Public Meeting - Sat 2 Feb - Pioneer Hall, Mullumbimby

Introduction by Deborah Lilly,
Wecome to Country by Athol Compton, Minjungbal Elder, Bundjalung Nation
Chairperson: Anthea Amore
Speakers: Chris Abraham – update on DA and planning status
Katrina Shields – the Maleny experience & local issues
Helena Norberg-Hodge – the big picture: global & local

Some of the comments from the audience were as follows:

- What can be done legally to stop Woolworths coming to Mullumbimby?
- Have we been hoodwinked?
- In UK and Italy there is a “Transition Towns” movement – maybe we could do that here?
- With globalization and peak oil, we need to apply pressure asking for what we want, or don’t want: write letters to Frank Sartor, NSW Minister for Planning and Maurice Iemma, Premier of NSW (send copy to co-ordinator of Mullumbimby Community Action Group: email Deb Lilly) - ask why our council's decision to reject this DA was ignored - ask Sartor whether a SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT was made
- Demand review of the situation
- We want input into the design of Woolworths building (if it gets built)
- There is land to the south of the Woolworth’s proposed site which is for auction on 22 February (the Telstra site): we need to save that land for cultural ownership and establish viable alternative to Woolworths – perhaps community gardens, farmers market or retail outlet for local products
- The Farmers Market in New Brighton is functioning and needs support
- Frank Sartor has a soft spot for Mullumbimby – the spirit of Byron resides here ... complain noisily to him
– do not cause division in this community, we need open dialogue and understanding on all sides
- education in sustainability and building local economy is important
- Office of Environmental Defenders in Lismore may help our campaign
- Crisis can be catalyst for change - what changes do you want in this community? what is stopping you from social action? This gathering of community-carers is your vehicle to make your voice heard. We want to hear from YOU!

The meeting then formed Sub-groups as follows:

Education/Media – contact John Dolman 66843773 email John Dolman
Legal Issues – contact: Chris Abraham 66844996 email Chris Abraham
(Meet Monday 11 Feburay at 10 am at Poinciana Café)
Boycott – contact: Garry Scott 66843468 email Garry Scott
Letterwriting – contact: Deborah Lilly 66843723 email Deb Lilly
(meet on Thursday 14 Feb, Left Bank Road)
Purchase of Telstra Site: Contact: Duncan Dey 66845440 email Duncan Dey
(Meet at Middle Pub Wed 6 Feb 7 pm)

Please contact the above if you are interested in joining a group.