August Gathering report

Last night we had a large group (22) of us for the SVN gathering at Elaine Seiler's (ReGenesis) house.

After the usual informal discussion over excellent food provided by the ever-flexible Luscious (Byron Industrial Estate). We gathered to welcome newcomers and hear about people's projects, challenges and interests.

Warwick, who produces the guide to the Byron Arts & Industry Estate was there, and we had some interesting discussions on how to get more information out there about the green businesses in the shire. On a related topic we talked a bit about ways to Green the industrial estate.

Another topic of conversation was the challenge of working with a Green council. Overall we were supportive of how the council has over the years built up ways of turning down unwanted development. But - there was a lot of criticism of the flip side of this, that council is very poor at saying yes to positive projects.

Several examples came up, and the building that Zelfo had been looking at in Mill Street was used as an example. This building is zoned industrial, but on paper its usage is for "Storage". In practice this means it is only available to a speculator or developer to purchase, as anyone buying it to actually use it would get stuck in the expensive council quagmire in order to get a "change of usage" to industrial, or any other likely use. The delay, while paying whatever loans were needed, effectively restrict the ability of local businesses to buy their own properties, which is a pre-requisite to investing in greening the buildings.

Monika Boenigk was with us for the first time and showed us her birthing station, and talked about the challenges of getting it made in fiber glass. There may be some potential to make it fro Zelfo.

Pash and Marty showed us their face mask kit, which they've just launched. Their presentation was impressive in the amount of care taken on even little details, like paper clips made of recycled metal.

Elaine and Ann from ReGenesis showed us the DVD prepared recently for them by Chryss and Michau of Aum, which features footage from Landline and some new footage. We discussed the challenges they have faced, in particular in trying to do a eco-village on land chosen by council for development in the Rural Settlement Strategy. There was some encouragement for people to express their opinions on this to council.

Giovanni announced an event in the evening of the 26th August at the Byron Bay Community & Cultural Center. Entitled "Local Action on Global Warming" it will feature speakers, including Giovanni, on climate change and stalls from SVN participants including Climate Friendly (Joel) and North Coast Biodiesel (Anthony).

Ian from Bioniser also shared with us his ongoing challenges with government regulations on swimming pools essentially written by the chlorine industry, and described how his copper and silver based system reduces the toxicity of swimming pools as compared to Chlorine.

Christina Covington told us about her product Hari Har Chai, and teased us with minimal information about her soon to be launched organic product.

Alice from Rainforest Rescue filled us in on their "Looking after Byron" collaboration, and encouraged businesses to get involved.

Arion told us about his straw bale cabin. He has been getting a good response from his ad in the Echo. At this point his challenge is that the respondents want to see one that is already built.

With only a few early departures we didn't finish till about 11pm, So there was clearly lots of interest.

Zen Player offered his place in Myocum for the next gathering, which will be on September 13th.

Present: 22: (Elaine Seiler (host); Mitra Ardron (organising); Philip Sedgeman; Tim Winton & Nicole Lee; Pash & Marty; Giovanni Ebono; Melissa Hirsch; Monika Boenigk; Brian; Alice; Wadzy; Warwick; Ian Jones; Michau Kamieniak; Urs Furter; Zen Player; Joel Fleming; Christina Covington; Arion Ocean; Ann;

Apologies: Zara; Philip Sedgman; Jannine Barron; Dannielle Leonard; Nikki & Kim; Alf; Rob Rosen; Rachael Nolan; Rob Moussalli; Ken McLeod; Madeleine Faught;

Posted by mitra at July 25, 2006 10:47 PM

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