ACCURATELY AVERAGED ERRORS SINCE 1986 The Byron Shire Echo • Volume 40 #02 • June 18, 2025 • www.echo.net.au
Greens crs split over large, exclusive, contentious DA Hans Lovejoy
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reens Mayor Sarah Ndiaye used her casting vote to squash fellow Greens Cr Elia Hauge’s efforts to delay and seek independent legal advice around a planning agreement for a large contentious 39-large-lot exclusive greenfield proposal near the Mullumbimby Road and McAuleys Lane intersection. Instead, an adopted amendment at last week’s Council meeting by Cr David Warth passed after councillors went into a closed door meeting with staff for 45 minutes. The updated planning proposal – based on staff advice – was supported by Cr Ndiaye, but not by her team of Crs Hauge, Kay and Lowe. The planning proposal includes the option of Council acquiring land at the Mullumbimby Road and McAuleys Lane intersection, which is required for developers John Callanan and Tim Mundy and their DA. Despite staff and Crs David Warth and Ndiaye saying the upgrade will improve safety, Cr Warth’s adopted motion does not mention safety. During public access, one of the landowners, Jenny, told councillors they were blindsided by Council, as compulsory acquisition was a recent recommendation by staff. ‘We feel we are being treated unfairly’, she said, and questioned why Council staff were negotiating on behalf of developers. ‘Surely for the fate of our home of 20 years, we should be informed around this’. Development application (DA) 10.2023.454.1 is before the Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP) on June 18. As previously
New giving circle Wild Imaginings launches ▶ p3
Feats of the impossible!
reported, if approved, the proposal at 53 Myocum Road – between Uncle Toms and Mullumbimby – will impact 13,000 daily vehicle movements. Yet it is shrouded in botched process and unanswered questions from neighbours and The Echo.
Deputy mayor recuses Cr Jack Dods declared a pecuniary interest in the matter, given he is a relative of one of the proponents, John Callanan. He was also ‘design consultant during the DA preparation for this application’. As such he left the building and did not vote. The Echo has requested Council staff clarify whether he has correctly declared his interests, but there has been no reply. In last week’s agenda, for example, Cr Dods declared a pecuniary interest for item 13.11 (the planning agreement) yet for item 13.12 (a staff report on matters with the NRPP that includes the DA) he declared a non-pecuniary interest. Cr Dods is also accused by neighbours of not providing any consultation, which is a requirement under NRPP guidelines. Remarkably, part of Council staff’s reasoning for supporting the DA (page 31) were that the ‘DA was notified/advertised in accordance with Council’s Community Participation Plan’. The claims are strongly refuted by neighbours, and The Echo has seen no evidence to suggest that the DA accorded with that policy. Both Crs Warth and Ndiaye told The Echo they did not feel pressured by staff to make a decision, and ▶ Continued on page 2
Calling on those who love upcycling and repairs ▶ p4
Clockwise from top left: Aurora, DJ, Iona, Poppy, Alex, Lynette, Xenon, Ginger, and Ziggy. Photo Jeff ‘Defying Gravity Since 1986’ Dawson
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t’s Game On! Spaghetti Circus’s Annual Show returns Friday, June 27 to Sunday, June 29 with five big shows over three days at their Mullum Showground HQ. Organisers say, ‘Each performance will bring to life the creativity and courage of students from all classes – ranging from the tiniest tumblers in the Macaronis class, right up to the powerhouse performances of the Performance Troupe’. Spaghetti Head of Circus, Petrina
How to cope amidst the chaos ▶ p10
Hutchinson, says the annual show is a cherished opportunity for students to develop their skills and shine on stage. ‘It’s not just the kids who are in the spotlight – this year’s show will also feature a vibrant array of adult performers, including the Adults Circus Fit class, Elixir for Life, Adult Aerials, and the While You Wait circus group’. This show is also a major fundraiser for the organisation, with funds helping them provide
It’s a conspiracy theory ▶ p13
scholarships for flood-affected and disadvantaged families, and to buy new equipment for the circus school.
Volunteers welcome For families who want to get even closer to the magic, Spaghetti Circus is offering free adult tickets to volunteers who help out during the show. More information on volunteering, tickets, and the full show schedule can be found at www.spaghetticircus.com.
A map of Mullum things ▶ p15
Looking after your health and wellbeing ▶ p18
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