“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.

“Such anecdotal assertions are spurious and mean nothing if not supported by a full economic analysis of the event. I have heard of businesses that actually suffered as a result of the event.

“A proper analysis is the only way to determine if the event was financially viable.

“I have reservations as to how we will discover the real cost benefit of the Rally, since the amount of funding given by Events NSW to the Rally organisers has been kept secret under ‘commercial in confidence’. If we don’t know the initial outlay, how can final figures be determined?

“Many local people fear the review process will go the way of the ‘community consultations’ that took place before the event. Locals were consulted then their concerns overridden by the special legislation that enabled the event and switched off all planning and environmental laws that would have prevented it.

“The Minister must have consulted his own Act and remembered that he is bound by Section 25 of the Motor Sports (World Rally Championship) Act that says, ‘The Minister is to conduct a review of the impact in the Northern Rivers region of the rally event to determine whether future rally events should be conducted in that region’.

“Minister Macdonald announced to the House at the end of Question Time that there would be an economic analysis of the Rally. Whilst an economic analysis is important, the real concern about the Rally is the impact it has had on the environment and the community and the likely negative impact any future rallies will have.”

Related posts:

1. Tweed, Kyogle councils meet with minister over Repco Rally Mayor of Tweed Shire Cr Joan van Lieshout has called...
2. MP thanks Kyogle, Tweed shire residents over Repco Rally Tweed and Kyogle residents have been thanked in the New...
3. Tweed Mayor insists on open communication over Repco Rally The Tweed will not be forgotten in the preparations for...

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.

“Neighbours of these reserves are notified of this program and areas that are baited are signposted.

“Our monitoring allows us to target wild dogs in specific areas where they are found and in the past has shown that control has been effective.’
 
“We have received very positive feedback from the community in response to our programs. We encourage park neighbours to report wild dog incidents to the NPWS and the LHPA.

“Local LHPA Wild Dog Management Plans outline where and when wild dog control should be undertaken and have a central objective to reduce the impacts of wild dogs on agriculture and biodiversity.
 
“The local LHPA Wild Dog Management Plans are to be reviewed in 2011 and this provides an opportunity for the community to have input into the priorities for wild dog control in the region.

“The reserves to be targeted this autumn are Maryland, Toonumbar, Richmond Range, Mebbin, Mt Jerusalem, Bundjalung, Nightcap and Goonengerry National Parks, Whian Whian State Conservation Area and Bungabbee and Muckleewee Mountain Nature Reserve.

“Landholders in areas nearby who wish to conduct baiting on their own properties should contact their local Livestock, Health and Pest Authority.”

For information on where wild dog control programs are taking place, contact your local NPWS office: Kyogle Area 6632 0000, Tweed Area 6670 8600, Richmond River Area 6627 0200.

Related posts:

1. 157 cane toads caught in Border Ranges National Park With the cooler months upon us, the National Parks and...
2. Fox baiting to begin as part of Pied Oystercatcher preservation The annual fox baiting program is about to commence on...
3. Men fined for illegal pig hunting in Ballina Nature Reserve Two men have been fined for illegal pig hunting...

“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?’

“This new system will put that information at their fingertips.”

Travellers will be able to view a map of the Northern Rivers region, from Clarence Valley in the south to Tweed in the north and out to Kyogle in the west which shows ‘roads closed information’ with markers placed at the location of the closure.
This visual guide will indicate the most reliable routes for travel across the region.

The RoadInfo website, www.myroadinfo.com.au, will be launched at the NOROC meeting on Friday, 26 February at 11am.

The initial idea came up during the post-flood review conducted after the January 2008 flood.

Councils applied for and received $14,000 from the Natural Disaster Mitigation Programme courtesy of the NSW Department of Emergency Services in May 2009.

The past nine months have been spent designing and developing the website.

The development of the website has seen strong collaboration between Lismore, Ballina, Kyogle, Richmond Valley, Tweed, Byron, and Clarence Valley councils.

Cr Dowell said, “It is really good to see our Councils working together, especially to provide such a useful service. This project shows just what can be achieved by us working together.

“We have shared resources and kept the cost down to an absolute minimum. I would like to thank all the councils for their hard work.

“Giving people across the region easy access to road closure information will be a real benefit to the whole Northern Rivers community, and although during a flood people should keep their travel down to a minimum, this new website will help to keep people safe when travel is essential,” she said.

Related posts:

1. Public Information and Inquiry Centre activated; evacuations made in flood response The Public Information and Inquiry Centre has been activated by...
2. Page electorate gets $22m for road upgrades Federal MP Janelle Saffin today announced that five councils across...
3. Recovery grants announced for small business, primary producers NSW Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan today said small businesses...

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.

The trio – aged 29, 36 and 49 – was arrested and taken to Kyogle Police Station and subsequently charged with possession of a prohibited drug and possession of drug implements.

They were conditionally bailed to appear in Kyogle Local Court on 11 March 2010.

Investigations are continuing.

Anyone who has information on the manufacture or cultivation of prohibited drugs or their supply is urged to contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest could be eligible for a reward of up to $1000.

Related posts:

1. Police seize around $5m in cannabis during drug squad raids Police have seized cannabis valued around $5m during a major...
2. Drug arrests made in Grafton, Newcastle; NRL player Danny Wicks charged Police have arrested four people, alleged to be part of...
3. Police raids net cannabis worth $18 million New South Wales detectives say they have caused major disruptions...

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.

She is a member of the Alstonville-Wollongbar View Club and for seven years she has been a delegate and is on the organising committee and also a member of the new Lismore Integrated Cancer Centre Planning and Development Committee.

Mrs Saunders holds fundraising events at her home to raise money for the Smith Family in “Learning for Life” to give underprivileged children a chance at education from primary school through to university if necessary – any achievements such as sport or music is also encouraged.

Mrs Saunders will be invited to attend the Premier’s Reception for International Women’s Day to be held on Monday 8 March 2010 in Sydney.

Related posts:

1. Jan Mangleson is Ballina Electorate Woman of the Year Ocean Shores resident Jan Mangleson is the Ballina Electorate Woman...
2. Search is on for Clarence Electorate Woman of the Year Clarence MP Steve Cansdell is calling on local residents to...
3. Missing woman found in Lismore Lismore Police have located a woman who had been missing...

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).

None of the men needed hospitalisation and were transferred to Woodenbong to speak with police.

PICTURES: Courtesy of Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.

Related posts:

1. Rescue helicopter airlifts man to hospital after Evans Head boating incident Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter was this morning tasked to...
2. Helicopter believed to have crashed in Kyogle area Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter has been tasked to help...
3. Rescue helicopter recognised with police award When the pilots and crew of Westpac Life Saver Rescue...

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.

Related posts:

1. Rescue helicopter airlifts man to hospital after Evans Head boating incident Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter was this morning tasked to...
2. Man killed in Coolangatta Airport helicopter crash One person is dead following a helicopter crash on the...
3. Examination of Coolangatta Airport helicopter crash site to continue on Friday A post mortem examination is expected to be carried out...

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.

“People who lived on the land told me how it became essential for them to learn how to make their own fuel, and all sorts of mixes were developed and tested in backyard sheds. Many people also self-converted cars, buses, trucks and farm machinery to run on coal gas. While there were some tragedies from explosions, many of the designs were innovative and worked quite well.”

Theresa said that a lot of people had great ‘flood stories’ to tell.

“One woman told me how, during the big 1945 flood, her father hailed the cream boat that went from Coraki to Lismore, thinking it could drop them on the other side of the river because their house was flooding,” Theresa said.

“Instead, they were taken all the way to town where the boat was tied up to a hoop pine on the riverbank. Their family spent the night on board eating chunks of bread and cream, and early next morning, the waters had receded and they walked around town.

”The woman said the paper-mâché dress shop models in their beautiful gowns had collapsed onto the floors of the dress shops in the most grotesque attitudes, still with silly smiles on their faces.”

Theresa would like to gather as many oral histories as she can and is seeking 50 people aged 65 and over, living in the Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Kyogle Shire areas, who would like to participate in her research.

She can be contacted on 6688 2387 or by email at theresa.mason@scu.edu.au.

PICTURE: Theresa Mason, who is doing an oral history of the Northern Rivers area for her PhD.

Related posts:

1. New website lists road closure information Motorists travelling in the Northern Rivers area now have ready,...
2. Northern Rivers carpooling network launched this week Australia’s first regional carpool network launches to the NSW Northern...
3. Local rivers peak with major flooding of Lismore, Grafton Minor through to major flood river levels are still being...

It was the second most popular round of the 2009 FIA World Rally Championship, organisers said.

The rally was shown on 264 channels worldwide over 862 individual broadcasts.

More than 53% of the broadcasts were of 30 minutes duration or more.

Within Australia the event received five-and-a-half hours of coverage on Network Ten, an additional five-and-a-half hours of coverage on One HD, one hour on SBS and three 30-minute segments on Fox Sports.

Chairman of the Rally Australia Board, Alan Evans, described the broadcast results as ‘very pleasing indeed’.

“Considering this was our first event on the East Coast of Australia, and the first WRC round in Australia since 2006, to know that the rally and vision of the beautiful surroundings of northern NSW were broadcast to more than 53 million people confirms our predictions that Repco Rally Australia is a great medium for promoting the region and NSW in general,” he said.

“We are also delighted at the number of countries where the programs were broadcast and especially the duration and the time slots achieved.

“The majority of programs went to air in popular time slots and were of significant duration.

“Importantly, these figures do not include news programs and sporting updates which are incorporated in normal network scheduling. No doubt there would be many more people who became aware of the event through these sources who were not viewers of the regular WRC programs.”

Australia’s next round of the FIA World Rally Championship is scheduled to be conducted in northern NSW in 2011.

Picture courtesy of Rally Australia.

Related posts:

1. Tweed, Kyogle shires praised by Rally Australia organisers A display of extraordinary local generosity and determined organisation has...
2. Rally will bring in $31 million, say organisers An independent report on the expected socio-economic impact of this...
3. Police encourage responsible behaviour at the inaugural Repco Rally Australia A strong and highly visible police presence, under the banner...

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.

The Summerland Way between Casino and Grafton has been closed to the north and south of Rappville road, due to fire fighting operations in the area.

Advice:

A fire is burning in High fire danger conditions and is currently less than two hours away from properties. Generally under these conditions there is no immediate danger to your life and fires can be controlled. Spot fires can occur close to the main fire.
 
In High fire danger conditions terrain is more likely to affect fire behaviour than weather conditions, which may cause an increase in fire intensity.
 
Properly prepared homes that are actively defended can provide safety during the fire. Check and follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan now.
 
If you don’t have a Bush Fire Survival Plan and the fire is burning close to your property, take steps to protect your life and home.
 
If the fire is approaching and you have doubts about your ability to protect your life and home, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Check this website regularly for updates about the fire.

Meanwhile, a fire is currently burning uncontrolled between Tooloom and Paddys Flat, west of Kyogle.

The fire has burnt approximately over 3420 hectares of bush and grass.

Back burning operations will continue today, further deepening and strengthening containment lines.

The Clarence Wilderness Lodge is closed to all visitors until further notice.

Holiday-makers who were planning to visit the area are urged to choose another destination.

Whilst the fire is not threatening any property under current conditions, riverside camping areas should not be used until further notice due to ongoing safety concerns associated with this fire.

A Community Newsletter has been produced and distributed to outlets in Casino, Tabulam and Kyogle.

Related posts:

1. Summerland Way reopened Several fires are currently burning along the Summerland Way, 20...
2. Clarence Wilderness Lodge closed as fire burns at Tooloom The Clarence Wilderness Lodge has been closed as a fire...
3. Four fires buring south of Woodburn There are four separate fires burning under moderate conditions at...