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The
Byron Environment Centre (BEC) continued to play a vital part in the protection
of the natural landscape, biodiversity and cultural diversity of Byron
Shire in 2003-2004:
BEC
ACTIVITY CENTRES
The BEC Mullumbimby Office continues as the BEC's administrative
centre, with space kindly donated by Santos. It is opened most days due
to the exceptional co-ordination by Nino and Peggy and the wonderful volunteers
that help to provide this service to the community.
The Enviro-Information Kiosk in Byron Bay continues to function
well, providing an active social interface and focal point for Byron community.
Some outstanding campaigns utilising the Kiosk this year were the Cape
Byron Marine Park and the continuing Becton campaign. Byron volunteers
led by the indomitable Edie Franks present a positive face of the BEC
and the Byron Community to the thousands of visitors who visit the town
each week. The Kiosk was also used by various community groups, e.g. by
Byron Youth Services as a night-time base for the Street Cruise program.
A strong submission seeking the continuation of the Kiosk at Railway Park
was put to Council's consultants who are developing a Management Plan
for the park.
PRINCIPAL CAMPAIGNS
Improved Sewer Management in Byron Shire: The BEC campaigned successfully
to encourage better sewerage management in Shire, particularly around
sewer overflow to stormwater in Mullum - information night held in conjunction
with Byron Council. All sewer systems are being improved, many by land
application systems introduced to replace river discharges. Should be
much less sewer pollution in shires waterways in the next few years.
Becton Campaign: Over 4,000 personal submissions were gathered
opposing Becton's MasterPlan proposal, largely thanks to BEC, BEACON (Byron
Environment and Conservation Organisation) and the Beach Hotel. Byron
Council has since applied to State Government for exemption under SEPP71
(a planning instrument which makes the NSW state government the determining
authority for all large developments within 1km of the coastline). State
Government has apparently agreed but not yet in writing. Meetings have
been happening between Becton, Byron Council and green groups, including
BEC. Talks predictably broke down in final meeting, focussing on development
numbers - greens suggested 150 bedrooms, Becton want 450.
A draft DCP has been developed, largely by BEACON, but Council have not
yet adopted it. Becton are expected to lodge a D.A. soon, and unless Becton
realise the need to develop the site sensitively, with a truly low-key
tourism proposal, the campaign is all too likely to start again. Congratulations
to BEC, BEACON, Beach Hotel and Byron Shire Community for a valiant first
win against experienced and very large developers.
Anti-Littering - Binyabutt Program: The BEC has recently completed
the BinyaButt Expansion Project to extend BinYaButt distribution to other
towns in the Shire, substantially paid for by a grant from Keep Australia
Beautiful. Beside expanding to Mullumbimby, Bangalow and Brunswick Heads,
the Byron Bay campaign continues to grow. Splendour was again a great
success in spreading the BinYaButt phenonemon. Lismore City Council has
contracted BEC to provide dispensers made from a screen printing workshop.
A major problem has emerged with film canister supply due to replacement
by digital photography, Darshi is negotiating with Kodak who are offering
excess canisters but located in Melbourne. Thanks to Robin Harrison and
Darshi and other volunteers who have worked hard for yet another year
on this fabulous project which has now distributed over 300,000 BinYaButts
and probably succeeded in saving at least 1,000,000 butts from reaching
Byron's beaches, waterways and parks.
Belongil Bird Buddies: The BEC has supported this community group
to protect the shorebirds of Belongil Beach. These shorebirds, including
the endangered Little Terns and Pied Oystercatchers, were once plentiful
in Byron Shire's beaches but the Belongil Estuary is now the last functional
but highly pressured nesting site in the shire. The Belongil Bird Buddies
have been fencing and sign-posting the main nesting area at the estuary
mouth, and have been using various media to educate dog-walkers and others
at Belongil about the plight of the shorebirds. The group has been strongly
supported by the Beach Hotel, Byron Shire Council and Department of Environment
and Conservation.
Anti-FirstLight Campaign: Community groups ByronCanoe, BEC and
BEACON have opposed the proposed "party boat" over the years,
including a blockade of the tender boat earlier this year. First Light
is currently in dry dock in Brisbane, not expected to return. Another
success for BEC and Byron community.
Cape Byron Marine Park: BEC has been involved in preparation of
a Draft Zoning Plan and subsequent campaign to get conservation option
adopted, opposing an extremely aggressive and well-resourced fishing lobby.
BEC supported Voice of the People rally (rained out). Submissions are
now closed and it will be up to the Marine Park Authority to work out
whether the Marine Park is truly going to be one built for conservation,
or one built for fishing as the fishermen have insisted.
Closure of North Coast Rail Line: BEC involved through Paul Brecht.
Some hope now that Labour candidate has won federal seat of Richmond,
BEC will continue to campaign for a rail link to the North Coast and for
a regional commuter service for our rapidly expanding, car-dependent community.
Wetlands Regeneration and Repair. A remnant of the Cumbebin wetlands
have been entrusted to the BEC, who have been regenerating the weed-infested
edges. The project has continued to flourish under the guidance of Geoff
Dawes and Sharon Curry, the group has pioneered non-chemical/pesticide
bush regeneration techniques, with the monthly assistance of BEC volunteers.
Wetland Boardwalk: The wetland sanctuary boardwalk, located within
the wetland fragment being regenerated by the BEC, has received frequent
maintenance. BEC volunteers have been greatly encouraged by the discovery
of insectivorous bats in our nest boxes along the boardwalk. The boardwalk
remains a magical area to visit; soon to have some more hand rails and
a seat. Maintenance continues periodically.
Housing for Arakwal sisters: The BEC (notably Terry Page, Jill
Keogh, John Lazarus and Marie Hayes) have been involved in cleaning up
Ironbark Avenue site and campaigning for housing for two elder Arakwal
sisters to be provided. BEC representatives are also party to the Arakwal
Native Title process.
Tasmanian Forests: BEC assisting with film nights and information
dissemination.
FUNDING
Grants BEC has received grants and donations from the following sources:
- Beach
Hotel gave $2,000 to BEC for general campaigns, and have subsequently
given $7,000 to the Belongil Bird Buddies project. The Beach Hotel have
proved through their unstinting generosity to be devoted protectors
of the Byron Shire and supporters of the BEC, amongst many other community
groups.
- Administration
grant from the Environment and Heritage Dept, which has enabled continued
internet, a computer, monitor, modem and printer for Mullumbimby BEC,
auditor fees and stationery.
- A
new grant for the Binya butt program to expand to Bangalow, Brunswick
Heads, Mullumbimby and Billinudgel.
- The
Bush Regeneration Grant continues to pay for native trees to buffer
the wetland sanctuary.
- BinyaButt
expansion project (Keep Australia Beautiful) enabled a workshop set
up space for screen printing and expansion to other areas in Byron Shire.
- Dept
of Lands have given more money to improve boardwalk (a chair and some
rails).
Fundraising:
BEC has continued to keep a monthly market stall, plus Stalls(Peace and
Rainforest Big Scrub Day, Film night (food and drinks). The BEC has also
raised some funds through working with Ballina Environment and Training
Corporation to provide work-for-the-dole opportunities.
Memberships are increasing thanks to the time and effort of Peggy
and her support volunteers.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS
The BEC (Environmental Journal): Nino has continued to edit and
produce The BEC on a quarterly basis, making the journal into a high-quality,
well-read and highly regarded centrepiece for environmental information
within the Shire and beyond.
The BEC Website The Website is nothing short of fantastic and we
have been blessed with a creative webmaster and resident artiste, Darshi.
The website has been a valuable tool in our campaigns and public information,
for example by extending the BinyaButt campaign nationally by providing
BinyaButt start-up kits to other communities.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Submissions prepared on (to mention but a few) : The Barrier Reef
Marine Park, Roundhouse site- Ocean Shores, Cape Byron Marine Park, Protection
Grey Nurse Shark, Becton, Byron Bypass proposals, Byron Farmers Market,
Protection of Shara Boulevard site (lot 107) at Ocean Shores.
Local Excursions: BEC visited Arakwal Park from Iron Bark avenue,
guided walk by Dave Saunders on threatened species, investigating recent
tree clearing activities. BEC also went on canoe trip along Marshall Creek
(proposed Sanctuary zone for marine park) - thanks to Sharon and Mark
for organising.
BEC Representatives are on Sewage, Solid waste management, Arakwal
Native Title, Coastal Issues, Local exchange trading system, Save Our
Trains, Wetland Sanctuary Boardwalk, Water Management, Sustainable Agriculture
Project and Biosphere Reserve
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