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Northern Rivers Echo Main News
Mayor calls halt to Clunes sewage plant
Community anger over the location of a sewage treatment plant for Clunes village has led Lismore mayor Merv King to intervene and place a moratorium on the proposal while residents in the surrounding area are consulted.
The move comes in the wake of revelations in The Echo earlier this month that hundreds of Eltham valley residents were unaware of Council plans to locate the sewage treatment plant on land near Eltham. The plant would be allowed to discharge into the Wilsons River, which many residents use for water.
While planning for the treatment plant has been underway for more than four years, few outside Clunes knew of the preferred site off Tilden Drive and over the last fortnight, Eltham residents have been lobbying Council in opposition to the plan, saying they were not consulted.
On Wednesday, Cr King said the proposal would be put on hold to allow for wider community consultation.
"It is clear from the level of community debate that we have more work to do in getting information out to the community," he said.
"In particular, I am keen to ensure that we expand the Clunes Wastewater Committee to include residents from surrounding areas."
Cr King will put a mayoral minute to the October 12 Council meeting to stop the EIS into the proposed site and suspend negotiations with the estate of the Sullivan property to acquire the land.
"The committee will also be asked to revisit the site options that have been considered so far and advise on their suitability," Cr King said. "This process may take several months and, until it is finished, the moratorium on the EIS process will be in place."
The move was welcomed as 'fantastic news' by Eltham valley residents like Jeremy Shand.
"Our environment and living conditions are very important to us. Water is a precious commodity and no risk of pollution should be chanced in our waterways," he said.
Community spokesperson Mark Perkins said they were pleased by Cr King's decision to consider alternative sites.
"This is the first step towards Council and community working together openly and fairly," he said. "Appropriate and sustainable development for all communities, and the health of our Shires unique ecosystems is what we must aim for."
Help Brent's big break
 Brent Hall from Meerschaum Vale is one of six finalists in the $50,000 Nescafe Big Break competition. Locals can help him win by SMSing 'Brent' to 1994 3355.
Local inventor Brent Hall of Meerschaum Vale is hoping the local community will help him win the $50,000 Nescafé Big Break and get his revolutionary invention, the 'Bush Rat', off the ground.
Brent, 19, was chosen as a finalist from among 5000 entries and needs to capture the vote of the Australian public to help realise his dream.
Each finalist has already won $25,000, but whoever gets the most support in online and SMS voting will double their money.
Brent came up with the idea for the 'Bush Rat', a small macadamia nut harvester, working at his grandfather's machinery business. He sold his first prototype to a local farmer who saw it at Brent's school design exhibition. Small enough to fit under the tree-line, it uses collector wheels to pick up fallen macadamia nuts.
"I came up with the name because the bush rat runs around under trees and steals all the nuts," said Brent, whose family have lived in the Meerschaum Vale area for five generations. "The 'Bush Rat' is considered a pest to everyone, so hopefully I can be a pest to all the large manufacturers."
If Brent wins the $50,000, he plans to set up his own workshop and go into full production of the 'Bush Rat'.
Voting opens next Monday, October 4. Brent is competing against a rock band, a skier, two fashion designers and an adventure tour operator. To vote, SMS 'Brent' to 1994 3355 or vote online at www.nescafebigbreak.com.au.
Trio share prize
 Daniel Clemmett with his work 'What Remains 2' - one of three works that shared the $12,000 acquisition prize at this year's East Coast Sculpture Show.
The Thursday Plantation East Coast Sculpture Show $12,000 Acquisition Prize has been split between three artists this year - two of whom hail from the North Coast.
The winners were Daniel Clemmett from Clunes for his work 'What Remains 2' (the huge skull of a mythical beast), Suvira MacDonald from Mullumbimby for his work 'Between Catches' (a delicate work reminiscent of fishing nets suspended from a tree) and Carol Endean Little from Bathurst for her graceful totem 'Transience'.
The awards were presented at the show's opening last Sunday, where 63 new sculptures were unveiled amongst the rainforest of paddocks of Thursday Plantation in Ballina.
"This kind of show is so important to visual artists," curator Merran Morrison said. "With the rainforest and the fields and the imaginative way artists are beginning to use this incredible site, the show challenges the idea that most people have about what sculpture is. It's so accessible and easy for everyone to enjoy. And what a lasting asset for the whole region!"
The show is open seven days a week until January 31, 2005.
Dip doesn't damn dam
A submerged cattle dip in Emigrant Creek Dam is not affecting the quality of the drinking water according to tests conducted by Rous Water.
Rous Water chairman and Ballina mayor Philip Silver said half-yearly testing since June 2002 has confirmed that chemicals from the former dip site are not entering the water supply. He said a sophisticated filtration system installed at the Knockrow Water Treatment Plant during the 2002 had guarded against the 'unlikely' occurrence of a chemical issue arising.
While a NSW Agriculture report backed Rous Water's view, the water authority is planning remediation work on the site in the coming months to remove the problem.
The dam is also facing a new challenge with nutrient run off and warm weather leading to an algae bloom outbreak in the water catchment.
Locals turn Santa as drought bites
 Food for Farmers Drought Appeal coordinator Anne Thompson is asking people to donate non-perishable food items for drought-stricken farmers.
With dry conditions once again threatening the livelihood of farmers out west, Eltham resident Anne Thompson is holding another Food for Farmers Drought Appeal to bring a little Christmas cheer.
Anne has run the appeal a number of times in recent years, sending food hampers to farmers and their families who are struggling financially due to lack of rain.
She is now seeking donations of non-perishable food items, such as ham or fruit, puddings or other Christmas fare, for hampers for farmers in the worst hit areas.
"Farmers are at the mercy of the elements - it must be so depressing to see your animals starving and even more depressing when you can't put food on your family's table at Christmas time," Anne said. "The cards and letters of thanks I have received shows how much these Christmas hampers mean to struggling families."
Anne, a member of the Rotary Club of Lismore Central, is pleased to now have the extra support of her fellow Rotarians.
People can drop off non-perishable food items: Jontom Car Sales in Lismore, Eric Box Mitsubishi in Casino, Ballina Tile Centre, Lennox Head Plant & Garden Centre and Hull & Co Accountants in Kyogle.
Drop off points are still needed in Evans Heads, Woodburn, Bangalow, Byron Bay and surrounding areas. For details or to help, phone Anne on 6629 1041 or 0412 910 523.
'Lies' rally
Opponents of the federal Government will rally in Lismore on Saturday as part of a national campaign dubbed "end the lies".
The rally will be held on October 2 outside the ACE building in Magellan Street, from 10am.
For details, phone Lynda on 6688 8198
Youth drowns
An 18-year-old male from Goonellabah drowned on Tuesday in rough surf at Ballina's Shelly Beach.
Matthew Colin Hicks was rescued by the Ballina Jet Boat Rescue and the Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter, however, ambulance officers were unable to resuscitate him.
At the time Mr Hicks was found, the beach was not patrolled and surf conditions were rough with strong rips.
Menopause
Dr Nicola Foster will deliver a free seminar about the emotional and physical effects of menopause and the different options that are available to best handle the situation.
The seminar is from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Ballina Community Health Care Centre on the corner of Fox and Cherry Streets.
For information and bookings, phone 6620 299.
Don't wash
Lismore Council is asking residents to keep water usage to an absolute minimum on Tuesday, October 5, so vital maintenance work on the city's sewer system can take place.
The area affected by the work is east of the Wilson's River and west of Dibbs Street and Pendara Crescent.
For information on the work phone 6625 0441.
Scrub bird survey
The National Parks & Wildlife Service is calling on keen birdwatchers to register as volunteers for the annual Rufous Scrub bird survey.
Experienced or just enthusiastic birdwatchers can participate and will receive a comprehensive briefing on the background of the project, the survey method, Rufous Scrub Bird calls and behaviour. Volunteers will be reimbursed for their petrol and food costs.
To register, contact Peter Ekert on 0410 566 104.
Police study drinking
More than 16,500 crimes committed in the Northern Rivers region over the last year have involved alcohol, a Police study has found.
Up to 70 per cent of some common crimes involve someone who has been drinking alcohol and tackling the problem is part of a state-wide initiative known as the Alcohol Linking Program, with police collecting information on alcohol consumption at all incidents they attend.
On the North Coast over a 12-month period there was an average of 45 incidents each day involving alcohol.
Almost 30 per cent of these people consumed their drinks in a pub, club or nightclub, with over 75 per cent moderately or seriously intoxicated. An extraordinary 177 incidents were linked to a single business on the North Coast over a 12-month period.
Northern Region police have used the information to issue the businesses responsible with reports detailing the incidents to make owners aware of the problems.
If politics be the food of love...
 Greens Senator Kerry Nettle, Darcy Goodwin from the Five Loaves Mobile Soup Kitchen and Greens candidate for Page Mark Jackson at the rotunda in Spinks Park, where many homeless people spend their nights. The Greens donated 10 per cent of their campaign funds to the soup kitchen.
Most political parties scrape campaign funds together to attack their opponents, but The Greens decided to donate 10 per cent of their campaign funds to three local groups tackling homelessness and poverty - the Lismore Soup Kitchen, the Five Loaves Mobile Soup Kitchen and another charity in Grafton.
The party was putting its money where its mouth is after Greens Senator Kerry Nettle visited Lismore this week to launch a Greens plan for $518 million a year on public housing in an effort to solve the rising rate of homelessness in Australia.
"Savings from changes to negative gearing and capital gains arrangements would easily fund investment in public and community housing projects," Senator Nettle said. Greens policy also advocates spending $4.7 billion on raising income support payments to the pension rate.
Local Greens candidate Mark Jackson challenged his rivals from the two major parties to match the contribution to local charities.
Crime pays for drug treatment
 Lifestyle Support Program manager Amos Hee and MP Larry Anthony discuss plans to assist people with drug dependence at the Buttery.
A local program to help people with mental health and drug problems has been given $385,000 thanks to a federal Government program that confiscates the proceeds of crime.
Richmond MP Larry Anthony announced that the money will go to the Lifestyle Support Program delivered by the Illicit Network Treatment Axis (INTRA), an outreach drug treatment service that operates throughout the region.
"The program will greatly support a reduction in the level of substance use, an increase in knowledge about the relationship between drug misuse and mental illness, and improved access to treatment services for these individuals," he said.
Communication - the name of the game
 Labor communications spokesman Lindsay Tanner with ALP candidate for Page Kevin Bell during a visit to Lismore this week.
It was like a scene from a children's fairy tale - the big bad wolf telling the little pigs to come out while he huffed and puffed over the future of Telstra.
Labor communications spokesman Lindsay Tanner visited Lismore this week, gathering outside the office of sitting Nationals MP Ian Causley with Labor candidate Kevin Bell demanding Mr Causley come out and debate him over the sale of Telstra.
Mr Tanner claimed that if Telstra was sold, it would "wriggle out of its community responsibility and leave town just like the banks".
He said Labor would freeze Telstra's skyrocketing telephone line rental fees in its first term of Government, adding that fees had more than doubled in four years.
Mr Bell said Mr Causley was "running scared" on the sale of Telstra (ignoring the MP's vocal support for the sale in recent years).
"He knows that the people of Page do not want Telstra sold and yet he will not do the honest thing and tell the local community where he stands on the issue," he said.
Mr Causley was quick to counter that Labor should "come clean" about maintaining regional services.
"Labor's policy on Telstra was to completely and absolutely ignore bush services," Mr Causley said.
"One of the problems with the Telstra debate is the sheer level of dishonesty, lies and misconstructions."
During his visit, Mr Tanner said the ALP would also allocate an additional $100 million to the ABC to expand regional radio services.
"Casino is a classic middle-sized town that will benefit," he said.
The following day, Coalition communications minister Helen Coonan announced a similar deal, offering $14 million to extend ABC NewsRadio to towns with a population of 10,000 and improve regional radio coverage.
Fire threatens rural properties
Story & photo: Julian 'Smokey' Ryan
 Myra Virtue cleans up at her Three Chain Road property after a fire burned out several hectares of grassland when power lines came down in high winds yesterday afternoon.
A bushfire threatened several homes in the Spring Grove area yesterday afternoon after power lines were blown down and ignited dry paddocks at a Three Chain Road property at around 2pm.
Rural Fire Service Operations Officer Rodney Brown said several Rural Fire Service crews were called to the blaze.
"We have dispatched crews to do property protection," he said.
Mr Brown said it was hoped that the fire would be under control by early yesterday evening.
The Rural Fire Service also reported another lage fire burning yesterday in the Richmond Valley near Mummulgum.
Coalition promises autism funding
 Celebrating the announcement of $1 million to support local autistic children and their parents are (front l-r) former deputy prime minister and Autism Association of NSW patron Tim Fischer, Autism Association CEO Adrian Ford and federal youth affairs minister Larry Anthony with (rear l-r) Page MP Ian Causley, parents Chris and Jeanagh Condon (who have two boys with autism) and Kate and Peter Moore, members of the Far North Coast Autism Centre working party.
A group of Ballina parents who wanted better services for children with autism were rewarded for their tireless campaigning this week when the Coalition announced $990,000 over four years to improve local services.
The funding will be used by the Autism Association of NSW to establish a resource centre on the Northern Rivers and provide early intervention programs for 120 local children and their families
"We want to give autistic children on the Far North Coast the best opportunity to lead full and healthy lives," said Autism Association of NSW CEO Adrian Ford. "We also want families to be able to access resources and information as they travel through their lives, and not just at the end of a phone line."
The funding was announced by children and youth affairs minister Larry Anthony and former National Party leader Tim Fischer, whose 10 year-old son Harrison has autism.
Mr Fischer said raising an autistic son was "very demanding" and believes establishing services outside the city is vital for rural families dealing with such a challenging condition.
"Having an autistic child is nothing to be ashamed of, but boy does it help to have support and guidance," Mr Fischer said. "This is a step in the right direction. It will a great benefit to families enjoying the love of these children."
The Autism Association of NSW is now consulting with the community on the best location for the centre.
Lesbian day
The fundraising event to celebrate International Lesbian Day will be held aty the Italo Club, Lismore, next Friday, October 8, from 6pm. Local identity Nora Vidler-Blanksby will MC and the night will feature an auction of local women's paintings and sculptures, with the proceeds going to the lesbian health position at ACON and the Lesbian counselling position at Women's Health.
The night includes a smorgasbord meal and a DJ. The cost is $20. Tickets from Caddies, the Women's Health Centre and ACON.
Fine art auction
Archers Auctions will hold its regular sale on October 3 at 10am in their rooms at 3/68 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay. The sale features hundreds of fine paintings, antiques and later furniture, fine china, artefacts, Persian carpets, jewellery, bronze and marble objects & rarities to regular household lots.
Included in this sale is be the estate of Menie Irene Compton, late of Lismore, which includes fine Colonial & Victorian furniture.
If you would like to know the value of your antiques, paintings, jewellery or other items, Archers Auctions will appraise it on Saturday October 2, from 10am to 4pm. It can then be included in Sunday's sale.
Menopause
Dr Nicola Foster will deliver a free seminar about the emotional and physical effects of menopause and the different options that are available to best handle the situation.
The seminar is from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Ballina Community Health Care Centre on the corner of Fox and Cherry Streets.
For information and bookings, phone 6620 299.
Scrub bird survey
The National Parks & Wildlife Service is calling on keen birdwatchers to register as volunteers for the annual Rufous Scrub bird survey.
Experienced or just enthusiastic birdwatchers can participate and will receive a comprehensive briefing on the background of the project, the survey method, Rufous Scrub Bird calls and behaviour. Volunteers will be reimbursed for their petrol and food costs.
To register, contact Peter Ekert on 0410 566 104.
Don't wash
Lismore Council is asking residents to keep water usage to an absolute minimum on Tuesday, October 5, so vital maintenance work on the city's sewer system can take place.
The area affected by the work is east of the Wilson's River and west of Dibbs Street and Pendara Crescent.
For information on the work phone 6625 0441.
No sale
People trying to sell their car on public roads in Ballina are facing a crackdown from Ballina Council. General manager Stuart McPherson said Council had been concerned about the issue for some time and wanted to prevent the illegal activity.
From November 1 Council's enforcement officers will issue penalty notices on vehicle owners who use the roadside to sell their vehicles.
Old father time comes home
 Norman Musgrave (right) presents his great grandfather's pocket watch to Lismore mayor Merv King. The watch can be viewed at the Richmond River Historical Society where it will be placed on permanent display.
After 27 years of service with Lismore Council, Norman Musgrave's great grandfather, Augustine, was presented with a gold pocket watch when he retired from his job as a works foreman in 1914.
Since then the watch has been passed from father to son over four generations. On Monday Norman presented the 90-year-old watch back to Lismore City Council.
Mr Musgrave received the watch from his father in 1979 and said because he has no sons to carry on the tradition, he decided to donate it to Council.
"I know my ancestors would fully agree with my decision," he said.
The watch will be housed at the Richmond River Historical Society where it will be placed on permanent public display.
Learning reaps its rewards
Karen Carey, who graduated with an Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) with her proud family - dad and mum Jim and Bev Graham, husband John Carey, son Aaron and baby Elizabeth.
Echo graphic artist Ewan Williams, pictured with SCU Chancellor Justice John Dowd, graduated with a BA in media communications.
Lismore resident Michael Whelan (second from left) received a Master of Science for his thesis on using geographic information systems to map the distribution of macadamia nut orchards in the region and his family, Nick, Casey, Dan and Rhonda Whelan, were there to celebrate.
One of Australia's leading children's authors, Patricia Wrightson, was honoured for her contribution to children's literature with a Southern Cross University Honorary Doctor of Letters, awarded during SCU's graduation ceremonies on Saturday.
Mrs Wrightson, who was born in Lismore in 1921, has received national and international recognition for her work, including the Hans Christian Andersen Medal, the world's premier award for children's literature.
SCU Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Clark said it was appropriate to acknowledge Mrs Wrightson's life-long commitment to the region.
"Her example is an inspiration to all of us who strive to develop both international excellence, and a meaningful connection with, and expression of, our region," he said.
Professor Graeme Speedy, an Adjunct Professor in SCU's Teaching and Learning Centre, was made an Honorary Doctor of the University for his contribution to the university.
Major General Michael Keating, whose military career has spanned nearly four decades, received an Honorary Doctor of the University for his contribution to the Australian Defence Forces.
Hundreds of family and friends gathered to congratulate students graduating from the Divisions of Arts, Health and Applied Sciences and Business during the two ceremonies. Among the graduates were 16 PhD students and eight Doctor of Business Administration students. There are 544 students graduating in total.
Two Chancellor's Medals for Outstanding PhD Theses were awarded to Carol Lentfer, who completed a thesis titled 'Plants People and Landscapes in Prehistoric Papua New Guinea: A compendium of Phytolith (and Starch) Analyses'; and Martin Hemsley for his thesis 'Walking Two Worlds: Transformational Journeys of Nurse Healers'.
Kids meet sports legends
 Australian netball captain Liz Ellis (centre) and players Cath Cox and Jane Altschwager with Trinity Catholic College students at the All Girls Multi Sport Roadshow in Lismore last Friday.
Around 100 Year seven and eight girls from Trinity Catholic College got to meet their sporting heroes (or at least some of them) last Friday, when the All Girls Multi Sport Roadshow came to Lismore on the last leg of its regional tour.
Australian netball captain Liz Ellis, Matildas captain Cheryl Salisbury, Australian Hockeyroo Jo Banning and Karate World Hall of Fame member Sharon Pollet were among the stars who travelled with the roadshow, holding clinics in their respective sports at each school.
The roadshow gives rural students a chance to meet elite sportswomen and hopefully gain come inspiration.
"I think it's good for these students to meet people who have played for Australia and who are good role models," Australian netball captain Liz Ellis said.
"Hopefully we can inspire some of these students to dream high and reach their full potential in their chosen sport."
A place to remember
 Lismore mayor Merv King opened the new 'Garden of Reflection' at Lismore Memorial Gardens in Goonellabah on Friday.
The garden contains 600 new memorial places for families to place the ashes of loved ones and also features undercover seating, hundreds of roses and a delightful water feature.
Mr King said the garden was designed for families who wanted to create memorials with a more personal touch.
"This memorial garden is unlike any other on the North Coast because it will give families the chance to develop a more personal style of memorial for those they have lost," he said.
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