HARD-DRUG ABUSE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN THE NORTHERN RIVERS AREA

A little over a year ago, I decided to leave the pollution and
congestion of Sydney for the fresh air and clean waters of Byron Bay.
After seven months of country living, I decided to return to Sydney,
and am pleased to be back. Byron is a beautiful place, and leaving
there was an enriching experience.

But Byron, and the Northern Rivers area in general, has its problems.
And one of them is hard-drug abuse. On my second night in Byron, my
vehicle was broken into, a common occurrence in the town. More than
one acquaintance complained of housebreakings, and it is common
knowledge that heroin is both cheap and freely available in the town.
When you get to Nimbin, the situation becomes dramatically worse.
That town is literally saturated with heroin.

I have many pleasant memories of my time in Byron. But hard-drug
abuse is a serious problem in the Northern Rivers area, and one which
detracts from the quality of life there.

SIMON DRAKE
MANLY VALE
JANUARY 10.