We are currently at Ballina and so we visited the Sunday markets at Lennox Heads. And great markets they are too ,,, but we won't be returning due to the over zealousness of the local parking terrorists.
As we entered the villiage it seemed that they had a relaxed approach to parking near the markets. No extra or regulated parking had been provided which was a pitty.
Many cars were parked with at least two wheels on the footpath area and right up to house driveways. In one street near the markets, cars were parallel parked on the LHS but angle parked on a grass verge on the RHS. On the opposite angle to the normal angle parking where marked bays are provided. No sinage or markings in this area or the general roadsides.
In a small grassed parking area there was a marked entry complete with directional arrow. Unftunately there was no easily discernable exit. As a result cars were exiting against the arrow.
There was a sign (without an authorising annotation) that said "No dogs at Lennox Head Markets", but there were many dogs on leads wandering round the markets. Food handling left a lot to be desired with for example, a Pizza stall where the finished product was placed uncovered on a floured board that also served as the customer serving counter. Staff were preparing product as well as taking money without any gloves or attempt at hygene.
All this gave the impression of a relaxed approach to regulation or enforcement of the various regulations.
How wrong was I.
I parked in a designated parking area with a few marked bays, but no easily seen notice about parking in bays. I manovered into an unmarked spot in front of others already there. We were not blocking the flow of traffic with ample room for heavy service type vehicles to pass.
When I returned I found a ticket for $99 for not parking in marked bays. But there were at least 4 other NSW registered cars in similar positions, and that were there when I parked, with no parking tickets. I wonder if my Queensland number plates was a factor?
Oh well looks like I throw myself at the mercy of the local council. But Lennox Heads is definately off my visit list.
I hope you took a photo of the said NSW cars parked next to you. If you did you could go to the local Council Office armed with the pics and ask to speak to the appropriate manager.
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The regulations re food handling are so rigid, I can't believe they get away it. Gloves, a sink, water, overhead cover, matting, just to sell a sausage sandwich to raise funds for the RFS. Lots of inspectors at markets too, maybe not so in that shire.
-- Edited by jetj on Tuesday 11th of December 2012 11:14:51 AM
Thats disgraceful Cupie! I would definitely have photographed the other cars as well as your own, and find the signage and photograph how obscured it was. Then a letter to the council or whoever is responsible for parking fines. My father did that years ago, and was rewarded with the council returning his cheque!
So many of those beachside towns are a pain for parking, and don't seem to be very welcoming.
As for the food, we had a similar experience at the Dandenong Markets. We were looking for some lunch and bil said he'd have liked a Kransky sausage off this stall, but he said he'd seen the bloke in the loo and he hadn't washed his hands afterwards, so no way was he going to be eating those Kranskys! And neither he or his assistant wore gloves.
Typical of Byron Shire they just dont want tourists,especially the ones from the north.
Lennox Head is part of the Ballina shire they tell me, not Byron Bay - so that's out.
Just because the OP sees someone else doing something wrong doesn't make it legitimate for him to follow suit, nor does it provide for legal defence.
Perhaps the other cars that were not booked were parked after the local law enforcement passed by. Perhaps others were fined but left prior to the OP seeing their vehicles with fines on the windscreen.
Perhaps the OP needs to suck it up, pay his/her fine and think before they park illegally next time. These forums are a great place to obtain information but also an easy place to have a winge, even when the winger is the one at fault. Seriously, try living in one of these towns where tourists blow thru and park here and there, where ever they like and then when they get caught they busily look around to see if anyone else is doing something wrong then have a whinge about it.
No gloves on the hands of the food vendors....gimme a break.
the only onbe being over zealous here cupie is you old friend.....bit over zealous on the keyboard. You did the wrong thing, you need to cop it sweet. by the sounds of it that lennox market, just like the byron one, it needs more law enforcement not less.
-- Edited by jack biggles on Tuesday 11th of December 2012 01:39:14 PM
The regulations re food handling are so rigid, I can't believe they get away it. Gloves, a sink, water, overhead cover, matting, just to sell a sausage sandwich to raise funds for the RFS. Lots of inspectors at markets too, maybe not so in that shire.
I often wonder at the use of those gloves, especially as most I see using them also use them to handle money from the public, that cant' be too hygienic
I have a feeling that Health and Safety rules now say they have to wash their hands with something instead of using gloves - for some of the reasons above.
Typical of Byron Shire they just dont want tourists,especially the ones from the north.
Lennox Head is part of the Ballina shire they tell me, not Byron Bay - so that's out. Just because the OP sees someone else doing something wrong doesn't make it legitimate for him to follow suit, nor does it provide for legal defence. Perhaps the other cars that were not booked were parked after the local law enforcement passed by. Perhaps others were fined but left prior to the OP seeing their vehicles with fines on the windscreen. Perhaps the OP needs to suck it up, pay his/her fine and think before they park illegally next time. These forums are a great place to obtain information but also an easy place to have a winge, even when the winger is the one at fault. Seriously, try living in one of these towns where tourists blow thru and park here and there, where ever they like and then when they get caught they busily look around to see if anyone else is doing something wrong then have a whinge about it. No gloves on the hands of the food vendors....gimme a break. the only onbe being over zealous here cupie is you old friend.....bit over zealous on the keyboard. You did the wrong thing, you need to cop it sweet. by the sounds of it that lennox market, just like the byron one, it needs more law enforcement not less.
-- Edited by jack biggles on Tuesday 11th of December 2012 01:39:14 PM
I wondered how long it would be before I got a response of this sort.
Maybe I should have ended my post with the comment that I had indeed "coped it sweet' and was "over zealous on the keyboard" by first paying the fine on line. Marvelous how efficent they are in gathering in revenue these days.
My general comment stands, in that in my experience, the Ballina Shire are very selective in enforcing the relevant by-laws et. al., as they support things like local markets to draw tourists to their area, them pounce on the cash cows.
If "those living in one of these towns", presumably making a few bucks from the "tourist blow through(s)" that they attract, find the inconvience too great then perhaps having markets is not for them.
In my view it is appropriate to alert other GNs to issues of this nature that they are likely to encounter on their travels. Call it 'winging' if you wish.
ps. I assume that 'OP' is psuedo legal talk for Offending Party?
Geez , how many fish'nchips shops wear gloves etc, and what about the sausage sizzlers at Bunnings etc. C'mon are we aussies or pussies?? As for beautiful liittle villages like Lennox that are invaded on holidays and wekends by blow ins, spare a thought for the locals, that we impose ourselves on ' one has to see their point of view. As for parking infringement , cop it sweet mate , they don't put stickers on your window unless you shouldn't have neen there !
PS I am from Qld and have spent many happy times at Lennox
-- Edited by woody on Wednesday 12th of December 2012 09:32:19 PM
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Geez , how many fish'nchips shops wear gloves etc, and what about the sausage sizzlers at Bunnings etc. C'mon are we aussies or pussies?? As for beautiful liittle villages like Lennox that are invaded on holidays and wekends by blow ins, spare a thought for the locals, that we impose ourselves on ' one has to see their point of view. As for parking infringement , cop it sweet mate , they don't put stickers on your window unless you shouldn't have neen there !
PS I am from Qld and have spent many happy times at Lennox
-- Edited by woody on Wednesday 12th of December 2012 09:32:19 PM
Hi Woody ..
It might be of interest for you to check out Bunnings' requirements for sausage sizzle operators at their stores. It's not just about wearing gloves. I for one believe that food preparation & handling standards are important.
The so called "Invasion" in this case was generated by THEIR well advertised markets .. inviting the so called "Blow ins" to their "beautiful little villiage".
I "copped it sweet" mate & paid the fine the next night!
I assume that your "happy times at Lennox" were not as a weekend or in holidays "blow in".
I think the operators of commercial busineses that are the hub of the ecomonical heart and employment (even perhaps the survival) of the villiage might have a differing view of the value of the "bvow ins".
Geez , how many fish'nchips shops wear gloves etc, and what about the sausage sizzlers at Bunnings etc. C'mon are we aussies or pussies?? As for beautiful liittle villages like Lennox that are invaded on holidays and wekends by blow ins, spare a thought for the locals, that we impose ourselves on ' one has to see their point of view. As for parking infringement , cop it sweet mate , they don't put stickers on your window unless you shouldn't have neen there !
PS I am from Qld and have spent many happy times at Lennox
-- Edited by woody on Wednesday 12th of December 2012 09:32:19 PM
With my health problems, I have to try and avoid colds, flues etc at all costs because a small problem can esculate into a painfully big health issue so, I for one am very appreciative of the health regulations imposed on food vendors.
Like with smokers, a little bit of thought and consideration for others goes a long way.
Cheers
-- Edited by Hylda&Jon on Thursday 13th of December 2012 08:00:41 AM
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Home is where we hang our hats - Home now in Yamba NSW
I have marked the town with a red circle. This is how I know where we are not welcome and a quick look at the camps book show me where not to go.
Also have a file in GPS that displays an image and a warning when entering a town that I have marked so I continue through.
I try and plan to purchase food and fuel in friendly towns and steer clear of unfriendly towns as I would hate to be a blow in and spend money where it is not required or welcome.
Regards Brian
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11 Mtr house Boat based at Mannum hoping to travel up the Murray as far as I can get then drift back again
The remark I made earlier ( re food handling) was off the cuff and I apologise if I offended anyone. Ballina Shire Council allows the markets there , so I think that Lennox Head retailers and residents gain very little (if anything) from the twice a month markets. So really any issues should be directed to Ballina Shire Council. The market vendors are nearly all proffessional market people who "do" all the markets around the noth coast, and if their food handling methods do not meet standards the council should take action. I also have seen people swimming their dogs in the lake quite close to signage that said dogs not allowed in lake !! I have seen people freecamping at the lake within 50 m of the caravan park,and across the road at the beach, then hang around waiting till someone who is staying at the park with a key enters the ameneties so they can get a free shower. So the Council may need a rocket. I don't live at Lennox but won't avoid going back there either, because I think it is one of the most beautiful spots on the planet.
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the pessimist says why is it so windy, the optimist says maybe the wind will drop, the realist adjusts his sails
I too reckon that Lennox is a great spot and that their market set under mostly shade beside the lake is one of the best. Don't take it off your to visit list, Just be very careful where you park.
I love the north coast areas too, especially around Brunswick. I'm not sure of the council areas, but they are all stunning places. Most of the NSW coast is quite lovely from what I've seen. I can't compare other states because I haven't seen much of them.
Hello beiffe,
Was just wondering if you worked for a govt agency? Talk about a knee jerk reaction, big red circle around Lennox head just because one person who admits he was illegally parked got a fine
Don't take this the wrong way & I have absolutely no affiliation with byron bay, Lennox town or even belligen for that matter BUT if you're gonna go scratching places of you list so willy nilly, may I suggest you just sell up ur rig and stay at home.
If not, let me help you with a few other circles in your book. I got fined once for speeding in Sydney, so scratch that off. I stubbed my toe in Darwin, so that's best avoided too. Someone swore in the bungle bungles and a bird deafacated on my windscreen in Hobart, so you better avoid them as well.
Over the years (some 70 something of them) that I have had the occassion of traveling thru that area, ive always stopped for a break off the hwy (at least) where cupie was fined I have never had a fine there. Perhaps you need to get a green marker out now and start drawing green circles? Perhaps a little bit of cement powder should be taken with ur next cuppa
Got ur message cupie, good on you mate, glad u can see the error of your ways and pay for ur crime (allbiet a petty one at that)
Biggles I have plenty of spots to camp where I am welcome in fact over 1400 in my file of forum recommended sites and yes I do have them marked in my book but sorry they are in yellow. They are in a file for my gps and when I am near an area they are shown on my gps.
I live full time in my bus and I do voluntary work as I travel so I don't move very far or very fast but I have been on the road for over 4 years and have always made a point of spending my money where I am welcome. Eg they accept travelers.
When camping I usually camp on my own in a secluded spot often given to me by a local person after purchasing my supplies in the local store.
This is a large country and we have the option to travel where andl how we like as long as we don't interfere with any other person and we don't break the law (and get caught (LOL)
Poster should be able to post their thoughts good or bad and then make their decisions from that.
Regards Brian
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11 Mtr house Boat based at Mannum hoping to travel up the Murray as far as I can get then drift back again
Yes I agree beiffe regarding ur last sentiments but to strike a place out because of some Internet posting seems extreme, especially if its an isolated type of thing.
I have a data base in my head & also spend my share of time in remote locations in my l/cruiser & van set up. ( the cruiser is more reliable than my head data base mind u).
Let me tell u this, I've been travlr all my life, 4 crossing of the Simpson, canning, cape, gulf, kimberely & even the Bruce hwy & let me tell u this, the headland @ Lennox head is a fine place to sit, whale watch, eat ur fish n chips and watch dare devils sour high above head in those man made hang gliding machines. I've even dropped in off the pacific hwy to take a quik skinny dip at the coke lake, oddly named lake anusworth (or something like that).
Anyway, guess I'll never see u there, perhaps I won't make it there myself as I'm running out of days to complete my travels
I say nothing negative about making up ur own mind but at least do it for sound reasons AND/OR move over, get out of the way cos ole jacks comin thru....... There's no time for pussy cafe's and perm style haircuts IT'S STILL SUNLIGHT SOAP @ JACKS PLACE !
the only onbe being over zealous here cupie is you old friend.....bit over zealous on the keyboard. You did the wrong thing, you need to cop it sweet. by the sounds of it that lennox market, just like the byron one, it needs more law enforcement not less.
