The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

$40m shopping boost

An artist's impression of the new 450-seat food court at Lismore Shopping Square, which is set to double in size.

The long-awaited expansion of Lismore Shopping Square will get underway within months as part of a $40-million plan to double its size.

Owner Jim McConaghy announced last Thursday that work on the project is expected to start in June. The Square will grow from 15,000m sq to over 30,000m sq when completed in late 2005.

The expansion will make room for a Big W department store, a new Woolworths supermarket - the second for the city - and an additional 30 specialty stores. The centre will expand above McKenzie Street, which will be closed following negotiations with Lismore City Council, which has sold the street between Brewster and Diadem Streets to the shopping centre.

Undercover parking will increase from the 700 existing spaces to around 1300.

This latest work follows last year's expansion and refit of the Coles supermarket.

Mr McConaghy, joint managing director of McConaghy Holdings Pty Ltd, which purchased the centre in 1997, said the project is the biggest one-off development in Lismore's recent history. It will deliver around 300 jobs for local tradespeople during construction and between 400-500 long-term jobs for retail workers.

"I believe it will attract people from right across the region and put the focus firmly on Lismore as a place to shop. It will provide a total shopping experience under the one roof," he said.

Mr McConaghy said the CBD had nothing to fear from the expansion of the centre.

"Our experience in other centres is that a development like this attracts additional shoppers to the region and other retailers will benefit from that. This is a great opportunity for all Lismore businesses," he said.

"The inclusion of the Big W store, a second Woolworths, a total of 80 specialty shops - up from the existing 50 - and a 2,000m sq bulky goods and services centre will attract new business to Lismore that has previously bypassed the city for more modern shopping meccas such as the Gold Coast and Brisbane."

Mr McConaghy said the expansion plan was attracting leasing inquiries from national franchise operators and the new food court would have a 450-seat capacity.

"The air-conditioned malls will have a new modern decor and pedestrian access throughout the centre will be improved."

He said it would be "business as usual" at the rest of the Square during the construction, with disruptions kept to a minimum and some work being carried out at night.

Lismore mayor Merv King hailed the announcement as the answer to concerns that people were heading to Queensland to shop.

"It will provide jobs and business investment that will really give the city a tremendous lift," he said.

Can council get trains running on time?

Neale Battersby, from Northern Rivers Trains for the Future and newly appointed delegate to the NSW Government's Rail Taskforce, with Lismore mayor Merv King.

Lismore mayor Merv King is no Mussolini, but he's hoping to achieve what many have failed to do and get local trains running.

While CountryLink rail services are under threat from the NSW Government, Lismore Council has backed Cr King's plan to investigate a daily commuter rail service between Casino and Murwillumbah.

On Friday, the NOROC (the Northern Rivers Regional Organisation of Councils) agreed to support a feasibility study into the project.

And while it's hoped that a private operator would take up the plan, Cr King said it could also result in local councils running the light rail service.

"The rail infrastructure cannot be allowed to rust and fall into ruin - and if the State Government will not act, then it may well fall to local communities to find a way to support the retention of the rail systems," he said.

Under Cr King's plan, the feasibility study will look at options including council funding for a light rail service, as well as seeking Queensland Government support for a rail link across the border.

Richmond MP Larry Anthony has thrown his support behind the proposal and said he had already talked to Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson about Federal funding.

"It is something I have been advocating for some time as a way of increasing the use of the line," he said.

"Such services would be relatively cheap to operate and offer affordable and convenient travel, particularly for pensioners and students studying at the Southern Cross University."

Neale Battersby from lobby group Northern Rivers Trains for the Future has recently been appointed to the NSW transport minister's Rail Taskforce, along with Richmond Valley mayor Charlie Cox.

He said the Taskforce will spend nine months looking at the social, environmental and economic impact of country passenger and freight rail services.

"If people have constructive ideas they want us to pass onto the Rail Taskforce, I encourage them to contact me on 6624 1187," he said.

Cr King hopes the feasibility study into a local daily passenger service will be completed by this September.

Meet a (potential) councillor

With just nine more sleeps before polling day, voters in Lismore and Ballina will get the chance to hear from would-be councillors in a series of Meet-the-candidates events over the next week.

Echo editor Simon Thomsen will chair a Lismore Council candidates night this Monday at the Star Court Theatre in Molesworth Street. The event will begin shortly after 6pm.

The 10 mayoral candidates will each speak for two minutes, followed by the nine teams and two ungrouped candidates, who will each put their case for election for five minutes.

The speeches will be followed by questions from the audience, with the evening due to conclude by 9pm.

On Tuesday, March 23, from noon at Southern Cross University will host a similar event in Y204 at the Lismore campus. The forum is open to staff, students and local residents.

In Ballina, the Library and Chamber of Commerce will co-host a meet-the-candidates evening next Thursday, March 25, at the library. You can meet the candidates informally in the Richmond Room between 5pm and 6pm. It will be followed by 3-minute presentations from each candidate from 6pm.

Voters will have a chance to ask their questions from 7.30pm. For more details, phone librarian Leanne Goodwin on 6686 1277.

Lismore council candidates. Next week, Ballina and Richmond Valley candidates.

Hundreds help shave the world

The World's Greatest Shave for a Cure 'carnivale' in Magellan Street last Saturday was a huge success, with hundreds of people turning out to shave and colour their heads for charity. While the monies are still being counted, going by the huge response from the public and the generous donations being flung around on the day it has to be well into the thousands. Organiser Loma Graydon was thrilled with the enthusiastic response and thanked everyone who showed their support. Echo photojournalist Terra Sword captured the day's festivities.

"I'd never had cancer in my family before so when my mate was diagnosed it was a bit of a wake up call - it really hit home that cancer touches most people's lives at some point," Ron said. "We may not have raised a huge amount but every cent helps."

$5m undercover carpark plan

Action Now! team leaders Brian Henry and Barry Crimmins are proposing a $4.8 million 3-level tiered car park on the Brown's Creek car park site.

An artist's impression of the tiered car park.

Two teams contesting the Lismore Council election on March 27 have drawn up plans for a $4.8 million multi-level carpark for the city.

The Action Now! teams, lead by businessman Brian Henry and former Workers Club manager Barry Crimmins, have proposed the 400-space car park on the Brown's Creek car park site, suggesting that the project could be funded through the sale of Council land and parking fees for long-term users.

Mayoral aspirant Brian Henry said the shaded parking was desperately needed during the hot summer months.

"At present we have large areas of 'horizontal' car parking that provide no sun or rain protection for vehicles, and make ground temperatures even higher. These areas are not attractive and at night are almost unused," he said. "Even in winter, Lismore can get pretty hot, especially inside a car, so let's take action to address the situation rather than continuing to complain about it."

Mr Henry said the car park could also be used by flood-prone CBD businesses as high ground during a flood.

"Its easily-accessed location and strength of construction would make it an ideal safe refuge," he said. "In this day and age, no-one builds car parking anywhere but up, and with the city's propensity to flood, this is doubly logical."

Mr Henry said the proposal could include the option of using shadecloth to cover some of the open air space.

"The Action Now! teams are committed to advancing Lismore's appeal and this project would make the CBD a much more pleasant place to shop, work and relax if you could park in the shade," he said.

Ballina riverside party returns

After bad weather postponed celebrations in Fawcett Park, the riverside centrepiece of the Ballina's CBD redevelopment, a fortnight ago, the festivities will be held this Saturday, March 20.

The free community event, featuring everything from crooners to cruises, jugglers and paddlers, promises to be a great afternoon for all the family, said Council's community education officer, Stephen Bocking.

"Among the entertainment planned are performers such as Australian Idol star Peter Ryan, the Spaghetti Circus acrobats, African dancers, the Ballina Youth Choir, food stalls and a violin performance from the Emmanuel Anglican College," he said.

The entertainment begins at 3.30pm, with river cruises, market stalls and festivities continuing through to 7.30pm.

"Everybody is welcome, entry is free and the continuous entertainment and beautiful scenery should keep everybody happy and relaxed," Mr Bocking said.

For more information or to book a river cruise, ring Ballina Visitor Information Centre on 6686 3484.

Too many drunks

Police say they are appalled by the number of drink-drivers arrested.

Police arrested 47 drink-drivers during a special operation in Lismore, Ballina and Casino over the weekend.

Police carried out 1,889 breath tests. Among those detected was a motorcyclist who failed to stop at a roadside breath test site. After a short chase he was charged with a mid-range blood alcohol, driving in a dangerous manner, being unlicensed and riding an unregistered and uninsured motorcycle.

One woman was arrested after she refused a breath test and was charged with refusing a breath analysis, then 20 minutes after being released, she was picked up again and charged with mid-range drink-driving.

Journo speaks

Acclaimed South Pacific ABC journalist Sean Dorney will visit Lismore next Wednesday, March 24, to speak as a guest of the Friends of the ABC.

As well as covering Asia-Pacific affairs for more than two decades, Mr Dorney has written a number of books, including one on the Sandline Affair and another on the History of PNG. He also featured in a documentary 'Paradise Imperfect' marking the 25th anniversary of PNG's nationhood.

Sean will speak at the Lismore Workers' Club from 7.30pm. All are welcome. The Friends of the ABC is asking for a $10 ($5 conc) donation to cover costs.

For more details contact Doug Myler on 6624 8853.

Pumpkin heist

Alstonville's crime spree continued on the weekend when a thief stole a ute-load of vegetables from the produce display at the annual giant pumpkin competition at Alstonville shopping centre.

Grower Earl Knight set up the display on Friday night, but the vegetables were gone when he turned up on Saturday morning.

Melons, gourds and pumpkins were stolen, but the largest pumpkins, weighing over 200kg, were too big for the thief to take.

Trio jockey in mayoral race

Story & photo: Therese Schier

Richmond Valley mayoral hopefuls Col Sullivan, Robert Mustow and Charlie Cox.

Experience, community focus and action are the things promised by the three mayoral candidates for Richmond Valley. For the first time, it will be the voters on March 27, and not fellow councillors, who choose the mayor for the next four years.

Col Sullivan is campaigning on his past experience as mayor of the former Richmond River Shire council and Richmond Valley council, together with his positions on other local government bodies.

"I believe I'm the most experienced person in the current council," Cr Sullivan said. "The fact I've had the experience as Deputy Chair of the Shires Association opens doors to me. As Deputy Chair, the Minister must listen to me. It's an added bonus."

Cr Sullivan highlighted his past accomplishments as mayor: receiving the Blewett award for most successful council; the purchase of land for quarries and Council's lucrative bridge-building business.

"The future is to continue with this type of development," he said, adding that education, industry and housing development were also important.

"Particularly for the future of our young people. They have an advantage with the university close by, but they need jobs when they're finished."

Charlie Cox expressed his vision in terms of his commitment to the community.

"I feel I've been able to add to the social capital of the community," Charlie said. "I've tried to create an air of positivity and optimism."

Cr Cox said his vision was for equitable treatment of all areas, the promotion of sustainable economic growth and the encouragement of close contact between council and the people.

"Socially we've got to link a diverse community," he said.

Cr Cox countered Cr Sullivan's claim that he is the most experienced of the three candidates.

"I can readily contact ministers," he said. "I reckon I get results."

Robert Mustow thought that his relative youth was a bonus coupled with his 16 years experience as a councillor.

"I've got the time to do the job and the enthusiasm," he said.

His goal if elected mayor is to ensure that council does what it sets out to do.

"I would consult the community and then give them what they want," Cr Mustow said.

And how would he achieve this?

"Do a sound forward plan and put in place a sound financial plan. Council (currently) has $5 million in unfinished work. If you tell people you are going to do something then you should do it," he said. "I'm a man of action.

"I'd be a better link between the staff and council. I'd listen to community concerns."

Voting for the mayor is optional preferential - you can simply put in a '1' beside your preferred candidate or you can number the three candidates in order of preference.

If you only put a '1', then the candidate gets to determine how your vote is used after that. Crs Cox and Mustow have agreed to a preference swap - a move that supporters of Cr Sullivan see as an attempt to optimise Cr Cox's vote - an assertion denied by both candidates.

Robert Mustow admitted he's trying to split the vote - but to his own advantage.

"I'm not splitting the vote for one candidate. I'm trying to split the vote for myself," he said.

Old soldiers sometimes move

Due to the current redevelopment of Lismore's Memorial Baths, the City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch has moved its office to the old Council Chambers for the next nine months.

Sub-Branch secretary, Wilson McLelland - pictured at his new desk - says the relocation won't impact on the services provided to RSL Sub-Branch members and contacts remain the same.

"Despite the move preparations for Anzac Day on April 25 at still happening as planned and all our normal services will continue," Wilson said. "We encourage members to drop in at the new premises and say G'day."

The City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch is now at Suite 4A of the old Council Chambers, next to the pool, on Molesworth Street. The office is open 8.30am to 11am on weekdays.

Email rslsblis@ nor.com.au or phone 6621 3851.

Many feet make life work

Walk Against Want organiser Madeline Padma Long with sponsor Andrew Woodward.

Having taken part in the Oxfam Community Aid Abroad Walk Against Want since she was two, there's no better person to take over the reigns as local organiser than year 10 Richmond River High School student Madeline Padma Long.

Madeline is staging the Walk Against Want this Sunday, March 21, with the money going to projects that tackle poverty, such as helping mothers in India find paid employment and ensuring communities in East Timor and Ethiopia have clean water.

The walk is easy and fun, but Madeline needs more feet to help make the event a success.

"I have many fond memories of the walk - I've always felt passionate about caring for others and this is something I can do to help people," Madeline said. "People walk every day of their lives. Doing a short walk to help communities less fortunate than our own is really easy when you think about it."

Leaving Spinks Park at 4pm, the walk will take people up to Rotary Park where there will be a short break and stroll through the rainforest before heading back into town.

Sponsorship books will be available on the day to raise funds or people can phone 1800 034 034 to donate anytime. A donation of just $5 will pay for a mosquito net to protect a Cambodian family from malaria, while $75 can provide 12 months of home-based care for a person living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. For info phone Madeline on 6622 5231.

Pub with no cheer

Maggie Moores Pub in Lismore has closed its doors unexpectedly in what's believed to be a dispute with the landlord.

Licensee Peter Durning closed the pub on Saturday night after problems with the building's owner, Westlawn Property Trust, could not be resolved. At this stage, it is unclear what the issues were and what Westlawn Property Trust will now do with the site.

Mr Durning has been Maggie Moore's licensee for the last 13 years.

Pru visits

Pru Goward, federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner, will be the guest speaker at the Zonta Club of Lismore's annual Young Women in Public Affairs Award dinner on Friday, March 26, at the Goonellabah RSL Sports Club. The public are welcome.

The cost is $30 ($22 students). Bookings from Julie on 6620 3932.

JPs advice

Following changes to the appointment of Justices of the Peace, current JPs need to reapply. Dr Malcolm Buck, President of the NSW Justices Association will visit next Thursday, March 25, for a meeting at the Goonellabah RSL Sports Club from 7pm, to explain the changes. Ring Brian Best on 6624 8499 or 0412 911 191 to attend.

This week's features: Your Shopping Guide - Local Businesses