Issue 734
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Letters To The EditorWhy not Lismore, city of koalas?What a great idea of Gabrielle Rose (Echo, Aug 9) to have the people of Lismore work together as a community to promote Lismore as a tourist venue. Community involvement in specific tourism schemes has worked beyond all expectations to put several small Victorian towns on the tourist map. Rather than creating a 'City of Flowers', Lismore is already a 'City of Koalas', being the only city in Australia with 'wild' koalas in residence in most areas. Involvement of the local community at all levels could secure the survival of our local koalas, and develop unique tourist activities capable of attracting not only tourists from all over Australia, but an international tourist industry as well. It is one thing to see animals like koalas in zoos, but quite a different experience to see them in the wild. In the last three weeks, the Lismore Friends of the Koala have played host to four tourist buses from Brisbane and Stanthorpe, and the demand is increasing. The visitors are given a talk about koalas and the work done by the Friends before being shown through the Koala Care Centre. We can usually find a wild koala lazing about in a nearby tree to complete the 'koala experience'. Koalas are a number one attraction for Japanese tourists visiting Australia. Other attractions are inexpensive golf and rainforest. Lismore has all three. Birdwatching, birdwing butterflies and platypus walks could also be added to the list. These natural assets also attract people to live in Lismore, but few people in the capital cities know that they are all here, right in town. Interstate promotion of these natural tourist attractions would also entice people looking for somewhere quieter and greener to live. Adoption of a koala logo and catch phrases like 'Lismore, living with koalas' by the Lismore City Council would go a long way towards promoting Lismore to tourists and potential residents. The Lismore Friends of the Koala needs volunteers to help with obtaining leaf and caring for sick koalas, tree planting, and education. If we could all get behind the preservation of our local koalas and associated tourist activities, the development of 'Lismore, City of Koalas' could enrich all of our lives. Dr Effie Ablett Click here to comment on this letter.
Centre viewThe general public could be led to believe from the Mayor's letter (Echo, Aug 23) that the Lismore Neighbourhood Centre (LNC) is obstructing or hindering the development of Lismore Square. Let me assure you, this is far from the truth. For 25 years, LNC has been operating the most amazing and diverse organisation in a building with no disabled access and an occupational health and safety nightmare! For the past four years or more, we have been seeking alternative accommodation and have come up with a number of options suitable to our needs. However our hands have been tied, because money for our relocation is to come from the developer of Lismore Square, not the Lismore Council or the LNC. The public library in Carrington Street, is our latest choice, which is to move to the old Lismore high School site and which we are told could move within 40 weeks. Once the library has moved to its new home, LNC could then relocate, before the developer's DA runs out in August next year. By the Council refusing to fast track the Library move, it may mean that our valuable community service will have to make a double move. This would mean double cost of refurbishing two premises instead of one and double the severe dislocation of staff and services to the public. Something to be avoided at all costs. Cr Tomlinson's motion to fast track the Library's move, did not, hinge on the sale of the LNC site, but rather on the money from the Library reserve fund, using money annually allocated by the Council for this very purpose – re-housing the library. It is my belief that it is Council, and not LNC that holds little regard for the diverse needs of the Lismore community, and it is within Council's power to achieve a win-win solution for all involved in this protracted, frustrating relocation saga. Jeanette Tyler Click here to comment on this letter.
Poor excuseI was amazed to read Mayor Gates' letter of explanation concerning Council's decision about the Neighbourhood Centre (Echo, Aug 23). It is so far from the facts of that decision that I am left to wonder whether he is simply not aware of the amendment he proposed to Cr Tomlinson's motion or whether he is deliberately trying to mislead residents about both what happened and his role in it. Either option is disturbing for Lismore. Let's set the record straight. Cr Tomlinson's very sensible proposal to fast-track alterations to B Block on the Lismore High School site offered some hope to the Neighbourhood Centre that they might have suitable premises (the current library building) in the not-so-distant future. This motion was supported by Council staff. The Mayor's amendment to that motion said: ‘No action proceed on (fast-tracking the alterations) until the Lismore Neighbourhood Centre vacates the building they now occupy to temporary accommodation to permit the Lismore Square expansion to commence within 6 weeks or longer at Council's pleasure.' The Neighbourhood Centre has been seeking new premises for years. The premises they occupy don't meet any standards of access or occupational health and safety, and they are old and dilapidated. Their search has intensified since Jim McConaghy said he did not want the Neighbourhood Centre located near Lismore Square. They have simply not been able to find any that have passed Council's development consent conditions. The Mayor could have demonstrated goodwill, some understanding of the Neighbourhood Centre's needs and support for the valuable services they provide for the community by simply supporting Cr Tomlinson's motion. Instead he chose to put that on hold and created uncertainty for the staff and volunteers of the Centre. The General Manager and several Council staff are now working hard to find suitable alternative premises for the Neighbourhood Centre in the short-term. Perhaps with their professional knowledge and skills they will achieve an outcome that meets as many of the Neighbourhood Centre's needs as possible and still enables expansion of the Square. If they do so, full credit should go to them and the Neighbourhood Centre for working cooperatively in the interests of our community. Cr Ros Irwin Click here to comment on this letter.
Soupie concernsIn a letter to the Editor (Echo, Aug 23) Helen Coyle wrote about the wonderful services that are available at the Soup kitchen, and the benefits that she has personally experienced since starting at the ‘Soupie'. It was a lovely and gracious letter and she seemed to be truly a gentle soul. Ridley Bell and other soup kitchen supporters have obviously worked hard with genuine commitment to establish and maintain the Soup Kitchen, their incredible efforts should be recognised and congratulated. Even more so that mental health services in this area are totally inadequate. But unfortunately, the location of the Soup Kitchen in Union Street had devastating effects on local residents. If only all of the soup kitchen users were as nice as Helen Coyle seems to be. Last Wednesday night, I took part in a (very well attended) meeting of residents, which was called to air the overwhelming problems caused by the soup kitchen clients who didn't respect our neighbourhood. Some of the problems discussed included: that Union Street had the highest crime rate in Lismore; that our houses and cars were broken into so often it would have been boring if it wasn't so upsetting and frightening; that our gardens were used as toilets; large amounts of refuse, broken glass, and used syringes were left for us to clean up; the underneath of our houses, our yards, and our vehicles were used as uninvited camping grounds; fighting in the street was common, as was the loud use of language that wouldn't be heard in a Church; and worst of all, the safety and well being of our children was being seriously threatened. Other major issues were all discussed, all were directly linked to the Soup Kitchen. More positively, long term residents talked about the way the area has returned to the pleasant ambience that it had in pre-Soup Kitchen days. Short-term residents spoke of how much they are now enjoying hearing local children playing in the streets (something not possible before the Soup Kitchen burnt down), and all at the meeting agreed that this is the way our neighbourhood should stay. I understood that the Council might not give permission for the Soup Kitchen to be re-built on the Union Street site because of floodwater issues, and I pray that this will be the case. Not because I bear the Soup Kitchen management any bad feeling, but because those people living permanently in this area, (many of whom are themselves pensioners or disadvantaged in other ways), deserve the right to live without fear. I implore the management and supporters of the soup kitchen to take heed of the experiences of the Union Street community and not re-establish in a residential area. C. White Click here to comment on this letter.
Enough saidReluctantly I feel that I must, once again, take issue with the writings of James Baker (Echo, Aug 16). Though I don't agree with him that I am arrogant (and/or) narrow-minded, I feel that I must at the risk of offending, be arrogant enough to advise Jim not to consider applying for a job as a psychologist or similar vocation. He is so very wrong in his assessment of my character. I consider myself to be an average man of my age (in my 70s), caring and compassionate who always ready to give of himself, his time and endeavours to assist others. At the time of writing I have not received a copy of a letter that James was apparently going to send me, a letter that would hopefully enlighten me. No Jim, I am not arrogant or of a narrow mind. I am aware that there are usually two or more sides to every situation, and only take issue if I believe that someone is wrong. Definitely no more, from my side at least. Doug Myler Click here to comment on this letter.
Q & AI recently enrolled in Ian Causley's electorate. To welcome me, Mr Causely sent me, amongst a pile of propaganda as to how the government was wisely spending our money, a ‘survey'. This ‘survey' invited me to indicate to our MP which issues were most important to me, from a list of assertions including; 'work for the dole providing 1,982 places for our local youth'; 'continuing to clamp down on welfare rorting that is saving $198,913 each fortnight in Page'; 'cracking down on a causes of crime in our community, particularly drugs' and other similar gems. So my ‘survey' to him includes :
If you think, Mr Causley, that this disinformation posing as a survey will get my vote-you as misguided as the PM. Aniko Cripps Clark, Click here to comment on this letter.
Merger explainedI'm writing to clarify my position in regard to the staff recommendation I moved to support an objective review of local government boundaries, and amalgamation options in discussions with other Councils in the Region. I moved this recommendation because I support the concept of discussion between Councils in the Region on any issues of importance. Given that the State Government has indicated that voluntary amalgamations can only be guaranteed to the next election, and the Opposition's position is unclear, this issue is certainly important and should be discussed. However in speaking to my motion I said very clearly that I have serious reservations about amalgamations in local government. Most of the arguments in favour of amalgamation focus on efficiencies in terms of costs to ratepayers. Whilst this sounds good, there are other arguments about the loss of jobs to local communities and the loss of democratic processes when smaller communities are incorporated into a much larger area. My personal position is that local government, particularly in rural NSW, is at a bit of a watershed, and it's important for us to have a strong voice in discussions with the 2 other spheres of government. I think we'll only be taken seriously if we can demonstrate that we can see the big picture, we're not afraid of talking about issues, and we're not going to just be parochial. Even more importantly, we have to be prepared to take our needs and wishes strongly to any government in Sydney or Canberra. Discussing boundary adjustments, discussing and possibly rejecting amalgamations on an informed basis, with substantial arguments to refute the seductive arguments about efficiency, is the way forward as I see it. The alternative to open discussion is setting our communities up for arguments about 'ostriches with their heads in the sand' and local representatives 'protecting their own positions' – in other words, acting from self-interest. To me, this lays the way open for a state government to go down the road of Victoria and compulsory amalgamations. Let's not go down that road! Let's talk, bring our collective resources together so that we, and most importantly our communities, are really well-informed about the consequences and costs of amalgamations, and able to take a firm collective position. Cr Ros Irwin Click here to comment on this letter.
Arts recoveryWith Spring in the air we are beginning to see our region blossom. We have just experienced an extraordinary month of arts activity with the Southern Cross University Music Series presented by NORPA, the Byron Writers Festival and the highly successful Herb Festival. There would not be a rural area anywhere that could boast such an extravaganza of cultural activity and the level of support these events have received reflects a spirited and diverse community that has its own distinctive identity. People new to the Lismore area, many of whom have escaped the major cities are astounded not only by our world class environment but by the strong sense of community and cultural diversity which more than compensates for our comparatively modest economy. We are lucky that we live in an area that is not dominated by an homogenised culture dictated by the images of a few powerful multinational corporations. Our artistic leaders, our artists, the organising staff and volunteers of our arts organisations are all to be congratulated for their dedication, hard work and courage in presenting such an exciting season of creative happenings. Not only have these festivities got people out and about to share unique experiences, but it has also encouraged local spending. The restaurants have filled, the retailers have sold clothes for dressing up, business has picked up in all the creative and communication industries. Supporting arts events is fun, stimulates creative thinking and enterprise and is great for business. Andrew Binns Click here to comment on this letter.
Self-help at handSome people have been running a promotion of the Lismore Soup kitchen that is all getting a bit rich. Not once have we heard about how the people who spend time in these places as 'helpers' are having some of their own personal needs met, their needs to be needed and to feel that they are seen to be doing something to help people. Who has not met people whose sole companionship needs are met as helpers. Working in the Soup kitchen has even been seen as a way of avoiding punishments for breaking the law. If another Soup kitchen starts up the workers could put up a sign 'Workers Wanted: Take a fast track to gaining a good reputation in Lismore'. The hundreds of quiet voluntary workers could then keep laughing. People on low incomes who grow their own vegetables and who tailor their non- essentials like alcohol, cigarettes and gambling are increasingly getting angry about people who can keep up the booze and cigarettes and have no shame in fronting up for freebies. . I would have a high regard for ‘helpers' who sought out a vacant block of land and started up a vegetable garden with the goal of a sharing with the needy the responsibility of putting a meal on the table for themselves. Organic vegetable soup would be great. Maybe there needs to be more discussion about what Aboriginal lawyer and activist Noel Pearson described as the curse of ‘welfare dependency' and payments of ‘sit down' money. I don't mean to put dirt on soup kitchens. I just think encouraging people who can't afford to buy food to pick up shovels and dig dirt to make a great big vegetable garden would be a very ‘North coast way' of solving problems attended to by the old soup kitchen. Kathryn Pollard-O'Hara Click here to comment on this letter.
Refugee challengeFrosty Grego berates Al Andrews for not doing 'some research before writing' (Echo, July 19). Pity Frosty didn't follow his own advice. There are 23 million refugees in this world, Frosty your open door policy (or 'building bridges' as you call it) would be ecologically, economically and socially unsustainable. In fact Australia is the third most generous of only nine countries that resettle refugees – if it is a global problem as these figures suggest, isn't it time other countries contributed something towards this problem. Frosty goes on to state that the majority of illegal immigrants in Australia are mainly English speaking people who have found jobs here after coming here to visit and decided to stay. Did you make up these figures Frosty? The immigration department estimates 1,100 people have arrived this year on tourist visas and failed to go home, whereas 3,800 have arrived on boats this year, not counting the 4,100 that arrived last financial year nor the latest Christmas Island arrivals. Most arrive without documents or with forged papers making it difficult to verify their stories. Whilst I have sympathy for genuine refugees, many have fled persecution in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, but have lived safely in places like Iran, Syria and Jordan (which diminishes their refugee status). The Department of Immigration suspects some of committing atrocities abroad, some have military training, and who knows what diseases these people have. This is precisely why we need detention centres. These detention centres have air conditioning, libraries, classrooms, Maytag washing machines, TVs, computers, separate, rooms for prayers (one for Sunnis and one for Shiites), fed culturally appropriate meals (like halal) and given free medical and dental care (no waiting lists) and access to legal advice. During the Olympics they were even provided with two large screen TVs valued at $8,000 each (they were later trashed in one of their riots). Doesn't sound too inhumane to me. 80 per cent of illegal immigrants have their refugee applications decided within 15 weeks. If denied, they are free to appeal to the Refugee Review Tribunal, which takes another 15 weeks. If unsuccessful there, they can appeal to the Federal Court, which could take another year, and if they lose there they can appeal to the High Court (which might take a further 2 years). We pay all their legal expenses and each arrival costs over $100 per day, every single day that they are here. During the past 18 months $250 million has been spent upgrading detention centres. As an Australian taxpayer, I'm sick of my taxes going towards these violent demanding groups who destroy the buildings tat we provide for them, and they assaulted detention centre workers. I would rather my taxes went towards pensioner, or our public health and education systems which are starved of funds. I'm sure they would appreciate the extra funding. David Estreich Click here to comment on this letter.
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