17.6 C
Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Ken Johnston

Latest News

Retired local professor launches book on grief

A leading international thinker and researcher in the development of innovative sport coaching and physical education teaching has returned home to Byron Bay and is launching his first non-academic book, 'Grief and Growth', on April 4 at The Book Room in Byron. 

Other News

A seasoned bard

Guy Kachel had an idyllic entry to the world of music. Born in Tamworth, he was raised on the banks of the Peel River. The landscape was a fertile ground for his imagination. Seeing this rustic world change, as Tamworth developed into an inland city and friends grew to sometimes troubled adulthoods, provided insights for the artistry that later powered his career as a performer.

Records galore!

Byron Bay Easter Record Fair returns again to Ewingsdale Hall. Now in its 15th year, the Byron Bay Easter Record Fair is one of the biggest and best in this country. Matt the Vinyl Junkie has spent years on buying trips to the US and Japan scouring dusty warehouses, shops, flea markets and private collections. He can offer an astounding 30,000 records in one place covering most genres.

Saddle Road group home DA decision this week

Plans to build Byron Shire’s first permanent group home for women and children in housing stress are moving ahead, with the development application for the project coming before Council this week.

A health check as Medicare turns 40

If you’ll forgive the earnest tone, I’d like to propose a toast. To a friend who’s almost always there when you need them most. To a system that aims to treat people fairly and respectfully. 

Govt cost-shifting ‘erodes financially sustainable local government’

Byron Shire Council looks set to add its voice to the growing chorus calling on the state government to stop shifting responsibilities and costs onto local government.

Urgent appeal

At last Thursday’s Byron Council meeting a long and dedicated campaign to save rail tracks and restore trains in...


Name: Ken Johnston

Council:Ballina Shire Council A Ward

Town/city: Ballina

Number of years in shire/LGA:10 years in West Ballina

Current councillor? No

Clubs/sports/interests: Local sports and RSL clubs

Are you a member of a political party or an organised ‘ticket’? No

Brief description: I am retired. Married in Lismore 40 years ago. Lived in Sydney, raised a family. Worked for a large Aust manufacturing and engineering company, mainly in accounting and information technology.

2 What has motivated you to stand?

I am standing because I am not happy with the current lot of councillors. They are too close to the council management and are not properly representing the best interests of the majority of the ratepayers.

3 What is your vision for the shire/LGA?

My vision is that the council should return to the basic functions and responsibilities that the shire requires, spending more on infrastructure, preserving our natural assets, our beaches, river, parks, reserves. The leader should be a major promoter of our town.

4 In your opinion, how can council best balance the need for further residential development with the need to preserve the local environment?

It is very important to preserve the local environment at the same time as progressing with development. There is a major problem with council planning, local environment planning, planning panels, rezoning, land and environment courts, supreme courts, appeals courts etc and developments such as CSG mining. We have been placed in a very difficult position.

5 What particular issues do you feel strongly about?

I think the council should concentrate more on its basic tasks and less on projects like its commercial property investments. I think the councillors should always act in the best interests of whom they have been elected to represent.


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Resilient Lismore’s ‘Repair to Return’ funding

On the eve of the second anniversary of the second devastating flood in 2022, Resilient Lismore has welcomed the finalisation of its funding deed with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which will enable the continuation of its ‘Repair to Return’ program.

Editorial – Joyous propaganda! 

The NSW Labor government marked its one year in office this week with a jubilant statement of achievements issued from Macquarie Street HQ.

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.

Where should affordable housing go in Tweed Shire?

Should affordable and social housing in the Tweed Shire be tucked away in a few discreet corners? Perhaps it should be on the block next to where you live?