REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Friday, July 12, 1985

THE Tweed Shire Council investigated its powers to close Tweed Heads abortion clinics.

Council president Max Boyd was studying a report he requested from the council’s town planning department on the conditions of approval for the clinics.

Mr Boyd called for the report after the NSWRight to Life Association vice-president and Sydney lawyer Greg Smith said the council might have grounds to close the clinics.

Mr Boyd, who the pervious month had spoken at an antiabortion rally at Tweed Heads at which Mr Smith was key speaker, said the border town’s image was being tarnished by the presence of the clinics.

“I don’t think it enhances the image of Tweed Heads at all,” he said. “It’s not something every town in NSW would want to have in its midst. It’s not something that is needed just for the people of Tweed Heads.

“Apparently from the reports that have come through, very large numbers of women are coming to Tweed Heads from Queensland and interstate for abortions.

“It’s not something we want in the community.”

Mr Boyd said he had asked for the town planning report after statements at the rally indicated that the council ‘would be approached to see whether it was administering its responsibilities’ regarding abortion clinics.

He said a petition relating to the clinics was circulating in the community and was expected to be presented to council.

Tweed Shire councillors were reluctant to discuss the issue but were known to be fearful of throwing the council into the abortion fray.