The Centre for Invasive Species Solutions (CISS) has welcomed a new National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordinator – bolstering its capacity to help land managers reduce the negative impacts caused by feral cats and foxes on agricultural production and the environment.Yasmin Aly joins Heidi Kleinert, National Feral Rabbit Management Coordinator and Greg Mifsud, National Wild Dog Management Coordinator, in driving vital national invasive species coordination.In welcoming the appointment, Shauna Chadlowe, CISS Chief Executive, noted the devastating impacts of feral cats and foxes on both Australia’s unique fauna and primary producers.“Feral cats and foxes kill more than 2.6 billion native animals every year and are a leading cause of mammal extinctions in Australia. They roam vast distances and prey on reptiles, birds, frogs and mammals – the scale of the problem is immense.""Cats now inhabit every corner of the continent and are a major threat to Australia’s precious biodiversity. There’s no silver bullet to this problem, which is why a nationally coordinated response is more important and more urgent than ever.”“Meanwhile, primary producers are hit with at least $198 million in fox control costs and livestock losses every year. Foxes kill and maim small livestock, particularly lambs and poultry. Feral cats are also associated with the spread of certain livestock diseases. These impacts aren’t abstract – they affect real farmers, real businesses and real livelihoods. Supporting our farmers with coordinated, practical solutions has never been more important.”“This role will build on the national leadership CISS has provided in feral cat and fox management since 2021 – raising awareness of their far-reaching impacts, sharing research and best practices and supporting land managers in their control efforts.”“National Coordinators are the ‘glue’ in Australia’s invasive species system. They play a crucial role supporting effective, coordinated and humane best-practice management.”Yasmin brings significant project management expertise to the role as well as decades of experience in natural resource management across state government agencies. This includes a focus on managing invasive species such as feral pigs, goats and deer as well as projects preserving habitat for native species, including the Fairy Tern and Southern Brown Bandicoot.As National Coordinator, Yasmin will work alongside a wide range of stakeholders, including government, industry and the broader community to support on-ground control efforts and foster adoption of support tools and trusted resources like PestSmart and FeralScan.“I’m very much looking forward to starting in this role and continuing the leadership CISS has developed in feral cat and fox management. In particular, supporting and delivering actions under the National Threat Abatement Plans for predation by European Red Foxes and feral cats. These plans set out an excellent framework for guiding this work to ensure the long-term survival of our native species and unique habitats impacted by ongoing fox and feral cat predation,” Yasmin said.The role, newly funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), was announced in November. 

Lismore residents and community leaders gathered this morning at the Lismore Peace Pole to reflect, mourn and stand together following the deadly shooting in Bondi on Sunday.The simple ceremony offered a place for people to lay flowers, share silence , pray, and acknowledge grief, while reinforcing a collective commitment to peace and unity.The gathering was convened by Lismore RSL Sub-Branch president Ken Arnett, who explained the idea came together quickly after locals began asking where they could leave flowers.Ken Arnett joined by Grahame Davis who conducted the prayer“People were asking where they could put flowers, and we thought about the cenotaph and the police memorial, but neither felt quite right,” Mr Arnett said. “Then I thought about the Peace Pole. Eighteen months ago, under the guidance of Nerida and Rotary, this was erected here. Where better to come together than a place dedicated to peace.”Summerland Sunrise Rotary Club President Nerida Dufficy spoke about the significance of the Peace Pole itself, which sits atop the food levee in Riverside Park near the Norco Butter Churn. Peace Pole No. 360 carries the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in several languages that reflect Lismore’s history and connections.“The Peace Pole movement began in Japan in 1955, in the aftermath of World War II,” Ms Dufficy said. “Today, there are peace poles in more than 180 countries. Rotary places them in schools and public places so people can come quietly, reflect, pray, and be reminded of our shared desire for peace in the world.”She said today’s gathering was about standing with those affected by violence and offering love and support in the face of tragedy.Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg spoke more broadly about violence carried out in the name of religion.“Far too many lives across the world have been lost in the name of God, and that is not what God would want,” he said. “Sadly, that has been our reality for a very long time.”He also took time to acknowledge the role of police and emergency services, noting the risks they face daily.“Every Australian deserves the right to go home to their family at the end of the day,” he said. “That right was taken from innocent people on Sunday, but our police face that danger every single day, and they deserve our respect and gratitude.”Local MP Janelle Saffin said the ceremony was an important outward expression of support at a time when many in the community are hurting.“It’s important that we come together as a community to wrap our arms around those who are affected,” Ms Saffin said. “Outward signs of support matter right now. People need to see and feel that they are not alone.”She said the impact of the Bondi attack was being felt far beyond Sydney and that communities like Lismore had a role to play in responding with unity rather than division.“Our response must be to come together, not to fracture further,” she said. “That’s how we make sure that hatred does not take hold, and that events like this are met with compassion, solidarity and resolve.”As flowers were laid at the base of the Peace Pole, the mood remained quiet and reflective. In a city shaped by our resilience, the ceremony at the Lismore Peace Pole served as a reminder that even in moments of profound grief, people can come together in hope, care and a shared call for peace to prevail.

The NSW Government is backing the growth of rugby union across regional NSW and Western Sydney, with communities set to benefit from a major boost to the sport through the $4.8-million NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Program, now officially open. Lismore MP Janelle Saffin says the Program is part of the state government's $10-million investment in rugby because of NSW hosting games at the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.Ms Saffin is encouraging rugby clubs and local councils in the Lismore Electorate to apply for grants under the Program to improve rugby facilities and infrastructure, improve player pathways and increase participation.During the first round of the NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Program, $2.15 million is available with grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000.The Program has a focus on developing the game in regional NSW and Western Sydney with projects that target women and girls, and people from diverse communities as a priority.The NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Program will be delivered by the NSW Government in collaboration with NSW Rugby Union, ACT & Southern NSW Rugby Union and Rugby Australia.Applications close Monday, 16 February 2026. Visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/nsw-rugby-world-cup-legacy-grant-program for further information and to apply.Ms Saffin, who is also NSW Minister for the North Coast, said: “The Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for local rugby fans to witness the world’s best players on home soil.“It’s also a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow and develop the game in the Lismore Electorate,” Ms Saffin said.“I urge local clubs and councils to take the opportunity to apply for grants to improve rugby facilities, infrastructure and player pathways, plus increase participation to support the next generation of Wallabies and Waratahs.”  Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said: “Ensuring the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 leaves a legacy at all levels of the sport is a priority of the NSW Government.“We want to ensure that people in all parts of the State, in particular Western Sydney and regional NSW, benefit from NSW hosting games at the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.Rugby NSW CEO Peter Murphy said: “This announcement represents a significant and long-term investment in the future of rugby in New South Wales and the communities that make our game what it is.”“The NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Program will strengthen the foundations of our sport -- improving facilities, expanding pathways for young players, accelerating the growth of the women’s game, and ensuring rugby is accessible and welcoming to everyone.”

Like most of Australia, Colin Cussell and his family were horrified when they heard about the Bondi shootings on Sunday evening, and they are still in shock. The Cussells are part of Lismore's Jewish community."Upset and scared, particularly my wife and daughter, who woke up crying yesterday morning," Colin told the Lismore App."I've been very angry. That's what motivated me to put that poster up there."Colin is referring to two A4-sized posters that he stuck on the Tinnie Army Mural in Larkin Lane, which said "Pro-Palestinian People: Stop Your Graffiti In This Town! You're Aligned With The Bondi Shooters!"It is not well known, but pro-Palestinian messages have been added to the Tinnie Army Mural in Larkin Lane on the side of the Hotel Metropole. Politicising a mural that celebrates Lismore's heroic rescuers following the February 28 2022, 14.4 metre flood (Free Palestine messaging added to Tinnie Army mural sparks debate).This story is not to take sides in the two-year Israel/Palestine conflict, where both sides suffered the loss of many lives. It is not to divide our community. Quite the opposite, it is to highlight the pain and suffering of a community that occurred on Australian soil, far from Gaza.Lismore has a small Jewish community, "Only a few families", says Colin Cussell. The majority of the approximately 2,000 Northern Rivers Jewish population live in Byron Bay, where there is a lot more sectarian division.However, the impact of the Bondi shootings had a direct impact in the Northern Rivers."In Brunswick Heads last night, we were having a similar celebration to what was on in Sydney, and I've heard the news came through by text at the same time. People were all on their phones and worried, and knew people who were locked down and things like that. The whole thing just finished early, and people went home."For my wife. She has a work colleague whose father was killed. My wife works through the University of Sydney in UCRH opposite the hospital, and she has another University of Sydney colleague in Sydney whose father was killed, so there's a direct connection there."Colin feels safe in Lismore, but says the level of graffiti in Byron Bay is more "in your face"."And it's targeting certain businesses. I guess, if I owned those businesses, I'd feel very upset."Multiculturalism has played a large part in Australia's history and will continue to do so in the future. Antisemitism should never play a role in our culture and needs to be strongly discouraged at every opportunity.The NSW Government lit the Sydney Opera House with candles on the Menorah last night, marking the second day of Chanuka.Premier Chris Minns said, "Lighting the Opera House is a simple but powerful gesture: a message to the world that we cherish our Jewish community, that we honour their courage, and that we stand with them in solidarity and love."Tonight, those candles are a symbol of resilience and a reminder that even in darkness, we choose to stand with one another."

Farm businesses are showing cautious signs of recovery while continuing to grapple with climate and cost pressures, according to the biannual NSW Farmers Business Sentiment Survey. NSW Farmers Principal Economist Samuel Miller said the new results highlighted where confidence was returning and where risks were intensifying across the state. “We’re seeing the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful in this data,” Mr Miller said. “Farmers surprised themselves with 23 per cent saying they had a year of positive growth, compared to only 2 per cent who were expecting things to get better in May. “But dry conditions are starting to weigh on more parts of the state, with 17 per cent (up from 5 per cent in May) of all farmers worried about water allocations. It’s worse in the Murray and Riverina areas, with 48 per cent worried about water (up from 15 per cent in May).” Despite the weather extremes, Mr Miller said overall improved conditions were giving farmers the green light to start investing again, with 40 per cent saying their capital expenditure would increase in the next 12 months, doubling from 19 per cent in May. “We asked a special question about the Primary Producer Exemption to Land Tax, which lets us take the pulse on timely issues without impacting our longitudinal results,” he said. “About 12 per cent of farmers indicated that they have avoided expanding or diversifying their businesses due to the risk of losing this tax exemption, which really drives homes the importance of governments letting farm businesses invest in value-adding to get ahead of seasonal and geopolitical challenges. “The good news is our advocacy team is already at work on this policy priority.” 

Free Palestine messaging has been added to Lismore’s Tinnie Army Commemorative Mural, prompting debate over whether political statements belong on a site created to honour the volunteer rescuers who saved lives during the 2022 natural disaster.The mural was created to recognise the extraordinary efforts of our Tinnie Army - everyday locals who launched their boats into floodwaters to rescue neighbours, strangers and families during the most devastating event in our history. For many, it represents courage, selflessness and community at its best.While the artwork has always encouraged community interaction, including messages of thanks and appreciation for the Tinnie Army, the addition of political statements has raised questions about whether the site remains true to its original purpose. The graffiti now shows pro-Palestine slogans such as “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”.Signs have now appeared beside the graffiti urging those responsible to stop. One sign reads: “Pro-Palestine people: stop your graffiti in this town! You’re aligned with the Bondi shooters!” - highlighting the intensity of feeling the additions have sparked within the community.(Printed signs have been placed near each of the pro-Palestine messaging)State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the mural was not an appropriate place for political commentary, particularly given recent events in Sydney.“No statement on our Tinnie Army Mural is ever appropriate, and least of all today on this matter,” Ms Saffin said. “Where is their thinking gone ever alone heart? Today is a day for compassion and care.“To our local Jewish community, we are with you in solidarity and support and as our Premier said, we want and will wrap that around you. We want you to be safe and will work here to ensure you are.Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan also condemned the graffiti, saying the language used was deeply offensive to many.“From the river to the sea, when a lot of people say that, they’re calling for the extinction of Israel,” Mr Hogan said. “If they think that’s okay to put on such an important mural in our town, calling for the extinction of a country and of people is completely outrageous.”Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said while freedom of expression is a core value, the way it is expressed matters.“The freedom to protest and the ability to voice one’s opinion in safety is one of the great strengths of our country and our society as a whole,” he said. “But when it comes to desecrating other people’s property, that is not okay.“Vandalism in any form is not okay. It’s totally disrespectful for the men and women that risked their lives in the darkest hours of the city to try and make a political statement, which holds no relevance to that particular mural.”A member of the Back Alley Gallery, speaking anonymously, said the mural was always intended to be an evolving piece of community art.“We’ve always been open for people to continue adding to it,” the gallery member said. “A large part of it was that we wanted the community to continue adding their own stories and their own opinions about the flood, and feeling really connected to that mural.“We’re all for people having freedom of speech and being able to share their opinions. That said, the intention was always for people to write messages of thanks and memories about the Tinnie Army.”Placed prominently in the heart of the CBD, the Tinniw Army mural was created as a space for gratitude, remembrance, and shared healing after the floods.While it was always intended to evolve through community contributions, the recent additions have sparked an important question: whether a site dedicated to honouring local heroes is an appropriate place for global political messaging.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is urging local faith-based organisations to apply for the final round of the NSW Government’s Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants program, which offers funding to enhance safety and security for religious communities.  “This is an opportunity for our local faith leaders and organisations to strengthen security and resilience,” Ms Saffin said.  “The Minns Labor Government is committed to safeguarding our religious communities and protecting every person’s right to practise their faith.  This is the last round of funding in this important program, so I encourage any local faith communities to get their application in.”  The program provides $5 million statewide in this third and final round, bringing the total investment to $15 million.   Grants can be used for measures such as: Upgrading security and surveillance systems (e.g., CCTV, secure fencing) Developing risk management plans Training staff and religious leaders to improve preparedness Building resilience within faith groups  Funding is available for non-profit organisations to improve safety at places of worship, religious schools, community centres, and other sites of religious significance.  Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said, “Everyone deserves the right to come together to practise their faith. No one in NSW should ever feel unsafe when attending their place of worship or engaging with their religion – a central part of so many people’s lives.”  Applications are open until 4pm, Friday, 30 January 2026, through Multicultural NSW.  For details and to apply, visit: https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/safe-places-for-faith-communities-program/. 

Work is officially underway on the transformation of one of the CBD’s best-known venues, with construction starting on the newly renamed Hotel Lismore, formerly Mary G’s.The venue is owned by the Waratah Hotel Group, and has now moved into the build phase after securing council approval, a milestone Manager Cath Simes says has been a long time coming.“It’s finally going ahead, and the DA is all approved,” Cath said. “My builder, Mick Mackney, is in full swing. The big screen’s the only thing left there for now, the bar’s been taken out, all the toilets are out - everything’s being redone.”Most of the major work is happening at the back of the building in the old nightclub space known as The One, which will soon look very different. The once-dark club is being reimagined as a light, open beer garden and dining area.(This is the area where the bar once stood.)“The grand plan is for a beer garden and dining area,” Cath explained. “I still want to have Sunday sessions and maybe DJs, but because it’ll close earlier, it’s not a late-night venue. We just have to see how the design works with noise.”While the space will be open and inviting, the ceiling is staying put, a practical choice every Lismore local understands.“It rains in Lismore,” Cath laughed. “Keeping the ceiling makes it easier. There’ll be a bar, small dining, you can get food up there, a small selection.”The renovation will unfold in stages, with this stage expected to take around six months. Stage three will follow, but is still subject to DA approval.“The toilet configuration completely changes,” Cath said. “There’ll be a kids’ area right up the back where the stage used to be. There’ll be air conditioning and glass doors. We were going to keep some of the brickwork open, but it gets pretty hot, so now it’ll be a separate area where parents can watch their kids and relax.”The bar will also shift to create clearer flow. “We want it so when people walk in, they can see upstairs,” Cath said. “Not just, ‘Where’s upstairs? What are you talking about?’”(Looking towards the toilet area, the new playground will be in the left of this image.)Stage three takes the transformation even higher - literally. The plan includes moving gaming upstairs, adding a bar, pool tables, and, importantly, creating flood-resilient storage and operations space.“We needed higher,” Cath said. “We can’t get all our belongings off the premises like some other places can during a flood. It’s too much. So having an area left for flood is really important.”A new lift on Keen Street will eventually link the street directly to the new beer garden, part of an effort to make the venue more accessible and visually open.“It’ll be like two separate buildings in a way,” Cath said. “Stairs going up in the middle, more open, we're still working out gates and things like that.”For a venue that has been largely unchanged since the 2022 flood, the pace of progress is energising.“Mick’s got so much done in the last few weeks, I can’t believe it,” Cath said. “We’re hoping plumbers go in soon, then tilers, then a bar. It’s exciting.”The rebuild reflects the broader story of renewal across Lismore, familiar venues changing shape, finding new purpose and responding to a community that’s rebuilding its rhythm.

Bullying incidents will be triaged, recorded and responded to with urgency and care, under the NSW Anti-Bullying Framework released by the NSW Government.All 3,120 government, Catholic and independent schools have committed to implementing anti-bullying policies consistent with the NSW Anti-Bullying Framework – the first sector-wide approach to tackling bullying in the country.For the first time, schools will only be registered if they have policies that clearly set out how they prevent bullying, how they support affected students in a timely way, typically within two school days, and how they record actions taken. Schools must also introduce a triage process, so urgent cases are addressed immediately, with student safety coming first.Schools will begin implementing the framework next year, and the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) will conduct spot checks from Term 1, 2027, to ensure all schools are meeting the requirements.The new approach follows a directive in late 2024 from Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car, asking NESA to work with the NSW Department of Education, Catholic Schools NSW and Independent Schools NSW to develop an evidence-based, best-practice model. The work was guided by leading behaviour expert Professor Donna Cross OAM and shaped through extensive consultation – including input from more than 370 individuals, over 40 groups of parents, students, teachers and school leaders, and advice from 20 international experts across 10 countries.The Framework aligns with recommendations from the Australian Government’s Rapid Review, ensuring NSW schools meet both state and national expectations. It means all NSW schools will have anti-bullying policies built on the same four mandatory criteria: prevention, response, implementation and community partnerships.To support the rollout, NSW government, Catholic and independent school sectors have committed to sharing resources, materials and professional learning to help teachers and principals implement this nation-leading approach.From Monday, the Anti-bullying Framework and supporting resources, including practice examples and recommended actions, will be made available at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/school-regulation/nsw-anti-bullying-framework.Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said, "Our government is committed to addressing the scourge of bullying and will continue to work with all schools to stamp it out.“Deputy Premier Prue Car established a process, so bullying is addressed for all students, no matter which school they attend.“Under our approach, for the first time, every NSW school will follow a common, evidence-based approach to preventing and responding to bullying.“Thanks to the work of Professor Donna Cross and our partners in the Catholic and Independent school sectors, along with the Commonwealth Government, we now have a framework built on extensive local and international expertise.“This means schools can identify the strategies that work best for their students, backed by high-quality research and evidence, and put them into practice where they’ll make the most difference.”Emeritus Professor Donna Cross OAM said, “There is strong evidence, both locally, nationally and internationally, that shows some approaches to reducing bullying are more helpful than others.“In meeting with teachers, principals, students and families, it’s clear that schools in NSW have been working hard to reduce bullying in their communities.“This Framework is designed to support schools with high-quality evidence to identify where they should focus their efforts and resources to reduce bullying behaviour, and to stop doing what the research tells us is ineffective.”

White spot is a highly contagious viral disease that quickly kills prawns and other farmed crustaceans. Wild crustaceans can carry white spot but are rarely affected, and it does not harm humans. NSW DPI says prawns are safe to eat.With white spot now considered established within the existing areas of detection in NSW, based on available evidence and technical advice, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has merged two existing control zones into a single zone, Biosecurity (white spot disease) Control Order 2025. Zoning is needed to ensure containment measures are in accordance with national and World Organisation for Animal Health requirements. Apart from merging the southern boundary of the Evans and Richmond Rivers Zone and the northern boundary of the Clarence River Control Zone with the middle oceanic area, all other existing boundaries will remain unchanged. This zoning ensures areas outside the control zone can maintain white spot-free status for national and international market access, and to maintain Australian border risk mitigation for white spot in imported prawns. The current control order expired on 9 December 2025, and this new control order immediately replaced it. The requirement to cook prawns will continue to apply to prawns caught or harvested in the control zone area, if they are being moved outside the control zone. DPIRD will consider permit applications to move green (uncooked) prawn product to a suitable land-based facility, provided appropriate biosecurity requirements are met. In November 2025, the NSW Government continued its support for the recovery of commercial fishers and prawn farms affected by white spot with a $1.34 million payment, part of the $6.67 million that has been invested in support for affected fishers to date. DPIRD has met with and consulted fishers, including fishing businesses, in discussions about the changes to the control order since November this year.Last month, DPIRD met with representatives from the Clarence River Estuary Prawn Trawl Committee and affected prawn industry participants to provide an update on the latest technical advice, and the future management arrangements for white spot, which was confirmed with prawn fishing stakeholders via email on 5 December 2025. The Clarence River Estuary Prawn Trawl Committee provided DPIRD with industry-based information about the economic impacts of the control order, and the department is currently reviewing other possible support options. The NSW Government has written to the Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to request support with further assistance measures for affected business owners. In 2023, the NSW Government allocated $21.4 million to deliver a biosecurity response and industry recovery to the white spot detection. The NSW Government is committed to working closely with industry and other agencies at state and national levels, providing appropriate advice and support to affected fishing and farm businesses. Mental health support is available for fishers who have experienced negative impacts from the white spot detection from the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP). To find your local RAMHP coordinator, visit https://www.ramhp.com.au/get-support For financial support, contact the Rural Financial Counselling Service, Northern Region, 1800 344 090 or https://rfcsnr.org.au/.  

Lismore Base Hospital experienced a 5% increase and led the way for an increase in emergency department (ED) visits across the Northern NSW Local Health District, according to the latest Bureau of Health Information (BHI) report.The BHI Healthcare Quarterly Report (July-September 2025) shows 56,905 patients attended an ED at one of NNSWLHD’s eight hospitals during the quarter. Lismore Base Hospital (LBH) saw 10,544 patients attend, an increase of 501, while Tweed experienced a 4.3% increase, or 604 attendees, to 14,742.NNSWLHD Director Clinical Operations, Lynne Weir, praised staff for their ongoing efforts amid a very busy quarter, which saw the highest number of ambulance arrivals on record across the District. “We’re continuing to see very high activity and our staff are doing an exceptional job of working collaboratively to ensure patients get the right care, in the right place, and in a timely fashion,” Ms Weir said.“I want to thank and commend our staff, from clinicians, to administration and support staff, and cleaners and wards people, who work tirelessly to deliver high-quality care to all NNSWLHD patients.”LBH continues to improve its key ED metrics after underperforming for the last few years. This follows changes put in place by CEO Tracey Maisey around September 2024 that looked at the flow system at LBH and the engagement from all teams, such as medical, allied health, admin and management.During July to September 2025, ED treatment started on time for the majority of patients (72.7 per cent) across NNSWLHD, an improvement of 3.1 percentage points compared with the same quarter in 2024, and higher than the NSW result (64.2 per cent). While LBH is still under the NSW result (61.7%), it was a 10.5% increase on the same period in 2024.During the quarter, 10,400 patients arrived by ambulance, an increase of 6.4 per cent or 625 arrivals, compared to the same quarter in 2024. LBH experienced a 6.8% increase to 3,229 patients.Of these arrivals, 80 per cent were transferred from ambulance paramedics to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark, which was above the NSW result (75.7 per cent). Once again, Lismore Base Hospital was below the NSW result at 73.5%, but this is an improvement of 6.9% compared to 2024.NSW Health has worked with the Australian College of Emergency Medicine to introduce new Hospital Access Targets for local health districts and specialty health networks relating to the time from arrival to leaving the emergency department. These new targets are designed to support safe patient care and reflect the complexity of patient needs, and the diverse pathways patients may take once they present to an ED.This is the third Healthcare Quarterly report to reflect the new Hospital Access Targets. Due to the change in reporting, the results for the new Hospital Access Targets cannot be compared to the previous July-September 2024 quarter.From July to September 2025, 80 per cent of ED patients not needing to be admitted or transferred to another hospital were discharged from the ED within four hours, significantly above the state result (63.2 per cent). LBH recorded 66.4%, up on the NSW result.All patients are seen and triaged when they arrive at an ED and, as always, the most seriously unwell patients are treated first. During busy times, people with less urgent conditions may experience longer wait times when large numbers of seriously unwell patients are being prioritised for emergency care.If an illness or injury is not serious or life-threatening, we encourage people to call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222, for 24-hour telephone health advice. A registered nurse will answer your call, ask some questions and connect you with the right care.From July to September 2025, NNSWLHD performed 3,994 planned surgeries, an increase of 11.8 per cent or 422 more surgeries compared to the same period last year.The majority of all planned surgeries (83.5 per cent) were performed within clinically recommended timeframes, with the vast majority of urgent planned surgeries (97.3 per cent) completed on time.Patients waiting for surgery are reminded to contact their doctor if they feel their condition may have changed so their urgency category can be reviewed.There were 717 babies born at a NNSWLHD hospital during the quarter, an increase of 4.8 per cent or 33 more babies than during the same period last year.INDIVIDUAL HOSPITAL RESULTS BALLINA DISTRICT HOSPITAL recorded 4,579 ED attendances during the July to September 2025 quarter. The majority of ED patients (74.6 per cent) who did not require admission or transfer to another hospital were treated and discharged from the ED within four hours. During the quarter, 334 planned surgeries were performed, an increase of 17.6 per cent compared to the same quarter in 2024. Almost all (99.3 percent) of planned surgeries were performed on time, with 100 per cent of urgent surgeries performed on time.BYRON CENTRAL HOSPITAL had 5,376 ED attendances during the July to September 2025 quarter, comparable to the same period in 2024. The majority of ED patients (83.5 per cent) started their treatment on time. More than 8 in 10 patients (85.9 per cent) who did not require admission or transfer to another hospital, were treated and discharged from the ED within four hours of arriving. More than nine in 10 patients (92.6 per cent) who arrived by ambulance were transferred from ambulance paramedics to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark. CASINO & DISTRICT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL had 3,612 ED attendances in the quarter, an increase of 4.5 per cent (or 157 attendances) compared to the same time last year. Of those patients treated in ED who did not require admission or transfer to another hospital, 85.2 per cent were discharged within four hours of arriving. More than nine in 10 patients (98.2 per cent) who arrived by ambulance were transferred from ambulance paramedics to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark.During the quarter, 222 planned surgeries were performed, a substantial increase of 52.1 per cent (or 76 surgeries) compared to the same quarter in 2024.GRAFTON BASE HOSPITAL recorded 7,463 ED attendances during this quarter, an increase of 6.2 per cent (or 438 attendances) compared to the same quarter in 2024. Of these, the majority of patients (63 per cent) started their treatment on time, an improvement of 6.7 percentage points when compared to the same quarter in 2024. 1,222 patients arrived by ambulance, up 6.1 per cent compared with the same quarter last year. Of those patients treated in the ED who did not require admission or transfer to another hospital, 74 per cent were discharged within four hours of arriving. Planned surgery increased substantially during the quarter, with 682 surgeries performed, up 26.3 per cent or 142 surgeries compared with the same period last year. There were 30 per cent (or 339) fewer people on the waiting list ready for surgery at the end of the quarter, compared with the same time last year. LISMORE BASE HOSPITAL had 10,544 ED attendances during the quarter, an increase of 5 per cent or 501 attendances, when compared with the same quarter in 2024. There were 3,229 arrivals by ambulance, an increase of 6.8 per cent (or 207 arrivals) compared with the same quarter in 2024.Despite the increase in demand, the majority of ED patients (61.7 per cent) started their treatment on time, an improvement of 10.5 percentage points when compared with the July-September 2024 quarter.More than seven in ten patients (73.5 per cent) who arrived by ambulance were transferred from ambulance paramedics to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark, slightly above the peer group result of 71.9 per cent.  During July to September 2025, 1,350 planned surgeries were performed, an increase of six per cent, or 76 more surgeries, compared with the same quarter last year.Lismore Base Hospital is now also rostering to Safe Staffing Levels in its emergency department, following the completion of recruitment of more than 27 FTE nurses earlier this year.The staffing boost enables the rostering of a one-to-one nursing care ratio for generally occupied ED resuscitation beds on all shifts, and one nurse to three generally occupied ED treatment spaces and ED short-stay unit beds on all shifts.“The improvements at Lismore Base Hospital are a direct result of the incredible efforts of teams across the hospital, from domestic services and wards people through to nurses, doctors and allied health staff all working together to ensure better flow across the facility. Every role makes a difference, so a huge thank you to everyone for your continued efforts,” Ms Weir said.MACLEAN DISTRICT HOSPITAL had 3,686 ED attendances during the quarter, with the majority of patients (75.1 per cent) starting their treatment on time. Of those patients treated in the ED who did not require admission or transfer to another hospital, more than eight in 10 patients (88.8 per cent) were discharged from the ED within four hours. Of the 548 patients who arrived by ambulance, nine in 10 (90.2 per cent) were transferred from ambulance paramedics to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark. MURWILLUMBAH DISTRICT HOSPITAL had 4,716 ED attendances during the quarter. Almost nine in 10 (89.4 per cent) ED patients started their treatment on time, significantly above the result for NSW hospitals of a similar size (68.5 per cent). Of those patients treated in the ED who did not require admission or transfer to another hospital, 90.5 per cent were discharged within four hours of arriving. Almost all patients (97.1 per cent) who arrived by ambulance were transferred from ambulance paramedics to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark.During the quarter, 342 planned surgeries were performed, an increase of 11.4 per cent, or 35 more surgeries, compared with the same quarter last year.TWEED VALLEY HOSPITAL had 14,742 ED attendances during the quarter, a 4.3 per cent increase (604 attendances) when compared with the same period in 2024. A total of 3,250 patients arrived at the ED by ambulance, an increase of 10.4 per cent or 306 arrivals compared with the same quarter in 2024, and 79.3 per cent of these patients were transferred from ambulance paramedics to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark. The majority of ED patients (78.6 per cent) started their treatment on time, substantially higher than the result for the peer group of hospitals of a similar size in NSW (57.7 per cent). Of those patients treated in the ED who did not require admission or transfer to another hospital, eight in 10 (80.6 per cent) were discharged within four hours of arrival. A total of 1,063 planned surgeries were performed during the quarter, a 4.1 per cent increase or 42 surgeries, when compared to the same period in 2024.

The festive holiday season is the peak time for locals and tourists to be swimming in the old Bexhill Quarry, which has been abandoned since 2004.While the popular swimming hole is being used illegally, technically, as it is on crown land, the Bexhill Parklands Association, which was formed in 2022, has been working on ways to turn it into community parklands.Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has just secured a $10,000 State grant for the post-mining land use risk assessment of the old Bexhill Bricks Quarry to investigate whether it can actually be transformed into family-friendly native parklands.Ms Saffin said she strongly supported the Bexhill Quarry Parklands Association Limited’s recreational tourism project, one which had the potential to directly link with a future stage of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.(People enjoying swimming at the old Bexhill Quarry site)“Association President Des Harris and his committee have generated a lot of interest and support for their concept of an attraction featuring a sheltered picnic area, interpretive centre, native bush walking trails, safe swimming area and carparking,” Ms Saffin said.“This grant will allow the Association to hire Newcastle-based consultants Integrated Environmental Management Australia (IEMA) to run a workshop of stakeholders, provide an opportunity for community input, and develop an action plan for addressing and closing out risks.“The Association had raised $2,000 through meat raffles at the Eltham Hotel, and a further $2,000 from the Greater Bank, but the $10,000 grant will bring the Bexhill Quarry Parklands one step closer to becoming a reality.”Mr Harris said the Association was extremely keen to work in partnership with the traditional owners of the land, the Widjabul Wia-bal people of the Bundjalung nation, and to follow proper planning processes.“We are grateful to Janelle Saffin for believing in our project and for successfully lobbying for this critical grant funding,” Mr Harris said.The project is also supported by Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan, Lismore City Council, Boatharbour Landcare, Eltham Community Foundation, Northern Rivers Rail Trail, Destination NSW and Northern Rivers Tourism.

The 2025–26 Bleed4Blue campaign officially launched in Lismore this week, with Richmond Police District officers filling the Lismore Lifeblood Donor Centre on Bounty Street to donate blood or plasma and encourage the community to do the same.The national campaign runs from 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026, challenging police across Australia to donate as much life-saving blood as they can over summer.The campaign began after the Australia Day 2018 stabbing of Detective Sergeant John Breda, who required more than 100 bags of blood to survive. For local police, that story is a reminder of just how vital blood donors are.More than 37,000 blood and plasma donations have been made as part of Bleed4Blue since its inception. Centre Services Officer Helen Sager said having 13 officers come through the doors was a huge boost at one of the busiest and most challenging times of the year.“How good is this! We’ve got a whole myriad of people here with great big veins, lots of blood pumping, and it’s good quality blood,” she laughed. “We are very grateful to have them in the building. At this time of year, around Christmas, we are desperately seeking donations. It’s wonderful to see, absolutely wonderful.”(Helen Sager gives her always-entertaining instructions to the officers)Helen said the centre is already feeling the seasonal pressures.“There’s always a call-out at Christmas, but we also have a call-out for January because people go away,” she said. “We lose donors, and that’s okay, but we always need more people to take their place. If you’re interested in becoming a donor, now’s the time, jump online or call 13 14 95 and book in.”Emergency service workers, she added, are frequent and valued visitors.“We do see a lot of hospital, medical and emergency services people come through; they understand the demand,” she said. “But it’s even better when people come in because they want to do something great for another human being. We will always need more donors. Some people can no longer donate due to illness or ineligibility, so we need new blood in the door every single day.”For Sergeant Brendan Shailes, the day marked his first-ever blood donation, and he admitted he was feeling “a bit nervous”.“But it’s something to get involved in,” he said. “We see firsthand in policing how important blood donations are. Only the other day, I had to do an urgent blood run to Ballina to supply blood to someone in need. It shows how many people rely on donations.”Brendan said the campaign gives officers a chance to lead by example.“We’ve got 13 officers here today participating, which is really good to see. If I can do it, anyone can do it. The incidents we attend can heavily rely on this sort of thing to save people’s lives. If we can contribute, not just for our colleagues but for the general public, it’s a good cause to be part of.”As the summer season ramps up, with holidays, road travel and reduced donor availability, the Lismore Lifeblood team hopes the Bleed4Blue momentum will carry into the wider community.Lismore has long prided itself on showing up for one another, especially in moments of need. The Bleed4Blue campaign offers another way for locals to make a direct, life-saving difference.(Constable Carolyn Groves donating plasma)Lifeblood spokesperson Scott Morrison said, with blood demand at a 12-year high and plasma in record demand, donating is a simple thing many of us can do to save a life. “I want to thank police and their friends and families for supporting Bleed4Blue, and I encourage the Lismore community to donate too.”“Donated blood will be required every day between now and Christmas and beyond to treat sick and seriously ill people across Australia. “Please book a donation and help us keep blood supply levels strong over the holidays to meet the need for patients from all walks of life.”Lifeblood’s Lismore Donor Centre is open 6 days a week, they are only closed on Christmas Day.To donate, visit the Lismore Lifeblood Donor Centre on Bounty Street, Lismore or book at lifeblood.com.au. Every donation counts.

As summer temperatures bed in for the upcoming holiday season and visitors flock to our stunning national parks, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is urging everyone to stay vigilant and safe around water.NSW NPWS offers countless opportunities for swimming, fishing, paddling, and boating; however, our pristine beaches, tranquil rivers and lakes are natural environments that can be unpredictable and pose serious risks if safety precautions are ignored.National parks are wild places, and most beaches, creeks, rivers and lakes are remote and do not have lifeguards.Mobile phone service may be limited, which means you may not be able to call for help if you need it.The safest place to swim is always at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags. You can find one of these locations at Beachsafe.org.au.    National Parks and Wildlife Service Executive Director Naomi Stephens said, “spectacular beaches and waterways in NSW national parks may look like idyllic places for a summer swim, but dangers can lurk beneath the surface.”“Watch out for hidden hazards, including rip currents, cold water, rocks, submerged objects and sudden drop-offs.“We want everyone to enjoy their national park visit and get home safely to loved ones,” Ms Stephens said.Visitors are urged to plan ahead and follow these essential safety tips:Stop, Look, Stay Alive - it’s important to take responsibility for your own safety.Avoid unpatrolled beaches and always swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches.Check for rips and hazards before entering the water. If in doubt, do not go in.When rock fishing always wear a life jacket, check tides and weather, do not turn you back on the sea and never fish alone.Tell someone your plans and expected return time.Check conditions as water levels can rise suddenly after rain or dam releases.Beware of fast currents and submerged hazards.Enter slowly. Never dive headfirst or jump from heights. Riverbeds can change quickly.Never swim alone: Always have someone nearby who can help in an emergency.Avoid alcohol and drugs around water. These impair judgment and increase drowning risk.Cold water alert: Even in summer, inland waters can cause hypothermia.When Boating and Paddling wear an approved life jacket at all times.Check weather forecasts and park alerts before heading out.Following the success of last year’s initiative, NPWS is running another digital campaign targeting Mandarin Chinese-speaking and Indian communities across various channels to increase broader multicultural awareness of beach, water, fishing and rock platform safety in NSW national parks.With Mandarin being the second most spoken language after English in NSW, safety tips have been translated into simplified Chinese at nswparks.info/beachsafetychinese and nswparks.info/fishingsafetychinese.For more information on water safety in NSW national parks, please visit: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/safety/water-activities.

The weekend weather is a mixed bag, some sunshine, potential rain and a possible thunderstorm.If it does rain, we can expect up to 2mm on Saturday and 3mm on Sunday, with top temps in the high 20s.Christmas 2025 has hit countdown mode, with under two weeks until the most wonderful time of the year, as the song goes. Don't forget, if you want to listen to some Christmas music at work or in the car as you look at Christmas lights, go to the front page of the Lismore App and click on the Christmas button Christmas Music.There are two more Christmas Carols this weekend. One is Bethlehem Revisited at the Lismore Anglican Church tomorrow (Saturday) at 10 Zadoc Street, Lismore CBD, between 5:30pm and 8:30pm.This is a combined churches event where the story of Christmas is told. There will be food, music, shepherds, interactive activities, Roman soldiers, a petting zoo, sausage sizzle and Christmas cake.The Clunes community have their Carols in the Common at 17 Walker Street between 5pm and 7:30pm on Sunday (14 December). Get your family and friends, chairs & blankets and get ready to sing and celebrate Christmas.MARKETSThe annual Tullera Christmas Markets start at 4:30pm this afternoon (Friday, 12 December) at the Tullera Hall, 682 Dunoon Road.There will be over 20 stalls, with face painting, Christmas gift ideas, a sausage sizzle, a Vietnamese food cart, the CWA and more.The Lismore Farmers Markets are in full festive spirit with a host of gift ideas tomorrow from 7:30am to 11:30am. The CWA Evening Branch have been busy baking and creating Christmas goodies, and will be selling them tomorrow. As well as other gifts, don't forget the fresh fruit and vegetables that the markets are known for and live music from Mish Songsmith Music.The Sunday Markets are at The Chanoon from 9am and 3pm, with over 220 stalls of delicious foods, condiments, handmade goods and more Christmas ideas. Head up to the hills to Coronation Park.Christmas EventsThe South Lismore Bowling Club's Community Christmas Party is on Saturday between 3pm and 9pm at 25 Wilson Street.Free rides, jumping castle, fairy floss and live music with Kyla-Belle.The annual 2025 Christmas Cup takes place next Friday (19 December) at the Lismore Turf Club in North Lismore. Perfectly timed for staff parties or end-of-year drinks.This is a major fundraiser for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. The $10 entry fee all goes to this vitally important service.LIVE MUSICRokustix kicks off the live weekend music tonight at the Northern Rivers Hotel on Bridge Street, North Lismore from 7pm.The Sunday Session makes a return this weekend with Hibilly Skank between 3pm and 6pm.If you are searching for some Christmas fun, get to the Northern next Thursday at 6pm for Leanne's Karaoke Christmas Party.Coming Up at the Lismore Workers Club:The Noughty Nineties Party featuring all your favourites like Blink 182, Shania Twain, Britney Spears, Robbie Williams and Beyonce. Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 7:30pmThe Ultimate Superstars of Country Friday, 6 February 2026Faulty Towers The Dining Experience Friday, 6 March 2026Inxsive & Gold Chisel Tribute Show Saturday, 21 March 2026The Italian Tenors Sunday, 19 April 2026To book tickets to any of the above concerts, click here.CHEAPEST FUEL PRICESIt was steady as she goes regarding fuel prices this week. Here is the list of the cheapest service stations:E10 is 174.9 at the Ampol Foodary on Union Street, South Lismore and the EG Ampol on Diadem Street near the Square in Lismore, 175.9 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 172.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 173.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 177.9 at The United on Johnston Street, and the Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino, and 174.5 at the Mobil and the Metro on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 182.9 at the two Independents on Terania Street, North Lismore and the Liberty on Ballina Road, Lismore, 198.9 at the Independent at 169 Canterbury Street in Casino, and 185.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 190.9 at the Liberty on Ballina Road, Lismore, 197.9 at the Liberty on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino, and 194.5 at The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Diesel is 189.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 187.9 at The United and the Casino Roadhouse on Johnston Street and the Ampol on Dyraaba Street in Casino, and 193.5 at the Mobil and Metro on River Street in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

During the week, the NSW Government released a document stating it was rewriting the framework that determines road management in NSW. It announced a modern road recategorisation system that provides councils with certainty over who will manage and maintain different roads, allowing for more targeted investment where communities need it most.Road recategorisation is the process used to decide whether a road should be managed as a State, Regional or Local road. This system determines who maintains it, who funds it and how it fits into the broader transport network.The battle over who maintains which roads has been an issue for Lismore City Council for a number of years during a number of different governments. Lismore Council maintains more than 1200 km of roads, 804 km of which are sealed roads.Many roads are still categorised based on how they were used decades ago, despite major changes in population, traffic volumes, freight movements and local growth.The unfair, outdated approach created long backlogs and increased pressure on local councils, who manage around 90 per cent of the state’s road network and continue to face huge challenges from climate change, worsening weather events, rising construction costs and a growing workload after repeated natural disasters. Something that the residents of Lismore know only too well.The NSW Government says it’s new road recategorisation framework puts evidence ahead of politics, replacing an ad-hoc political approach with a clearer, fairer and more responsive model that focuses on how a road functions within the network. The new framework includes:Clear statewide criteria to support consistent, needs-based decision makingAn always-open application pathway, replacing decade-long review cyclesA new online self-assessment data tool to help councils understand early whether a proposal is likely to meet the criteria, reducing administrative burdensPrioritisation for roads that unlock housing, freight efficiency, resilience and major infrastructure delivery.This is a major reform that will put the right roads in the right category, cutting red tape, reducing duplication and improving how maintenance and investment are delivered across the network. It won’t fix every challenge at once, but it’s a strong step forward.With the portal now live, local councils and road managers will be able to put forward proposals for recategorisation. Reviews of the system and processes will be conducted at three months, six months and then annually to refine the model.Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said, “The Minns Labor Government is rewriting the rules so councils have a clear, fair and reliable way to get roads into the right category.“For decades, councils have been stuck with a slow, ad-hoc system. From today, decisions will be driven by evidence and need, not politics or outdated processes.“Drivers don’t care which level of government manages a road. They care that it’s safe, accessible and well-maintained. This new system is designed to help roads receive the appropriate investment and ongoing care, supporting better outcomes for our communities. “Local councils are our partners. Collectively, they manage about 90 per cent of the NSW road network, and we understand the pressures they’re under. After years of floods, fires, storms and rising costs, we know they can’t do this alone. This framework helps us work together in a more consistent, transparent and practical way.“Clear criteria and modern data tools mean these decisions are no longer left to chance or politics. Everyone can see the basis for a category change, and that brings greater transparency and confidence to the system.“The Liberals and Nationals promised to reform road recategorisation for over a decade. During their 12 years in power, the Liberals and Nationals recategorised a fraction of what was promised. They failed councils, they failed drivers, and they failed NSW.”Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig, said, “Local governments have been calling for a fairer and more responsive road recategorisation process for years. Today’s announcement delivers exactly that.“This is about strengthening the partnership between State and local government and making sure the right roads sit in the right category so maintenance and investment can be better targeted.“This change will make a significant difference for councils, especially those in regional and rural NSW, where roads aren’t just a means to get from A to B, they’re a lifeline for these communities.”Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said, "This new approach is certainly a step in the right direction, and the Government should be applauded; however, it must be matched by Government funding to help improve deteriorating road networks, particularly in regional areas like Lismore.

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant is calling on parents, carers, and young people in regional and rural communities to visit eSafety.gov.au and access resources designed to help them handle social media age restrictions, which are now in effect. Developed collaboratively with Australia’s leading mental health and support organisations, the resources explain what is changing, why it matters and how to support young people through the transition. “We understand that these changes may have a greater impact on some young people, particularly those living in rural and regional areas,” eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said. “That is why I strongly encourage parents, carers and young people to visit esafety.gov.au, download our resources, which features practical guidance for parents and carers and information for young people such as where to go for help and support. “Remember, this is not a ban. It is a delay — increasing the minimum account age from 13 to 16, so that young people can have a reprieve from the powerful and persuasive design features built to keep them hooked and often enabling harmful content and conduct,” Ms Inman Grant said. “Young people from regional and rural communities can still connect and communicate with friends through group messaging services, gaming and video conferencing apps. “And we have everything from conversation starters to step-by-step guides designed to support parents and carers to reset family digital rules and make this delay a positive opportunity to build digital literacy, critical thinking and emotional resilience in the years and months before they turn 16 and are allowed to have a social media account,” Ms Inman Grant said. eSafety partnered with mental health and support organisations, including headspace, Kids Helpline, Beyond Blue, Raising Children and ReachOut Australia to develop the range of free resources available at esafety.gov.au. The resource package includes: A dedicated online hub with tailored FAQs explaining what is happening, and how to prepare.Practical guidance for parents and carers, including conversations starters and get-ready guides.Youth-friendly content outlining what the new restrictions mean for young people, downloadable action plans and where to go for help and support. “These resources are relevant, inclusive and responsive to the needs of families across Australia, including those living in rural and regional communities,” Ms Inman Grant said. “We are also running extensive live webinars across Australia to answer parents’ questions, throughout December and in the new year. These are also available on-demand on our website. “And, as health services are exempt from the minimum age obligations, some services, like headspace, are also providing safe online communities where young people can connect,“ Ms Inman Grant said.

At Tuesday's Lismore City Council meeting, the topic of water security was hotly debated among councillors as they sought to affirm their position and submit it to the Far North Coast Regional Water Supply Project.They also want to request that DCCEEW (Department Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water) and Minister for Water, Rose Jackson, undertake further and more effective consultation with councils and the community with regard to this project.The debate went along party lines, with The Greens' Adam Guise and Virginia Waters, along with Labor's Jasmine Knight-Smith and Harper Dalton-Earls, raising the motion was purely to put the Dunoon Dam back in play, while the conservative independents of Steve Krieg, Jerri Hall, Andrew Bing, Andrew Gordon, Electra Jensen and Gianpeiro Battista, and independent Big Rob, said they wanted all options on the table to make the best decision for the region.The motion was a result of the recent quietly publicised DCCCEEW community meetings in Lismore and the Northern Rivers, where people were asked their thoughts on connecting the Tweed Shire and Rous County Council bulk water systems, building regional desalination plants, integrating town water supplies, using Toonumbar Dam and linking to the South East Queensland Water Grid.It was also resolved at the recent NRJO (Northern Rivers Joint Organisation) meeting that they also submit a formal response for the Far North Coast Regional Water Supply project.The debate involved the majority of the chamber. Cr Guise got the ball rolling, saying, "This is about flogging the dead horse of the Dunoon Dam. And I will be speaking against this. This should be laid to rest. This is about giving cover to keeping the giant mega dam, a 50 gigalitre Dam, on the table when we have moved on from that."Cr Guise said the cost would be well over half a billion dollars, which would take at least a decade to build."The world has moved on since then in terms of water options; we should be investigating things around water efficiency, not having all these water leaks and waste of water in our water network."Mayor Krieg responded by talking about desalination. "Let's look at the options that DCCEEW have put forward; the great green saviour of the world, desalination. Let's build a massive plant powered by that beautiful coal-fired energy right next to the ocean to turn salt water into fresh water for us to drink. All the while, we live in the highest rainfall catchment area of New South Wales. We've got fresh stuff falling from the sky on an almost daily basis, but God forbid we look at capturing it."I can't wait to put my hand up and support 10.9 and tell that state government we don't want desalination. We don't want the solar farms and the wind farms to power our desalination plant that's going to cause an environmental disaster for the coast of Byron Bay and stop the whales from migrating and the dolphins from swimming up the estuary. We want to capture our rainfall. We want to on-sell the purest form of rainfall and water in our area, and that is from the sky."Cr Gordon then spoke about the $600,000 being spent on looking at alternative water security options. "That's simply just investigating. It's about exploring that opportunity, the pros and the cons. So it's been $600,000 spent so far on desal and on recycled water. So, we're halfway, maybe only three-quarters of our way through our investigations."Cr Gordon mentioned that the 14 gigalitres that Rocky Creek Dam holds is not a lot of water to serve the population it does today. "I think it was built to service 20,000 people. It now serves over 100,000 people, and it won't be very long, in a dry spell, that water security will become a very real problem. We don't want to revisit that; that's holding it back, that's holding back the potential of any community."Cr Dalton-Earls then pointed out that the Sydney Water desalination plant costs $22 per person per year. "$22 per year is actually pretty affordable, so you'd use it for the same comparison to Lismore. Similarly, it's backed by 100% renewables. It's not actually coal-powered. And the Regional Water strategy also highlights Toonumbar Dam is underutilised. And I don't see anywhere in this recommendation that it has about capitalising or looking at Toonumbar Dam in terms of connecting up Lismore."Cr Dalton-Earls also mentioned the Dunoon Dam. "So at this point, I think for me, it reads quite political. It doesn't read as in the best interest of the community. I think that this is a political hot potato at the moment, in terms of people trying to push the Dunoon Dam, that has been going for years and that most would benefit places that aren't actually in Lismore. So, Lismore would get the denigration of some of the most beautiful rainforest areas that we're known for, that people come here to travel, and then we would be left with a dam that services mostly outer areas of Lismore. And funnily enough, for the highest water catchment in I think it's Australia, we have the highest water rates."Cr Waters said she believes in water security; however, she is not in support of all of the recommendations of Rous County Council, especially the Dunoon Dam."I mean, the environmental damage and the proposal of the dam, I clearly can't support as a water supply option. It's based on environmental, cultural and community grounds. The proposed site would inundate areas extreme, higher ecological value, and around 18% of the footprint overlaps with Nightcap National Park, one of the most threatened and sensitive landscapes in the region, particularly after the 2019 and 2020 fires. The biodiversity loss and downstream ecological impacts would be significant and irreversible, and the only other thing with this is the safety of the communities below this dam that's being proposed as well."Cr Knight-Smith was another to speak against the motion. "Mostly because I just felt like it was redundant. I don't quite see the purpose that it serves, given that, you know, it's reaffirming a position that is surely already been made aware. And secondly, requesting consultation that's already occurred. I just don't comprehend the purpose. But also, it's important to look at everything, including recycled water. I think that it's important to recognise that water is finite."Cr Battista then had a dig at the politics of water security in the Northern Rivers. "I must say that the Labor Party and The Greens have learned from the Prime Minister, each-way Albo, each way is a good way. One way we say, oh, water security is the most important and vital things of our region. But guess what? We're not doing anything about it."Cr Battista went on to mention that there is growth coming to Lismore and the Northern Rivers, and we need to be prepared."But there'll come a point where we need to seriously start thinking about, where do we going to get the water for our future generation? And we've been looking for 20 years all the way around it, there's no other option but to build a dam."Cr Hall spoke about the economic growth and tourist facilities that building a new dam would have on the community. "Imagine a Big4 right on the side of the Dunoon Dam, water skiing, power boats, stocked fishing grounds. To me, that sounds like a pretty idealistic Lismore, and that's why I vote in support of this one."Cr Jensen mentioned previous community surveys. "Now, when I first moved up here, a survey had recently been conducted, and there was about 13,500 replies. 10,500 of those were in support of the dam or wanted further information. So I'm a bit confused by the fact that some people seem to be saying that no one wants it. I do understand, at some stage in the past, one Green councillor may have said they don't care about the Dunoon Dam or the trees, they just don't want Lismore to grow, which is my understanding."In his right of reply, Cr Rob pointed out that the position of those in favour of the motion just want to put all options on the table. "What that motion is, as the General Manager explained, the summary of council's position to notify DCCEEW, so they can make it very clear that our position actually is everything on the table, not Dunoon Dam, it's everything on the table.""Rous has already progressed the studies for desal and for ground recycled water, and they've priced them out of the market, pretty much. They've put them down to option three and four. So they're still looking at Dunoon Dam, because they're still doing the cultural heritage study, the environmental impact statement."Cr Rob rebutted Cr Dalton-Earls numbers on the Sydney Desal Plant. "Great point, about $22 per household. Now, when you look at Sydney, there's about five and a half million households in the urban area of Sydney. Now you times that by 22, and that's over $120 million a year. $22 sounds great, but it's actually over $120 million a year just to run it. That doesn't count the cost of actually drinking the water that comes out of it, plus the connection fees and everything that goes with it. That's just to run it.He then moved on to Cr Guise's claim of the Dunoon Dam being a mega dam. "I'm going to go into what some of the dams around the country are. And my favourite is actually named after Cr Gordon, who's a supporter of the Dunoon Dam. Lake Gordon, that's 11,146 gigalitres, right. Then, Lake Argyle was 10,431 gigalitres. Lake Eucumbene is 4,366 gigalitres in New South Wales. Dartmouth Dam in Victoria, 3,827 gigalitres, Lake Eldon, Victoria, 3,250 gigalitres. Ours is 14...14 gigalitres. And if we get the Dunoon down, that's 50...five zero, so we'll have a total of 64. That's it. If you call that a mega dam, you don't know what a mega dam is."The vote was carried 7/4, with Crs Jensen, Gordon, Hall, Rob, Battista, Bing, and Krieg voting for and Crs Guise, Waters, Dalton-Earls and Knight-Smith voting against.While the debate continues at all levels of government, water security for a growing population becomes a more serious concern as each year ticks by.

Farmers have celebrated the news that virtual fencing has been legalised for cattle in NSW. On Thursday, a new regulation was introduced by the NSW Government to allow for the use of technology in an exciting step forward for beef and dairy farmers across the state. The legalisation of virtual fencing, following discussions with farmers, NSW Member of Parliament for Orange, Phil Donato, and considering the recommendations of the Legislative Assembly Committee Inquiry into the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2024.Farming groups, animal welfare enforcement agencies, and suppliers have been consulted to draft a best practice regulation that fosters modern farming and ensures the welfare of the livestock.Virtual fencing is an AgTech solution to managing cattle without the need for physical fencing within a farm’s boundaries. Instead, collars or neck bands that use GPS technology deliver sensory cues to influence the movement of livestock. The technology can also monitor the activity, health and welfare of cattle, and can reduce the stress of the animals that can arise from herding with quad bikes and dogs.The enabling of this technology for NSW has the potential to markedly improve the efficiency of rotational grazing systems and reduce the need for the costly establishment and maintenance of internal fences.The regulation adopts the NSW Guide to Animal Welfare for Virtual Fencing of Cattle that provides appropriate safeguards for animal welfare in the design and operation of virtual fencing, including:The user must be trained in how to use the device by the supplier or manufacturer.The user must ensure devices are regularly monitored, and animal welfare standards are met.Devices will allow users to control the boundaries that trigger cues to the animal, but users cannot deliver cues directly to an animal.Devices must use vibrational or audio cues first, before using electric cues.The technology can only be used for cattle.The technology has built-in features which can temporarily disable the device based on animal behaviour, location, system connectivity or as a safeguard. It also alerts the user to any animal welfare issues and determines if user intervention is required.“This technology has been a game changer not just in other parts of Australia, but around the globe, and it’s high time we got on board,” NSW Farmers’ Animal Welfare Committee Chair Rob McIntosh said. “This technology gives us flexibility we’ve never had before – we can graze and move stock without building kilometres of fences and laneways, and we can also easily move these virtual fences to help manage our livestock and our land. “From reducing ongoing fencing and maintenance costs to protecting biodiversity, limiting stock handling, and increasing monitoring and grazing accuracy, the benefits of this technology are endless – and we can’t wait to start using it.” Mr McIntosh said it was positive to see the NSW Government had created practical, state-specific settings to guide the use of the technology in NSW, following strong advocacy from the state’s peak farm body.“The rules had to reflect the needs of producers, and it’s great to see our government listen to us on this,” Mr McIntosh said.“This new technology provides a whole new tool to innovate and improve productivity on farm – and we’re so excited to use it to help feed the future.”eastAUSmilk CEO Eric Danzi said, “eastAUSmilk welcomes the decision to legalise virtual fencing in NSW. In states where the technology is already available, dairy farmers have achieved significant productivity gains and efficiencies. NSW dairy farmers have had a tough year with disasters, and this technology promises to help ease the load.“We have many dairy farmers who are eager to put in virtual fencing as soon as it is legal to do so. We thank Minister Moriarty for being so proactive to allow this technology to be available for dairy farmers in NSW.”