Byron Ballina Greens -> docs -> mayoraug2007

Mayoral Report August 2007

Councillors, staff and the community had a break from Council meetings in July but it has been a very busy period for the community with lots of grant applications being formulated and I have been writing letters of support for some very exciting projects. I hope that they are all are successful and if so we could see positive new outcomes that will benefit our community.

The role of volunteers in our community is essential. I am continually impressed by the work and ongoing commitment of so many people focussing on a broad range of needs and interests.

Radiotherapy Unit for Lismore – Byron meeting – 16^th August

With the ever increasing incidence of cancer in the community, there is a concerted effort to raise awareness of the need for the promised radiotherapy unit in Lismore. With over 800 people in the Northern Rivers seeking the service it is sad to hear that many go without treatment due to the distance factor in obtaining the service.

The Regional Community Watch group has been formed to lobby the Government to meet its promise of providing the service. There have been meetings across the region and petitions for signing for presentation to the NSW Parliament. I have placed the issue on the agenda for the next NOROC meeting.

Visit by Minister Firth – Minister assisting the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water – 9^th August

After many years of planning, the launch of the Arakwal National Park Management Plan was undertaken by the Minister. The visit was also arranged to allow Minister Firth to open the new offices that will provide accommodation for the Cape Byron Headland Trust, the Cape Byron Marine Park and the Arakwal.

The day was enjoyed by the Minister with beautiful weather, Aboriginal dancers and the opportunity for her to add her hand print to the Aboriginal artwork that features on the exterior of the building.

The Minister is also responsible for Biodiversity and I presented her with a Byron Biodiversity booklet and will follow up on discussions regarding a Conservation rate.

NOROC meeting – 3^rd August

The General Manager and I attended our first NOROC meeting and Byron Shire Council’s membership was ratified. The meeting received presentations from the NRCMA chair, Judy Henderson, Ass Prof Alan Ellis from SCU re Broadband, Elisabeth McGregor from TAFE and Martin Field from Richmond Tweed Regional Library.

The agenda included discussion and resolutions regarding

1. the transfer of water from the Northern NSW to SE Qld and water infrastructure

2. the cost of LG election expenses

3. Broadband

4. State Government support for libraries

5. A proposed MOU with NRSDC

Byron Council’s involvement in NOROC will strengthen the regions position for lobbying to the state and federal government and also create the opportunity for us to raise issues of importance and seek regional support.

There has been a lot of festival activity and good weather for both the Writers Festival and Splendour in contrast to last year.

The Writers Festival was a great success and the new Director, Jeni Caffin did an excellent job in formulating a program that was well received. Council’s sponsorship was acknowledged in all the promotion and appreciated by organisers. The Friends of the Library volunteers had a presence and provided updated info on the new library proposal. They also undertook some fundraising for the library. A highlight was the launch of the book “The History of Feros Care” by Sue Vader.

Splendour in the Grass was again an early sell out and greater efforts were made this year to address Sunrise residents concerns with parking issues. Thanks have been received by residents who appreciated the additional efforts made by organisers and Council to manage the parking and public behaviour.

The festival organisers funded the voluntary alcohol breathalyser unit that was undertaken by INTRA from the Buttery. This service is appreciated by the patrons and supported by the police and assists in reducing the likelihood of drink driving . The organisers also supported an Expect Respect stall and information was made available as well as approximately 800 surveys undertaken. The festival website also featured information and links to information about this important program.

Unfortunately I missed the Bangalow Music Festival this year due to ill health and other commitments but have heard very positive reports on the high quality of the performances.

FEHVA was bigger than ever this year and well suited to the A&I Hall Venue. It was an exciting week of events and provided interest and information for artists and art lovers. The auction for the Buttery fundraiser was a great success with approximately $20,000 raised and news that the DA is now able to be progressed.

There is a real need to gather information about the value and impact of festivals in the shire and the future of our cultural identity to inform a community discussion. It is well recognised that festivals offer great opportunities but also present some impacts for local residents. The management and sustainability of festivals will be an ongoing challenge, especially with the much awaited community discussion that will occur over the potential for new festival sites.

Expect Respect Launch

I was asked to launch the new phase of the Expect Respect program formulated by The Kids Really Count Interagency Committee, with special efforts by Kim Kendall from the Mullumbimby Community Heath. The launch featured a television ad that is currently featured locally. The ad was originally developed by Mullumbimby High ex students Petra McNelilly Rutledge and Mia Forrest. The musical background is by Mullumbimby singer, Helen Rogerson.

This phase of the campaign is looking at encouraging young women to access legal support if needed. The campaign involves the TV ad, the Splendour education stall, Expect Respect days in local high schools and the distribution of 20,000 booklets, stickers and badges.

NAIDOC Day – 12^th July

Once again the NAIDOC day events attracted large crowds for a street march in Byron Bay and a gathering in Apex Park that featured entertainment, activities and information and a bush tucker barbeque.

Awards were presented as an acknowledgement of support for Aboriginal people by the Arakwal and Council was a recipient.

There was a highlight for many, especially Arakwal performers when international musician Jack Johnson who was in the audience with his family came forward and played some music with them.

Emergency Management Australia workshop – 18-20 June

I was invited to attend a workshop at the EMA headquarters in Mount Macedon. It was an opportunity to consult with local government and consider the wide range of issues in relation to emergency management that affects communities. There was a lot of discussion about climate change and what options exist for adaptation and mitigation. The outcomes of the workshop will assist in formulating policy.

2 – Councillor training – Bullying and Harassment

- ACE meeting

3 – NOROC meeting – Ballina Council

- Northern Rivers Tourism meeting

4/5 – Splendour festival

6 – Tourism MP briefing

7 – Suffolk Caravan Park workshop

- BYS briefing

9 – Launch of Arakwal NP Management Plan – Min Verity Firth

Opening of Arakwal / MPA / Cape Byron Trust offices

16 – ORDINARY planning meeting

- Tourism NSW review – Tweed

- Radiotherapy community meeting – Byron Bay Bowling club

17 – Bay FM

- SCU MOU meeting

- Byron United Womens Lunch with Deb Cox – East of Everything

- Asset Management workshop

- Tourism NSW meeting – re marketing

20 – Screenworks – AFC briefing

21 – ACE meeting

- Meeting with Mullum High Principal

- Meeting with Screenworks and Open Air Cinema – Bangalow

22 – Planning Review Ctee

- Tourism MP ctee

- meeting with Suffolk Park CP residents

23 – ORDINARY – Quarterly Review

- Reserve Trust meeting

24 – Meeting with Dept of Ed, Justine Elliot

25 – West Byron wetlands – Bird Hide opening

27 – Arakwal Ctee

- Epicentre workshop

28 – Governance Plan workshop

- A&I Hall – Bangalow Heartbeat

29 – Ethos / Qld Government – Climate Change forum

30 – ORDINARY MEETING

July

3 – Broken Head Quarry Ctee

4 - Byron High site inspection for Get Rocked

6 – Bay FM

10 - Get Rocked ctee

11 - Expect Respect Launch – Lennox Surf Club

12 – NAIDOC Day – march and speech at Apex Park

13 – EXTRAORDINARY MEETING

26 – Writers Festival opening

27 – Cape Byron Trust meeting

- Writers Festival – Launch of Feros History book

29 - NP forum - Alstonville

30 - Byron Community Campus meeting

- Arakwal ctee

- Surf Lifesaving briefing

1 – Dome Shell Launch – Billinudgel – www.domeshells.com

- Travelling Film Festival Launch – Byron Cinema

3 – Competitive Tenderness – Drill Hall

4 - Library Committee

- Yelgun festival site briefing

5 - Community Consultation re Management Plan – Depot

7 - Coastline inspections for MP

10 – A&I Hall renovation opening

12 – East of Everything briefing for Councillors

- Surf lifesaving meeting

13 – Get Rocked ctee

- GM objectives meeting

14 – ORDINARY MEETING – Planning

15 – Suffolk Park Child Care centre meeting

18-20 – EMA – Emergency Management Australia workshop – Mt Macedon

21 – Extraordinary meeting re MP

22 – Citizenship ceremony

25 – Arakwal ctee

Meeting with Crighton

Debrief meeting re SP sports fields

26 – Clarkes Beach café site inspection

Bangalow skate park meeting

27 – Planning Review ctee

28 – ORDINARY MEEETING

- FEHVA auction

29 - Community survey briefing with SCU

- Byron Bay High School Reunion concert

30 - BB High Reunion celebrations