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SO FRESH IT NEEDS TO BE CONSUMED IMMEDIATELY The Byron Shire Echo • Volume 39 #12 • August 28, 2024 • www.echo.net.au
Local businesses under threat
FESTIVAL PROGRAM WITH THIS ISSUE
For the
Months of roadworks planned for Byron CBD Hans Lovejoy A number of small local businesses in Byron’s CBD say they face closure after Council’s announcement of major road/drainage works that could last more than three months into the busy summer trading period. Additionally, all the businesses contacted by The Echo say while they accept the work needs to be done, there has been no discussion around impact, compensation, or the possibility of temporary relocations. They have been told night works are not an option. The works are planned for Lawson Street, between Middleton and Fletcher Streets, affecting around 15 businesses.
Boards in the Bay Locals Tayla and partner Tom operate Boards in the Bay, located on Lawson Street. They told The
Echo that on August 20, they were informed by Council staff that extensive roadworks are scheduled to commence outside their shop. ‘These works, expected to last for at least three months, are set to begin in just two weeks, with no definitive end date in sight’, they said. ‘Our small businesses have been at the heart of this community for many years. We provide jobs, support the local economy, and contribute to the distinctive charm of Byron Bay. It would be devastating to see this eroded owing to poorly-timed and insufficientlycommunicated construction works’.
şĪ ōşĈëō Ǖſĕ ǕīIJƐĕſƆ Mullum Fire and Rescue brigade captain, Josh Rushton, with station 388 crew in The Paddock, celebrated 100 years of service on Saturday. The event was held at the station, with past and present members, and included state and regional fire commissioners. Former captain, Bruce Stewart (of Stewart Motors), was present, as were former deputy captains Dick Ottery, Vince Devine and Harry Jenkins. The motivation for the Mullumbimby Fire and Rescue formation in 1924 was the prevalence of flammable two-storey wooden buildings in the town. Photo Jeff ‘Firehose’ Dawson
BAY Active A few doors down on Lawson Street, Helen is co-owner of clothing store BAY Active. She told The Echo she has been a retailer in Byron Bay for over 20 years, and designs and ▶ Continued on page 2
Mayor Lyon’s non-publication orders lifted David Lowe An interim order prohibiting reporting of the AVO and criminal case in which Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon is the defendant, has been lifted. On Monday at the Tweed Heads Local Court, Magistrate Geoff Dunlevy heard arguments in favour of the suppression from Mr Lyon’s lawyer, John Weller, and against from representatives of the Department of Public Prosecutions and multiple media organisations. Magistrate Dunlevy ultimately decided that the principle of open justice was paramount in
Boards in the Bay employee, Chris, with owners Tom and Tayla and baby Xan. Photo Jeff ‘Drained And Resurfaced’ Dawson
Mayoral candidates differentiate themselves from incumbent ▶ p6
Richard Jones looks at what is at stake in the local elections ▶ p10
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this case, and dropped all special prohibitions. The criminal part of the case will now proceed to be heard on March 11, 2025 at Tweed Heads, with a mention of the AVO also scheduled for that date. Although Mr Lyon’s wife has stated to the court that she would prefer the AVO and charges be withdrawn, the interim AVO order on Michael Lyon remains in place. Speaking outside court, an angry Cr Lyon said it wasn’t about him, ‘This process has cataclysmically failed my wife’. ‘It is a disgrace.’ Cr Lyon said he was entirely
innocent of the charges against him, saying that had ‘all been driven by the police’. As for his prospects for reelection with this matter hanging over him, Mr Lyon said, ‘I’m not interested in that’. ‘I’m interested in the fact that the process has failed and it needs to be reviewed so that women are actually protected.’ Two members from Cr Lyon’s election ticket quit after the case was made public and before the suppression order was made by the courts. Cr Mark Swivel joined Labor, while Dr Meredith Wray joined Jack Dods’ independent team.
Byron Nippers season starting! ▶ p19
How will you spoil dad this Fathers Day? ▶ p24
Global and local in the age of AI ▶ p16
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