Ballina Shire Council said tenders had been called and the successful contractor had been appointed.

“The development has encountered many months of delays due to legal action taken against Ballina Shire Council which has since been settled in council’s favour,” the council said.

“Earthworks on the site and the Boeing Avenue extension are well-advanced and the successful builder is expected to take possession of the site mid-September.

“The tenders, which included submissions from local builders, were very competitive and whilst prices were very close, the time for construction was the determining factor. Harvey Norman has selected Mainbrace Constructions as the successful contractor and they will move on site mid-September.”

Michael Shay, principal of LJ Hooker Ballina, assisting with the local leasing of the project, said: “The Harvey Norman-anchored development will provide for both national and local retailers.

“The size and range of tenants in the development when added to the many support traders already in the precinct will make this the dominant bulky goods precinct on this section of the coast.”

Ballina Shire Mayor Cr Phillip Silver said: “Council was pleased that all the barriers to the development have now been removed. Harvey Norman has been patient throughout this process and now the project can move forward.

“The development will establish Ballina’s position in the retail hierarchy and on completion will provide around 110 direct positions, both full-time and part-time. When the downstream jobs are taken into account it will inject around $5 million in wages into the community, giving a measurable boost to our local economy.

“The establishment of this precinct will attract expenditure currently escaping the area and is consistent with the Far North Coast Regional Strategy which identifies Ballina as an emerging regional centre.”

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Neil Weatherson, Ballina Byron Airport manager, was delighted to receive a phone call from Jetstar last Friday afternoon announcing the five additional weekly services.

“What a great way to end the week. We’re elated to have even more flights to offer our passengers and it also demonstrates Jetstar’s future confidence in the growth of the Sydney to Ballina-Byron route,” Mr Weatherson said.

“These additional flights coupled with the recently installed self check-in kiosks offer more flexibility and convenience for our customers.”

Simon Westaway, Jetstar’s Head of Corporate Relations, said: “Jetstar has reverted to its strongest market position in the Sydney to Ballina Byron market with this announcement.

“The additional flights will be a new Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday morning service.

“Jetstar will grow its Sydney to Ballina Byron operations by a further 92,000 seats on an annual basis.

“From 2 December, ahead of the busy Christmas and January school holiday period, Jetstar will revert to a double daily return A320 service by permanently raising our flight schedule.

“The Sydney-Ballina route continues to perform ahead of expectation and this capacity growth is clearly warranted. We believe the introduction of these flights are well-timed ahead of the summer peak season and then to provide a consistent twice daily return service with convenient morning and afternoon departure times from both Sydney and Ballina Byron Airport.”

Flight and fare information is available at www.Jetstar.com

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Minister for Primary Industries Steve Whan said: “Trevor Rose has commenced duties in his new role. He replaces Bill Hoffman, who retired this year.

“He will undergo six months in service training before taking on the role of providing beef producers with information on production, marketing and natural resource management.

“Our livestock officers across the state work hard to provide producers with up-to-date and relevant information that will assist our livestock industries be sustainable and profitable.”

Mr Whan said that Mr Rose’s 20 years experience in the rural sector will be a great asset to North Coast beef producers.

“Trevor has had a long association with the agricultural industry and has a sound background in the beef and dairy industries,” he said.

“He has a strong knowledge of North Coast pasture systems through his previous role with Industry & Investment NSW as a Projects Manager in the Pastures Unit.

“He has experience working in a range of North Coast farming systems and has a good knowledge of their production limitations.

“Trevor’s past experience managing projects with the Department has given him an excellent understanding of natural resource management issues and the importance of working closely with producers to solve both natural resource and production challenges.”

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Federal Member for Page Janelle Saffin said the information session was part of the Keep Australia Working initiative.

“When I speak to local employers and businesses, one of the questions I get asked is how they can get information about government projects,” Ms Saffin said.

“That’s why we’re holding this information session – bringing together all levels of government as well as industry and major private developers.”

The session will provide information on government and private sector projects in the area and how to tap into them, as well as information from organisations that support and assist local business.

Ms Saffin said the information session is a further step to helping the region emerge strongly from the effects of the global recession, and encourages local businesses to attend this information session.

“This region has a number of innovative companies, both large and small, who can compete well with businesses from around the country,” she said.

“I want local businesses to have every opportunity to take advantage of government and private sector investment to support jobs in our community. That’s why we’re holding this forum in Casino.”

Businesses can register for the session online at: www.keepaustraliaworking.gov.au/buildingtherecovery or by contacting Christine Williams at the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations on 6626 0802.

For more information, email BuildingtheRecovery@deewr.gov.au

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“We are very fortunate to secure the skills and talent of Scott O’Neile, with his extensive background in sales and marketing,” said John Parché, General Manager of The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa.

“This role will be an adjustment to Scott coming from the Mantra Group Resorts, a large national organisation, to a smaller independent operation.

“We are, however, delighted that he has chosen to be a part of The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa team and we look forward to a long and healthy relationship.”

Prior to his position at Salt, O’Neile worked for four years with Voyages Hotels and Resorts as National Sales and Marketing Manager and prior to that held a four-year position as National Trade Sales and Marketing Manager with the Northern Territory Tourism Commission.

“I’m looking forward to being mentored by two of the best,” said O’Neile of The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa General Managers John and Lyn Parché.

“My wife Jane and I came here for a holiday and fell in love with the region, so we packed up our lives and moved to Lennox Head two years ago.

“The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa is unlike any place I have worked. It offers something truly special and magical which can be hard to find these days.

“With forty-five acres of rainforest and only 92 suites, the balance of nature to human activity is calming and inspiring.”

Scott’s wife Jane also plays a role at the resort and is no stranger to the hotel tourism industry, having recently held the position of National Sales Manager for Hamilton Island Resort.

“Byron Bay is eclectic and interesting and resort guests reflect this,” said O’Neile. “People come to Byron expecting to relax and re-energise. They’re usually wide open to new experiences, so it’s a great place to work”.

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The threat of closure was first made in NSW Labor Government’s 2008 mini budget.

“In the follow-up to that devastating announcement I lodged a petition containing over 1000 signatures supporting the retention of the important research centre,” Mr Page said.

Mr Page sought reassurance from the Minister for Primary Industries in Parliament last week that the Centre for Tropical Horticulture will not be closed.

“Tropical horticulture is the largest agricultural industry on the North Coast contributing hundreds of millions of dollars each year to our economy. The local industry deserves some assurance that the vital research facility will not be lost,” he said.

The research station is currently conducting vital research in areas such as canopy management, plant physiology, soil science and entomology.

“There are 24 people whose employment will be under a cloud if the Minister goes ahead with this short-sighted decision,” he said.

“The research conducted at Alstonville is vital for the ongoing support and growth of the North Coast horticultural industry.” 

The industry includes macadamias, coffee, avocados, blueberries, bananas, passionfruit, low-chill stone fruit and custard apples

Mr Page said that the Government will try to justify the decision by saying the centre will be relocated to Wollongbar.  However, years of research will be lost with the research crops that are currently growing at the Alstonville station.

“My fear is that this cash-strapped NSW Labor Government can see the huge financial gains that could be made by selling off this prime piece of real estate on the Alstonville Plateau,” he said.

“I call on the Minister for Primary Industries to confirm that the Alstonville Centre for Tropical Horticulture will remain open.”

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“The Small Business Superannuation Clearing House delivers on the Rudd Government’s election commitment to reduce the heavy compliance burden for small business by cutting red tape and freeing them up to focus on getting on with their business,” Justine said.

“The clearing house is a convenient service provided by the Government free of charge for small businesses on the North Coast.

“It will help small businesses to save on time and paperwork by enabling them to pay their employees’ superannuation to a single location in one simple electronic transaction.

“The clearing house will send the contributions to the appropriate superannuation fund and employers will be able to access a record of their contribution history whenever it’s needed.

“This is another example of the Rudd Government delivering for small business.

“I encourage any small business on the North Coast with fewer than 20 staff to visit www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/super and register to use the free online service.”

Mrs Elliot said registering for the service is easy. Small businesses will be directed to enter their business details, and once they receive their login details they can enter their employees’ details and finalise the registration online. The service will commence from 1 July 2010.

The Government will deliver the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House through Medicare Australia, which has a strong electronic payment processing capacity and a track record of security of funds.

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Ms Saffin said Mr Marles’ visit to the Page electorate was a wonderful opportunity to highlight the depth of talent among local innovators.

“I’m always singing the praises of our local talent and this was an opportunity to showcase some of the brightest and best on the North Coast,” Ms Saffin said.

“Among the team of local innovators at today’s roundtable was Australian inventor Ric Richardson, the founder of Uniloc, which has developed technology designed to deter software piracy.

“Ric divides his time between the Northern Rivers and California. He is passionate about protecting Australian ideas and shares his knowledge and enthusiasm by mentoring other inventors.

“I was pleased to have Mr Marles detail the Rudd Government’s industry and innovation programs, particularly in relation to protecting intellectual property.

“IP protection is a crucial first step for innovators wanting to commercialise their new designs and products.

“This was a fantastic opportunity for our local innovators to hear how the Rudd Government can help them turn their good ideas into commercial reality.”

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“A 64% price increase over the next three years recommended by IPART is just not viable for small businesses and low income earners in NSW,” Mr Page said.

“The NSW State Labor Government have allowed our electricity infrastructure to run down over the past 15 years. They have spent little of the massive profits they have made during that time in upgrading our electricity assets.

“Instead they have used the electricity suppliers as a cash cow to fund their shocking history of waste and incompetence.

“The NSW State Labor Government have ripped more than $11.4 billion out of the energy companies in dividends and taxes.

“It is unconscionable for the NSW State Labor Government to expect small businesses and householders to pay for their neglect.” 

The overall price increase for the majority of customers will be between $754 and $918 a year. For the average small business it will mean an additional $3070 a year, Mr Page said.

“The NSW Labor Government are not compelled to implement IPART’s recommendations. I believe the State Government is responsible for the neglect and it’s up to the Government to fund the solution. They cannot expect the people of NSW to continue to pay for their incompetence,” Mr Page said.

“The Budget Papers show that the NSW Labor Government are set to reap $17 billion from the energy retailers in 2012–2013.  How can they justify a 64% price increase inflicted on small businesses and families in NSW while taking massive profits for themselves?

“When is this incompetent Labor Government going to start supporting the people they represent instead of ripping them off.

“NSW electricity consumers have already been hit with 20% increase, which came into effect from 1st July 2009.

“Small businesses in NSW are already buckling under the weight of excessive State taxes and regulation.

“Regional businesses are set to be hit the hardest by the price increases. A 2008 KPMG report showed that regional businesses are paying up to 51% and up to $100,000 more than their city counterparts for their electricity costs.”

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Following three years of planning, installation and approval by the Byron Shire Council, the coffee plantation in Federal is now fully utilising the $135,000 facility.

“We’re pretty over the moon about it,” said Richard Kelly, pictured, General Manager of Green Cauldron Coffee.

“With this recycling facility we’ve basically achieved a closed loop for water usage and waste and we are able to capture and use every part of the coffee cherry, not just the bean.”

Leading Environmental Health scientist Tim Fitzroy worked with Green Cauldron Coffee to plan and build the facility.

“The design is both contemporary and best practice,” Mr Fitzroy said.

“So it’s fitting that the Byron Shire should be home to such groundbreaking work. It’s been a joy to work with such an innovative company willing to invest in green technology.”

Most Australian coffee producers use a wet process to wash and separate coffee.

However, the natural sugars found in coffee, together with debris from leaves and branches, deplete oxygen levels in the waste water and increase biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).

Water in this state is unsafe to release into waterways and is too strong to be used for irrigation.

Green Cauldron’s bespoke water recycling facility uses a sand filtration process combined with anaerobic bugs to significantly reduce BOD and increase oxygen levels – making the water safe to use.

Any solid waste is composted and used to fertilise the coffee trees. The net effect is a reduction in water consumption and protection of waterways and catchment areas. The process takes four to five weeks.

“Optimal health and vitality for our coffee trees is what we’re after” said Mr Kelly.

“And we hope that people can taste this in our single origin coffee.”

For more information, visit the Green Cauldron website .

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