Really, for abject silliness this council takes the cake. Rocks dumped at Belongil, sand trundled from one beach to another, road diversions through wetlands, diesel trainloads of the rich transported through modest suburbs chuffing out stinking fumes and annoying noise.
Back in the day when Business Bay was a real place before the money moved in, the environment had a fighting chance and some fine things were achieved by the grassroots community. Alas, incremental decline set in with burgeoning gentrification encouraged by the flourishing real estate business.
Byron was losing its mojo. There appeared to be a heartening possibility of some balance again after the last BSC election with a strong showing from the Greens. Alas, after an act of betrayal unmatched since Judas achieved dubious immortality, that hope was blown to the winds like gold dust off a developer’s cheque.
However, there are great stirrings afoot and changes rumbling. Byron Bay may emerge from the blight and shine again to take possession of its motto ‘Expect Respect’, to include its glorious environs and flora and fauna.
In the words of the unforgettable sign at Bentley Blockade, it’s PEOPLE POWER BABY! that will save the day.
Jill Keogh, Federal
The rich don’t take the train whether the sun is rising or in rain
And for Diesel, they with their music blaring have been pretty loud
And have rallied and made it and have made their rock band proud.
When the train up and went, the Byron economy has been on the wane.
And artists and writers have found it hard to find work without any gain.