[420 Girl]

CALL it the cone wars: Nimbin's laid-back locals have fired up over a push to give Australia's pot-smoking capital a makeover.

Local councillors have proposed erecting billboards proclaiming Nimbin as a drug-free community, causing a sharp intake of breath among marijuana fans.

They say it would ruin the town's international reputation as a drug haven, celebrated yearly with its Mardi Grass festival.

But that, in turn, irritates Lismore councillor Neil Marks.

"It's a great shame Nimbin is known for drugs," he said.

"Everyone knows Nimbin as where you go to get your drugs."

He wants anti-drug signs in Nimbin, reading: "Lismore City Council supports a drug-free Nimbin, your support would be appreciated."

He added: "My sign idea was targeted at backpackers and party-goers who think they can come here for drugs - I thought it was an opportunity for the council to take a stand. It's not allowed and we need to tell people it's not allowed."

But the council vetoed the plan, by 6-4, and last week residents told him to leave them alone.

Nimbin locals Wally Whatt and friend Dave, who did not want to give his surname, said the village was fine as it was.

"Nimbin is a really peaceful place just

the way it is," Mr Whatt said. Dave added: "It wouldn't work, anyway - nobody notices billboards."

The Sunday Telegraph found last week that Nimbin remained proud of its drug culture.

Dealers sold openly on the street, offering passers-by a "stick for $20", while an approaching police car drew the warning cry of "taxi".

Loud music from the Daisy cafe flooded the colourful street as friends shared a smoke.

Confessed hippie Michael Balderstone, tagged as town spokesperson, said "weed" was a cornerstone of hippie thinking, as well as the local economy.

A resident for 24 years, he voluntarily runs the Hemp Embassy and the Nimbin Museum.

"The town has achieved a cult status that's brought an ever-increasing number of tourists," he said.

"Busloads come through from Byron Bay and the Gold Coast daily ... and half are here to buy weed."

Mr Balderstone said Mr Marks was naive to think a billboard could change Nimbin.

"The only use those billboards would have is to be grafittied and souvenired quickly," he said.


http://www.420magazine.com/forums/in...-up-smoke.html