Forum will discuss Bangalow Interchange
July 3, 2011
Bangalow residents are urged to come along to the community information session to be held on Wednesday 6th July.
“I urge everyone who has any concerns or is not familiar with the proposed Bangalow Interchange to come along to the A&I Hall next Wednesday at 6pm,” Member for Ballina Don Page said.
“It will be an opportunity for the community to be heard by representatives from the RTA and to also find out the detail of what is proposed.
“It is extremely important to the community of Bangalow that we get this right, so I hope that people come along to hear what is proposed.”
Sample Food Festival in full swing
June 30, 2011
The new food festival for the North Coast – Sample Food Festival – is in full swing, with only a few remaining stalls and marquees for the daytime festival and more than half the tickets already sold for the Sample Gala Dinner.
“The response has been heartwarming,” said Remy Tancred, festival organiser.
“We had a minor setback with a change of venue, but now it’s all systems go.”
Organisers have relocated the festival to Bangalow Showgrounds. The Gala Dinner will be held at the Byron at Byron Resort.
Community Forum: ‘Mother Nature collides with Father Greed’
June 29, 2011
It’s not often you can witness relentless, informed optimism confront an enduring problem – but a public meeting in Bangalow will do just that.
On Tuesday evening, 5 July at the A& I Hall, a community forum entitled Mother Nature collides with Father Greed will tackle some big questions and suggest some surprising answers.
B triples won’t travel Pacific Highway: Page
March 2, 2011
Ballina MP and Shadow Minister for North Coast Don Page says people who have concerns about B triples being allowed to travel the Pacific Highway should stop worrying.
“The Pacific Highway, with so much of it still single-lane each way, is in no way fit for B triples,” Mr Page said.
“The Liberal/National Coalition will simply not allow B triples on the Pacific Highway if we win government on 26th March 2011.
“We also have an assurance from Infrastructure Australia CEO Micheal Deegan that B triples will not be permitted on the Pacific Highway.
“Even when the highway is fully dual carriageway, there would still have to be a review to see whether the road meets the appropriate standards.
“More freight needs to go on rail. The Pacific Ocean could also be used as a freight corridor for faster, smaller ships carrying containers up and down the east coast of Australia.
“These other modes of transport can help ease the road freight task in a situation where the total freight requirement is forecast to double in the next decade or so.”
Ballina Bypass northern section opens on Tuesday, March 1
February 28, 2011
The newly completed northern section of the Ballina Bypass on the Pacific Highway will tomorrow – Tuesday, 1 March 2011 – open to traffic for the first time.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said this opening is occurring many months earlier than originally scheduled ‘thanks to the Federal Labor Government’s decision to bring forward $100 million in our very first budget’.
Karin Kolbe announces candidacy for Ballina
February 12, 2011
Karin Kolbe, community campaigner, transport activist, book publisher and BayFM broadcaster, will contest the State seat of Ballina in the March State election as an Independent.
Her decision means there will be a three-way contest between long-term sitting Member Don Page (National Party), and Greens candidate Simon Richardson.
“By running as an Independent I can truly represent the community’s needs rather than follow a party line,” said Ms Kolbe.
“Independents achieve better results for their communities because they are not beholden to parties, donors or Macquarie Street.
“Action on rail and other transport services is essential. Political talk from current sitting members has produced nothing.
“Transport is key for so many State government services. Without transport, the best TAFEs, clinics and jobs are inaccessible to many. We need the right mix of buses, rail, roads, scooters and bicycles, for locals and visitors alike.
“We must fiercely protect our natural environment. Clean water and air, biodiversity and reducing carbon emissions are not negotiable.
“Local councils need the ability to deal with local issues. Local independents best deal with local issues. Look at the power they have in Canberra now.”
Ms Kolbe owned an IT company in Sydney before moving to the area in 2002.
Ms Kolbe is the inaugural and current president of TOOT, Trains on our Tracks.
She lives in Suffolk Park and is president of the Suffolk Park Progress Association.
She is a board member of the Northern Rivers Community Foundation.
She ran for Byron Shire council in 2008.
Since 2009, she presents The Spin Cycle on Bay FM, a program about environmental issues, creative industries and local politics.
She is married and has three step-children.
Road closure following semi-trailer accident near Lismore
January 15, 2011
Motorists are asked to remain patient following a semi-trailer crash which has blocked a roadway near Lismore on the state’s Far North Coast.
About 11.30pm yesterday (Friday 14 January 2011), a Kenworth semi-trailer was being driven north on Bangalow Road at Bexhill when it overturned near the intersection with Boatharbour Road.
Police and other emergency services teams attended and the 55-year-old male driver was taken to Lismore Base Hospital for treatment.
Retrieval of the vehicle is expected to commence at 9am today (Saturday 15 January 2011), forcing the closure of Bangalow Road in both directions until at least 3pm.
Local diversions, which will take traffic through Boatharbour and Eltham include:
· intersection of Boatharbour Road and Bangalow Road for south-west bound traffic;
· intersection of Eltham Road and Bangalow Road for north-east bound traffic
Clubs promised reduced tax rates by NSW Coalition
December 15, 2010
The Member for Ballina Don Page this week met with representatives from registered clubs in the Ballina electorate and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will see some community groups receive an extra $112,000 a year in donations and support.
The MOU between the NSW Liberals and Nationals and Clubs NSW outlines the key measures that will be introduced to help secure the long-term financial viability of NSW Clubs as well as the increases in contributions they will make to the local community.
Bangalow renewable energy forum praised by MP
August 9, 2010
Ballina MP Don Page says he was pleased with the response to the renewable energy forum held recently in Bangalow.
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%.
Something to laugh about after the election
July 21, 2010
Post Election 10, celebrate Selection 10, a smorgasbord of stand-up comedy with musical undertones.
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.
