We have followed the progress of a dedicated amazing group of locals who determined that our Shire needed an alternative to cremation and standard burials.
Based on a strongly held view that both were, in their own way, environmental catastrophes, especially in our area, they obtained expert guidance, scientific advice and planned and planned.
When BSC granted an unused parcel of land on the edge of Mullumbimby there was much rejoicing.
Now, some months after this, a sketchy overview by Council staff has resulted in the complete turnaround we read about in a recent Echo. Not only were the supporters and planners not warned that it was on the agenda to be discussed at a recent Council meeting, it appears that all previous research has been ignored – with the reasons for rebuttal including the dangerous intersection with Coolamon Scenic Road. (As Di Hart said in her Opinion piece last week: ‘Fix it’).
I have walked the site many times with Diane and others. It’s a sloping paddock, much degraded with river flats – where Byron Bird Buddies have identified many species and where burials were never planned.
Council stating that the site was flood prone is plainly ridiculous as burials would only occur on the dry slopes, and because these graves are shallow they could easily use this slope.
It’s so disappointing to have the scheme thrown out. Many of us were expecting to stay in Mullum after our demise and this was such a forward-looking initiative.
What can be done now? Ballina Shire have picked up the ball, so we may have to end up over the (shire) border where so much actually happens!
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
