RUMOUR HAS IT The Byron Shire Echo • Volume 39 #36 • February 12, 2025 • www.echo.net.au
Cash splashed at youth crime, but where’s the funding for prevention?
Dancing and dipping against DV
Hans Lovejoy
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ederal funding of $3 million has been announced for a North Coast Crime Prevention Infrastructure Action Plan, which will see $1m go towards Tweed, Ballina, and Byron Shire councils for crime prevention measures. Labor Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, made the announcement in Lennox Head last week. Yet despite the tough-on-crime rhetoric, NSW Labor recently scrapped an Indigenous Crime Prevention Program, impacting around 100 local kids who were at risk of disengaging with their community. Local police supported the program, saying intervention and diversion programs are key to building up young people’s confidence to divert them away from crime.
The annual V-Day flashmob returns on Friday, February 14 on Byron’s Main Beach, for a 6.30am gathering and 7am dance. Participants are encouraged to wear red, and dance in defiance of violence against women and children. Co-organiser, Zenith Virago, says it is part of One Billion Rising, which is the ‘biggest mass action to end violence in human history’. Photo from previous year’s event Jeff Dawson
ÉëōōƖŔ żſşƐĕĈƐşſ ǕŕĕĎ ëƆ ƆƐşżȒƱşſŊ ĈşŕƐĶŕƖĕƆ A stop-work injunction, lodged by Save Wallum Inc, remains in place which prevents Clarence Property from commencing development.
Describing the $3m as a ‘ big community victory’, local Labor MP Justine Elliot said, ‘This funding will allow local councils to deliver CCTV, lighting, bollards, fencing and landscaping to improve community safety and reduce crime risks, while enhancing the vibrancy and usability of shared community spaces’. The Echo asked Mrs Elliot, ‘Why isn’t Labor also focused on crime prevention, rather than small, oneoff funds?’ She replied, ‘I am a strong ▶ Continued on page 3
Wallum protector, Maria Lloyd, faced Byron Bay Local Court last Tuesday following an incident in June last year at the contested 126-housing urban development in Bayside, Brunswick Heads. In May last year, seven Save Wallum protectors had their cases dismissed in the Byron Local Court after being charged with locking on and obstructing civil works. No fines and no convictions were recorded. Ms Lloyd told The Echo she remained peaceful in a vehicle on enclosed lands when she was arrested. Protesters and ecologists claim the unique habitat contains endangered species which are under threat.
DFV service under pressure as referrals rise ▶ p2
Exclusive Skinners Shoot restaurant before Council ▶ p4
Latham’s snipe takes wing ▶ p13
‘Community victory’
Pleaded guilty Ms Lloyd said that, the ‘judge acknowledged the deep conviction and desperation that motivated my actions, but emphasised that the ruling was based on legal frameworks rather than moral considerations with regards to the development’. ‘This judgment clearly exposes the failure of Australia’s environmental laws to protect our communities and ecosystems,’ said Ms Lloyd. ‘Ordinary citizens are penalised
for trying to safeguard our natural and cultural heritage, while corporations like Clarence Property – who continuously degrade Wallum’s fragile ecosystem through vehicle activity, fencing, and harass community members – face no consequences.’ Ms Lloyd said she is a ‘dedicated bush regenerator’, and stressed the irreplaceable nature of the Wallum landscape. ‘Restoring degraded land takes years of effort, resources, and labor. But once an intact ecosystem like Wallum is lost, it can never be truly restored.’ Ms Lloyd pleaded guilty to two charges, was convicted and received a ‘hefty fine’, she said.
Pro Adaptive Surf Championships return ▶ p14
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Greens mayor, Greens MP, at odds over large Mullum DA Mullumbimby Residents Association (MRA) has ramped up its opposition to a proposal to plonk a threestorey block of units on the town’s flood-prone public carpark, located next to Ottilies Pizza, opposite the roundabout at the town’s entrance. As previously reported, the government-led ‘affordable housing’ project would not be viable without public funds, and some units will house Council staff. All surrounding businesses have voiced their opposition, claiming it will adversely impact them. Local NSW MP Tamara Smith (Greens) has raised her concerns, and will sponsor MRA’s parliamentary petition calling for the government to consider other locations. This puts her at odds with the Greens mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, who is in support of the project. Ms Smith told The Echo, ‘I strongly support affordable housing projects for Byron Shire and applaud Byron Shire Council’s determination to deliver genuine affordable housing. However, I share the concerns of the community around the appropriateness of Station Street in light of the 2022 floods, the proposed loss of public ▶ Continued on page 3
Public meeting: The Mullum Residents Association (MRA) are inviting the public, and councillors, to a meeting around the carpark removal / 32-unit proposal at the Ex-Services Club on Monday, February 24. It starts at 6.30pm.
Get the scoop on great local biz ▶ p15
Seven bursting with great gigs this week ▶ p19
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