Northern Rivers Guardians

Campaign to protect North Byron Parkland Festival venue:

The Mega Festival’s 5 year trial comes to an end this year, and the owners of the Parklands site are applying for a 20 month extension to that approval. They and the new 51% shareholder of the Splendour and Falls festivals (U.S. festival conglomerate Live Nation), believe they will lose money if they don’t get the extension because of future acts they have booked. What they are really aiming for is permanent approval of these festivals and others at this venue for up to 50,000 patrons. Please find the time to email or send submissions to the NSW Department of Planning  to prevent the extension. (Submissions due by 26 April). Later, we will have a chance to object to the proposed permanent approval. These massive events are destroying the culture and lifestyle of this unique community and also affect the ecology of the high-conservation area.
To object to the 20-month extension, go here:  http://www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=8331.
Even a few words will help as submissions are counted as objecting or in favour,

Hi NRG people,

As always we have lots to cope with the rich and greedy often failing to recognize they share the fate of our world. Parliamentarians in Australia hand around lumps of coal as if they worship black lung. Qld government wants to back a foreign coal mine with handouts.

Trump thinks we don’t need to worry about climate change and says it is a “Chinese hoax.” Cyclone Debbie recently whipped thru here as if nature wanted to wash us clean. BUT…, our species has some spectacular people doing great work and will overcome all obstacles in the long run.

If any of you have a problem that other NRG members might be able to assist, please contact Sharon, our volunteer NRG members’ welfare officer Sharon home 0266793209 or  mobile  0458138540. You may need help with property or health issues. Telephone counselling?

Gasfield Free NR has set up a temporary help centre for flood victims in the disused Lismore railway station. People wanting to volunteer or needing help can register requests for assistance online at lismore.recovers.org or they can come to the train station.

A government hotline also offers advice on disaster relief, call 1800 018444 .

I hope all members are safe and well. We need you. The world needs you.

Aloha,

Scott Sledge

President

Hello Concerned citizens,
Just when we thought that Kings Forest couldn’t get worse, it has.
Breifly, Leda Corp has applied to vary their plans for the small piece of land on the ocean (east ) side of the Tweed Coast Road . Instead of “rural supplies” store (aka lanscaping business), Project 28 Pty Ltd (LEDA) sought to amend its DA to 6 food outlets – 2 of which are drive through – a car wash and dog wash and a fossil fuel service station. All to go in Precint 1 of the KF development on the bank of the Cudgen Creek and wetlands adjoining State Significant Farmland on the block’s northern boundary.

This is a modification to the original approval given to the site for a Rural Supplies Building.

This modification was objected to by local land owners, but Tweed Shire Council and The DPI failed to object to this new land use. The danger to the wetlands and Creek becoming seriously contaminated made some of us think this change would be refused…and it was:
The Modification request was refused by the Executive Director Key Sites and Industry Assessments under section 74W of the Environmental and Planning and Assessment Act 1979. on 18th April 2016.

But…Project 28 Pty Ltd (LEDA) appealed this decision and an on-site conciliation conference was held with some objectors, the commissioner and Project 28 on 13th Sept 2016. ( report was confidential).
Tweed Council held an extraordinary meeting on Tues 24th January 2017 to discuss the issue, and sent an urgent letter to the Lands Dept. Neighbour and organic farmer Donna Smith has since learned that Council’s letter was “too late” and that a S.34 Agreement has been reached which will be tabled in the Lands and Environment Court on Monday 30th January 2017. The terms are not yet known but Donna feels certain that Leda Corp will have its way, with some conditions imposed.
I appeal to everyone to spare a few moments to save Cudgen Creek – that wonderful regional asset and tourist attraction – please email Gladys Berejiklian, who is the new Premier of NSW, via the Premier’s web site, an appeal based on threat to clean water and prime farmland.
The Planning Department listed risks to the environment and wildlife among it’s concerns. You comments might include the fact that a new Caltex roadhouse has opened a few kms away and that established area businesses ( in Kingscliff, Cabarita, Casuarina ) will suffer as a result. Perhaps even make an argument about moving away from fossil fuels during our Climate Change emergency.
Today the Three Minutes to Midnight Scientific Committee advanced the Doomsday clock” by 30 seconds.
Search for NSW Premier – contact. You will find there also a link to message the Premier on Facebook and Twitter .
Do it now. Just a few words may turn the tide.
Thanks, Sledge
NRG President

NSW Premier and Deputy Premier 23-1-2017

Dear Ms. Berejiklian and Mr. Barilaro

I write on behalf of the Northern Rivers Guardians, Inc whose membership of more than 600 are dedicated to responsible development in our area.

We congratulate you both on your recent elevation to high office. We hope that you will adhere to the highest standards of public service and remember that you are there to serve, not to rule.

We want to raise with you a few issues that are hot topics around here:

1. Local decision-making : The broken campaign promise when the Coalition first took office that planning decisions will devolve back to local Councils. We oppose the use of state power to impose developments on local populations against their will. The JRPP is unable to give fair consideration as their record of approving developments shows. We are happy that Mr. Barilaro has said that he will oppose forced Council amalgamations. If there is any good reason to take away the most direct access to democratic governance, we would like to hear it.

2. Fossil fuel mining does not deserve a place in this region, or any region which wants to be “Fit for the Future.” Please rescind mining licences that are detrimental to local industries and/or health. Remove heavy penalties for people who protect us through action to preserve our environment.

3. Marijuana: Legalising marijuana for medical use is a no-brainer. Get on with it. Talking about it while people suffer or get arrested at police discretion is not good enough. Many time people in the Northern Rivers have suffered major police paramilitary raids, which are totally inappropriate to this mainly peaceful area. We recommend decriminalising recreational use of marijuana as well to alleviate social discord and help reduce the problem of prison overcrowding in NSW.

4. Environment first : Please take all possible action to assist the planet to avoid the harmful effects of climate change. The proposed container deposit scheme needs to be expedited. All committees should consider the environment as a first priority. The economy cannot grow without a fully protected environment. We have no other planet to leave for future generations.

5. Rail transport : Please bring trains back for passengers in our area and connect to the Gold Coast. This should focus on commuter trains rather than distant connections. Electric trains will help reduce pollution and traffic congestion.

6. Land clearing/ wildlife corridors : The community expects government to regulate to preserve native flora and fauna. The recent legal changes could allow for self-assessment by landholders. Please ensure that well-credentialed officers are empowered to oversee land use and resourced to prosecute illegal land-clearing. We welcome recent announcements of funding to help connect habitat for wildlife corridors.

Please acknowledge receipt of this letter and provide responses to any anal issues raised.

Sincerely,

Scott Sledge
President
Northern Rivers Guardians
PO Box 309 Murwillumbah, NSW