13.2 C
Byron Shire
June 2, 2023

Ex-Byron Shire Cr Diane Woods reappears in Qld

Latest News

Tweed Council to start nappy rebate scheme but defer Cudgen Creek Masterplan

The last Tweed Shire Council meeting saw the Reusable Nappy Rebate Scheme adopted by councillors, the rail trail impacts...

Other News

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Asking for what you want

As a performer for over 30 years who has sat crammed next to toilet rolls in a supply room, dealt with dirty undies in the manager’s office and sat in a cold concrete outdoor space under a tarp in cyclonic conditions, I understand that when you crack the big time you might pull a few diva requests.

Théo’s family mark fourth year of his disappearance  

Today is the fourth anniversary of the disappearance of Théo Hayez, an 18-year-old Belgian backpacker who was last seen leaving Cheeky Monkeys bar in Byron Bay at around 11pm on May 31, 2019.

Will Byron kids help to regenerate public land?

Byron school students could take part in regular community tree plantings on land owned by Byron Council as a way of learning about bush regeneration and acting on climate change.

Call to recognise value of wetlands and stop developing floodplains

The clearing of the flood prone development site at 60 Tringa Street, Tweed Heads appears to have been completed by developers MAAS Group Holdings who then pulled out from the site on 24 April. 

A very full weekend at Byron Music Festival

Byron Music Festival has announced the full epic lineup for its (mostly) free satellite events to be held throughout...

A fragrant garland of classical Indian raga

Målå is a classical Indian music experience featuring international artist Sangeet Mishra, eighth generation sarangi player from Mumbai. Bangalow...

Gary Opit, Yelgun.

Dear Letters Editor,

For those wondering what happened to ex-Byron Shire Councillor Diane Woods,
I found a letter from her in the Gold Coast Sun, Upper Northern Edition,
March 1 2017. Diane wrote:

‘Having moved to Hope Island six months ago from Byron Shire where I was a councillor for 12.5 years, I was horrified to learn of the new planned development on Hope Island. As a councillor in Byron I was always in favour of sustainable development and fought the Green majority on that point. I approached the standing member for Coomera on Saturday and voiced my concerns regarding inappropriate planned high rise for Hope Island, noting there is only one road in or out i.e. Sickle Avenue. I suggested to the member that the State Government could review their planning legislation but was brushed off being told, if you have a complaint, talk to the council.

I then explained that as a State Member, the concerns could be dealt with in State Government by addressing planning laws which councils have to adhere to. I was then told that “perhaps I need to move to the country”. I suggested I might be interested in standing as a One Nation candidate and I was then told: “Good, put your money . pause” and I completed the statement. The LNP in this Coomera Electorate appears to me to be arrogant and showing complete disregard to their constituents and their amenity. I will be working with, and hoping that a different candidate who has the interest of the electorate at heart, takes control at the next State Election and promises to review planning legislation.
Diane Woods, Hope Island.’


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Di appears to have received her “just reward or dessert” for her pro development stance in Byron Shire when she was a councillor. Her letter makes me laugh. The majority of residents could have told her what to expect when she moved to the Gold Coast.

    I’m sure Pauline Hanson’s One Nation will “love” her, chew her up and spit her out.

    • Harry

      Thank you for your response to Gary Opit’s copy of my letter to the Gold Coast Sun
      Just for the record, I loved Gary’s section on ABC each week. What a marvellous man.
      Why he chose to publish my letter without talking to me is rather strange. I can only surmise he must be missing me, as must the Echo as they chose to publish it
      Yes, I am against high rise and always have been.
      And yes, I am for sustainable development that takes into account all of the elements such as traffic, fill, road network, public transport, private amenity. (to name a few), as I always have been
      As far as just deserts go, we are extremely happy in our new environment, with wonderful neighbours who are happy and not wingers, but that doesn’t stop me from standing up against development that I think is inappropriate I did that in Byron many times, including opposing the development of the Byron Picture Theatre site which I still maintain will change the nature of Byron Commercial Centre
      Thank you for missing me enough to have to keep abreast of what I am doing, but there is really no need.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

60% of Ballina Council investments in fossil fuel aligned companies

The Ballina Shire Council had more than $60 million invested in fossil fuel aligned companies on behalf of ratepayers as of the end of April 2023.

Flood trauma? Free women’s mindful healing workshops available

It has been a tough run in the Northern Rivers from drought to fire to pandemic to flood – so there is quite a bit to deal with for many of us. 

Grant for innovative Birthing on Country program

Birthing on Country can be very important for many Aboriginal women, but many face the challenge of leaving Country to access medical care when their babies come. 

When western medicine doesn’t work 

Once I finally admitted I needed help with vicarious trauma, I tried a few techniques to ease my troubled mind.