 The Northern Rivers Echo Main News
Old Mayors Never Fade Away
 Lismore City Council councillor John Crowther (left) and former councillor Harold Frederick were both recognised for their contributions to Lismore council earlier this week, both receiving awards from the NSW Local Government Association.
Harold and John were declared Emeritus Mayors for serving at least three one-year terms as mayor. John also received an award for 25 years continuous service as a councillor.
Harold was on council for 12 years, including five years as mayor.
John became a councillor in 1974, serving as mayor from 1983-84 and from 1992-95. While he's actually been a councillor for more than a quarter of a century, the voting system changed in 1977 from 'first past the post' to the proportional representation system.
"It's my 28th year in council - I faintly remember the 1977 period, but only faintly - a lot has happened since then," John chuckled.
"Local council is a way of life, a very interesting way of life, and I think it becomes rather addictive. You become attached to a lot of projects and it's really satisfying to start up a project, oversee its development and help to bring it to fruition. At the moment I can't quite get my head around the awards - they just came out of the blue and it's a wonderful honour," he said.
While John stood for mayor at the 1999 elections, he's ruled out trying his luck again at next year's election, preferring to be part of the team, rather than captain.
"I've spent a long time on council and I'm not finished yet. I still have more to contribute - but that's up to the electorate!" he said.
Snow Goes from the Box
 Acting Mayor Merv King in front of Lismore's most expensive TV antenna - the $160,000 retransmitter at Robinson's Lookout, which will give better reception to homes in the East Lismore basin.
More than 2,700 households in Lismore will get clearer TV reception from this Monday when a new broadcasting service is switched on for the first time.
A monopole on Robinson's Lookout will take the existing signal from Mt Nardi and re-transmit it into parts of East, South, North, and Central Lismore, and areas around the base hospital. The areas have long had trouble with television reception.
Acting mayor Merv King said that Council installed the new tower thanks to a $150,000 grant under the Federal Government's television blackspots program.
Lismore City Council applied for the funding and contributed $10,000 towards the cost.
"It's come at a good time for footy fans - many households will receive their first clear pictures of the footy finals and perhaps this year won't have to travel to a club or a friend's house," he said.
Cr King said that most households would need to re-orient their TV antennas from the existing northerly direction to point to the new monopole on Robinson's Lookout.
"Households will also need to have a vertical polarisation TV antenna in order to get the better reception. This may be a different antenna than they currently have," he said.
"Householders will need to re-tune their TVs and VCRs to take advantage of the better reception, using the following UHF frequencies: SBS-53, ABC-56, NRN-59, Prime-62 and NBN-65."
Cr King advised all residents with queries to contact local antenna businesses to arrange an upgrade of equipment if necessary.
More information is also available on council's website at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au. See page 10 of this week's Echo for further details, and a list of antenna specialists.
Information packs are also available from council's administration centre and the city library.
Roll-up to the Circus Ball
 Northern Rivers Area Health Service fundraising officer Carolyn Coleman (pictured left) helps ABC North Coast Radio presenter Fiona Wyllie prepare for the 'Circus, Circus' ball at Lismore City Hall on Saturday, September 7.
Fiona will act as ringmaster in an evening of surprise acts, great music from the Mudcrab Boogie Band (just back from a US tour), an excellent buffet spread, drinks on sale, an auction of unusual collectibles and lucky door prizes.
The funds raised will go to 'Our Kids', the Northern Rivers Children's Health Fund, to buy medical equipment for hospitals and Community Health Centres. Tables of up to ten can be reserved. Tickets are $50 before next Monday, or $60 after then. Dress is circus theme (professional makeup at City Hall from 6pm, for $10) or formal attire.
Book through Carolyn Coleman on 6620 2705, credit card bookings from Sueanne Jensen on 6620 2171.
Coalition Promises Bypass First Up
 NSW Opposition leader John Brogden (right) talks to farmers at a function at the Northern Rivers Meat Cooperative in Casino last week. Photo: Terra Sword
If the Coalition wins the NSW election in March next year, the $36m Alstonville bypass will receive full funding in the first budget, Opposition leader John Brogden has promised.
During his first visit to the Northern Rivers as Liberal leader, Mr Brogden said construction of the bypass would begin next year if his party wins Government in March.
Speaking in Alstonville last Friday morning, Mr Brogden said the traffic in the village was "horrendous" and put local residents at risk. He said the bypass, which will only cost the state Government $24 million thanks to a $12m pledge from the federal Government, would be fast-tracked under the Coalition.
"The Minister for Roads, Carl Scully, has ignored the please of the local community and commuters for the bypass, merely saying he is 'giving consideration to the project'," Mr Brogden said.
The Coalition leader said any promise from Mr Scully, who is expected to make an announcement in November, should be viewed cynically.
"The Carr Government has had seven years and its only legacy is a stream of false promises."
During his two day visit, Mr Brogden met with a range of business and community groups, and was the star guest before an appreciative crowd of 320 people at a dinner in Ballina on Thursday night.
He told The Echo that roads were an "enormous issue" raised during his visit.
and the costs of stamp duty on rising insurance premiums and payroll tax were issues raised by businesspeople.
The Coalition has promised review into state government charges if it wins power.
Mr Brogden visited Lismore, Casino and Alstonville as part of a 'meet and greet' that also included a street walk through Lismore's CBD.
While in Casino he talked with disgruntled farmers, concerned about the Government's current native vegetation legislation.
Mr Brogden promised to change the legislation.
"When looking at these issues you have to look at the whole picture, and there has to be a balance between the environmental, social and economic benefits," Mr Brogden said.
"If the latter outweighs the environmental benefits then you have to re-evaluate the situation. In terms of native vegetation, we believe property rights - and that means both land and water rights - should only be taken away from farmers if there is adequate compensation."
Mr Brogden said the Coalition would increase funding for native vegetation from the current $2.5 million to $15 million.
How to Pick the Enemy in Toad War
 People who detest cane toads can now make sure they're getting rid of the right amphibian thanks to the launch of a Cane Toad and Native Frog Education package last week.
Showing off her handiwork is package coordinator and local cane toad expert, Julie Reid (pictured right).
The package was put together by the Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers, with assistance from the NSW Government's Environment Trust, and while it's specifically designed for primary schools it is now available to everyone in local libraries.
And with the weather starting to warm, cane toads are emerging and the ongoing war between humans and these introduced environmental pests continues.
The package features an activity booklet for children, a video on cane toads and a poster identifying brown native frogs and toads.
"One of the issues of primary importance, that has come out of previous toad projects, is the need to correctly identify cane toads," Julie said.
"Many brown species of frogs are being killed as a result of misidentification, but the good news is that many toads did not survive the winter frosts. Reports are coming in from around the district of dead toads in low lying, frost prone areas. It's an early start to the war on cane toads."
Pub Heritage Lovers Cry into their Beer
Although pubs are often accused of making people 'tired and emotional', when plans for the restoration of the Federal Hotel in Alstonville came before Ballina Council last Thursday, it wasn't alcohol that made the feelings flow.
Alstonville Plateau Historical Society president Jane Gardiner addressed the meeting and at times had difficulty keeping her tears in check.
"This is the key historical building in Alstonville. This DA includes plans for substantial refurbishment that have not been done by a Heritage architect. The Development Application does not meet Heritage guidelines," Ms Gardiner said. "This is an extremely important building with links to Federation - hence the name Federal Hotel - and we need to ensure its heritage is preserved."
But Cr Phil Silver moved for Council to accept the DA.
"The best way to keep this Heritage building intact is to keep the business going. The current owner has to be given the opportunity to bring his business into the modern world. The town is crying out for some sort of upgrade," Cr Silver said.
An impassioned Cr Marilyn Perkins pleaded with Council to listen to their own Heritage adviser.
"This is arguably the most important building in terms of Heritage significance in the main street of Alstonville. The need for extra space has been acknowledged by everyone, but the issue is how is this to be achieved.
"In 2001 the applicant put in a DA which received no objections from any quarters," Cr Perkins said. "We need to abide by the heritage guidelines. The applicant could achieve his goals by going through the process the right way. I beseech my fellow Councillors to support our Heritage adviser and refuse the DA in its current form," she said.
Cr Alan Rich claimed that the hotel was a test case for Council's commitment to heritage issues.
"This will really let the genie out of the bottle - and the genie is dressed as Ned Kelly," Cr Rich said.
Cr Avis Kennedy said the "societal and economic benefits far outweigh the heritage issues".
Cr David Wright pointed out that the need to refurbish the hotel was not in dispute.
"A Heritage architect could work with the plans available and do a fully coordinated application to meet heritage guidelines. It wouldn't take much fiddling around and the benefits to Alstonville are definitely needed," Cr Wright said.
Council voted 6-3 (Crs Perkins, Wright and Rich against) to go against the staff recommendation and approve the redevelopment.
Rudi Maxwell
Win with Right Bin
The second Lismore City Council 'Do the Right Bin' competition runs from September 2-13.
Council's waste and education officer, Libby Kelly, said the competition was designed to reward those residents who put only food scraps, garden waste and paper and cardboard in the organics bin.
"Our message is simple, we need to keep Lizzie's (the composting mascot worm) feed clean and plastics, glass and metals are products that worms do not eat," Libby said.
"With a chance to win $50 gift vouchers from Council's Tourist Information Centre, a kitchen tidy and Lizzie work product, it's a good idea to get your organics bin out on your collection day and to get it right.
"Our winners will be able to use the Lizzie liquid fertiliser on their gardens and return their organic resources to the environment from which they came," she said.
Bins will be selected at random and winners notified by letter.
The winners will also be treated to a special morning tea to collect their prizes, and get the chance for a special VIP tour of the Tryton worm farm.
Ballina Mangrove Clearing Fines
A Pimlico woman was fined $10,000 plus legal costs of almost $50,000 in the NSW land and environment court last week for illegally removing more than 3000 mangroves.
Director of NSW Fisheries Steve Dunn welcomed the decision and said the penalty was one of the heaviest ever imposed in NSW for damage to fish habitats.
"The community has an important role in helping NSW Fisheries protect aquatic habitats," he said.
Anyone wishing to report damage to fish habitats should contact their nearest Fisheries office or call Fishers' Watch on 1800 043 536.
Nimbin Attack
Police are seeking witnesses following an abduction attempt in the main street of Nimbin on Saturday.
Police say a 16-year-old girl was stopped by two men driving a maroon sedan around 12.15pm. While the woman was at the car window, it's alleged a firearm was brandished in an attempt to force the girl into the car. She struggled and the car left the scene at high speed heading towards Lismore.
If you can help Police, phone 6623 1599.
Acid Sulfate Meeting
A public meeting to explain the draft Local Environment Plan (LEP) 66 on Acid Sulfate Soils will be held at Ballina Council Chambers next Tuesday, September 3 beginning at 6pm. The plan provides for a framework for the management of acid sulfate soils.
Unions Battle Richmond Valley Council over Staff
Richmond Valley Council has come under fire from unions representing staff. The unions say the merger of Casino and Richmond River councils has forced staff into competition for their positions.
Federated Municipal and Shire Union's legal officer Ben Kruse claims that staff are being forced to reapply for their positions, sometimes for less money.
"We're in the extremely difficult position of having to represent people in appeals in what is a dog-eat-dog process," he said.
The Council says it is acting on its recruitment and selection policy, adopted last year, after extensive negotiations with the unions.
General manager Ross Schipp says the matter went before the Industrial Relations Commission and that Council is continuing its recruitment in accordance with the Comission's recommendations.
"We planned to have the process completed by the end of September. It takes some time - it's a delicate process, but we're getting towards the end of meetings with individual employees and we'll be meeting soon with unions," he said. Mr Schipp said the restructure would result in a more efficient Council.
"It'll bring us, for the first time, under one structure. Currently we're still running under three separate systems. The changes will make it easier for employees and it's in the best interests of the community we are serving."
But John Hickson, organiser for the Municipal Employees Union (MEU) argued that Council was not following proper process.
"Management haven't contacted the union, as the Commissioner recommended. I believe the appeals have been completed and they're supposed to be sitting down talking to us about salary maintenance, and those adversely affected by the changes," Mr Hickson said.
"We've sent them a letter asking them to abide by the Commissioner's recommendations and we haven't heard from Council since."
"Some members have indicated to us that they have no choice but to take a lower paid job. Some have taken a job at the same rate of pay, but have lost conditions of employment like vehicles.
"We have written to Commissioner Murphy to get an expedited hearing to tell the Commission that Council is ignoring his recommendations," Mr Hickson said.
Dentist on their Doorstep
Flanked by dentist Glenn Hughes, whose usual practice is at Alstonville, and dental assistant, Linda Van Buggenum, Raymond Hickling from Tabulam showed a good set of fangs when the Northern Rivers Area Health Service's mobile clinic paid its first visit to his community this week. Photo: Robin Osborne
Previously servicing children at isolated rural primary schools, the clinic will now advise and treat adults in local Koori communities, with a weekly visit to Tabulam and regular visits to Cabbage Tree Island and Muli Muli.
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Tanker Crash
A B-double petrol tanker carrying more than 14,000 litres crashed and overturned on the Lismore-Coraki road at Wyrallah yesterday morning, raising fears that it might explode.
Three fire crews raced to the accident, cordoning off the area in case a spark ignited the petrol spilt from the tanker. Only a small quality of fuel escaped and was cleaned up. The 51-year-old drive was not injured.
Police Youth Club gets a Kick-Start
 Southern Cross University's External Relations Officer, Sue Clifford-Loomes hands over the $250 cheque to Snr Const Bill Pearce, with David Fleury of Southside Pharmacy.
Lismore District Police Citizens Youth Club is about to make a start on its Homework and Learning Centre following a donation by local businesses at Southern Cross University's Open Day on the Lismore campus earlier this month.
Community organisations and local businesses were at the Open Day demonstrating their services.
The businesspeople were so impressed by the PCYC, which also had a display, a quick whip-round yielded $250 - with key contributors being Harvey Norman, the Lismore Economic Development Unit and Shaw's Office Supplies.
The money was to go toward a new workbench, but Southside Pharmacy, who hire out sport and rehabilitation equipment, decided to donate one.
The Club's branch controller, Snr Const Bill Pearce, said the $250 would now be used toward getting the club's Homework and Learning Centre started.
"We want to fit out one of the rooms at the clubhouse with computers, and a few computer games, and we're hoping that more of the local businesses will assist to get this project off the ground," he said.
"We have around 450 members in the club, but a lot of the kids who use the facilities come from disadvantaged backgrounds and don't have a computer at home for their school studies."
Our Beautiful Laundrette
 At the opening of the community laundrette in Goonellabah last Thursday are (clockwise from front right) Department of Housing community development worker Fran Hopkins, Hotline Employment project coordinator Lex Johnston, and local residents Mary Wood and Chris Blundell.
A new community laundrette in Goonellabah, built by local residents, and funded through the Department of Housing, was opened last Thursday with a free washing day.
Under a program run by Hotline Employment and Training, six local unemployed residents were hired to convert the former house into a low-priced laundrette.
The project took just $14,000 and two weeks to complete, and will be run by residents from the public housing estate.
"There are four or five laundrettes downtown, but nothing in Goonellabah," Hotline project coordinator Lex Johnston said.
"People in this area are fairly isolated and often have very little when they come here - many don't have washing machines or cars and there's little public transport. By involving residents in a project like this we are not only providing a much needed service, but we are allowing them to have input into their community, which encourages an active interest and a sense of ownership."
The laundrette costs $2 for a load. The profits may be used to upgrade the laundry or build picnic areas in the adjacent park.
There's also plans for another community laundrette at the Rous Road Shopping Centre.
The laundrette, at 13 Shearman Drive, is open Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm.
Budding Mayors Seek Just Desserts
Elections for mayor, deputy mayor and delegates to Ballina Shire Council committees will be held from 5.30pm on Wednesday, September 25.
Ballina is now one of the few local councils with the mayor elected by the councillors (Richmond Valley voters will elect their mayor next year). The councillors decided last week that a 'cooling down period' after the scuffle for the top job before Council got back with the actual business of local government.
Cr David Wright, who was ousted as mayor at last year's election, said he thought the change of protocol was a good idea. He believed councillors could then pay proper attention to what committees they wanted to be on.
"Things often get a bit heated at election time and I think last year some of us missed out on being on committees we could have helped with," Cr Wright said.
Mayor Peter Moore agreed.
"The makeup of committees is extremely important and we need time to go into it properly," he said.
Cr Alan Rich, a constant critic of the mayor, disagreed.
"This Council was never supposed to be an evening Council," he said.
"I, for one, would much rather be at home eating dinner with my family than here at another unnecessary meeting.
"Why can't we stick to the status quo and vote in the morning, before the ordinary meeting?" Cr Rich asked.
However, Council voted 6-3 (Crs Rich, Howes and Silver against) for pre-prandial elections the night before the September ordinary meeting. And hopefully everyone will have calmed down after a sleep.
Rudi Maxwell
Ballina Tough on Boundary Protection
Cr Avis Kennedy has successfully ended plans to change the ward boundaries for council elections next September because she wants to represent farmers.
Cr Kennedy lodged a rescission motion after Council decided to change the boundaries at its July meeting.
General manager Stuart McPherson had proposed evening up the population numbers in each ward. They currently stand at: A Ward (Ballina) 8313, B Ward (Lennox Head, Tintenbar, Newrybar) 9603 and C Ward (Alstonville, Wollongbar) 8471.
Mr McPherson's proposal would have seen Tintenbar join C ward and the sugar cane area between East Ballina and Lennox Head moved from B to A Ward.
Cr Kennedy, who has National Party endorsement for the Upper House at next year's NSW election, said she wanted the wards to remain the same so that she could continue to represent rural ratepayers as a B Ward councillor..
"I want to continue to support country people. If the changes were implemented it would leave me no country constituents at all, which distresses me personally," Cr Kennedy said. "There's no real need to change the boundaries at this time - we don't have to until after the next election."
However Cr Alan Rich said he believed the motion was inequitable and an example of deal making.
"I'm astonished with the arguments put forward. They show such a narrow view of what wards are for. To me this is about equity. I don't care where the boundaries are as long as they're sensible," Cr Rich said.
Cr Phil Silver backed Cr Kennedy saying she had a strong commitment to her rural constituents.
"I'd remind Council that this decision shouldn't be political and we should take the advice of staff," Cr Silver said.
Council voted 7-2 (Crs Dakin and Rich against) to keep the same boundaries.
In the unlikely chance that Cr Kennedy is elected to the Legislative Council - her position on the Coalition ticket makes it improbable - she would resign from Ballina Council.
Rudi Maxwell
New Norco Head
Goolmangar dairy farmer Greg McNamara has been replaced as chairman of the Norco Co-operative following recent disagreements over the future of the dairy company. The new chairman is Coffs Harbour dairy farmer Ernie Blake, who was elected unopposed following an unexpected spill of board positions during a Norco board meeting on Tuesday.
Mr McNamara was chairman for almost three years, overseeing a period when the company came close to collapse under excessive debt. During his time as chairman, Norco underwent major restructuring and asset sales to reduce debt and return to profitability. In recent times, he was believed to be unhappy with the direction of the co-operative and offered to resign.
Instead, the five remaining directors voted to replace him.
Acid Sulfate Meeting
A public meeting to explain the draft Local Environment Plan (LEP) 66 on Acid Sulfate Soils will be held at Ballina Council Chambers next Tuesday, September 3 beginning at 6pm.
The plan provides for a framework for the management of acid sulfate soils.
No Rain on Refugee Parade
 More than 100 people braved rainy and cold conditions to attend the Tampa Day Rally in Lismore on Monday, the conclusion of 10-day hunger strike in support of asylum seekers.
During the protest more than 1,000 signatures were gathered on a petition asking the Government to change its hard-line stance on border protection and asylum seekers. Anglican minister Cameron Venables invoked Jesus and His plea to be kind to strangers.
Ariel Smith, 10, who spent three days on the hunger strike, told the crowd "Instead of kissing babies at election time John Howard should spend some time in detention centres showing refugees some love."
Visit Tasmania in Spring
 The friendly faces of Summerland Travel can plan your next holiday.
Tasmania is an island made for touring - uncrowded beaches, rugged mountains, spectacular bush walks, historic settlements and celebrated vineyards - all within easy driving distance .
Experience all this for yourself this Spring. The snow-capped peaks of winter can still be present, but September heralds the start of a stunning time of open gardens and flower festivals as the state celebrates the coming of the season. Fields of tulips decorate the landscape, as do hillside parks clothed in rhododendrons.
The Cataract Gorge in Launceston, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in Hobart, and the quaintly colourful cottage gardens of Midlands villages like Oatlands and Ross are all at their best during the next few months.
You can take a revitalising walk through some of Tasmania's magnificent wilderness. In the National Parks, there's everything from a five minute walk to overnight treks and 10 day hikes.
If you like the outdoors, there is always sea kayaking or abseiling.
For a more relaxed outdoor experience, take a cruise or a scenic flight.
Tasmania's rich heritage is visible in many different forms such as Georgian and Colonial architecture, convict ruins and picturesque scenery, all of which will leave a lasting impression of your holiday. Sample Tasmania's cool climate wines from the Tamar and Coal River Valleys and the other regions on the Tasmanian Wine Route.
Tasmania has natural spring mineral waters, seafood (fresh from the Southern Ocean), award winning cheeses and other fine local produce. Experience the wonderful restaurants and cafe culture.
Whatever your interest - food and wine, history, adventure - Tasmania has something to offer everyone.
For details on a great Tasmanian holiday package, contact the experienced people at Summerland Travel on 6621 4181.
This week's features: Weddings - Around the Paddock: Rural News - Homestyle - Local Businesses
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