The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

A festive bid for kids

After a short stay in Lismore Base Hospital, six-month old Alana Staff, pictured with her sister Danielle, will join her family in Wollongbar to celebrate her first Christmas. Paediatrician Dr Chris Ingall was also on hand to thank Lismore Shopping Square assistant manager, Debbie Fraser, for the centre's donation of Christmas decorations to the 'Our Kids' charity.

A total of $10,000 worth of Christmas trees, tinsel, garlands, wreaths and other fabulous Christmas decorations were donated by Lismore Square. Some were put up around the Children's Ward this week, while the many decorations left will be auctioned to the public this Saturday, December 13, at Lismore Showground.

Ian Weir & Son will conduct the auction, starting at 9am. You can view the festive items at the showground before the auction.

The decorations are weatherproof and are ideal for both outside and inside a house or business.

All funds raised will go to 'Our Kids', the Northern Rivers Children's Health Fund that helps purchase equipment, toys and games for kids in the Children's Ward and Special Care Nursery.

Debbie Fraser said Lismore Square had decided to revamp its Christmas decorations this year, and chose Our Kids because Lismore Base is close by and a worthy cause.

"The wards and corridor decorations look terrific," she said, "and as there's a huge number of other decorations, all in good condition, the fundraising auction should go really well."

Koala plan delayed

After almost eight years of haggling, compromise and at times bitter debate over the future of koalas in Lismore, Cr Frank Swientek thought he'd finally achieved something. Council's 'Koala Plan of Management' had been through two months of public exhibition. The committee developing the plan had finally agreed to its detail, which promised to save developers the added costs of preparing individual koala plans under the NSW Government's environmental protection plan SEPP 44.

But he didn't count on committee member Cr Brian Suffolk's tenacious opposition. He sees it as "anti-development" and a "de-facto tree preservation order".

On Tuesday night, Council voted 6/5 (Crs Irwin, Roberts, Tomlinson, Gallen, Swientek against) to delay approval of the plan until February 2004 in attempt to change three key areas. The debate itself was a case study in the misinformation, obstinance, subterfuge, rancour and fear that has characterised the fraught process.

It began with committee member John Barnes claiming the plan was "a land grab" and that land values could drop by 50 per cent. Having accused Council of deceit during one public meeting on the plan, he hinted that council staff should be sacked for their role in it.

When Cr Swientek said the plan was "well received by the public - although some quarters have reservations and I guess they always will". He said it was backed unanimously by the committee, but Cr Suffolk interjected with "no it wasn't - I didn't vote for it". General manager Paul O'Sullivan, who was at the committee meeting, accused Cr Suffolk of "rewriting history", saying "the decision was unanimous".

Mr O'Sullivan attempted to focus the debate on the plan's impact on developers. He said during discussions with the private sector, he was left in no doubt the plan was preferable to SEPP 44, and that the state government regulation would cost developers more.

Despite 212 submissions - 180 for and 20 against, including a 72 signature petition - Mayor Merv King had only just realised, that "urban people who have a little bit of ground and want to create a little block" had not "had their voice heard". He wanted to give them a go.

So the plan will be revisited in three sticking points - the definition of primary koala habitat, how developments in that habitat will be assessed and a one-a-year limit on cutting down koala food trees on farms.

But no matter what further compromise is reached, some will still regard it as the apocalypse.

Permanent water restrictions planned

Rous Water stalwarts Habib Habib, Cr John Crowther and current chairman Cr John Hampton marked the 50th anniversary of Rocky Creek dam last month by unveiling a plaque to commemorate the occasion.

Water supply authority Rous Water is considering introducing permanent water restrictions in a bid to cap water consumption. The proposal comes as consumption levels have returned to pre-drought figures, with the region's 90,000 customers churning through an average of 34ML a day. Ballina's water consumption levels have doubled on this time last year.

But the good news is that the Rocky Creek dam level rose slightly following weekend rain at now sits at 80.32% - more than three times the level 12 months ago.

Rous Water chairman John Hampton said there is enough water for the holiday season.

"But water is not an infinite resource and is very expensive to collect, treat and distribute," Cr Hampton said.

"Consequently, we are pursuing the concept of applying ongoing water conservation measures in the form of controlled hours for some usages."

Under the proposed restrictions, outdoor watering would only be allowed between 4pm and 8am.

Cleaning driveways, paths or other hard surfaces with a hose would be banned unless it was necessary due to accident, health, hazard or fire reasons.

Hoses would have to be fitted with a trigger nozzle for all private and commercial building, renovation, construction and cleaning purposes - including cars.

Cr Hampton said Rous Water was seeking public feedback on the proposal before they finalise the plan later next week.

Comments and submissions must be received before Tuesday, December 16.

If you want to comment on the restrictions, phone Rous on 6621 8055 or email water@rouswater.nsw.gov.au

Lismore backs $7.5m pool

Lismore Council will spend at least $7.5 million redeveloping the Memorial Baths site next year after Council after a narrow majority (6/5) voted to back the plan.

It marks yet another turnaround for the Council, which rejected a better, $6 million plan in June last year when former Mayor Bob Gates said "the Memorial Baths redevelopment is simply too expensive". At the time, he said roads were a bigger issue.

On Tuesday night, his remaining colleagues had no such qualms in approving the proposal featuring a heated outdoor 51m Olympic-standard pool, and covered, heated 25m 'lap' and toddlers pools. While a rescission motion has been lodged on the decision, it is likely to be debated again at an extraordinary meeting next Tuesday, December 16. If the challenge is successfully defended, work is expected to begin in February next year for completion by December 2004.

Mayor Merv King said the $7.5m price was the minimum necessary to meet the community expectations.

"Residents should feel relieved today because this long-running issue has finally been decided - Lismore will get a first-class facility on the present historic site," he said. "It's not going to send us broke. It will be something we can be proud of in an area where a lot of people want it."

General manager Paul O'Sullivan said the project was affordable because Council had historically low debt levels.

"This Council has been pretty frugal in recent years, setting itself up for infrastructure projects like this," he said.

To do it, Council will borrow $4.2 million over 20 years, with repayments of $405,000 pa at current interest rates. The rest of the funds will come from developer contributions ($300,000), selling council properties and asking council's profit-making divisions to pay a 'dividend'. Mr O'Sullivan also flagged as sell-off of 'non-core' assets.

Cr Frank Swientek wanted to know why "if it's so easy to raid business units, why hasn't it been done in the past for roadworks". He did not get an answer. He challenged Cr John Chant to honour his earlier pledge that "if the figures don't stack up, I won't support it".

Cr Chant said his meant "for a replacement pool.. this is a whole lot more". But 18 months earlier, in knocking back the $6m version, Cr Chant said "to be honest, we can't afford it". He also rejected a push for shade over the main pool saying "you're not laying there, you're swimming". Cr Chant said no outdoor pool in Australia had shade covering.

Cr David Tomlinson called it "absolutely disgraceful and irresponsible" to remove shading from the main pool.

"We're going to subject our children to deadly skin cancers," he said.

He said predictions of a 100 per cent increase in pool attendances was 'dreaming'.

Entrance fees will increase to $2.80 adult/$2.20 child.

Recreation planner Alex Wilford said the quality of the new facilities will attract additional people. But it remains unclear what level of ongoing operating loss ratepayers will be forced to subsidise. Currently it costs in excess of $100,000 a year in losses.

The project components and costs include: demolition of existing facility, construction of a 51-metre pool, amenities and plant room ($5.8m); grandstand seating for 400 people, site lighting and pool heating ($0.5m); 25-metre warm up pool, shaded and heated ($0.7m); and children's pool, shaded and heated ($0.5m).

Earlier at Tuesday's meeting, Cr Frank Swientek's proposal to allow children to swim in Tucki Creek failed to find any support and despite generating some mirth among the councillors, was defeated 1-10.

Ballina conflicts lead to complaints

Conflicts of interest concerns about the relationship between councillors and developers lead to Ballina Council being the second-most complained about Council in NSW according to figures released last week by the Department of Local Government.

Ballina was the subject of 35 complaints, mostly for councillor conflict interest matters over developments. But following close behind was Byron Council as the third-most complained about council. Most of those complaints were about planning and development issues.

While Tweed Council also made the top 10, in seventh place, Lismore was 12th on the ladder, with 15 complaints. Warringah Council on Sydney's northern beach topped the complaints list and was sacked earlier this year.

Local government minister Tony Kelly, who is currently seeking to amalgamate a number of poorly performing councils, said there were too many complaints about local government, "especially when you consider that these figures only show those [complaints] which cannot be resolved by councils themselves".

One year reprieve for trains

The NSW Government has offered a 12-month stay of execution for North Coast rail services, with transport minister Michael Costa announcing that it will not close the Casino-Murwillumbah rail line - for now.

It comes in the wake of a series of community rallies and petitions to save local rail services following a Government-commissioned Parry report that proposed closing them. The Government received a massive 844 submissions commenting on the report.

On Tuesday, Mr Costa announced that all CountryLink routes would be retained, while the country train system is restructured and timetables, ticketing and administration reviewed.

The announcement follows a carefully orchestrated campaign by regional Labor MPs, including Tweed MP Neville Newell, who wanted to 'save' CountryLink from their own colleague. On Friday, they released a seven-point plan to retain, improve and restructure CountryLink services. Coincidentally, they featured in Tuesday's final report into transport services.

Mr Newell said it was now up to local people to "get on board" local trains to improve patronage. But he accused CountryLink of offering "poor food, uncomfortable amenities and even poor toilet facilities". Conveniently ignoring that his own party has been running the rail system for eight years, Mr Newell pondered "How did State Rail expect to attract paying passengers on to trains with service like this?"

Lismore MP Thomas George said the Government backdown was a "small victory" for the local community.

"But the fight against Michael Costa to keep our CountryLink rail services is not over yet," he said. "We must not let down our guard."

"I urge local residents to take every opportunity to use CountryLink rail services during this period so that the Minister knows that you support them. If you haven't signed the CountryLink petition, please call into my office to do so," he said.

Mr George said he was concerned for local jobs during the Government's restructuring of the service.

"Michael Costa has to come clean and tell us just what exactly this means and provide reassurance for employees," he said.

Meanwhile, community groups and local lobby group Northern Rivers Trains for the Future (NRTF) welcomed the Minister's decision.

Jim Parker, President of the Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association (Lismore Branch) said the decision "acknowledged the concerns of seniors and people with disabilities".

Shauna McIntyre, Public Transport Development Project worker with the Northern Rivers Council of Social Development said the show of support by local communities in recent weeks had played a major part in the reprieve.

"Without that effort, we would be mourning the loss of our train today," she said.

NRTF spokesman Basil Cameron said the 'Save Our Train' campaign will continue.

"We will be seeking to put before the Government a plan for rail into the future that includes commuter and freight services that will underpin the financial viability of CountryLink services," he said.

Support for women in court

Zonta members (l-r) Linda Lovett, Ellen McGirr (president), Bronwyn Sargent, Jeni Binns.

The Zonta Club of Lismore has established and furnished a Women's Safety Room in the Ballina Court House to support the Northern Rivers Women's Domestic Violence Court Assistance Scheme. This is the second room Zonta has created, following on from the Lismore safety room in 1998, which has provided a great boost for women attending court for domestic violence matters.

The Ballina safety room was furnished by Zonta so court support workers to work with women in safe and comfortable surrounds.

The furnishings were either donated or discounted by Ballina businesses, including Cummings Retrovision, Super Amart, ToyWorld and Pam Crummy from Richmond Regional Library.

The Rainbow rises

Story & photo:Terra Sword

Rainbow Cafe proprietor Gerald Taylor (right) with local artist Burri Jerome, who has repainted his mural across the back wall of the cafe after it was badly damaged from vandalism in late October.

After five weeks out of action the Rainbow Cafe in Nimbin recently re-opened, bringing life back into the village centre, according to proprietor Gerald Taylor.

The cafe closed after a spate of vandalism in late October that caused damage to around a dozen businesses in the main street. The Rainbow Cafe was one of the worst affected, with vandals smashing front windows, causing structural damage, trashing stock and equipment and even damaging a beautiful mural that covers the entire back wall of the cafe.

Yet despite there being around $70-80,000 worth of damage the Nimbin community has rallied, raising money and providing in-kind donations to get the cafe back on its feet.

"We have a great community here and during hard times everyone bands together," Gerald said. "We're used to coping a fair bit out here and we always bounce back - it's a community where you pull together when you need to and I'm most grateful. The cafe needed to be re-opened for the sake of Nimbin; it's the heart of this village and you can't have a town without a heart. There's a pulse here again."

During repairs the Rainbow Cafe was slightly revamped and it's now lighter and airier, with more space for customers. The mural on the back wall of the cafe depicting the 'Bundjalung creation story', which was partially destroyed during the attack, has also been repainted by local artist Burri Jerome.

Evans Head pool battle continues

Therese Schier

Evans Head is inching closer to having a pool after Richmond Valley Council decided to kick in with an additional $380,000 on top of the $200,000 the pool committee has raised.

But the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome Committee remains at odds with Council's decision to draw $125,000 of its contribution from the Evans Head Airport Reserve fund.

Committee president Dr. Richard Gates said the decision pre-empts the conservation management plan for the aerodrome - which is still to be finalised under the terms of its heritage listing - and goes against the 1992 Deed of Agreement between the Commonwealth Government and the former Richmond River Shire Council (RRSC).

"My committee is of the view that the $125,000 that has been allocated to the pool is an inappropriate use of the funds," he said.

The fund was established when RRSC began depositing $5000 from the sale of blocks of land surrounding the airfield into the fund for maintaining the aerodrome. But general manager Brian Wilkinson said legal opinion indicated that Council can spend part of the funds for other things than airport maintenance.

Evans Head Pool committee president Melissa Hyder is of the view that since the money came from development, all Evans Head residents are entitled to see it spent on a community facility like a pool.

"Funds raised by Evans Head residents should go back in to facilities for Evans Head residents," Melissa said. "The pool is one of two projects in town that residents would like to see. The other being the sewerage treatment plant upgrades," she said.

Her committee are delighted with Council's support. "It's a big breakthrough."

Dr Gates said his committee supports the pool; their disagreement is with council's use of funds from the airport reserve.

"We just have trouble understanding that council can use funds before a conservation plan is drawn up," he said.

After waiting for months, Council has finally received a response from the NSW Heritage Office, developing a plan of management for the airport. The report will go to the December meeting.

"Council is keen to work with the Heritage Office to establish a plan of management for the airport," Mr Wilkinson said. "The plan will set direction for the future direction of the airport."

He denied assertions from Evans Head resident Alex Kurschinsky that potential aviation users of the airfield are being obstructed by council from using the airfield for aviation businesses.

"I'm not aware of any complaints," he said.

75 years of service

Blue and White Auxiliary members (l-r) Joan Simons, Joan Lipman, Noelene Pidcock, Mary Reid and Eugenie Corcoran, who all received Life Membership Awards from St Vincent's Hospital at the auxiliary's Christmas party last week.

Five members of the Blue and White Auxiliary were awarded Life Membership Awards from St Vincent's Hospital last week as a thank you for their ongoing service.

Joan Simons, Joan Lipman, Noelene Pidcock, Mary Reid and Eugenie Corcoran were presented with the awards by St Vincent's Hospital CEO Trevor Sanders a special Christmas morning tea, recognising their tireless efforts to raise money for the Palliative Care Unit.

Each of the ladies has been with the auxiliary for 15 years or more, and current president Joyce Cleaver said the awards were a way of recognising their vital input.

"These ladies were all been part of the auxiliary before I even joined and they are just wonderful," Joyce said. They have put in thousands of hours and we wanted to show how much we appreciate that - the auxiliary simply couldn't run and be as successful as it is without these ladies. They are just marvellous."

The Blue and White Auxiliary began in 1988 and has since raised more than $185,000 for the unit.

Alstonville for retiring types

At the opening of the Alstonville Adventist Aged Care Facility on Tuesday were Richmond MP Larry Anthony (left) and Ballina MP Don Page (right) with (l-r) incoming aged care facility resident Joyce Britton and retirement village residents Ailan Yeo-Quek and Helen 'Molly' Clark.

A $7 million aged care facility adjoining the current Alstonville Adventist Retirement Village was opened on Tuesday, providing 50 more beds for the region's ageing residents.

The facility, funded entirely by Adventist Aged Care, includes 35 low care and 15 high care (or dementia) beds, along with a new dining and lounge area, and an impressive outdoor balcony.

With three times the national average of people over 65 living in the Ballina Shire, Federal MP Larry Anthony says the new facility will allow elderly locals to stay close to family and friends whilst still receiving the best care available.

"This new facility allows elderly people to remain close to their local area and their support structures, and that's really important for health and wellbeing," he said. "The new facility is like a resort - it's the highest quality aged care facility I've visited and I take my hat off to the Seventh Day Adventists. They are so committed in everything they do and this world-class facility is a real testimony to that."

Helen 'Molly' Clark has been a resident at the Village for the last 18 months and recently celebrated her 90th birthday. She believes incoming residents will be more than happy with the new facility.

"It's just ideal - everything you could wish for," said Helen, who worked in aged care herself for 10 years. "We've already knitted knee rugs for the new ladies and we're looking forward to meeting the new residents and helping them settle in. It's a beautiful facility and I'm sure the new residents with love it."

Residents of the Village also raised $10,000 to buy a TV and a grand piano for incoming residents.

A new leash of life

Council ranger Stuart Thomsen at the new leash free area in Elizabeth Gardens.

A new leash-free area has been opened at Elizabeth Gardens in Lismore so dogs can run about to their heart's content.

Council ranger Stuart Thomsen said dog owners have requested the area be made leash-free for some time, and Council has now obliged, with the area open for a six-month trial.

"The majority of dog owners are responsible and keep their dogs on a lead in our parks, but it can be tough on dogs when their natural instinct is to run around," Stuart said. "While the new area is leash-free owners should be aware that they must still remain in control of their dogs at all times."

Stuart said any owners who do not keep an eye on their dog are threatening the leash-free area, as feedback will be sought during the trial. Elizabeth Gardens, situated at the northern end of Diadem Street, has a large grassed area, ample shade trees, a covered picnic table, dog-tidy bins and fresh water.

Elizabeth Gardens is the third leash-free area in Lismore, with others at McKenzie Park in North Lismore and at Heritage Park, on the southern side of the boat ramp.

Health AGM

The Northern Rivers Area Health Service will hold its annual general meeting next Tuesday, December 16 at the Southern Cross University conference centre, Invercauld Road, Goonellabah, from 4 to 6pm.

The public are welcome to attend and will have the chance to meet the 12-member NRAHS Board. The guest speaker is Prof Peter Baverstock, SCU's Dean of Research.

The AGM marks the release of NRAHS Annual Report. Copies of the report will be distributed to libraries in the days following the meeting. It will also be available online at www.nrahs.nsw.gov.au

The AGM lasts for approximately 90 minutes. Phone 6620 2141 by this Friday to attend.

Plateau gerrymander

A Labor Party submission on redistributing local electoral boundaries proposes moving the Alstonville-Wollongbar plateau from the Ballina to Lismore electorates.

Ballina MP, Don Page, said plateau residents should fight the proposal and send in a submission to the Electoral Commission supporting the retention of the area in Ballina.

"People from Alstonville and Wollongbar who want to stay in the Ballina electorate should make an urgent submission by this Friday, December 12, to the Electoral Districts Commission, GPO Box 832, Sydney NSW 2001, fax: 9200 5988 or e-mail: redistribution@seo.nsw.gov.au."

Mr Page said submissions can be as little as a sentence stating that Alstonville and Wollongbar's community of interest is with Ballina.

DAISI the best for people

Lismore DAISI Board members Jacob Baldwin and Audrey Weir hold DAISI's NSW Consumer Service Regional Community Organisation Award, with DAISI Manager, Dona Graham.

A decade of commitment to the delivery of consumer services by Lismore-based DAISI - the Disability and Aged Information Service - has been recognised with a State protection award from the Department of Fair Trading.

DAISI took out the best 'Regional Community Organisation' section in the NSW Consumer Protection Awards.

Fair Trading Minister, Reba Meagher, said organisations like DAISI deserved public recognition for the vital contribution they make.

DAISI is a free community service detailing services and supports available to assist people with disabilities and aged people (including those from a non-English speaking background); and their families, carers and friends. Call 1800 800340.

PASSing on their thanks

A new Lismore-based support group P.A.S.S Inc (Parents of Autistic Spectrum Support) held their first family fun day at Wade Park in East Lismore recently, which proved to be a big hit with children and adults alike.

P.A.S.S Inc would like to thank Carers NSW, Coles in Goonellabah and South Side Hot Bread for helping to make the day a success. The organisation offers information and support for anyone with Autistic Spectrum by providing understanding, sharing monthly meetings and workshops.

Anyone interested in joining P.A.S.S should phone Susan on 6622 3953.

Red Cross put their foot in it

Lismore Base Hospital Renal Unit patient Maureen Davies enjoys a foot massage from Red Cross volunteers Tita Underhill (right) and Diane Hillier (left). They are pictured with Cosmetic Care coordinator Jenny Ryan, Red Cross regional manager Vahideh Hosseini and executive director Paul O'Sullivan.

Maureen Davies from Kyogle has travelled to Lismore Base Hospital three days each week for the past 10 years, where she spends more than five hours at a time on dialysis in the renal unit.

One of the things that make life a little more pleasant for Maureen is a weekly foot massage by Red Cross volunteers, a service that has been running for the past 12 months.

"It's certainly helps the time pass more quickly and it's very relaxing," Maureen said. "Everyone in the unit looks forward to their weekly massage - it just feels lovely plus it's nice to have someone to talk to."

Foot massage is part of the Cosmetic Care program, which has been operating in Lismore Base Hospital, Richmond Clinic and St Vincent's Hospital for the past 22 years.

Cosmetic Care volunteers do make up, skin care, hand massage and other beauty treatments for patients. More volunteers are always needed. To get involved phone Jenny on 6622 3244 or 0418 280 054.

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