At the outset I would apologise for the delay in getting this news out to you and thank Mark and Kerry for their prompt email account of the meeting between Bellingen Council and the RTA.

I understand there will be an article in this week’s Courier Sun advertising a workshop and it planned to be at the Luncheon Pavilion at the Bellingen Showground on 4th August between 6pm and 8pm. I hope this venue is changed as it is very cold but please just wear warm clothes and attend the workshop as it is our chance to have some dialogue over the road improvements between Connell Creek and the Raleigh Dam.

From Mark

“I thought I would provide a comment re meeting withj RTA while it is fresh in my mind.

The RTA reps provided a good overview of what is now an extended project taking into account the sub standard areas both east and west of Camerons Corner. From the outset David Bell (Regional Manager stated the new alignment would avoid the wetland and this was evident on the draft plans.

The RTA have said that they intend issuing a media statement in the near future and are planning a community open forum sometime in August. I need to stress this is early days in the development of the new proposal, naturally when a win is achieved in one area new concerns are raised in others.

The draft plans will not be made public by the RTA until some of the issues relating to affected property owners are dealt with in more detail.

As far as interference with the wetland is concerned it all appears good news for the community as the proposed upgrade will avoid it.

The whole process of community consultation, [planning and design and finally funding is likely to take a couple of years.”

The eye catching phrase in the mail is, “naturally when a win is achieved in one area new concerns are raised in others.”

I will send through a reminder about the workshop when the details are confirmed.

Every good wish,

Caroline Joseph

Living Food Garden at Kombu

Dear friends, colleagues and community members of the Mid North Coast

I invite you to take advantage of the collaborative potential of the Mid North Coast Regional Plan.

From the Manning to Coffs Harbour, distinctive valleys are developing, industries are diversifying, and more people are choosing to live and work here.

As each community’s ambitions grow, those ambitions can be connected by joint efforts that put our region on the map and allow us to present ourselves to public and private investors with a united voice.

This plan sets out how that collaborative work can unfold.

Over the next decade, if we work together, we can develop

· the infrastructure we need to strengthen our potential as an innovative region

· the skills we need to ensure people can achieve the opportunities they seek, &

· the community strength that makes our region an inclusive place for all.

I encourage you to connect with this plan, and with RDA, wherever you are in the MNC. The priorities will evolve as our region does – and we hope that will be with your input and engagement so that the work of RDA supports your community’s ambitions.

Comments are welcomed online until the 3rd August. Everyone registering for comment will be invited to a Feedback Session – Friday 13 August in Port Macquarie (Click here to register)

Elizabeth McGregor

Acting Chair (RDA Mid North Coast)

Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDA MNC) is an Australian and NSW Government initiative that brings together all levels of government to enhance the growth and development of regional Australia. The RDA MNC has broad brief and incorporates Social Cultural, Environmental, Economic and Governance issues in its portfolio. The government has asked the RDA MNC to prepare a Regional Plan and we seek your comment to assist and inform the Board of priorities you as the community and stakeholders of our region would like us to communicate to government.

To view and/or comment visit the RDA Mid North Coast website and register:

www.rdamidnorthcoast.org.au

Peter Tregilgas

Executive Officer

Regional Development Australia – Mid North Coast (RDA-MNC)

Suite 1 Oxley House 133-137 Gordon Street (PO Box 2537)

Port Macquarie NSW 2444

W: 02 6583 5647

M: 0400 191054

E: petert@rdamidnorthcoast.org.au

W: www.rdamidnorthcoast.org.au

Facilitated by the Bellingen Chamber of Commerce, president Guy Saddleton said “This is a great opportunity for local business owners to speak one on one with our local member of parliament about issues of concern. With the election now announced for 21st August we would expect politicians to be active in seeking to become aware of areas of concern for voters and to give undertakings to address those concerns if re-elected. Whilst Mr Stoner is in state parliament rather than federal parliament he can certainly convey concerns to his federal colleagues on behalf of his constituents.”

Mr Stoner will be in attendance at the Waterfall Way Centre from approximately 1.30pm to 3.00pm and all local business people are welcome and encouraged to attend. Stuart Allardice, Bellingen Shire Council Economic Development and Tourism Manager is expected to attend and it is expected that representatives from all three local chambers will be in attendance so if you can’t attend in person and you have an issue you would like raised contact Stuart or your local chamber and they will speak on your behalf.

Dear BHAG members

I’m writing to let you know about a couple of events being organised by two of our members. I would also like to take this opportunity to let you know that the BHAG committee is currently working on a document to submit to the Health Reform Discussion Paper to clarify Bellingen’s positioning for the new health networks and that we are working towards becoming a mature negotiation partner on behalf of the community in this process. If you would like to know more, please contact Pia Dollmann at *bellohospitalrescue@gmail.com

Kind regards

Gai Stern

Secretary

*Craft day 17 July 2010*

We are having a craft display and some demonstrations at the Uniting Church on 17 July 2010 for the hospital – the same day as the market.

It will run from 9.00 am till 1.00 pm. Admittance will be $5 which will include morning tea. There will also be some craft will for sale and 20% of the profit will go to BHAG.

If anyone has things to sell, 20% will also go to BHAG. Also, if anyone wants to be involved or can help with cooking please contact Maxine Keys on 6655 0591 or Fay Gibson on 6655 1520.

regards, Maxine Keys (fundraising committee)

Rally 24 July 2010

*Dear BHAG and friends

On Saturday July 24th, Ridley Scott (renowned Director of films such as ”Blade Runner,” “Alien”, “Gladiator” and “Robin Hood)” is asking people around the world to film something in the day of their lives. In the light of our current situation with the Hospital’s future still uncertain and a federal election looming, it feels as though this is a good opportunity for us to gather together with the people of Bellingen and surrounding areas to demonstrate its unique spirit and unwavering support for our Hospital.

The film will be placed on Youtube with the possability of making it into a feature film which will subsequently be made of that day.The theme is that “People Matter” – that our health system is about people, not numbers, and that community consultation is imperative and that whichever side of politics takes the reins, this fact of involvement with doctors, nurses, practitioners, clinicians and patients needs to be embraced rather than ignored or passed over, as has been the case for so long.

It is intended that the meeting begin at 12 noon. If people could arrive earlier, well and good.. Speakers have been invited: politicians and doctors, to be followed by a march up the street with placards and visual displays that represent us as a vibrant, spirited, caring community who are not prepared to lie down and accept being ridden over roughshod by bureaucrats and systems that barely manage to use the words “patient care” in their overbearing, complex declarations of how our health system should be run.

Our theme I think reflects a wider view that is present in the world, that being about values, and the rights of people to be listened to by governments, and treated with respect, dignity and professionalism. Much of what we take for granted here in Bellingen is missing in many parts of the world. Here we have the privilege of a caring community with facilities and assistance that are generally accessible, a large part of which can be attributed to the existence of our unique and wonderful Hospital. However, the loss of our Hospital services and the demoralizing of medical people – nurses, doctors and related areas reflects a wider problem that is affecting our community, that of de-humanization, and lack of care. While we have still a beautiful, unique, varied and vibrant population, let us stand up for that Spirit for ourselves, our Hospital, and for people and Communities everywhere, and insist that we, the people, matter and need to be listened to.

So the invitation is there for everyone to attend Maam Gaduying (Council) Park at 12 Noon until about One O’clock to stand up for our Hospital, and the rights of individuals and communities everywhere.

Please make a placard, and get your children and teenagers to dress wild. You never know, we might make it into a feature film.

For information, email me at this address.. solveig.larsen@yahoo.com.au

<mailto:solveig.larsen@yahoo.com.au> or ring 6655 0511.

Regards, Solveig Larsen.

Hi everyone,

Further to the Ecobello meeting on Monday, it would be great if you could send a letter of support for the two cycle way projects that Council is putting grant applications in for. Recently Council was successful in receiving a grant (through the same grant program) for the North Bellingen cycleway and I believe this success was partly due to demonstrated community support. Your voice is needed.

Please feel free to use the attached templates, or to create your own. (Already have letters from the Dorrigo green living group, Bellingen Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bellinger.

Draft letter of support – Dorrigo Cycleway Draft letter of support – Mylestom Cycleway

Thanks,

Nic Denshire

Development Engineer

Bellingen Shire Council

(02) 6655 7343

ndenshire@bellingen.nsw.gov.au

Time: 09:00 to 15:00

Are you concerned about river bank erosion on your property? Rivers are dynamic systems that require on-going planning and management to bounce back from flooding and prevent erosion.

As part of the Healthy Rivers Program, Council will be running a series of events to empower landholders to take action to improve river bank condition and stability.

Come along, explore some river bank restoration sites and see what it takes to achieve long term resilience to erosion and flooding.

WHERE: Bus Departs Maamgaduying Park (front of Chambers)

WHEN: Wednesday 14th July from 9.00am – 1.00pm

COST: FREE – Morning Tea & Lunch Provided

BRING: Closed Footwear, Water Bottle and Hat

NOTE: RSVP Essential by 12th July on 02 6655 7349

This article can be found on the web at:

http://bellingen.local-e.nsw.gov.au/events/pages/9403.html

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/environment/8210/9356.html

In this edition:

Overview

Climate Change and Energy

· Lighting retrofit for Council Chambers undertaken.

· 20% reduction in electricity used in reticulating water in the last 5 years.

Sustainability

· Format C Computer recyclers come to Bellingen.

· Our Living Coast energy efficiency presentation and call for convenors for Energymark program.

Coastal & Estuary

· Erosion Survey.

· Coastal Zone Management Plan.

Healthy Rivers

· Estuary action planning underway.

· Catchment Crawl – Wednesday 15th July.

· Healthy Rivers Plans final drafts available.

Vegetation & Biodiversity

· Mahonia—Search & Destroy.

Environmental Levy

· Community Grants Scheme Funding applications being accepted.

· 2010—2011 Projects Announced.

Overview & Welcome

Welcome to the first newsletter for the Sustainability and Natural Resources section of Bellingen Shire Council. This newsletter highlights a number of initiatives and pro grams that staff have been working on and are planning to work on over the coming month. Staff have also been updating the Environment section of Council’s website and will continue to put important resources and information on the site into the future.

We hope you enjoy the first edition!  http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/environment/8210/9356.html

Dear all

Please find below a link to a tender invitation (Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program – Appointment to Panel of Energy Assessors) seeking a new panel of Energy Assessors for the Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program (EESBP).

https://tenders.nsw.gov.au/deccw/?event=public.rft.show&RFTUUID=42F7F3C4-EB6F-EF2E-EA73B00BFE42BD70

This link contains a Contractor’s Brief and Contract for Professional Services (i.e. Contract Terms & Conditions) for the tender. If you know of any potential energy assessors or service providers who may be interested in this invitation please feel free to pass it on.

The EESBP is a Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water service that provides independent advice and financial support to small and medium sized businesses to help them prepare for the likely increase in costs of electricity, understand sustainability and strengthen their environmental performance.

For further information visit: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/sustainbus/smallbusenergy.htm

Note that those wishing to lodge a response and apply to the Energy Assessor Panel Tender, will need to register to the eTender website and attend a Briefing Session on the morning of Friday 2 July 2010 (Sydney CBD venue and session details to be confirmed).

Please contact Moreena Parkin on 8837 6336 or Moreena.Parkin@environment.nsw.gov.au to express your interest in attending the Briefing Session and to notify her if you can attend in person or via webinar/teleconference.

Regards

Jeremy

Jeremy Mah

Project Officer (Sustainability Programs Division)

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water

Post: PO Box 644, Parramatta NSW 2124

Street: Level 2, 1 Fitzwilliam St, Parramatta NSW 2150

Ph: 8837 6338| Fax: 8837 6099

jeremy.mah@environment.nsw.gov.au

Dear Friends

Here is your chance to join the OzGREEN crew as a member of staff. We are gearing up to deliver some exciting projects over the next 6 months and need to take on 3 new members of staff – all to be based in the Bellingen Office:

Trainee Office Assistant (contact Rowan – rlennox@ozgreen.org.au)

Sustainability Education Project Coordinators x 2 (contact Sue – slennox@ozgreen.org.au)

As the work is youth focused we are very interested in getting appropriately qualified /experienced young people on board.

Interested? Have a look at the job description attached.  Sustainability Education Project Coordinator

Send you application via email – applications close 30 June 2010.

Cheers, Sue

Sue Lennox

Co-Founder/CEO, OzGREEN

www.ozgreen.org

Sustainable Living, Learning and Leadership

OzGREEN Bellingen Office

PO Box 301 Bellingen NSW 2454 Australia

Phone +612 6655 2180

OzGREEN Sydney Office

PO Box 205 Brookvale NSW 2100 Australia

Phone +612 9938 5544  Fax: +612 9938 5588

Winners 2007 Eureka Prize NSW DECC Alan Strom for Environmental Sustainability Education

Top 100 Most Influential People in Sydney, the sydney magazine, December 2007