The number of people voting early or pre-poll is similar to 2022 after the first week of reporting. That includes losing two days of voting thanks to Easter Monday and ANZAC Day, so four (4) days versus six (6) in 2022.The last federal election was held in May 2022, so less than two months after two major floods ripped through Lismore and the Northern Rivers.The flood affected the early voting centre for Lismore, which opened at the end of the first week (one day). The difference was made clearer in comparisons between Lismore and Goonellabah.In Goonellabah, there were 2,546 early votes in the first week of 2022, and 2,904 in the second. In Lismore, the one day in the first week garnered 886 votes, while the second week had 7,062 votes counted.In 2022, 12,360 people voted early, while in 2025, 14,410 people voted early in the first, shortened week. The people of Grafton led the way with 4,929 votes, followed by Goonellabah with 2,546.If you want to avoid the crowds on election day this Saturday, May 3, or you don't care about the democratic sausage, early voting centres are:Lismore: 4 Zadoc Street, LismoreGoonellabah: Goonellabah Community Centre - 27 Oliver Avenue, GoonellabahBallina: Richmond Room (Ballina Library), 5 Regatta Avenue, BallinaCasino: Casino Community & Cultural Centre, 35 Walker Street, CasinoMaclean: Maclean RSL, 38 River Street, MacleanGrafton: Grafton Cathedral Hall (Edwards Hall), cnr Duke & Fitzroy Street, GraftonThis week, the early voting hours are:Now until Thursday, May 1: 8:30am to 5:30pmFriday 2 May: 8:30am to 6pmOn election day, voting is open from 8am to 6pm. Your list of voting venues can be found easily through the Lismore App's 2025 Federal Election button on the front page or by clicking Voting on Election DayWe asked the three major parties how early voting was treating them. Needless to say, they were positive without missing the opportunity for a political message.Current Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said, "Numbers across the booths have been strong, with lots of people saying we need to change the government. We live in a wonderful democracy, and it's time to get this country back on track."Labor's candidate for Page, Wendy Backhous, said, "At pre-poll on Saturday, I met many young people really interested in Labor's policy to rebuild TAFE and keep it free and our policy to reduce HECS Debt by 20%. They told me this will help them with their cost of living and their ability to save for their own house. They also liked the option of a 5% deposit to assist them to get their house sooner as they were starting a family very soon. I also met a young apprentice who was nearly finished his apprenticeship. He felt Labor's financial assistance was a very practical support for others to get started and stay with it." The Greens candidate for Page, Dr Luke Robinson, said, "The signs have been encouraging so far, with an emphatic response to our campaign across Page. Voters see that, unlike the old parties, we're offering serious, long-term, and fully funded solutions to cost-of-living issues, for example by fixing the housing crisis, and providing access to decent, free, universal public services, including education, childcare and healthcare."The Lismore App will have election count updates for the seat of Page on Saturday night, once numbers start rolling in after polling booths close at 6pm on our Facebook page.

Farmers have called on federal politicians to commit to an urgent overhaul of the nation’s environmental policies that are hurting both farmers and the landscape. NSW Farmers’ Conservation and Resource Management Committee Chair Bronwyn Petrie said the federal government’s water buybacks were just one of many unworkable policies that were not only constricting food and fibre production but failing to deliver for the environment. “There’s no doubt we need action to end our cost-of-living crisis, but when it comes to climate and caring for our landscape, we’re hearing nothing but crickets this federal election,” Mrs Petrie said. “The federal government is buying up the water that we need to grow food and fibre, and not only is our Basin not benefiting, but our farmers and their communities are being stripped of their lifeblood. “There’s so much green tape that’s simply creating a lose-lose situation where the landscape hurts, and farmers do too – and that must change, before it’s too late to do anything at all.” Emissions targets were another looming environmental reform that Mrs Petrie urged federal politicians of all sides to engage with agriculture around to ensure food security was not put at risk. “We need realistic, viable emissions reduction strategies, not aspirational ones that expect farmers to use electric tractors that don’t exist and report on emissions we can’t track,” Mrs Petrie said. “Sustainability does not need to come at the cost of productivity in the agricultural sector."Not only did farmers meet the Kyoto targets for the whole of Australia, but they have significantly reduced emissions within the agricultural industry and continue to implement further improvements while protecting our natural environment and ecosystems.” 

One key element of recovery for business owners and/or managers in the Lismore floodplain after the 2022 floods was to rebuild better—to reconstruct their buildings so that when the next major flood hits our city, the 'closed' sign is only hanging on the front door for a few days, not a few weeks.To that extent, Living Lab Northern Rivers is inviting businesses and service providers to a design workshop where people can explore strategies for making Lismore’s floodplain business districts better prepared for future flood events. The Living Lab has acknowledged that many businesses have done great work making their spaces more flood resilient and have developed better preparedness and evacuation plans. But ask, what can we do together? This workshop will explore the question and come up with ideas that will make the Lismore floodplain business areas better prepared for future flooding. “We really want to showcase what community-led practice can do and how far it can go, and illuminate Lismore as a world-class leader in resilience. We also want to get on the ground outcomes for people operating on the floodplain in quite challenging circumstances,” said Zerina Millard, Community Engagement Lead, Living Lab Northern Rivers.“When we talk about a flood-resilient building, a lot of people think this sounds really technical and a bit intimidating. But when we talked with local businesses and community service providers and visited their facilities, we found out that it is often pretty straightforward.” The Living Lab team will explore ideas around flood-free land for temporary retreat and storage, utilising empty floodplain land for vehicle storage, and other innovative solutions. Now is the time to investigate the infrastructure and commercial precincts needed to support businesses in these flood-prone areas.   Dan Etheridge, Engagement Director, Living Lab Northern Rivers, said, “We’ve heard ideas from local business owners about the types of facilities they would find useful, and these facilities might only be used once every ten years. So we also want to explore how we can meet the needs of businesses and service providers in these critical times, but also how such facilities could contribute to the Lismore region the rest of the time.”If you’re a Lismore-based business or community service provider operating on the floodplain, the Living Lab team ask you to join them in shaping a future where Lismore businesses can withstand and adapt to the challenges of floods.  The Details:  Not Business as Usual: A workshop for a flood-resilient Lismore  When: Monday, 5 May, between 4.30pm and 7.00pm  Where: Living Lab Northern Rivers shopfront, 11 Woodlark Street, Lismore. Find out more and register here. 

The Community Recycling Centre (CRC), where residents can drop off household problem waste free of charge, has reopened at the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre on Wyrallah Road, East Lismore.This service had to pause in late February due to a major fire at the collection contractor’s facility.The following items can be dropped off once again:Batteries (including embedded battery products like vapes)Light globesOilsGas cylinders & fire extinguishersAerosolsSmoke detectorsPaintsThe Community Recycling Station drop-off cabinets (pictured) at Council’s Corporate Centre, Lismore Library, and Nimbin Transfer Station are also collecting items again.For more information, visit https://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/.../Resource-Recovery...

The name: The Hall of the Mountain King may not be familiar to everyone, but there would be few who don't recognise Greig's music - one of the most famous classical 'riffs' ever written.The Lismore Theatre Company are bringing to the stage a world premiere of award-winning writer Henri Rennie's funny, fanciful spin on a Scandinavian classic.Peer Gynt is a young man with plenty of self-confidence and an aversion to commitment. When the daughter of the troll king takes a fancy to him, he sees the chance of gaining a throne, if an unconventional one. The culture of the stone people is an old and traditional one, though, and not everyone is keen to allow a human presence in the royal court.When the princess produces a child who grows up unnaturally quickly, the rigid ways of the court are thrown into chaos, and nothing will ever be the same for the trolls!Hall of the Mountain King is a shrewd look at what it means to be human, or not, with puns and pop culture references scattered throughout a great old legend. It should entertain audiences aged from their early teens to their nineties. With a cast of talented locals, the show opens at the Rochdale Theatre, 603 Ballina Road, Goonellabah, on Friday, May 2, for a ten-day season. Thursday, May 8, will be a special charity performance on behalf of the Australasian Order of Old Bastards.For tickets, please go to our website, www.lismoretheatrecompany.org.au. 

Starting today (Monday, April 28), the Lismore App is part of a national news and journalism campaign called 'Our News. Your Voice'.Across the globe, we’re seeing an increasing level of polarisation in politics. But is that reflective of what’s going on in our communities?Much of our media landscape would have you think we’re fighting with our neighbours, or they're trying to provoke a battle for views and readership, where the reality for most of us is that we just want to know what’s going on from someone we can trust and we’re quite capable of making rational and logical decisions about the issues that impact our lives from there. That’s what public interest journalism does. It tells us something about where we live, the topics we care about, and the people in our communities. Without it, we’re just people living in the same general area. News helps us understand each other’s perspectives when gathered, analysed and summarised under professional editorial standards—things like accuracy, transparency, fairness and accountability. The International News Media Association (INMA) recently published a piece about the difference between news and journalism that reflects that point.News, it argued, is reporting facts. Journalism provides context. Journalism is a process that includes verifying information, fact-checking, gathering views, and feeding that information back to communities in a manner that helps inform, substantiate, make sense of, and sometimes resolve topics that matter to us. It explores nuances and facilitates civic engagement so you can act on issues should you choose to. That’s why the theme of the national fundraising campaign for the Local & Independent News Association (LINA) is Our News, Your Voice. The Lismore App is the news service, but your voice is what matters in the public dialogue. LINA member publishers, like the Lismore App, are embedded in the communities they serve. The Lismore App is part of a movement of 166 newsrooms across the country, which collectively share over 2,000 stories per week that would otherwise remain untold. These are the voices of your community, represented in news media. These are the stories that connect us, reported by people with knowledge of the area, because this is what we live and breathe.In a media landscape that’s increasingly syndicated with content produced by centralised services from Sydney, news services informed by subject-matter expertise are particularly valuable. Right now, newsrooms across the country are providing information on a range of candidates to help voters make informed choices when they head to the polls on Saturday. The importance of this role has only increased with the proliferation of mis and disinformation, meaning newsrooms are increasingly relied upon to educate audiences in media literacy and act as an antidote to sophisticated campaigns that threaten democratic processes across the globe.Local and independent journalists are at the front line of this fight, combatting mis and disinformation in communities with verified and reliable news.It's no secret that undertaking this work is not for the faint-hearted. Business models sustained by advertising and user fees have weakened globally, while demand for local news content delivered via multimedia channels continues to expand.Over 9 million readers get their news from LINA member publishers each month, the Lismore App delivers 50,000 readers each month as part of that total. Audiences often expect to access news content for free, but journalism is not free to produce. This tension has seen the closure of newsrooms across the country. Now, newsrooms must call on readers to contribute to their work, after all, it is our news, but it’s your voice that’s represented. You can provide vital support by making a contribution by clicking https://lismoreapp.presspatron.com/. Our News. Your Voice runs for one week, from today (April 28) to Sunday, May 4, 2025.

Dawson Street in the Lismore CBD will undergo road resurfacing work between the Bruxner Highway and the Woodlark and Uralba Street roundabout over the next two weeks, which means delays and detours.Work starting tomorrow (Monday, 28 April) will be carried out from 7am to 5pm until Friday, 2 May, weather permitting.On Sunday, 4 May, work will be carried out from 2pm to 6am, weather permitting.From Monday, 5 May until Friday, 16 May, work will be carried out from 5.30pm to 6am, weather permitting. There will be no work on Saturdays.Single lane, alternating traffic flow arrangements will be required during most work hours, and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place for the safety of workers and road users.At different stages during overnight work hours, streets that intersect with Dawson Street will be closed. Impacted streets are Rural, Magellan, Ewing, Hampton and Conway streets, and McLennan and Larkin lanes. Short detours will be available via Uralba and Diadem streets. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained.Motorists should allow up to five minutes extra travel time, drive to traffic conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.For more information on this work, visit livetraffic.com/incident-details/231459, download the Live Traffic NSW app or call 132 701.To receive updates directly to your phone, search for ‘Dawson Street, Lismore’ in your Live Traffic app; select the incident and click ‘Follow’.

This week, the most common conversation in Lismore and the Northern Rivers has been, "When is this rain going to stop?" There is finally hope as a low-pressure system moves south down the NSW coast.The Lismore airport has received 93mm since Tuesday, with Wednesday recording 0mm to 3pm today (Saturday). April has delivered 237mm, which follows on from the 553mm dumped in March. This means we have received 59% of our mean annual rainfall in two months.The good news is that the sun will begin to shine more from this afternoon as the low-pressure system and low-pressure trough that have developed over the east coast start to move south. That is not good news for the southern parts of the Northern Rivers, the Mid North Coast and the Hunter Valley, as thunderstorms are still threatening flash flooding in those areas.The severe weather warning issued earlier by the Bureau of Meteorology has been cancelled.Miriam Bradbury from The Bureau said there will be widespread falls of 40mm across the course of today, but thunderstorms may deliver 70 to 100mm, leading to flash flooding potential. This does depend on where those storms develop, and could still include parts of the Northern Rivers.The thunderstorms will be less likely this evening.Importantly, Sunday is for a possible shower with up to 1mm forecast. Monday is mostly sunny and 25 degrees and Tuesday sunny and 25 degrees.As our sodden grounds begin to dry so that gardening can begin and sporting fields may be playable, the chance of rain increases again towards the end of next week.For the moment, let's enjoy the sunshine.

Child participation in sport in Lismore and the Northern Rivers is thriving. There have been record numbers in registrations for the start of the 2025 Football Far North Coast season, and a local swimming club has increased its membership.The Lismore Workers Swim Team has made an impressive comeback, increasing its membership by 62% over the past 12 months, despite the region still recovering from the devastating 2022 floods.Following the floods, the club lost its Memorial Baths home for nearly two years, but it has not only rebuilt—it is thriving.In a remarkable show of resilience, earlier this season, the team successfully hosted its first carnival since the floods, attracting participants from all over the region.While some swim clubs across Australia are facing declining membership numbers, and the nation grapples with a worrying reduction in swimming proficiency (almost 1 in 3 Australian children are unable to swim 50 meters unaided), the Lismore Workers Swim Team has bucked the trend. The club has demonstrated the power of community spirit, passion, and dedication to the sport.The recent surge in membership and performance at Lismore has been helped by the arrival of Coach Kerrie Seymour, who joined the Lismore Workers Swim Team at the end of the year from Darwin Swimming Club.Coach Kerrie’s energy, experience, and commitment to improving performance have contributed to an impressive rise in personal bests recorded during weekly club night race sessions:"It’s been an incredible four months," said Coach Kerrie "From the moment I arrived, I could feel the passion and potential in this club. Watching swimmers grow in skill and confidence—and seeing so many new faces join the team—has been hugely rewarding. The community here is something really special."A key feature of the Lismore Workers’ program is its year-round training schedule. On the 28th April, we make our annual move from our home pool, the Lismore Memorial Baths, to Southern Cross University’s heated indoor pool. This provides swimmers with consistent and comfortable training through winter. With new swimmers joining every week, the club welcomes all ages and levels, from those completing learn-to-swim programs to performance swimmers training at a competitive level.To book a swim assessment for your child, you can email lwstsecretary@gmail.com or message the club through Facebook or Instagram.

A brisk walk, a splash of water aerobics, or even a light jog around the block – if your heart rate goes up, then so too will your brain health, according to new research from the University of South Australia.Conducted in partnership with the US-based AdventHealth Research Institute, the new study found that staying active through moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is associated with significantly better processing speed, working memory, and executive function in older adults. Interestingly, the biggest cognitive gains were seen among people who went from doing no moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, to even doing just five minutes, clearly illustrating the power of exercise for the human brain. Assessing data from 585 older adults (aged 65-80 years) in the USA-based IGNITE trial*, the study examined associations between time spent in sleep, sedentary behaviour, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity across the 24-hr day, and cognitive performance. Researchers identified a two-way relationship between ‘huff-and-puff’ physical activity and brain health: do more exercise and your brain health improves; but do less and it declines. UniSA researcher, Dr Maddison Mellow says the study highlights how small changes to your daily activities can have big impacts on your brain health. “There are three mutually exclusive lifestyle behaviours in the 24-hour day – sleep, sedentary behaviour and physical activity – and how these interact to influence our health outcomes,” Dr Mellow says. “For example, we know that being more active can improve our sleep, or having a better night’s sleep could boost our energy levels to perform physical activity the next day. But what we don’t know is the optimal balance of time spent in each of these behaviours to maximise cognitive performance. “In this study, we explored how different uses of time impact your brain. We found that higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity – that is, activity performed at higher intensities that increases your heart rate and breathing – was related to better cognitive performance. “Specifically, ‘huff-and-puff’ physical activity (like aerobic exercise) improves processing speed (how fast your brain thinks), executive function (how well you plan, focus, and multitask) and working memory (your ability to store information for short periods of time). “Importantly, the opposite was also true: lower levels of this higher intensity physical activity were related to poorer performance on these tests.” The findings were consistent across different genetic and demographic backgrounds. Interestingly, the findings did not extend to episodic memory (the what, where and when details of an event) or visuospatial function outcomes (your ability to recognise places and navigate through spaces). Co-researcher, Dr Audrey Collins, says understanding the interplay between different activities could empower older people to make positive health changes. “There are only 24 hours in a day, so every day, we make decisions about how we spend our time. For example, if we sleep for eight hours, then there’s 16 hours remaining for waking behaviours like physical activity or sedentary behaviour; that’s the basic reality,” Dr Collins says. “Our results show that how we choose to spend our time across the 24-hour day may be differentially related to our brain health. “Understanding that we need to prioritise physical activity – such as physical activity that gets our heart rates up, according to our findings – is the key. “With one in six people in the world expected to be 60 years or older by 2030, we need to make sure we are supporting and empowering people to age well. “In this instance, we hope that knowledge is power: boost your physical activity and boost your brain health to stay fit and well as you age. However, these results are cross-sectional and need to be tested longitudinally and experimentally.”

An off-duty NSW Police Officer from the Northern Region has been issued with a Notice to Appear for a low-range drink driving offence in Queensland. Shortly after 12pm yesterday (Thursday, 24 April 2025), Queensland Police stopped the driver of a 4WD after it allegedly collided with at least two other vehicles at Palm Beach, Queensland.The driver in the other vehicle sustained minor injuries.The driver of the 4WD – who is a serving NSW Police officer attached to the Northern Region – was subject to a roadside breath test, which allegedly returned a positive result.The 54-year-old man was arrested and taken to Coolangatta Police Station, where he was subject to a breath analysis.He was issued with a Notice to Appear in court for driving with a low range concentration of alcohol and will appear before Coolangatta Magistrates Court on Monday, 28 April 2025.Inquiries into the collision are continuing by the Queensland Police Service.The officer’s employment status is currently under review.

Despite the threat of rain, Lismore turned out in large numbers at this morning's ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Lismore Cenotaph on Molesworth Street.City of Lismore RSL sub-branch secretary Wilson McLelland led the service and started by welcoming the crowd just after 5am."Good morning, Lismore. On behalf of the sub-Branch and the veterans community of Lismore, I thank you very much for turning out this morning with the somewhat inclement weather," Mr McLelland said.As if on cue, umbrellas started going up as proceedings continued and the rain came down. Not one of the 500-plus strong crowd was perturbed by the weather.The catafalque party was then ordered to mount around the cenotaph, which was explained by Mr McLelland."A catafalque party is a guard of four service personnel who are posted at the four corners of the colour flag. A structure on which a coffin is drawn in a procession, and it is usually symbolised when located near a memorial by a raised platform. The catafalque party is posted facing outwards with rifles reversed to show that the dead are now at peace.""Upon this day, ANZAC received a baptism of fire and became one of the immortal names in history. We who are gathered here, think of the comrades who went with us to the battlefields of the two Great Wars, Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan, and those involved in peacekeeping throughout the world who did not return. "We feel them still near us in the spirit. We wish to be worthy of their great sacrifice. Let us once more dedicate ourselves to the service of the deep ideals for which they died. As the dawn is even now about to finish, let their memory inspire us to work for the coming of a new life in the dark places of the world."Dignitaries, including Member for Page Kevin Hogan and his wife Karen, Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin and Mayor of Lismore Steve Krieg, then laid wreaths on the cenotaph.Reverand Alan Shaw led the crowd in three prayers before the piper played The Lament, and part of the immortal words of the Ode of Remembrance were spoken.They were young, straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow. They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted. They fell with their faces to the foe. They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.Lest We ForgetThe Lismore High School Choir sang both the New Zealand and Australian national anthems.The Main March starts at 9am from the Brown Creeks car park and makes its way along Molesworth Street to the cenotaph for a 10am service.Further showers are expected, so take an umbrella or a raincoat.An RAAF EA-18G Growler will fly over Lismore at 10:43am.

The majority of Lismore residents and some from our neighbouring LGA's would be aware of the Santin Quarry life extension issue that has plagued Lismore City Council since 2020.On Wednesday, 23 April 2025, the Santin Quarry may well have drawn its last breath when Judge Robson in the Land and Environment Court ruled in favour of the Monaltrie Area Community Association Incorporated (MACAI).There were five grounds forming the MACAI review. Judge Robson ruled in favour of Lismore City Council and Mick Santin in four of the five grounds; however, Judge Robson agreed with MACAI for Ground 1, which was enough to not grant the Santin Quarry a modified DA to extend the quarry's life by 12 years from 12 May 2020 to 2032.Ground 1 stated, "Council did not have power to approve the Modification Application because the consent sought to be modified had lapsed at the date of Council’s purported approval of the Modification Application; or alternatively, Condition 2 of the 2006 Consent limited the period during which the development could be carried out and the consent could not be modified after expiry of that period (‘lapse of consent ground’)."To better understand the Santin Quarry issue, we go back to October 2020, when Lismore City Council had nine (9) councillors. COVID-19 delayed council elections by 18 months, influencing two councillors to resign.In July 2020, Michael Santin lodged the current s4.55(2) modification application for the proposed extension of the life of the existing quarry for an additional sixteen (16) years.During the October council meeting, councillors decided to defer making a decision about extending the quarry's life because they wanted more detailed information from council staff.At the December 2020 council meeting, staff recommended that the modification application be approved. The approval included legal advice on whether Council had the power to grant the application to modify the DA, including whether the development consent had 'expired'. This was always the main area of conjecture for the modified application, when the 25-year period of quarrying began and ended.Councillors voted 5/3 against the recommendation, and the Santin Quarry was to cease operating from 12 February 2021, with Crs Ekins, Lloyd, Guise, Casson and Bird voting against and Crs Marks, Moorhouse and Cook voting for, with Mayor Isaac Smith on leave.Mick Santin then lodged action in the Land and Environment Court to get the decision overturned. That was withdrawn in October 2021.The issue was brought back to a council meeting in October 2023 with a new council in place. Council staff determined that the new DA was substantially the same, and the terms for the development consent had lapsed and not expired. However, LCC staff recommended the DA not be granted because of the acoustic impact on neighbouring properties, something Judge Robson dismissed in his ruling.The debate within the chamber went for one hour and sixteen minutes, with Mayor Krieg calling a five-minute recess when a public gallery member consistently talked over Cr Rob.When the vote was called, it was 6/4 with councillors Gordon, Hall, Jensen, Bing, Rob and Krieg in favour and councillors Guise, Colby, Bird and Ekins against.In January 2024, the MACAI lodged their own action, a Class 4 Summons, in the Land and Environment Court against the Santin Quarry and Lismore City Council.They alleged Council did not have the power to approve a modification application (MA) to extend the life of the Santin Quarry, River Bank Road, Monaltrie, 5km south of Lismore CBD. The point that won them the case.In February 2024, in two confidential items, Council resolved to defend the Class 4 Appeal following the decision by the MACAI to take Lismore City Council to the Land and Environment Court.Following Wednesday's decision, a Lismore City Council spokesperson told the Lismore App," On Wednesday, 23 April, the Land and Environment Court delivered its judgement on the appeal concerning Council's approval to extend the operating life of the Santin Quarry in Lismore."The Court upheld Council's position on four out of five points of contention. However, it determined that Council lacked the authority to approve the modification due to the original consent having lapsed. Consequently, quarry activities cannot proceed under the original consent."Council respects the Court's decision and will seek legal advice to determine appropriate next steps. Our focus has always been on supporting Lismore’s recovery from the 2022 flood events in a cost-effective and strategic way."Local quarries remain critical to this recovery, providing resources, jobs, and keeping record recovery dollars in our local economy. We remain committed to acting in the best interests of Lismore's community."Maybe the Santin Quarry saga is not over after all. Stay tuned.....

Police are again out in force across the state this Anzac Day long weekend, with a warning to drivers that one bad decision can take a life and changes others forever.NSW Police has launched Operation ANZAC Day 2025, which includes a high-visibility presence on NSW roads, with double demerits now in effect until Sunday 27 April 2025.The reminder comes after three people lost their lives over the Easter long weekend. Sadly, this brings the number of lives lost to 107 compared to 106 lives lost for the same period last year.The police operation coincides with the end of the school holidays when many families are expected to return home from their travel destinations.Police from all specialists areas will be supporting the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, with extended patrols across metropolitan and regional NSW. This includes support of officers from general duties, the Public Order and Riot Squad, the Operations Support Group, the Mounted Unit, PolAir and Licensing Police.Police will target risky driver behaviour such as drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving, as well as speeding, not wearing seatbelts, and mobile phone use.Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said all road users are being warned that if they do the wrong thing, then police will catch them.“If you’re thinking about speeding, texting while driving, or getting behind the wheel after a few drinks - think again,” Minister Catley said.“It’s not worth your life, or the life of someone else.“Make this weekend one to remember for the right reasons. Slow down, stay sharp, and make smart choices on our roads.”Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver, is reminding motorists to expect traffic delays, be patient with other road users, and focus on everyone returning home safely.“Don’t gamble with your licence or any lives this long weekend. And don’t let an irreversible decision behind the wheel change the course of your life,” he said.Assistant Commissioner Driver said police are particularly concerned about motorists driving with alcohol and drugs, being distracted or speeding.“During the Easter Long Weekend Operation, 1 in 10 drivers who were subject to random drug testing tested positive to the presence of illegal drugs in their system. This is very concerning, and people need to understand that any presence of illegal drugs detected is not acceptable,” he said.“Alcohol also affects people in different ways. Motorists are reminded that they could still be affected by alcohol the following day, which could push them over the legal limit.“I ask that people think carefully and make wise decisions about how much alcohol they have had before they get behind the wheel.“Drivers also need to understand that seconds of inattention can have disastrous consequences, for example, if you’re travelling at 100km/h and you glance down at your phone, by the time you look up, you’ve travelled the length of an Olympic pool.”“Any level of speeding decreases your ability to stop and increases the consequences of a crash. Don’t put other road users at risk by breaking the law.”

Primex director Bruce Wright believes it is time Northern River’s communities and farmers united with one voice for the future of the region’s agriculture.“There’s been too much talk of late about resilience, recovery and reconstruction,” Mr Wright said. “We need get back to normal and make time to develop a cohesive voice, and strategies, for an area under pressures from man and nature.“There’s too much fragmentation of ideas and policies with seven local councils, any number of local authorities and associations plus a variety of agricultural interests. It’s largely disenfranchised by Sydney and, while there are synergies with Queensland, there’s a border.” Mr Wright, while Queensland-based, has long been a passionate advocate of the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, its people and its produce. Among his concerns are that, without due consideration and proactive planning, the area’s fertile farmlands could become residential acreages and hobby farms with vacant land lords.On the eve of the 41st Norco Primex agricultural expo at Casino in May, Mr Wright is making a concerted effort to gather producers, suppliers and researchers together for better understandings of the current needs of an area running from the Queensland border south to Coffs Harbour and west to the New England region. “Norco Primex has gone back to grassroots this year with the theme ‘Our Future in Farming’ _ sounds simple perhaps but covers a host of topics from ag technology to future planning on agricultural land,” Mr Wright said. “And it’s a call to action. Primex 2025 is the right place and right time to gather all agricultural interests for a united front.”Among innovations formulated by Mr Wright and industry stakeholders is the Young Aggies, a community-based platform to act as a central resource for all agricultural-related information, such as jobs, education, upskilling, social events and business connections.  The goal is to build an influential group that can provide perspective and leadership towards a new generation of innovation and help shape the future of the region’s primary production.The 2025 event also celebrates 130 years of dairy industry stalwart Norco, a Primex partner for more than ten years, "Underscoring the strength and heritage of both brands in the Australian agricultural industry", says Norco’s Luke Couch.“At Norco, we are immensely proud of our roots and our commitment to serving Australian farmers, and our partnership with Primex has been instrumental in supporting these values,” Mr Couch said. “Primex has become the highlight of the year for us and our customers alike. It’s where we come together to celebrate innovation, share knowledge and forge deeper connections with those we serve.”Among 2025 highlights, both before and during the three days of Norco Primex at the Richmond Valley Events Centre, are a series of breakfasts, lunches and dinners for specific industries and businesses from canegrowers to beef and berry farmers. These include a forestry and timber industry dinner, a Lismore Chamber of Business networking event, plus a NSW Cane Growers Industry Day.A host of agricultural and heavy earth-moving equipment on show at Primex will be complemented by the likes of new ag technology, drone workshops, the latest in farm vehicles, working dog trials plus services and advisors ranging from Local Land Services to NSW Health and DPI. Work wear, food and drink outlets, entertainment and helicopter rides will also be on hand.Primex is Australia’s largest coastal-based agricultural field day and one of the only events of its kind to be family-owned. Since 1985, Primex has evolved to cater for what is considered one of the most diverse primary production regions, with a farm gate estimate in excess of $2 billion per annum. More than 30,000 visitors to Norco Primex in 2025 are expected to spend up to $70 million at the field days and from deals researched on site.Primex visitors are often taken with the amount and variety of exhibits showcased in a relaxed atmosphere. In 2024, Tenterfield’s Barry Bicknell appreciated the chance to research machinery for working his property. “You can talk to people in a very non-threatening environment,” Mr Bicknell said. “It’s not like walking into a showroom where sometimes you feel compelled to buy or have to plan your retreat. Here you’ve shown interest, but what you’re doing is research, and while it’s a lot more relaxed atmosphere, the information flow is just as good, maybe better. And how often would you see a 30-tonne excavator?”The 2025 Norco Primex opens 9am to 4pm on Thursday, May 15, Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17. Tickets can be bought online _ for a 30 percent discount _ or at the gates. One-day pass $20; three-day pass $45. Children under 12 free; 12-17 day pass $10 + three-day pass $20. Student/pensioner one-day pass $10; three-day pass $20.

With Anzac Day falling on a Friday this year, licensed venues across NSW are being urged to prepare for a busy start to the long weekend, with large crowds expected to gather at pubs and clubs for the commemoration.Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) is reminding venues to implement appropriate measures to manage increased patron numbers, two-up games and risks related to alcohol service and gambling.Two-up, a popular activity among Australian soldiers during World War I, is generally prohibited. However, it is legally allowed on Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and Victory in the Pacific Day to honour those who served.While no permit is required to host two-up, venues must ensure the coin-tossing contest is conducted in line with its traditional format.L&GNSW Acting Executive Director of Regulatory Operations Gabbie Gallagher said inspectors will be active across metropolitan and regional NSW on April 25 to ensure compliance with liquor and gaming laws.“Anzac Day is a time when Australians come together, and as this year it marks the start of a long weekend, we expect venues to see an increase in patron numbers,” Ms Gallagher said.“Pubs and clubs must be vigilant in managing risks linked to the service of alcohol, intoxication, increased crowd numbers and gambling disputes.“All advertising and promotions tied to the day must also align with liquor promotion guidelines and respect the values and significance of Anzac Day.“Our inspectors will be out across the state to check that venues are serving alcohol responsibly and meeting their obligations under NSW liquor and gaming laws."For more information about Anzac Day in NSW, including two-up rules, visit: nsw.gov.au/anzacday.To view the Liquor Promotion Guidelines, visit: liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au.

As millions of Aussies enjoy another long weekend – some have enjoyed a cheeky 10-day break – Lifeblood is reminding Aussies that the need for blood doesn’t stop, especially with 60 appointments in Lismore over the next ten days.“We know that blood supply levels are at greater risk of falling during holiday periods as more people travel and have a change in routine. Donation might not be top of mind, but it’s easy and will bring you joy,” said Scott Morrison from Lifeblood.“With 104 Lifeblood donor centres across the country, the opportunity to save a life is never too far away and donating blood can actually boost your mood, make you feel less stressed and leave you with a warm glow.“When you donate, you’re adding some sweetness not only to your life, but of course, to the person on the receiving end of a life-saving blood product.”Every day, Lifeblood issues more than 9,500 blood and plasma transfusions and medications to Australian hospitals.“Much like we don’t like to see our chocolate supplies running out as we indulge over the Easter/ANZAC Day holidays, we are urging Lismore and the wider Northern Rivers residents to step up, keep our donor centre chairs full and help maintain Australia’s blood supply at a traditionally quieter time,” said Scott at Lifeblood.In Lismore, Lifeblood needs 60 people to make an appointment to donate blood or plasma that will go to helping trauma and emergency patients, mums delivering babies, people with blood conditions and cancer patients.“Our friendly team in Lismore is waiting to welcome donors and ease any nerves. And if you haven’t already eaten enough chocolate, you can enjoy more delicious snacks after your donation and leave knowing your life-giving donation will have a life-changing outcome.”The Lismore Lifeblood Donor Centre is open over the next ten days for anyone wanting to donate blood or plasma. Plus, anyone who donates between now and 25 May 2025 will leave the donor centre looking eggs-tra special, wearing a colourful, exclusive, Easter-themed bandage by Melbourne artist Alice Oehr.To book an appointment, call 13 14 95,  book online at lifeblood.com.au or on the DonateBlood app.

The NSW Government has launched its official winter vaccines campaign ahead of the peak respiratory virus season this winter.International experience indicates the possibility of a higher-than-usual influenza activity season this year.To ensure people have the essential services they rely on, the government has worked to get the supply of vaccines out to doctors and pharmacists.Vaccination rates for vulnerable groups have been declining nationally as well as globally.In NSW, the influenza vaccine rate for six-month to five-year-olds has declined from 28.3 per cent in 2023 to 25 per cent in 2024, and for over 65s it was down from 62 per cent in 2023 to 60 per cent in 2024.The influenza vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for:Children aged 6 months to less than 5 yearsPeople aged 65 years and olderAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and olderPregnant womenThose with serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, severe asthma, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease.People can access flu vaccinations through their pharmacist or local GP.Last month, the NSW Government announced an investment of $16.6 million to ensure all newborns in NSW can be protected from serious illness from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).It means newborns can either receive free protection from RSV through maternal vaccination or immunisation before they leave the hospital.The NSW Government has invested $15 million to improve vaccine access to vulnerable communities across NSW, such as culturally and linguistically diverse groups.Acting Premier of New South Wales Prue Car said, “Today we are urging people across NSW to top up their yearly vaccinations ahead of the worst of the winter flu season.“Whether you’re a member of a vulnerable group or you want to protect your family members from sickness, it’s important to stay up to date with your vaccinations.”Minister for Health Ryan Park said, “We are today urging the community to get vaccinated ahead of the peak respiratory virus season this winter.“Respiratory viruses such as flu are expected to rise this winter – and we are expecting higher flu activity this season.“The best way to protect your loved ones is to get vaccinated.“That’s why we’re offering free flu vaccines for all children aged six months to under five years and people aged 65 years and older, as well as vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women and people with medical risk factors.”

It would be fair to say that the Resilient Lands Program (RLP) has not been moving ahead at a pace that would pass the Lismore pub test.Sure, land has been purchased or is in the stages of negotiation, such as in East Lismore, North Lismore, Mount Pleasant, Fairy Hill, Brunswick Heads, and Grafton. However, workers and graders on site creating the necessary infrastructure work so housing construction can begin are a non-event.Mount Pleasant Estate in Goonellabah is one parcel of land that the NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSWRA) purchased after the infrastructure work was completed by a developer. After two community meetings, 39 dwellings of various types, such as single detached homes on 400 m2 lots, duplexes, triplexes, dual occupancy with a granny flat, houses on community title with shared green spaces, and renovated relocated homes from the Lismore floodplain, are to be built in the estate.There was a hive of activity late last year when four flood-affected homes were relocated and ready for renovation. At that point in time, the renovations were to be completed by the end of 2025, with the first residents moving in soon after.At the end of April, after the first four months of 2025, there has been no activity at Mount Pleasant Estate. The Lismore App went looking for answers and found them in the form of Graham Kennett, the Executive Director Reconstruction for the NSWRA.Graham said the first contract was to relocate the houses, and the scope of work was limited within that contract."Basically, it's a make good. Get them to site, make good, make those couple of additions, like the driveways and set them there. Then we'll have a separate contract for the renovations to prepare them for the market."That contract, hopefully, should be ready to go out next month, but there's been some property assessment work that had to be done so go back and reinspect, assess the condition, all the remaining elements and then scope out the renovation works and the architectural and structural design that goes with that."So that process is about finished. We're looking to go to the market for either a design and construct, or we may get an architect to finish the detailed design work, but we haven't quite made the decision on that. Either way, we should be ready next month for the renovation works to go to market." Graham did confirm that 2025 is still the target date for the renovations to be completed.As for the anticipated price range for flood-affected people to potentially purchase a relocated home. We should get an indication when the detailed scope of work is complete and the architectural plans have been drawn up in detail.As was mentioned at the top of the story, the four relocated homes are only the first stage of the Mount Pleasant Estate development. What is the expected completion date for the rest of the estate?"It's projected for completion by late 2026," Graham said, "We had to get through that master planning process first. So, there was a draft master plan out with all those different housing types, and all that information has now been presented."That's a draft, so what we need to do is ascertain the level of interest and commitment that the RHP (Reslient Homes Program) buyback participants are prepared to make towards Mount Pleasant. Initially, there was, I guess, through the RHP concierge, they got an understanding from all the RHP participants how many might be interested in Mount Pleasant, and they're just going back and double-checking with the remaining participants to make sure no one gets left out.The next step is to have a deeper consultation with those interested parties, so the RA can develop more detailed floor plans to present, given the type of housing people want to purchase. That step, which should be ready next month, will include an indication of the cost for the build and the land on each type of housing."What we didn't want to do was just crack on with the master plan based on, I guess, a more speculative approach. We wanted to make sure that if we're going to be doing additional subdivision works to change the layout that already exists, and particularly before we start construction of any dwellings, that we want to make sure there's a commitment and we are actually addressing the needs of the RHP participants.If all went according to plan, there would be enough participants from the first expression of interest to sell out the entire estate, but there are a lot of variables, such as housing type and pricing, that may change people's minds. Because of that point, there may be more changes to the draft master plan."Absolutely, the draft master plan is out there as a draft based on the feedback we've had to date, but most definitely the intent is that the master plan will be revised based on that level of commitment. I think in the master plan, there is only a small number of, you know, those strata-type, single lot, common area, small dwellings. We may get higher numbers of interest in that type of development or lower, so we've just got to undertake that engagement with them so that we're making sure what we're delivering is meeting those RHP participants' needs." There is a lot more community engagement to come between the RA and RHP participants in the coming months, before we get answers on the exact makeup of housing at Mount Pleasant Estate.Until then, we know the relocation houses are still on track to be completed by the end of 2025 and the rest of the estate by the end of 2026. There is no grader activity yet, but it is not far away.