22.6 C
Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

.Splendour woes underplayed

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. 

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Richmond MP again called on for immediate Gaza ceasefire 

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Iconic Lennox beach shed upgraded –  not demolished

Lennox Park and the shelter shed has now been upgraded and reopened.

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

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

It’s a biggest little town festival! 

Supporters, performers, and volunteers gathered to launch the Mullum Laneways Festival 2024 last Friday. 

Dynamic, rustic yet polished

Animal Ventura is the brainchild of Byron Bay-based singer-songwriter Fernando Aragones. Growing up playing punk and reggae in noisy garage bands in Southern Brazil, Aragones ventured to Australia where the eclectic sounds of the Sydney music scene beckoned.

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Why Being Seen is Beautiful

There is something profound about being seen. Being accepted and loved for exactly who you are. It’s life changing. It’s simple. It’s transformative. But some people don’t get to experience this. Nearly half of transgender Australians have attempted suicide.That data tells the very real impact of discrimination, stigma and lack of access to gender-affirming surgery. I write this as a woman who was born a woman, who identifies as a woman. I’ll admit, that even in that gender role, that fits within the societal binary, I’ve had my own challenges.

After the approval of Splendour’s Yelgun site I chose to remain more or less out of the debate until the first festival was done.

I was genuinely hoping that it would not be as bad as we feared. It was worse. A whole lot worse.

From reports of the people renting our house the noise made it impossible for them to sleep for the duration of the festival.

The lake along Hardy Ave turned black and the fish disappeared, that happened during the earthworks and after rain. During the festival the delicate peat soil was eroded and exposed.

There were drunk teenagers loose and screaming inside the nature reserve at night.

There were countless complaints from festival goers about the unsanitary conditions, the lack of drinking water, the boggy camping areas.

Complaints that were removed from the Splendour website as fast as they went up. There have been complaints from people trying to drive their kids to school having to negotiate drug addled festival goers hitching and milling along the road.

I was contacted by an irate Byron Bay businessman who said that he had his worst takings ever for the week while Splendour was happening. It benefited only the beer pushers and the majority out of town stall owners.

Everything that we voiced would happen, happened. Only if it had rained it could have been a complete environmental disaster to boot.

And where is the critical voice of The Echo? Bought by advertising it would seem. And of the mayor? Bought by his political ambition of ‘representing’ the young it would seem.

This is what happens when you remain ‘open’ to the plans of big business. You get well and truly screwed. Every time.

Mac Nicolson, North Ocean Shores

 Mandy Nolan’s front page story in the Echo last week canvassed many of the issues which concerned residents and festival-goers including the mayor’s criticisms.  –  Ed.

 


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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.

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