Hosted by Mr Page and the Green Coast Catalyst group, keynote speakers included Dr Adam Lucas from the University of Wollongong, who highlighted the fact that Australia is way behind many other countries in our use of renewable energy.

“Dr Lucas pointed out that in terms of electricity generation, Australia currently produces only 8.4% from renewables compared to China at 20%, Denmark 32%, Sweden 60%, California 20%, and Brazil at 85% (mainly hydropower),” Mr Page said.

“Australia’s target for 2020 is a mere 20% whereas China’s target is 40%, Denmark 50%, Sweden 90% and California is 40%.

“Dr Lucas also pointed out that many new jobs are being created in the renewable energy sector, with more than $120 billion spent globally in 2008.”

Opening the forum, Mr Page, who stated upfront that he believes climate change is real, said renewable energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which will slow the rate of climate change and give us more time to adapt. 

“Renewables are much cleaner fuels and much more sustainable in the medium and long-term,” he said.

“Even if you don’t believe in climate change, you should still be supporting increased use of renewables like solar, wind, tidal, geothermal and biofuels because with oil in decline we need other forms of energy for energy security purposes.

“We heard that at any one time Australia only has 10 days fuel supply should current supplies be interrupted. This makes us quite vulnerable from our energy security perspective.”

Other speakers at the forum included David Warrilow, who spoke on the topic ‘Peak Oil meets Climate Change’, Alecks Atrens on geothermal energy, Nick Lake and Gordon Fraser Quick on local solar options, Robert Rosen on Northern Rivers electric vehicle initiatives and Richard Wake from Country Energy on feed-in tariffs, Renewable Energy Certificates and green power.

The forum was facilitated by broadcaster and journalist Mick O’Regan and also included many displays from local businesses promoting their particular interests in renewable energy options.

“More than 200 people attended the forum, which was encouraging on a Sunday morning,” Mr Page said.

“We all left the forum with a wider understanding of renewable energy options but the overwhelming ‘take home message’ was that Australia needs to get its act together on renewables and we need to be much stronger in promoting and encouraging the renewable energy sector.”

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Join Sandy Gandhi, Alesha-Nicole (she makes Priscilla look like a desert), Cathy Martin and the fabulous Jackie Loeb who does Julia better than the PM herself!

Jackie brought the roof down several times at this year’s Big Joke Festival, and for those of you who missed it, here’s your chance to catch her  (check her out -  www.jackieloeb.com)

If you’re having a Birthday, come and party with the girls – discounts available for groups of 10 or more.

“Looking forward to seeing you all,” said Sandy, Australia’s most easterly Indian.

Hilarious Hysterical Wickedly Wacky Women Jackie Loeb & Sandy Gandhi in
WET YOUR PANTS
The musical!!
A mostly all-girl environmentally sustainable, drought-resistant Comedy Spectacular
Including a torrent of under-wired support from
‘Funny’ gal Alesha-Nicole … she put the Grrr into girl!
Cathy Martin on her new-age boyfriend, Open Mike
And a special appearance by the raining ‘PM’ herself!

2 SHOWerS only
Friday 27 August The BANGALOW BOWLING CLUB
Saturday 28 August The BYRON BAY BOWLING CLUB
SHOWS START @ 8 PM – Restaurants open at 5.30 PM
Tickets $25 – Early Booking Recommended – 6687 1005 or Email: sandy.gandhi@bigpond.com
Proudly Sponsored by Mullumbimby PRINTWORKS – 6684 3633

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“Governments the world over continue to procrastinate,” said Chris Sanderson, from Green Coast Catalysts.

“They allow the interests of the fossil fuel industries to take precedence over our energy security. For the same reason, they continue to avoid taking the necessary action that science demands to avoid climate catastrophe.

“As countries now perceive their traditional energy supplies are at risk and prone to serious interruption, so do individuals.

“Many recent books by respected authors, as well as popular movements, are now suggesting that we are approaching an era when energy self-sufficiency is a prudent planning goal for families and businesses.

“The idea of holding this forum is to explore clean renewable energy options available now, and what’s coming soon.”

The event, running from 9.30am to 1pm, will be chaired by local journalist, Mick O’Regan.

“The event starts by an overview of the situation we are faced with now, as Climate Change converges with Peak Oil,” Mr Regan said.

“Then it filters down to what forms of renewable energy are actually available in the Byron Shire right now, followed by our wish-list for future possibilities.”

Morning tea and a light lunch will be available, catered by Bangalow Museum’s Heritage House Tearooms. Gold coin admission to help cover costs.

Mr O’Regan will introduce a series of speakers, starting with the University of Wollongong lecturer Dr Adam Lucas, who will talk on ‘The Big Picture’.

“Australia is at a crossroads in energy policy formation as it reaches capacity constraints due to population growth, climate change and lack of energy infrastructure investment over the last 30-40 years,” he says.

His current research focuses on energy policy responses to anthropogenic climate change and the peaking of world oil, coal and gas production.

Speaking for the Australian Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas (ASPO) will be David Warrilow, who will discuss Peak Oil and the likely consequences for the local population.

ASPO, an initiative of the Sustainable Transport Coalition, is a network of professionals working to reduce our oil vulnerability, aiming to bring the probabilities, risks and opportunities that Peak Oil presents, to the attention of decision-makers.

Geothermal energy will be discussed by Alecks Atrens, from the University of Queensland’s Geothermal Energy Centre of Excellence, while Nick Lake, director of local company Nickel Energy, will present the solar energy options available here and now.

From Grafton, the Regional General Manager for Country Energy, Richard Wake, will explain such matters as Feed-in-Tariffs, and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECS), and no doubt respond to questions about price increases.

Robert Rosen will discuss mooted Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle initiatives, including local electric vehicle hire, fast charging facilities, and possible linkages with the Brunswick Heads Community Economic Transition Plan, local tourism accommodation providers, and renewable energy installers.

Don Page, Member for Ballina (which includes the Byron Shire), who ‘starred’ as the (hypothetical) Premier of NSW in the very successful Green Coast Catalysts ‘Climate Change Hypothetical’ event held at the A&I Hall in 2007, was delighted to be involved in another such stimulating event.

“All over the electorate, people are asking me what they can do now to cut down their energy use, and how can they increase energy efficiency in their homes,” he said.

“First, they are concerned about the scale of the problem globally. Then they want to know specifically what they can do right now. We hope this event will provide some clear answers.”

In the outer hall, information booths will give detailed information on such matters as public transport, with TOOT (Trains on our Tracks) manning a stand.

Local political party Our Sustainable Future will have Lismore Shire Councillor Simon Clough and former Byron Shire Councillor Hugh Ermacora providing information on its policies.

Transition Byron Shire will present information about the Transition Town initiative, plus Sapoty Brook’s electric bicycle.

It is anticipated that other stands will provide information on local biochar projects, as well as solar heating, appropriate house design, energy financing, subsidies and grants, and ‘green’ painting opportunities.

For further information, contact Green Coast Catalysts’ Chris Sanderson on (02) 6687 2244, or Don Page’s office on (02) 6686-7522.

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The proposed name of the tourist drive is The Hinterland Way and early plans show it will take the route of what will be the old Pacific Highway when the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale upgrade of the Pacific Motorway is completed.

“I think this is an exciting tourism concept that will make the most of existing infrastructure when the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale upgrade of the highway is completed,” Mr Page said.

“Much of that stretch of what will be the old highway has spectacular views of the coast and hinterland and this lends itself to being promoted as a tourist drive.

“The Hinterland Way project will include a number of signs and information points promoting regional attractions including the villages of Newrybar and Bangalow.

“The Hinterland Way project will enhance existing tourism infrastructure and I am confident will become a stand-alone, low-cost, minimal impact tourist attraction.

“Importantly, much of the necessary infrastructure is already in place, so the cost of implementing The Hinterland Way will be negligible.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for tourism on the Far North Coast and it is supported by State and Federal politicians as well as the Ballina and Byron Shire Councils, chambers of commerce, tourist groups and Southern Cross University.

“I believe The Hinterland Way has the potential to become one of the great tourism drives in New South Wales and possibly Australia.

“This is a perfect opportunity for the NSW Government and the Roads and Traffic Authority to support a cost-effective tourism project on the Far North Coast.”

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Mr Griffin said Fair Trading was investigating reports of itinerant traders attempting to scam locals at Bangalow and possibly Lennox Head with cheap bitumen laying offers.

“Fair Trading has operational people in the field tracking the movements of these shonks,” he said.

“Bitumen bandits generally target older, vulnerable people in rural and regional areas and have been subject to ongoing Fair Trading investigations.”

Fair Trading issued warnings on bitumen bandits on four occasions last year and twice this year when they appeared on the South Coast and on the outskirts of south-western Sydney.

A group was caught operating in Taree, Old Bar and Tinonee in February last year. Three penalty notices worth $2250 were issued.

The bandits use a seemingly plausible reason to gain people’s confidence and in the worst cases, lie in wait for people to leave their homes.

They will often say they have leftover material from a local council job or Roads and Traffic Authority job and can do a good price.

They also ask for cash in hand and are known to keep a watch on homeowners to see when they leave their property. When they do, the bandits will turn up with a large group and start laying bitumen without consent.

Mr Griffin said bitumen bandits often attempted to bully residents into paying for substandard work.

“After completing the work, the bandits quickly leave the area and consumers are unable to contact them or obtain refunds or warranties,” he said.

Mr Griffin urged residents to contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20 if they have been approached by bitumen bandits.

“Wherever possible, get the car rego of the bandits and any other identifying information, such as contact details, including mobile phone numbers,” he said.

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“The Ballina Bypass is budgeted to cost $640m altogether and to be completed by 2012. $471m has already been spent and a further $115m will be spent this year. It’s a joint State/Federal project,” he said.

“Pre-construction for the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale upgrade will continue with an allocation of $85m in this budget. The Alstonville Bypass gets a further $24m from the Federal budget to complete construction by the end of this year.

“It was disappointing once again not to see any funds for an upgrade of Ballina Hospitals surgery unit or the proposed new Byron Shire Central Hospital (land for this hospital at Ewingsdale has already been purchased).” 

Ballina TAFE receives a further $597,000 to complete the upgrade by 2011.

“I’m pleased to see the Community Building Partnership program reinstated for another year. This means the Ballina Electorate will receive $400,000 for smaller community projects of a wide-ranging nature,” Mr Page said.

“Byron Bay Ambulance Station also received $1.35m to complete construction by next year. Lismore Regional Cancer Centre (a regional facility) has been allocated $3.25m with completion due in 2012,” he said. 

In summary the allocations for the Ballina Electorate are:

• $115m for continuation of construction of the Ballina Bypass
• $85m for planning and pre-construction of the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale section of the Pacific Highway
• $1.35m for the Byron Bay Ambulance Station
• $24m (Federally funded) for ongoing construction of the Alstonville Bypass
• $597,000 to complete the upgrade of Ballina TAFE
• $400,000 Community Building Partnership

“This means there will be close to $227m spent in the Ballina Electorate this year, excluding the Federal BER projects,” Mr Page said.

“While I welcome the funding that has been allocated to the Ballina Electorate, much of it is coming from the Federal Budget. The NSW State Government continues to let us down on health infrastructure in particular. Once again the Byron Shire Central Hospital and the upgrade to Ballina Hospital surgery unit were overlooked.”

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At 8:25am, a Toyota Tarago van was travelling east on the Bruxner Highway at Drake when the van rounded a bend, veered off the road and rolled several times.

As a result of the crash, a man died at the scene, while five other people were injured and taken to Lismore Base Hospital suffering varying injuries including a severed finger, neck and chest injuries and one suffering spinal injuries.

Emergency services remained on scene on Saturday afternoon, with one lane west-bound open to allow traffic through a contra-flow system.

About 11:10am, three vehicles collided on the Pacific Highway near Bangalow, resulting in the death of a woman.

It is believed a Toyota Camry station wagon was travelling south on the highway when it crossed onto the opposite side of the road and collided with a car towing a caravan, and a Kia Carnival van.

As a result of the crash, the female driver and sole occupant of the Camry died at the scene.

Four people were taken by ambulance to Tweed Heads Hospital, another two to Byron Bay Hospital and one flown by the Lifesaver Helicopter to Lismore Base Hospital.

Officers from the Ballina Crash Investigation Unit attended, and all northbound lanes were being diverted onto Coolamon Scenic Drive, while heavy vehicles were urged to avoid the area.

Earlier today, two people died when a Holden Commodore sedan and a B-double truck collided at the intersection of the New England Highway and Grafton Street, Glen Innes.

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“For many years I have been concerned about the lack of public infrastructure at Ocean Shores. I believe it would be extremely shortsighted of council to allow the Roundhouse site to be sold off and not kept for community use,” Mr Page said.

Despite Ocean Shores having a population of around 5500, it has very few community facilities compared to other towns of similar size.

Mr Page said that Ocean Shores needs public infrastructure much more than it needs a few additional blocks of land. 

“Once this site is sold it is gone forever as far as community use is concerned,” he said.

“I am currently sitting on a State Parliamentary Committee which has conducted an inquiry into Arts and Cultural activities in NSW beyond the Sydney CBD. We have concluded that arts and culture not only enhances a community’s sense of identity, it also brings lasting economic benefits.

“You only have to look at the way Bangalow has embraced an arts and cultural agenda to see a local example of this on our own doorstep.

“There is an obvious need for this site to remain in community ownership to enable a suitable arts and cultural centre to be established.

“I sincerely hope that Byron Shire Council makes the decision to retain the Roundhouse site in public ownership for a much-needed arts, cultural, heritage centre for many decades to come.”

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The petition is calling on the Minister for Roads to reconsider the Bangalow interchange that is planned as part of the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale Pacific Highway upgrade.

Mr Page said the petitioners have raised several issues for the Minister to consider. These include that the proposal would:

• Contravene the RTA’s highway design guidelines since the proposed interchange is some 5km from the Ewingsdale Interchange, whereas RTA guidelines require 10km separation;
• Require a floodlit roundabout at the same level as the existing highway, visible to most of Bangalow’s residents night and day;
• Increase air and noise pollution across Bangalow due to the increased traffic movements caused by traffic entering and exiting the upgraded highway;
• Encourage heavy vehicles from Lismore to travel through Bangalow to access the upgraded highway travelling south, thereby reducing road safety;
• Require all traffic, including heavy vehicles, entering or exiting the proposed roundabout at Bangalow to negotiate a series of tight bends, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

“I generally agree with the petitioners’ concerns and note that the proposed Bangalow ‘half-interchange’ really just duplicates what already exists,” Mr Page said.

“The half-interchange seems to be a waste of money which achieves very little and reduces the amenity of people in Bangalow.

“It is an impressive number of signatures and I call on the Minister to respond to such a large number of people.

“I certainly believe it requires an urgent review by the Minister and the RTA.”

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Jessica McClean (pictured with Russell Mills) joins NRT in the newly created role and is a graduate of Southern Cross University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management. Jessica has worked in Norway in the travel industry and with Tourism Australia in their trade events team.

“Jessica demonstrated a fantastic combination of people skills, marketing acumen and insight into the tourism industry to secure the position, ahead of a very competitive field selected through Southern Cross University’s careers hub,” says the CEO of NRT, Russell Mills.

Jessica will play an important role in NRT’s future growth, assisting the CEO across all areas of operations, with particular focus on co-operative destination marketing.

“We have plenty of initiatives happening in 2010 at NRT to help tourism operators across the region,” Mr Mills said.

They include:

An innovative membership system to expand membership benefits. NRT is exploring the potential for joint membership schemes with local government area tourism associations to reduce duplication of effort and competition for membership dollars. The aim is to improve member satisfaction by streamlining access to a wider range of benefits.

Members are being surveyed about the kind of marketing activities they would like to see in 2010 round of NRT’s Rivers of Life destination marketing program.

Planning has begun for a follow-up event in September 2010 to the hugely successful Tourism Symposium held in Byron Bay last year.

NRT has also moved into news offices in Bangalow, open as of 12 April.

“After two productive years at The Channon, we’re excited about the move to Bangalow, which is very centrally located to all points of the compass in the Northern Rivers region,” Mr Mills said.

The office is located at Suite 5, 20 Byron St, Bangalow, on the first floor of former banking chambers. The new telephone number is 66870695, Fax is 66870749 and the email address remains the same at nrt@northernriverstourism.com.au

The postal address will remain PO Box 601, The Channon NSW 2480 until further notice.

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