Our beautiful area here on the northern rivers is called the Rainbow Region but I believe the rainbow is losing its colour, awe and attractiveness to tourists.
It may only be one per cent of the late-night partying crowd that cause problems with alcohol violence but the ripple from this causes a tidal wave through the remainder of the community.
I am lucky that my local business (for 25 years) only indirectly benefits from tourism. If I were a daytime or early-night trader I would be speaking out loudly to the few late-night traders to wake up and listen to the community .
A few bad eggs do spoil the holiday of our tourists and word of mouth plus media attention quickly deters others from coming. Think about the long-term effect on tourism and not the ‘quick buck’.
Another year has passed. Schoolies and summer holidays are almost here. It will be interesting to see what happens to our beautiful shire.
Geoff Bensley, Byron Bay
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