Jetstar to increase Melbourne-Ballina flights
October 22, 2010
Low fares leader Jetstar has delivered another windfall for northern NSW tourism with the re-introduction of direct low-fare Melbourne services to Ballina Byron Gateway Airport timed to commence pre-Christmas.
From 21 December 2010, Jetstar will operate three times weekly Melbourne-Ballina Byron A320 services on a year-round basis and offer the region its only direct interstate flight.
This new growth follows Jetstar’s recently announced expansion of Sydney-Ballina Byron flying by five more weekly flights to double daily (14 times weekly commencing 2 December) and represents a new high-water mark for Jetstar, offering over 300,000 annual seats for the first time in this market.
Jetstar group chief executive officer Bruce Buchanan said the decision to re-introduce a direct Melbourne service alongside growing Sydney frequencies to Ballina/Byron Bay reflected a renewed confidence in the market and a response to strong regional community and tourism industry support for an interstate air link.
Page calls on ABC not to axe Rural Report
October 22, 2010
Ballina MP Don Page has called on the ABC not to axe the North Coast ABC Rural Report, out of Lismore, on morning radio at the end of this month.
Mr Page said the ABC was planning to discontinue the program and justify it by saying it will provide an online service instead.
“The North Coast has a very diverse agricultural and horticultural sector and it would be shortsighted to axe the live interviews that are regularly conducted with industry leaders and innovators,” he said.
The Northern Rivers has produced many leaders in agriculture, including two NSW Farmers of the Year recipients since 2007. This year’s winner, Ridley Bell, from Mountain Blue Orchards on the Alstonville Plateau, is a pioneer in the development of the blueberry industry in Australia.
Dr Paul Hepperly to be guest speaker at SoilCare Expo
October 7, 2010
Want to bring your soil back to life?
Then head to SoilCare Expo 2010.
The SoilCare Landcare group will host SoilCare Expo 2010 on Saturday, 6 November, between 8.30am and 4.00pm at Wollongbar Primary Industries Institute (I & I NSW), 1243 Bruxner Highway, Wollongbar. Entry is free.
Over 30 specialists will be exhibiting a range of biological and mineralised nutrition products, soil analysis info and farm equipment including under-tree slashers, composting equipment, spreaders, chippers and the Yeomans plow.
Work on Ballina’s Harvey Norman Homemaker Centre to start soon
August 30, 2010
Construction of the Harvey Norman Homemaker Centre in Ballina is due to begin soon.
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.
Ballina Byron Airport welcomes five more weekly Jetstar services
August 29, 2010
Jetstar has added an extra five weekly flights from Sydney to the Ballina-Byron route.
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.”
I&I NSW appoints Trevor Rose as beef officer for Casino
July 28, 2010
Industry & Investment NSW has appointed a new Livestock Officer Beef Products to service the North Coast region from Casino.
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.”
Richmond Valley business people invited to info session
June 3, 2010
Businesses from across the Richmond Valley are invited to attend a Building the Recovery Information Session that will be held at the Casino RSM in Casino next Monday 7 June at 3.30pm.
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.”
Key appointment at The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa
May 25, 2010
After two years as Regional Sales and Marketing Manager for the Mantra Group’s Salt properties, Scott O’Neile has moved to the multi award-winning Byron at Byron Resort and Spa to take up the position of Executive Assistant Manager.
“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.”
Page seeks assurance on Alstonville horticultural centre
May 23, 2010
Member for Ballina Don Page has called on the Minister for Primary Industries to confirm that the Alstonville Centre for Tropical Horticulture will be retained.
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.
Superannuation Clearing House ‘open for business’
May 23, 2010
Richmond MP Justine Elliot is encouraging eligible small businesses on the North Coast to register to use the Australian Government’s new free Small Business Superannuation Clearing House from Monday, 24 May.
“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.
