History confounds us all, especially when trying to make a pejorative point.
I refer to Madeleine Green’s letter ‘Toxic legacy’ (Byron Shire Echo 13/9) and point out that while the Myocum tip had (has?) been poorly managed for many years, it was the Barham [Byron Shire] council that set in train the upgrades she now praises but seems not to fully understand.
Madeleine mentions two of my recent letters but has failed to note their content. They were to urge councillors to stop or at least formally acknowledge council’s long-time practice of rubbish-running to Queensland recently exposed by 4 Corners.
Despite the powerful ABC program and my submission to council’s last meeting, no councillor has yet been motivated to condemn rubbish-running for what it is, dumping our pollution on others to save money.
Ms Green cites her membership of the Waste Water and Sewage Committee as some sort of justification for her statement but seems to have sat mute over the appalling record of the shire’s sewerage management during her incumbency.
I was a member of the same committee for over ten years but my recent applications to rejoin this and the Internal Audit Committee were voted down by our ‘progressive’ councillors.
As someone exceptionally well qualified for both committees, I was surprised that a majority of our current crop of hopefuls prefer a quiet time in the GM’s pocket avoiding ‘unpleasantness’. They think governance is some sort of speed control for trucks.
For the record, while on the IA Committee, I was instrumental in uncovering ‘irregularities’ in the vehicle fleet management which resulted in limited reform. The then GM asked why these practices had persisted, commented, ‘its the culture’…
I only mention this because it was unusual. The IA Committee is generally run for appearance and avoidance of corporate embarrassment. All can then enjoy their fees and teas while preserving the status quo, no boat-rockers need apply.
Tom Tabart, Bangalow
It must be so frustrating, Tom, that despite the Four Corners program explaining the horrors of this practice so well, not to mention the waste of transporting tons and tons of garbage around the country, there has been so little concern expressed in response to your efforts from either our ‘green’ council or supposedly Eco active community. It musn’t be in anybody’s back yard, therefore not a potential vote grabber or profile raiser either.
I can understand Council wanting to save money but the lack of concern or acknowledgement of at what expense this is being achieved makes some of the pompous gesturing about zero emissions a little ridiculous.