According to the Parliamentary Education Office (https://peo.gov.au/understand-our-parliament/how-parliament-works/system-of-government/democracy/): ‘Democracy means rule by the people. The word comes from the ancient Greek words “demos” (the people) and “kratos” (to rule). A democratic country has a system of government in which the people have the power to participate in decision-making.’
Here in Byron Shire, our right to participate in decision-making continues to be eroded. Consider the three examples cited by Hans Lovejoy in last week’s editorial (21 June). We’ve been three times denied our say in one week! Add to that the attitude of the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) that provides its email address for people to ask questions, while not answering them – and what do we have? Certainly not ‘the power to participate in decision-making’.
In answer to the editor’s question with which he concludes last week’s editorial, it would appear in this Shire that Councillor Duncan Dey is the only one ‘poking their head out of the tent and telling us what the hell is going on’.
Thanks to Mr Lovejoy, Councillor Dey and the few Northern Rivers politicians who are calling out the unacceptable behaviour of the NRRC and Byron Council. Perhaps it’s time to take a leaf from Lismore’s MP, Janelle Saffin, and put the Byron Shire Council on notice?
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. 
