Fight for Dorrigo: No-Go Zone for Mining!
Residents and ratepayers in the Bellingen Shire, Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour Councils should be worried and informed. Antimony and other metals (many known carcinogens) are being explored for on the Dorrigo Plateau, again. It is time to take a stand for nature, common sense and science by declaring the Dorrigo Plateau and its water catchments a NO-GO ZONE for mining. The concept of regional NO-GO ZONES for mining in areas of significant heritage, biodiversity and high rainfall was recently supported by Dr. Ken Henry, to protect nature so that it can continue to provide the ecosystem services (clean air, water and soil…) that sustain all life.
Several years ago, some clever and diligent scientists from the University of New England, tracked antimony and other heavy metals from the old mine at Hillgrove near Armidale all the way to the coast, near Kempsey. They showed that these metals can bind with soil particles and travel vast distances through the streams and rivers to the sea.
Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour Councils have water supplies downstream from the old mine site on the Plateau. Bellingen Shire Council (BSC)will be a consent authority to decide on any application to resume mining as the mine is in the BSC area. The BSC may face legal liabilities if it approves mining that has a high likelihood of causing serious, permanent, irreversible damage to downstream water supplies and ecosystems.
Several environment laws contain the requirement to apply ESD (Ecologically Sustainable Development) principles such as: The precautionary principle; intergenerational equity; and placing value on and protecting our biodiversity and ecosystems. Councillors and staff have a legal obligation to apply and uphold these principles to the decisions they make (to protect nature). NOW, ON THIS VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE, THESE PRINCIPLES MUST BE APPLIED AND ANY PROPOSED MINING, BE REFUSED.
Historically the original mine site was never adequately remediated, nor was the reprocessing site at Urunga remediated until recently at a significant cost to the NSW Government.
BSC needs to heed the lessons of the past and not allow an environmental disaster to unfold again under its watch.
Yours sincerely,
Jillian Cranny
BSC Councillor 1999-2008
BA UNE 1987 (Human Bioscience and Education
An Unpredictable Future
Have long advocated the dangers being imposed via misinformation on social media supported by modern tech plus the impact on top via AI which is advancing at an unprecedented rate. The scammers are laughing all the way into your personal information and certainly your bank accounts. Many will not be able to to pick the difference between true and false. With cash on the way out, most transactions will be online. The cost and stress to stay in front of the crooks, already a losing battle will be a lost cause.
Filling in yet another document. First question, birth date and sex, easy, male. Further down do you now present as a Mr, Mrs, Miss, or trans, a him or a her. Not sure anymore.
With inflation now supposedly 2 ½ % suddenly a 3 ½ % wage increase across the board. Always support an increase for the bottom rung the lowly paid who do the heavy lifting. But surely these idiots in charge should realise that already Australia has maybe the highest wages in the world and certainly the lowest productivity, and higher wages will just increase the cost of everything and drive even more businesses to the wall, already at the highest level since the depression, plus the Prime Ministers pledge to further increase the service sector ( public) to bring the country fore ward
On the positive, what a beautful part of the world we reside in both scenic and climate wise, and for my generation what a great run through life. But change is happening far to rapidly for old codgers like myself to adapt, every step foreward a road block.
Breaking news, will our current lot follow Britain and legistate to reduce the voting age to 16. With their current majority my guess is they will, and it will cement them in office for decades. With the majority of 16 years old kids still at home and attending school, already brainwashed via their phones and social media, will have limited knowledge of what exists outside in the real world.A changing world.
Darcey Browning
Darkwood
Darkwood Celebrates RFS Heroes
Belated congratulations and much kudos to the many volunteers recognised in the Bellingen Shire earlier this month. Out here in Darkwood we are also raising our cups and saluting several long serving Rural Fire Service members. Neil Ralph (30 years), Russell Thompson (30 years), Lionel Campbell (30 years), Darcey Browning (50 years) and Pauline Browning (50 years).
Lionel, in particular, has set the golden standard for his tireless efforts and guidance with various roles undertaken in the brigade. Many thanks to Keryn and family for their support of Lionel and their contributions to the team.
The Good Lord knows where we’d be without Darcy’s wisdom and Pauline’s unflagging support. Darcy, despite being the hardest working man in the Shire (and word has it further afield), continues to attend nearly all the fires in the valley. Since the golden days of past to the present times, Darcy springs into action, shakes a leg and, whether he lights the fire or not, is usually first on the scene.
Congratulations and thanks to the many RFS members receiving medals.
Saul Thompson
Lions Club of Bellingen Annual Fireworks is on again.
Sat. 9th August ‘25 – from 4.30pm, at Bellingen Showground.
Lions Club of Bellingen will be Roaring with Pride yet again.
Lions fireworks commenced at Bellingen Park, 1989. It was such a blast it has continued ever since.
‘It is a thank you to the community, for their continued support to Bellingen Lions Club for ongoing commitments to our Club fundraising & projects’.
Bellingen Lions have recently supported their local hospital with a major fundraiser supplying essential medical equipment for Bellingen River & District Hospital.
We support the schools with annual donations, Matthew Locke football day.
Youth off the Streets, Children with Cancer; Disaster Relief, Food for the Homeless, Senior Citizen Annual lunch, the Major Christmas Raffle, to mention a few.
Lions Canteen opens 4.30pm- Sausage & Steak sandwiches, chicken burgers & hot chips. Yum.
Glowstick are for sale for kids to spark up the night.
Prizes donated for Lions Monster raffle come from many of our local businesses.
Money raised helps to support this annual event and other community needs.
Entertainment will include 2BBB broadcasting onsite, displays by Rivers Dance studio, and fun activities for all ages.
Bellingen Fire Brigade and SES teams will be on-site for the safety of everyone.
Fireworks commence 6.30pm.
Bring the family and join the Lions Club of Bellingen- celebrating our community.
Bellingen Hospital thank you
Dear Mr Forbes,
On behalf of Bellinger River District Hospital, I wish to extend our profound and heartfelt gratitude for your exceptional generosity and steadfast support.
Through the outstanding fundraising initiative ted by the Lions Club of Bellingen, in collaboration with local service clubs, community groups, businesses, and individuals, a whopping $123,086.72 was raised to support the acquisition of essential medical equipment. This significant contribution has enabled the procurement of an ultrasound machine, an electric wheelchair, five hospital beds, six pressure care mattresses, l4 overbed tables, and seven wheelie walkers with seats with each playing a vital rote in enhancing patient care and clinical efficiency throughout our facility.
This generous donation will have a lasting impact on the quality of care we are able to provide, improving diagnostic capabilities, patient comfort, and overall operational effectiveness. We are deeply appreciative of the Lions Clubs of Bonville, Dorrigo Plateau, and Urunga; the Australian Lions Foundation; Bellinger Health Action Group; Bellingen Showground Trust; the Swiss Patisserie; Bellingen Providore; Bellingen Rotary Club; CEX Coffs Harbour; and Club Urunga for their invaluable contributions.
We also extend our sincere thanks to the many individuals, businesses, and community members who donated funds, purchased raffle tickets, and supported this initiative in countless ways. Your collective efforts exemplify the strength and compassion of our community.
This initiative stands as a testament to the enduring commitment of the Lions Club of Bellingen and its partners to the health and wellbeing of the Bellingen region. lt is both humbling and inspiring to witness such unity and dedication in support of local healthcare services.
With deepest appreciation,
Chantel Baker
Acting Executive Officer & Director of Nursing
Bellinger River District Hospital