Cohen pushes Minister to ensure ‘proper’ Repco Rally review
February 25, 2010
Minister for State Development, Ian Macdonald, today conceded to pressure from the Greens’ Ian Cohen and committed in the House to a ‘proper economic review’ of the Repco Rally – in compliance with the Motor Sports (World Rally Championship) Act – with a statement in the Parliament today.
“My office was alarmed to hear that Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC), the company contracted to review the Repco Rally, was not going to be undertaking an economic cost benefit analysis. Mike Cahill, the managing director of IMC, confirmed this in correspondence with a resident in the Rally area,” says Ian Cohen.
“I asked the Minister in Question Time today why IMC was not doing an economic analysis and how IMC could possibly recommend the continuation of the Rally to the Minister if such an analysis has not been done.
“The Minister’s initial response was his usual bluster about what a great event it was and how local businesses did such good trade over that weekend.
Wild dog control program to begin
February 24, 2010
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is commencing its annual autumn wild dog monitoring and control program across the Northern Rivers Region conducted in conjunction with the local Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) and NSW Forests and interested private landholders.
NPWS Pest Management Officer, Lisa Wellman, said prior to the start of each program, which began in 2006, advertisements are placed in local newspapers advising people.
“The program is undertaken twice a year in autumn and spring and looks for evidence of wild dogs, which can then be controlled,” Ms Wellman said.
“Control programs are based around baiting programs, and monitoring is also undertaken after control to determine how successful the program has been.
New website lists road closure information
February 24, 2010
Motorists travelling in the Northern Rivers area now have ready, reliable access to roads information with the launch of a new website called RoadInfo www.myroadinfo.com.au
“This is especially important in times of emergency,” said Cr Jenny Dowell, president of the Northern Rivers Regional Organisation of Councils (NOROC).
“Although the new system will show roadworks and scheduled road closures on an everyday basis, it will come into its own during a flood or in other emergency event.
“It is the experience of most councils that the information people request most is ‘what roads are closed?’ and ‘how can I travel from A to B?’
Three men charged after cannabis seized during vehicle stop at Woodenbong
February 20, 2010
Three men will appear in a North Coast court next month after police seized almost eight kilograms of cannabis from a car near Woodenbong.
Acting on information received, police from Richmond Local Area Command stopped the Nissan Patrol four-wheel-drive on the Clarence Way, five kilometres west of Woodenbong, about 10am yesterday (Friday 19 February).
Three men were removed from the car and a search of the vehicle allegedly turned up two large duffel bags containing 7.7kg of cannabis, with an estimated street value of $67,000.
A number of other items were also seized by police.
Betty Saunders is Lismore Electorate Woman of the Year
February 15, 2010
The Nationals Member for Lismore, Thomas George, today provided a morning tea to recognise and congratulate those who have contributed immensely to the benefit of our whole community.
Mr George specifically choses to use the Electorate Woman of the Year Award to commemorate the achievements and leadership of women, in business and volunteers, within his electorate.
The event was held at Goonellabah and recognised the following nominees -
Dianne Cahill, Goonellabah
Yvonne Campbell, Urbenville
Jill Hepburn, Goonellabah
Betty Saunders, Goonellabah
Hazel Reeves, Kyogle
Kay Scott, Goonellabah
Ruth Stewart, Lismore
The Electorate Woman of the Year, Betty Saunders, is the driving force behind the Lismore Base Hospital Auxiliary foyer stalls, which raises thousands of dollars to purchase equipment for patients.
Three men survive helicopter crash at Mount Barney
January 28, 2010
Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter was tasked to search for a helicopter reported crashed somewhere in the Kyogle area.
Three males in their 30s and 40s on board the helicopter were located in Mount Barney National Park, north of Woodenbong (n/w of Kyogle).
Helicopter believed to have crashed in Kyogle area
January 28, 2010
Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter has been tasked to help find a helicopter that is believed to have crashed somewhere in the Kyogle area.
Details of incident are still not fully known, but it is believed that a Robinson helicopter has crash-landed somewhere in the vicinity of Kyogle, after the pilot reported the incident on his mobile phone.
It is also understood that mobile contact with the pilot was not able to be re-established after the initial call. Therefore, details of injuries – if any – are unknown.
“No further information is available at this stage,” a rescue helicopter spokesman said.
Memories sought for oral history of Northern Rivers
January 28, 2010
A Southern Cross University researcher is searching for older people living from Tweed Heads to Kyogle who can share their memories of the region’s early history.
Theresa Mason has embarked on her PhD research project – an oral history of the Northern Rivers – and already has many a fascinating tale to tell, thanks to locals sharing their stories for her earlier Honours project.
Her interest in the region’s history began when she was editing and writing for The Village Journal, a local newspaper based in Rosebank, serving the rural areas between Dunoon, Federal and Bexhill.
“I came across all of these older people who had fascinating stories to tell,” she said. “Many of the stories around people’s experiences during the Great Depression and in times of war were particularly interesting.
Repco Rally Australia organisers ‘delighted’ at viewing audience
January 7, 2010
Organisers of Repco Rally Australia say that independent television audience figures just released reveal that last September’s Rally Australia, held in the Northern Rivers of NSW, attracted a total worldwide viewing audience of more than 53 million people.
It was the second most popular round of the 2009 FIA World Rally Championship, organisers said.
Fire closes Summerland Way south of Casino
December 13, 2009
Fire fighters are working to contain several bush fires burning along the Summerland Way, south of Casino.
One fire is currently burning around Busbys Flat area, 10 kilometres south of Casino.
Fire fighters are being assisted by water bombing aircraft to establish containment lines around a fire burning 3 kilometres west of the Summerland Way on Busbys Flat road at Busbys Flat.
Fire crews are providing property propection to some rural properties in the area, which are under threat.
Another fire is burning approximately 20 kilometres south of Casino.
