THE NORALLY GROUP IS HOLDING A NO RALLY MEETING AT KNOX PARK MURWILLUMBAH AT 2 PM THIS THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST.

The BEC is supporting the opposition to the rally in Murwillumbah and Kyogle. NORALLY is asking people to attend the final Repco Rally ceremony in Kingscliff on the 6th of September at 4.45pm.

There will be a live TV cover and the people are asked to wear white to show support for democracy and bring placards, banners and drums.

We should all be there to support them and it is a great opportunity to get our message across about our corrupt government and planning laws etc.

We had a general meeting at the Wetland Sanctuary last Saturday the 22d August. The main part of the meeting was taken up by a discussion on ECO villages and the best way to implement it.

The painting of the door of the Gazebo which is urgently needed.

Sharon reported that the 150 trees planted at the sanctuary are doing well. Only three trees have been lost. However, because of the poisoning before that, more light came in and the weeds which have come up as a result need to be attended to.

We were pleased to see John Lazarus back amongst us. His valuable contribution and experience as a councillor is appreciated.

Byron Environment Centre fully supports the actions taken by the environmental group CONOS in their court challenge against Byron Shire Council & Billinudgel Property Pty Ltd.

It is disappointing that Council has approved a trial for Splendour in the grass. The Yelgun site is universally recognised for its high environmental and cultural values and it should be self evident that holding a mega festival adjacent to a nature reserve and across a fragile wildlife corridor will only serve to fragment the environmental values of the area.

In the matter of Developers supporting local community organizations it is true that the BEC has at one time received a generous financial donation from Splendour. However this was in a time when the festival was manageable at the local level. The BEC has also over the years donated its time to Splendour by being present at their festivals with its successful binyabutt program.

The company has taken the Council to the NSW parliament but the Council is challanging it.