The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Half won't leave flooded houses

A majority of Lismore residents say they wouldn't leave their home even if it was flooded - and the 2001 flood didn't deter this postie from travelling down Molesworth Street either.

More than half of Lismore's residents won't leave their home in a flood, even if asked to, a new survey has found.

The survey, conducted in June last year by Southern Cross University researchers, was jointly commissioned by the Lismore City Council and the SES. The surprising results were released this week as part of Lismore's Flood Awareness Week.

Only 10.7% of the 551 people surveyed said they would be "very likely" to evacuate while 16% of respondents said it was "likely" that they would leave.

Researchers Don Scott and Peter Vitartas found that while those most affected by flooding are more likely to leave their home, almost a third (31.3%) would stay, even if their house was inundated. A further 22.8% of respondents were "not at all likely" to leave a flooded house.

While women said they were more likely to leave - 32.2% said they would be either likely or very likely compared to 19.8% of men - almost two-thirds of the men would stay.

And more than a quarter (27.8%) of 151 business managers or owners said they were "not at all likely" to evacuate their workplace if asked.

The survey also found that renters and younger people were more likely to leave their home during a flood, but older people (77%) would stay put.

The decision to stay at home even if your house was flooded may, in part, reflect the fact that the survey found a high number (71%) of people said they were prepared, in varying degrees, for a flood.

Yet those least prepared were most likely to be either inundated or have water covering their property. Again, people renting were the least prepared group.

Other key findings of the flood survey include:

• In a flood, residents want information in the media about the extent of flooding, road closures, river heights and rainfall information. They are least interested in evacuation routes or the location of evacuation centres;

• People are less prepared for a severe storm than a flood;

• MySES, a mobile phone text message service developed by the SES to warn of emergencies, has become an important source of information, although people rely more on radio (95.9%), TV (83.3%), the phone or talking to friends and neighbours (78.1%), and newspapers (52.9%).

• More than 40% of the 601 Lismore residents surveyed said they were affected by flooding either directly, or because they were isolated or otherwise affected by floodwaters.

Lismore SES Controller Lindsay Matterson said that the SES was pleased with the level of response from the public, but warned against complacency.

"Business owners in particular need to take stock each year and ensure their flood emergency plans are up to date, and that staff know what to do," he said.

And while the CBD flood levee will give residents an extra four hours to prepare for a flood when completed, Mr Matterson said people still needed to make an annual check to ensure they were ready.

The SES, in conjunction with Lismore Council, has been distributing flood information. On the third anniversary since the city's last major flood, Mayor Merv King said that the survey validated Council's decision to put more emphasis on flood education.

"The feedback after the 2001 flood was that residents wanted to see more action on flood preparedness. All agencies have responded remarkably, and the proof of positive change is in this survey," he said.

"It is especially pleasing to see that where residents have received information from the Council or the SES about flooding they are more likely to have acted on it."

Mr Matterson said the survey had produced some positive feedback for the SES.

"It is pleasing to see that the majority of people (over 80%) know that the SES is staffed by volunteers - because without public support we can't do our job effectively," he said.

Don't be a dummy: slow down!

Goonellabah Public School year five students (l-r) Chelsea Fort, Rachael Costello and Whitney Spencer with their cardboard counterparts, principal Leon Bartlett and Council's road safety officer Wendy Johnson.

Lismore City Council is taking an innovative approach to road safety around schools, enlisting the help of roadside 'dummies' to encourage motorists to slow down.

Council's road safety officer, Wendy Johnson, said the idea of using dummies came about after some motorists who received infringements for speeding in school zones complained they hardly ever saw children.

"We want to create an awareness amongst motorists that children are likely to be out and about in school areas, even if they don't see school buses or a lot of activity," Wendy said. "Children are smaller and less predictable than other pedestrians and more difficult to see from a moving vehicle - motorists should always be alert and on the lookout for children. School zone speed limits are there for a reason and motorists need to abide by them."

The dummies, dressed in school uniform, enjoyed their first outing last Friday at Goonellabah Public School. Council's speed advisory trailer will also be located in local school zones to remind motorists to slow down.

Ballina backs $1m gallery plan

An artists impression of the proposed $1 million commercial art gallery in Ballina.

Ballina Council has pledged $400,000 towards the construction of a community art and craft gallery in Shaws Bay a push to make the town the arts hub of the region.

The proposal has been on the drawing board for six years, and last month, Ballina Arts and Craft Centre Inc (BACCI) presented a proposal to Ballina Council seeking major seed funding for the project. BACCI hopes the Council funds will help it secure a $255,000 federal grant, plus a $200,000 grant from the NSW Government.

The proposal has the backing of recently formed regional arts group Arts Northern Rivers, with regional arts officer Lois Randall telling council there was a "strong regional need" for the gallery.

The 505sq metre centre is proposed for Easton Park, opposite the Shaws Bay Hotel. It would feature a gallery to sell local arts and crafts, plus a learning centre for workshops and classes, and a café to help fund the gallery operations. Council would own the property.

BACCI president Lyn Cochrane said the project would be self-sufficient and not cost ratepayers any further funds.

"It will give the community a major exhibition space and provide a much-needed sales and marketing outlet for the artists to give them the chance to earn an income," she said.

"It will be a major tourist destination and put Ballina on the map as a creative centre." She also hopes it will see cottage industries

Mrs Cochrane said the centre would also offer leisure activities for the community.

"It will be a learning centre for youth, and there will be space available for hire for a wide range of community activities," she said.

Mrs Cochrane said Ballina Council's support was vital to getting the project off the ground.

"This will go a long way in assisting our application for federal funding," she said.

BACCI plans to seek funding from the federal Government's Sustainable Regions program. If successful - a decision could be made by mid-year - they hope to get construction underway by the end of the year.

BACCI is also seeking community sponsors for the project. Phone Arts Northern Rivers on 6628 8120 for details.

While many on Ballina Council were enthusiastic about the project, Cr Margaret Howes said the $400,000 commitment was "outrageous" and that the money was being "thrown away".

She voted against the plan, along with Crs Alan Rich and John Felsch.

Valley loss upsets locals

Therese Schier

NSW Government plans to change Richmond Valley's council boundary to create a "super council" in neighbouring Clarence Valley have been met with strong local opposition.

Under the Boundary Commission proposal land north and south of Evans Head, including Goanna Headland, the Evans Head bombing range, the Gap Road to Jerusalem Creek and parts of New Italy will all be carved off and given to the Clarence council.

Richmond Valley will be given additional land around Camira Creek, Whiporie and Wian.

Mayor Charlie Cox said the report into the changes was confusing and did not allow enough time for consideration and comment

Cr Cox said the local communities would feel the loss of areas around Evans Head and Woodburn and he will be putting the case against the changes to the public hearing in Lismore on February 16.

"Part of Goanna Headland, the bombing range and Jerusalem Creek has a pretty strong history and cultural connection to the local communities. The bombing range has a strong link to the heritage listed aerodrome and the people who support it and the Gap Road communities are linked to Evans Head and serviced by the Evans Head fire brigade and should be retained by us. It creates less confusion," he said.

"We're also asking that the New Italy locality remains with Richmond Valley Council in its entirety."

Mayor Cox said council would look favourably on the other areas being transferred to Richmond Valley if there was financial compensation from the Government to assist with the costs associated with upgrading transport infrastructure

He was also "cynical" about the choice of Lismore for a hearing into the changes, saying it would deter the people most affected from attending.

Woodburn Chamber of Commerce president Dick Crapp was also critical of the changes and their timing.

"It's bad timing just before Christmas," he said. "If they're going to cut areas like Goanna Headland in half and the bombing range - they have a historical connection to the area."

Evans Head community activist Dr Richard Gates opposes the changes and wanted Council to organise a public meeting on the issue.

"These proposals have financial and other ramifications," he said.

Richmond Valley councillor Col Sullivan is a member of the Boundary Commission, but conflict of interest meant he had to disqualify himself from input into the proposal.

The public hearing on the changes will be held at Southern Cross University's conference centre, Invercauld House, Invercauld Road, Goonellabah, February 16-17.

Uni boss travels north

Southern Cross University Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Rickard (pictured), will leave SCU six months before his five-year term expires after taking a job as Vice-Chancellor and President of Central Queensland University.

Prof Rickard, who has been with SCU for four years, will take up his new position in August. A decision on the process for appointing a new Vice-Chancellor would be made at the next University Council meeting on February 20.

SCU Chancellor Justice John Dowd said that during Prof Rickard's tenure the University had experienced strong student growth and unprecedented success in research activities.

The Vice-Chancellor said SCU was becoming a well-known university.

"We have established a number of international quality research centres and a terrific array of innovative and imaginative teaching and research programs," he said.

Last year in the University's annual report, it was revealed that Prof Rickard was the highest paid vice-chancellor in regional NSW, taking home a salary package of around $460,000.

Van park fire

A timber cabin at the Lismore Lake Caravan Park was destroyed by fire on Sunday morning at approximately 3.30am. The resident of the destroyed cabin was taken to the Lismore Base Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation, but he was released later that day.

One caravan park resident told The Echo, "I was woken up when I heard someone shouting of 'Is there anyone in there? Get out. Get out!'".

The resident, who did not want his name published, said, "I couldn't tell what was happening at first, then I saw the orange glow coming in through my window.

"I knew it was a fire immediately and I shot out of bed to discover that it wasn't close to my van. The word at the time was that the bloke in the van had gone to sleep while smoking a cigarette. Apparently he woke up with the fire raging around him."

Inspector Dave Driver said police believe a cigarette started the fire.

Ballina celebrates CBD upgrade

Ballina mayor Phil Silver and civil services manager John Truman soak up the sun as they announce plans for a riverside festival on March 6.

After a $2.5 million facelift, Ballina Council plans to celebrate the end of stage one of the CBD redevelopment with a 'family fun day' on Saturday, March 6.

The event will be centred on a newly created riverside park in Fawcett Street. The area was once home to a range of industries, from whaling to shipbuilding and pineapple canning. Planning to turn it into a recreational area began 12 years ago, but the project only came to fruition recently after Council received $1.25 million income from property sales.

The park is a place for families to picnic, play and fish and features a $350,000 waterfront café/restaurant built by Council, a children's playground and a $250,000 jetty. Mayor Phil Silver also announced a naming competition for the new park.

"We're very proud of what we've achieved so far and it's time to welcome the community to their newest asset," he said.

But the fun day almost didn't go ahead following concerns at last month's Council meeting about how much they would spend on the event. An initial proposal to spend $10,000 was whittled down to $5000, then changed figures two more times before a majority was happy with $6000.

Cr Alan Rich was suspicious that the event was "pork barrelling" in the lead up to the council election.

But Cr Silver argued that the CBD redevelopment was a "major watershed in the style and flavour of the town".

"This council does not spend much money on community events. Other councils spend massively more," he said.

Details of the free 'welcome to the park' have yet to be finalised.

Anyone with a suggestion for a name for the park can drop it in to the Council suggestion box or email it to parkname@ballina.nsw.gov.au

Hep C clinic opens in Lismore

A specialist Liver Service has been started in Lismore to provide assessment, counselling and treatment to the many people throughout the Northern Rivers infected with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Hepatitis C program manager, Wendi Evans, and Lismore gastroenterologist, Dr Howard Hope, are part of the new clinic team.

The service will treat clients free-of-charge after a referral from their GP.

HCV Program manager Wendi Evans said the service will provide new treatment options, including a once-weekly injection, as well as ribavirin, which is in effect a cure for up to 50 per cent of people.

"If not treated appropriately, HCV is likely to contribute to serious liver malfunction that impacts strongly on people's wellbeing and lifestyles, and is a major contributor to a reduced lifespan," Ms Evans said.

It is estimated that at least 5000 of the 210,000-plus Australians with HCV live locally.

Hospital work continues

Construction work on the $10 million redevelopment of Kyogle hospital is about to reach a crucial milestone, with the relocation of the main hospital.

Executive Officer, Sue Ellis, said the Emergency Department would continue functioning on a '24/7' basis. Five acute care beds and 12 residential care beds would remain open, with the Community Health team providing the usual services.

Meanwhile, the first stage of renovations to Nimbin hospital are nearly complete, with Oral Health and the Methadone Unit just taking occupancy.

The second stage of construction, for the Needle and Syringe Program Unit, should be complete by March.

Time for another close shave

Coordinator of the World's Greatest Shave for a Cure, Rohan Wijeyekoon, with Lismore resident Loma Graydon, who began the World's Greatest Shave for a Cure six years ago.

The Leukaemia Foundation fundraiser, World's Greatest Shave for a Cure, began in Lismore six years ago and set a world record record when 200 brave people went bald for charity. This year local organisers are once again trying to break a record and hope to shave or colour 2004 heads when the event is held in Lismore on March 13.

This year's World's Greatest Shave for a Cure will be a massive 'carnivale' extravaganza on Magellan Street featuring a local market, free entertainment, kids rides and, of course, the head shave.

Shave coordinator Rohan Wijeyekoon believes the event will bring huge benefits to Lismore. He's looking for people to become part of the event and help put Lismore on the map as a big-hearted community.

"It's chance to show of the rest of Australia the generosity of the people in Northern Rivers and revitalise the Lismore CBD," Rohan said. "We want to make it a really fun day, but we need help to make it a success. We're looking for market stalls that feature local produce such as jams, pickles and sauces - we already we have local olives and boutique coffee, but need more people to sell their produce. We're also looking for entertainers such as buskers, jugglers, fire eaters, clowns, comedians, dance groups, martial arts groups or anyone else who thinks they can add to the fun of the day. It's a great opportunity to showcase the talents of local people and really bring Lismore to life."

Any stallholders who want to take part can do so for free and simply donate a portion of their proceeds to the Leukaemia Foundation (the amount is entirely up to the stallholder).

Rohan is also looking for volunteers to help out on the day, as well as carpenters, electricians, first aid workers or anyone else who can lend a hand.

The World's Greatest Shave for a Cure has raised $30 million for research and patient and carer support since it began in 1998.

To get involved phone Rohan or Susan on 6621 3771, email atsic@nor.com.au or drop in and see Rohan at Just a Tease hair salon in Magellan Street.

Bus etiquette no longer child's play

Council's road safety officer, Wendy Johnson, discusses the new Code of Behaviour for students using the Lismore Schools Bus Interchange with Trinity Catholic College students (l-r) Amrita and Shannon Singh, Fallon Moulton and Phoebe Mason.

Concerns about skylarking that is endangering schoolkids using the Lismore schools bus interchange outside Trinity College have led Lismore Council to introduce a 'code of behaviour' for students.

More than 5000 students use the area daily. Council's road safety officer Wendy Johnson said the new code, which was being explained to the children this week, featured safety advice and was designed in consultation with the students.

"Some students run on the road, run between buses, and generally skylark in a way that could become dangerous. It's a simple lack of attention to safety," she said.

"As well as the code, new advisory signs have been put in place at the interchange, while white lines have been re-painted on footpaths as a warning to students to keep off the road."

An information flyer, which includes the Code of Behaviour as well as important road safety information for parents, will be distributed this week.

"We hope that students will see the code as something they should take to heart," Ms Johnson said.

Bowling over diabetes

President of the Lismore Branch of Diabetes Australia, Helen Wynd, recently presented a cheque for $1000 to the president of Diabetes Australia NSW, Neville Howard - and already the branch is fundraising again to raise more money for research.

The Lismore Branch will host a Twilight Charity Bowls Night next Monday, February 9, at the South Lismore Bowling Club. Bowlers and non-bowlers are welcome to the event and the cost is just $4 per person. Nominations must be received at the club by 5pm, with play to start at 5.30pm. First and second prizes will be presented following the game and finger food will be served.

All players must wear flat-soled shoes.

Robbery arrest

A 28-year-old Geneva man appeared in Lismore Local Court on Monday on charges of sexual assault, kidnapping and robbery, following an incident in Lismore in September 2002.

Kyogle police arrested the man on Saturday over the incident, which also allegedly involved the man stealing money and mobile phones from a number of young people.

Free TAFE courses

TAFE NSW - North Coast Institute is offering two new courses for unemployed people. The 'Get Skilled' courses are introductory level courses that exempt the payment of the TAFE NSW fee and usually contain work experience.

Wollongbar Campus is offering an introductory course in aluminium boat building.

An information and selection session will be held at the campus next Wednesday, February 11, at 10am.

The other course is in production skills for theatre and events. Anyone keen to work in film, sound or video production should phone the Lismore campus on 6626 6400 for details.

Coastal meeting

A public meeting on the future management of the Ballina Coastal Reserve will be held this Sunday, February 8, at the Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Centre.

The meeting, which will focus on the area from the south of Lake Ainsworth to Lennox Head, will allow people to provide input on everything from safe parking to beach access, traffic control, erosion, stormwater management, native vegetation management and amenities.

As well as voicing their opinions at the meeting people can also complete a survey form and nominate to be a member of the Precinct Committee to oversee the plan.

The meeting runs from 2.30pm to 5pm.

Has anyone seen flopper flipper

A researcher at Southern Cross University is seeking information on a dolphin, dubbed Flop Fin (pictured with baby), seen locally since the 60s, which could be one of Australia's oldest dolphins.

A dolphin researcher at Southern Cross University (SCU) is asking for the public's help with any photographs or stories about a female dolphin with a bent fin seen around the area since the '60s.

Ballina resident Christine Fury is hoping to confirm the age of what could be one of Australia's oldest known dolphins, as part of her PhD through the SCU Whale Research Centre. Ms Fury is researching the habitat and population of the bottlenose dolphins in the Richmond and Clarence estuaries.

"I'd like any photos, preferably dated, or information about the dolphin I call Flop Fin who has apparently been seen around since 1966, according to a local fisherman," said Ms Fury.

"Dolphins have been known to live up to 50 elsewhere and females generally live longer than males."

Ms Fury says she has a calf with her now aged about one. Dolphins tend to give birth every three or four years and are pregnant for a year.

Ms Fury is surveying the two dolphin populations in each river. She has photo identification of their dorsal fins that show 30 to 40 dolphins use the Clarence River every day or second day for hours at a time. However, only 25 to 30 dolphins use the Richmond River, on an infrequent basis.

"The Richmond is not faring as well," Ms Fury said. "I don't think the estuary's really recovered since the fish kill a couple of years ago. I may see a couple of dolphins that use it for a couple of days, but they don't use it on a daily basis like the Clarence. I'll be exploring the reasons for the difference in the next few years."

Ms Fury observed a decline in sightings over January when the dolphins have to contend with an increase in holiday-makers, including boats, jet skis and water skiers.

"One of the reasons I'm doing the study is because we impact on the river dolphins the most closely: fishing, water quality and boat traffic all have an impact," she said.

Ms Fury's PhD is expected to take three years. She is looking for sponsorship for the Richmond River section of her study.

Contact her via email at cfury10@scu.edu.au or through the SCU Whale Research Centre on 6620 3158.

Summer school the IT thing to do

Summer School coordinator Geoff Hill (right) and teachers Declan Hart, Fran Hopkins and Peter Kilpatrick with the 15 students who completed the course.

Fifteen students from four local schools gave up three weeks of holidays recently but they have each gained a huge amount of knowledge and $300 in return.

The students - from Richmond River, Ballina and Kadina high schools and Southern Cross K-12 in Ballina - all attended an Information and Communication Technology Summer School at TAFE's Lismore campus.

They learnt how to use PCs and software and even developed web pages.

"It was great fun - there was a good atmosphere, the teachers were cool and the facilities are great," Southern Cross K-12 year 10 student, Josh Lickiss, said. "I've improved my skills in IT and it was a real challenge. I think it's a really good thing to do - it's fun and saves sitting home all holidays."

Inspired by the course, Josh will use his $300 scholarship to help buy a computer.

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