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meets on the second Thursday of each month. Doors open in the community Room at 10-30 NSW time. All welcome . Phone 0427 432 071.

Snake Relocation

Social Group

SOCIAL GROUP OVER 50, Men and ladies, Singles, Organized outings, Get togethers, Nice people and Friendship. Phone 0428 523 423. Genuine people only

DORIS MARY HIGLETT (née Schembri)

17/5/1944 – 24/1/2016

7 years have passed and we all miss you so much, you will always be loved & remembered by all those whose lives you touched. Loving husband George, daughter Karen, son & daughter in law Mark & Debbie.

Sisters Rose, Julie (dec’d) Carmen, Connie & Miriam.

Grandsons Matthew, Jordan, Aaron & Fraser

Great grandson Ryker Rest in Peace- Much loved, never forgotten.

IVY DORIS (DOLLY) WADE

Passed peacefully 08/02/26 - 17/01/22

One year has passed and we miss you every day. Sadly, missed by her loving husband Vic and children, Richard, Gary, Dianne and Paul and their families Forever in our hearts

Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day, Unseen, Unheard, But always near, Still loved, Still missed And very Dear Loved forever and will never be forgotten

Violet Marie HAWKER 9/1/2023

Heritage Brothers 07 55991500

Ronald William “Ron” GLASS 12/1/2023

Heritage Brothers 07 55991500

Peter CRAVEN 13/1/2023

Heritage Brothers 07 55991500

Hermann BIESER 14/1/2023

Heritage Brothers 07 55991500

WINTERS Pola Vincent 06/01/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

WHELAN Theresa 09/01/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

MULCAHY Susan May 10/01/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

DAVIES Margaret Valerie 11/01/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

JEMISON Harry 11/01/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

JACKSON Thomas Maurice Gordon 11/01/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

TAYLOR Kathleen Michelle (Kate) 11/01/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

GLYNN Colin Rodney 13/01/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

PENTREATH Ross Phillip Leigh 13/01/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

SHEPHERD John Joseph 13/01/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

SRIMAN KRISHNA BALLABHA DAS

Desmond Charles Pavlich

10/08/1951-20/12/2022

Adored father of Gopal, Sita, Srinivas and Nadia; and beloved grandfather to Tulsi, Amani, Narayan, Arjuna, Koa, Adara, Augustus and Bodhi. Big brother to Lois and Uncle to Chan.

A friend to all and counsellor and con dant to many. A life dedicated to his loving family and Krishna consciousness, KB was stoic and dependable - a giver of great advice and great company. He will be missed eternally, but always remembered.

“I believe what it says in the scriptures and in the Bhagavad Gita: Never was there a time when you did not exist, and there never will be a time when you cease to exist.”- George Harrison

Margaret Jean Wright “Jean”

Late of Pottsville. Aged 77 Years.

11th May 1945 – 14th January 2023

Loved Sister & Sister-in-Law to Deb & Rick Souter

A Celebration of Jean’s life will be held at the Tweed Heads Memorial Gardens Chapel, Kirkwood Road

On Monday 23rd January , 2023 at 1pm (NSW)

2023 Cudgen Classic

THE CUDGEN Classic went off with a bang at the Cudgen Surf Life Saving Club on Saturday, January 14.

Robin Eyre took these amazing images of the athletes at their best.

Tweed Valley Weekly Locals Supporting Locals Thursday, January 19, 2023 Activities 45

Children’s game (9)

Ancient writing material (7)

Christening (7)

Variety of fruit (11)

Originally from (6)

Breaded and fried (8)

Sticking (8)

Slumbering (6)

Inarticulate speech (6)

Drawback (12)

Brunch item (7)

Poke (3)

Dead bodies (7)

Balkan country (7)

It’s unctous and green (5)

One of the armed services (4)

More secure (5)

Male cat (3)

Hawaiian dish (3)

Application of colour (5)

One who believes in God (12)

Not listening to (12)

Impostor (5)

Makes music louder (3) 48 Variety of bread (3) 49 Likeness (5)

50 Fragrant herb (4) 51 Astound (5) 52 Weather conditions (7) 53 Plant’s climbing organ (7) 55 Catch (3) 56 Potent alcohol (7) 60 Instability (12) 63 Break (6) 65 Male goose (6) 67 Aviary (8) 69 Journal (4) 71 Idolise (6) 72 A type of fat (11) 73 Sprinkles over food (7) 74 Checked pattern (7) 75 Region (9)

DOWN

WORDSEARCH: AUSTRALIAN OPEN PLAYERS

20 Tooth (7) 21 Porter (3) 23 Airing of a room (11) 24 Compliant (7) 25 Light military vehicle (4) 26 Little ones (6) 28 One who practises extreme outdoor skills (11) 29 Glossy fabric (5) 31 Bun (3) 38 Root vegetable (7) 39 Fondness (9) 40 Hairless (6) 41 Oldest city in the world (8) 42 Boot (5) 43 Sharp instruments (7) 45 Biological blueprint (abb.) (1,1,1) 47 Gone (4) 48 Participant (10) 54 Epoch (3) 57 Luggage (7) 58 Rein in (7) 59 Scribbling down (7) 61 Hug (7) 62 Use money (5) 64 Liquor (6) 66 Energy (5) 268394751 925147638 192453876

TEST YOUR TWEED SHIRE KNOWLEDGE SUDOKU

Djokovic deMinaur Wozniacki Kokkinakis

Kyrgios Nadal Ruud Tsitsipas

68 Shore (5) 513726489 786239145 637982514 9 Letter Puzzle: ceding, cent, decent, deign, dent, DETECTING, dine, dinette, ding, dint, entice, enticed, gene, genet, genetic, genie, need, netted, nice, niece, teeing, tend, tenet, tent, tented, tinct, tine, tinge, tinged, tint, tinted

1. What is the name of the weather system that brings above average rainfall to the region? 2. What is the total damage bill for the 2022 floods in the Tweed as estimated by the Council? 3. What is the name of the Uki-made glow-in-the-dark temporary tattoos? 4. What does NNSWLHD stand for? 5. Tweed Council has recently banned the use of what plastic items? PET OF THE WEEK

Norrie Cilic Zverev Garcia

HIDDEN ICONS THE WEEKLY’S LOOK AT LIFE WITH PAUL DORIN

Animal house (4) THIS WEEK’S SOLUTIONS Junior Crossword: Solutions: Dingo, Maori, noisy, gecko, south, zebra, untie, molar (DINOSAUR) 7 862 6293 654 9

Sabalenka Jabeur Sakkari Inglis

7 59 4 43

Because you read it, read it in the Weekly. If this is your number plate, you have won one of our amazing prizes! You have two weeks to collect your prize.

DAK11E

13 37 2 8 LAST WEEKS ICONS newspaper p. 8, Wollumbin p. 14, tennis p. 44 Is this your number plate?

Display our Weekly Sticker on your car to win. The winning number plate will be published each week! IREADIT,READ READIT, THE... www.tweedvalleyweekly.net.au

LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU 1. La Niña, 2. $110 million, 3. Glo Tatts, 4. Northern New South Wales Local Health District, 5. Balloons. Peggy Foster Dog FD1643 $600 Peggy Staffy X D.O.B. 09/05/2022 Desexed Female M/C # 991003002012995 Peggy is a delightful young pup. She is sweet natured, keen to learn new things and very affectionate. Peggy would suit an active family with older kids. Location: Murwillumbah For more information contact Yvette on 0421 831 128. Interested?. Please complete our online adoption expression of interest. https://friendsofthepound.com/adoptionexpression-of-interest/

$50MEAT VOUCHER $50FRUIT & VEG VOUCHER Main Street (02) 6672 1155 Terms and conditions: By displaying our sticker on your car, you give Tweed Valley Weekly permission to publish your vehicle’s number plate in a future edition to announce winners. To claim your prize, you must be able to prove that you are the owner of the vehicle, by presenting registration papers to sta at our Queen St. o ce.

Sunnyside Mall (02) 6672 3158

Real Estate

FROM COAST TO COUNTRY

Discover a Tweed Valley hidden treasure

By Madeleine Murray

A STUNNING region of rivers, creeks, forests and quiet country lifestyles lies between the north of Murwillumbah and the Queensland border in what many consider an unspoiled gem of the Tweed Valley.

The localities of Crystal Creek, Nobbys Creek, Kynnumboon, Tomewin, Dungay, Urliup and Dulguigan are part of this area known as the ‘valley retreat’ –and for good reason.

The spectacular Tomewin Road winds up the middle to the Queensland border offering stunning views of the valley.

This relatively undiscovered area has modest settler’s cottages, lavish lifestyle properties, working farms and the iconic palliative care house Wedgetail Retreat.

Before European settlement, the area was home to the Bundjalung people and covered in subtropical forest.

The European history of the Tweed Shire began in 1823 when John Oxley travelled 11 kilometres up the Tweed River, and five years later, Captain Rous explored 50

kilometres up the river.

Word got out about this lush paradise and European settlers

began to arrive in 1828.

They came in droves to cut down the massive red cedar trees and send them to England.

During the height of the cedar logging industry, the Tweed Valley was one of the wealthiest districts in Australia.

This part of Australia remains hot property and The Weekly Real Estate checked in with some of our hotshot agents to find out more.

Ray White Murwillumbah has two stunning properties for sale in Nobbys Creek.

Open Homes

Saturday, January 21

Belinda Franks Ray White

31 Yalambee Avenue, Cudgera Creek, 11.30am-12.30pm

973 Reserve Creek Road, Reserve Creek, Sat 10am-11am

DJ Stringer

1102/14-22 Stuart St, Tweed Heads ‘Price Guide $780K-$790K’ 10:30am-11am NSW Time

8/13 South Street, Kirra `$1,100,000’ 10pm-10:30am QLD Time

26/6-8 Thomson St, Tweed Heads ‘Price Guide

“With its rivers and mountains, the Tweed Valley is magnificent,” Brad Franks, selling principal for Ray White said.

“The ‘valley retreat’ has real value yet to be discovered by southern buyers.

“There are lifestyle equine properties and productive acreage, everything from sugar cane fields to cattle farms.”

The six-bedroom architectdesigned $2.4 million property at 171 Blackwoods Road, Nobbys Creek, has breathtaking views of Wollumbin (Mt Warning), the Border Ranges and Springbrook National Park.

“The beautiful interior is enriched with natural light, high

$895K-$945K’ 11:30am-12pm NSW Time

ceilings, hardwood joinery and polished timber floors,” Mr Franks said.

“The owners have meticulously updated the interior with thoughtful attention to absolute quality and comfort in making this wonderfully calming abode a joy to live in.”

Ray White also has a spectacular property at 41 Booyong Place, Nobbys Creek, for $1.9 million.

“This well-presented home is complemented by extensive outdoor living and entertaining spaces complete with a sauna,” Mr Franks said.

“It is ideally suited for an extended family looking for space and freedom to enjoy rural acreage.”

An added bonus is an established fruit orchard with finger limes, apple, avocado and lychee trees.

Elders Real Estate Tweed Valley has a beautiful three-bedroom plus study/fourth bedroom home at 775 Tomewin Road, Tomewin.

“This light, bright and airy home is set among established gardens

1603/22 Kirkwood Rd, Tweed Heads South ‘Price Guide $1.295M-$1.350M’ 12pm-12:30pm NSW Time

27 Inlet Drv, Tweed Heads West `$795,000’ 1pm-1:30pm NSW Time

Tate Brownlee Real Estate

24/1a Pioneer Parade, Banora Point 9-9:30am

1 Matilda Way, Terranora 9-9:30am

486 Terranora Rd, Terranora 9-9:30am

64 Kimberley Circuit, Banora Point 10-10:30am

10 Uniacke Drive, Banora Point 10-10:30am

84 Laura Street, Banora Point 10:45-11:15am

50 Oyster Point Road, Banora Point 11-11:30am

51 M arana Street, Bilambil Heights 11-11:30am

Dreams to reality

and features an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty,”

Elders Principal Craig Dudgeon told The Weekly Real Estate.

You could relax in the outdoor bath and enjoy the view, or explore the almost 18 hectares of adventure with over 1km of tracks — accessible by walking, running, cross-country cycles, E-Bikes, tractor and four-wheel drive.

The property features a tractor shed, fire place, dam, fruit trees, air conditioning and outdoor bath.

8/1 Morley Street, Tweed Heads West 11-11:30am

36 Bione Avenue, Banora Point 12-12:30pm

4/ 8 Recreation Street, Tweed Heads 12-12:30pm

1 Tern Court, Tweed Heads West 1-1:30pm

7 Highland Drive, Terranora -1:30pm

736 Carool Road, Carool 2-2:30pm

MANA Real Estate

34 Chevelle Place, Smiths Creek 9am-9.30am

4 Eloura Court, Ocean Shores 10am-10.30am

1/3 Halyard Court, Ocean Shores is now 10:30am-11am

9 Galleon Lane, Brunswick Heads 11am-11.30am

Lot 1 Numbinbah road, Numbinbah 11am-11.30am

4/2 Nunyar Court, Ocean Shores is now 12pm-12.30pm

The divine pool at 41 Booyong Place, Nobbys Creek with Ray White

Homestead 171 Blackwoods Road, Nobbys Creek

Escape it all with this gem at 775 Tomewin Rd, Tomewin with Elders

Ideally situated on the 7th floor, this spotless apartment is set in a sought after position in the original tower of the Twin Towns Resort, taking full advantage of the exceptional views on offer.

The Expansive 180 degree outlook including Greenmount Point & beach, Gold Coast skyline, Coolangatta, Mount Warning and the Border Ranges are as good as there are anywhere.

The popular “Aspella” floor plan with separated bedrooms and bathrooms to ensure privacy, should have strong appeal to downsizing retirees, busy professionals and astute investors seeking blue chip real estate .

• A safe, secure living environment for residents

• Direct access to Twin Towns Services Club and all its’ dining and entertainment options.

• On site facilities include 24 hour reception, indoor & outdoor pools, tennis courts, sauna, gym, BBQ, mini gold and games room.

• The bright and sunny balcony has sliding glass panels installed to create a protected space if the weather turns nasty, without impacting the view.

• Secure car space on title.

• Short cab ride to Gold Coast Airport and shuttle bus to John Flynn Hospital outside the building.

• Easy flat stroll to patrolled beaches, major shopping centres, clubs and the vibrant Coolangatta cafe and restaurant precinct.

• No car required – walk everywhere!

Set on the 14th floor, Unit 1440 & 1441 in Harbour Tower Twin Towns Resort takes full advantage of the high position to showcase the expansive views on offer. From the Tweed Heads CBD to the Border Ranges & Wollumbin, around to Fingal Headland & Cook Island and back to the river mouth and Jack Evans Boat Harbour, put simply, exceptional!

The dual key apartments, which feature a one bedroom unit plus an adjoining studio, provide two separate, self contained letting entities within the one property.

Being offered fully furnished and enjoying very high occupancy rates and strong rental income in Mantra’s onsite letting pool, the spotless unit should have keen appeal to astute investors seeking a healthy return on their capital investment. Alternately, lock one up and use it as a weekender or holiday love nest and rent the other to cover the expenses..

• 24 hour reception and plenty of undercover parking

• Resort facilities include indoor + outdoor pools & spas, tennis courts, conference rooms, BBQ, games room, gym and mini golf.

• Fully furnished & equipped and income producing from day one!

• Direct internal access to Twin Towns Services Club and all its dining and entertainment options.

• Easy stroll to popular Greenmount and Rainbow Bay beaches as well as the world famous Snapper Rocks surf break

• 5 minute cab ride from Gold Coast Airport.

• Short flat walk to Tweed Mall Shopping Centre and Coolangatta’s vibrant café and restaurant precinct.

kel@keljuddrealestate.com.au www.keljuddrealestate.com.au

Immaculate cane farming opportunity, maintained & managed at the highest level by meticulous owner/operator for over 60 years. Consistent yields over 10,000 tonnes annually, offered on WIWO basis with extensive list of Plant & Equipment, all immaculately maintained & serviced. 2 fully renovated homes, substantial shedding. Multiple titles, two street frontage. Retiring owners welcome all genuine enquiries. Contact Belinda Franks for information.

Beautifully presented, large 4 bedroom home has 5 separate living spaces providing ample room for a large family. Brand new pool house & separate studio. Great location, quiet area, 12km to the beach, M1 to commute north/south. 8.15 lush usable acres with spring-fed stream, ideal for kids, pets, golf or livestock. This home is a rare opportunity in the coastal rural market to get so much living amenity, ready to move into and enjoy. Genuine seller is committed elsewhere and requires immediate sale.

Privately positioned 3.08 Ha (7.6 acres) in a quiet culde-sac 8km to Pottsville beach, this low-set brick home offers 2 separate living areas, large kitchen & dining, lush lawn area fully fenced, outdoor deck, firepit & seating, pool with timber deck surrounds, a large solar array (battery ready), core-filled besser shed/workshop plus a separate Colorbond shed, vege patch with fenced paddocks. Come and check this one for value.