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North Coast State forests closed until further notice
North Coast State forests closed until further notice

09 November 2019, 5:42 AM

All State forests from the north of Nabiac to the Queensland border and the northern tablelands will remain closed to the public until further notice due to the ongoing fire risk.Forestry Corporation of NSW’s Senior Manager Forest Stewardship Kathy Lyons said State forests on the north coast and northern tablelands may remain closed for extended periods. “There are many large dangerous fires moving across the landscape and we expect the high fire danger to continue for the foreseeable future,” Ms Lyons said. “State forests that have been recently burnt will remain closed for some time due to the high risk of trees falling after fire.“There is a very high risk to public safety, so do not enter these forests until further notice.” State forests in the Hunter region and Central Coast are now open, but visitors are urged to take extra care and adhere to the ongoing solid fuel fire bans and pay close attention to new fire warnings. Sealy Lookout in Orara East State Forest near Coffs Harbour will remain open while safe from fire. “State forests in the Hunter, Central Coast and Sealy Lookout near Coffs Harbour are open to visitors, but we do encourage people to carefully consider and plan their travel and be prepared to leave if the conditions change,” Ms Lyons said.“The landscape is incredibly dry and there are already extensive fires across the north coast, so conditions can change rapidly and there remains a continued heightened fire risk until we have substantial rain.“We encourage anyone planning to visit a State forest to check current fire danger and fire bans via the Rural Fire Service website and keep an eye on our website or Facebook page for information about closures.“Solid Fuel Fire Bans, which have been in place since 1 September and prohibit campfires and barbecues using wood, charcoal or other solid fuels, continue to apply every day. "Campers are permitted to use gas stoves for cooking unless a total fire ban is declared.”For the latest information about fires, visit the Rural Fire Service website http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

Smoky conditions trigger health warning
Smoky conditions trigger health warning

08 November 2019, 2:28 AM

Fine smoke particles in the air have triggered a health warning from the North Coast Public Health Unit.Residents in the Far North Coast are advised to take precautions while bushfire smoke affects local air quality and hot weather is forecast. Fine smoke particles affect the human cardiovascular and respiratory systems and can aggravate existing chronic health conditions by penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the blood system. North Coast Public Health Unit acting director Greg Bell, said the particles can cause health problems such as itchy or burning eyes, throat and nose irritation and illnesses such as bronchitis. “We urge people with chronic respiratory or cardiac conditions to be aware of the effects of exposure to bushfire smoke and to take steps to protect their health,” Mr Bell said. “Smoke exposure can lead people with lung disease or chronic bronchitis to develop shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, many days after smoke is inhaled. “We recommend these people closely monitor their symptoms and follow their asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) action plan.” Mr Bell advised residents, particularly those sensitive to smoke, to stay indoors until the air clears and avoid strenuous exercise or heavy outdoor work where possible. “Symptoms can occur for several days after smoke is inhaled, so people with chronic respiratory and cardiac conditions need to be vigilant with their medication or treatment programs,” Mr Bell said. “If symptoms do not settle, contact your doctor.” Mr Bell also advised residents to take precautions during the predicted hot weather. “Remember to drink plenty of water, stay in cool areas or visit air conditioned locations, and look out for neighbours and family members who may be vulnerable,” he said. Healthy adults may also feel the effects of fine smoke particles that can irritate the lungs, but generally any symptoms will clear after the smoke disappears. In the event of an emergency, always remember to dial Triple Zero (000). For tips on dealing with hot weather, visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat/Pages/default.aspx More information about bushfire smoke is available at: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/air/Pages/air-factsheets.aspx

Merillee's storage shed sale supports Tenterfield fire relief
Merillee's storage shed sale supports Tenterfield fire relief

08 November 2019, 12:18 AM

Bexhill resident Merrilee Pettinato is doing everything she can to support people affected by recent bush fires in the Tenterfield region.Tomorrow, Saturday, November 9, she’s holding a storage shed sale in Goonellabah to raise money for the non-profit organisation Make It Tenterfield.Merillee works at Daleys Homewares and Monogramming and said she felt for the hardships the people in the Tenterfield region were going though after the fires.  “I have a house in Tenterfield that nearly burnt down on October 6,” she said.“I was actually buying the house on that day. “At 10am in morning after the final inspection of the house, I was waiting around for the transfer settlement to come through and I went for a wander and asked the local agent to ring me when it was done.“Later, my own agent rang said me and said she was at my house fighting a fire in her high heels along with the current who were fire fighting volunteers – and they stayed there to fight the fire too.“It was extraordinary the way things came together for me.”Merillee regularly travels to Tenterfield and loves the community there.She’s joined the collective art and craft collective Make It Tenterfield which she says has evolved into a hub of people who support each other and people in neighbouring towns like Stanthorpe and Drake. “They are fundraising for the community doing raffles and a Buy a Bale fundraiser so farmers can feed their remaining cattle and horses,” she said.“Since February this year, three fires have ringed the town on three occasions, with only one house lost - but many outbuildings, fences and live stock are affected and thousandsof acres of farms and surrounding National and State Forests and Parks are burnt.“Today there’s another fire broken out down the road again and the devastation is ongoing - especially as the drought is also impacting them.“Many people are now without an income and that impacts the whole town.“Tenterfiled is a tourist town with many people either passing through or coming to the National Parks or State Forests, many of which are now closed due to the fire. “Bald Rock has had all the infrastructure destroyed.”Merillee said all the money raised from the storage locker sale tomorrow will be given to Make It Tenterfield to distribute to different organisations.“Money will go to buying bottled water for the school kids as the town water supply is undrinkable without boiling first, or to buy bales of hay for cattle.“We’ve also got donations going to organisations like Blaze Aid - an initiative that started in the Black Saturday fires in Victoria - where volunteers from all over the world come to the assistance of farmers with fence building or other tasks.The storage shed sale will offer a wide range of donated goods, including quad bike and motorbike gear and garden tools. “Six months ago my friend had a storage shed full of abandoned stuff which has been donated to me for the cause.The sale will be held at Caravan Plus Storage, Unit 100, 4 Holland Road, Goonellabah from 8am until 2pm.Merillee also intends to hold a Lismore Car Boot market stall on November 17.

New hair and beauty salon ready to please
New hair and beauty salon ready to please

07 November 2019, 11:05 PM

Renee Daniels has always loved doing make-up. “It’s my specialty,” she said. “Before I did a diploma qualification, I taught myself.  “Now it’s my life – so much actually goes into it and I love seeing the customers so happy.” Renee and her sister Jade Stevens have opened a new business in Lismore - Pretty Please Hair and Beauty. The salon, with its jade green walls and clean stylish décor has been opened for about two months.Pictured: Renee Daniels from Pretty Please Hair and Beauty loves vibrant colours.Renee said it’s “tucked away” down a laneway off Carrington Street, next to Dragonfly Coffee Shop. “We’re located near PlayQuest and The Essential Movement Pilates,” she said.  “But we’d love people to come in and say hello.” Renee is offering facials, waxing, glam makeup and hair wash and blow dry. Jade will be cutting hair on Saturdays and her speciality is hair colouring. “I’m studying hairdressing at TAFE at the moment and when I’m qualified I’ll be cutting hair too,” Renee said.  “I already have a beauty therapist qualification and a Certifcate 2 in salon assisting. “Make up is my specialty, Jade’s is colouring.”  Renee said Jade has been a hairdresser for 16 years and came to her one day and said they should open a business together. “Jade is my inspiration,” Renee said. “She’s a full-time working mum and she she’s always doing her best to help people.” “When we opened, we wanted to be available for people by appointment for special occasions. “We thought there’s a lot of working mums and we wanted to make ourselves available outside of normal opening times - so we are there when we they need us.” Renee and Jade have been getting customers who want to be pampered before weddings. School formals are also coming up and the salon is already getting bookings from customers keen to look their best for the end of year celebrations. “When people have special events on, like weddings, we know they want to look fresh with their hair and make up,” Renee said. “No-one wants to look dull and deflated for their special day. “We can schedule them in at a time that best suits them before it starts.” Pretty Please Hair and Beauty also stock a range of hair and beauty products which are all cruelty free, vegan and Australian made. “That’s always been very important to both of us,” Renee said. Pretty Please Hair and Beauty is located at Shop 2/38 Carrington Street, Lismore. You can contact them on 0421 312 623. Pretty Please Hair and Beauty shop hours are:Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9am-5pmTuesday 9am-8pm and Saturday 8am-2pmClosed on Sunday and Monday

Extreme weather brings total fire ban
Extreme weather brings total fire ban

07 November 2019, 10:47 PM

A total fire ban has been declared for Friday, November 8 in the Northern Rivers.The ban includes: no fires out in the open on Friday, including open fire barbeques, hot coal barbeques and general purpose hot works in the open, such as welding, grinding or gas cutting.The Rural Fire Service (RFS) has reported that the current forecast weather and fire danger is worse than the on October 8 when the Busby’s Flat fire in Richmond Valley caused so much damage.RFS fire crews have brought under control fires which began near Lismore yesterday.These fires include a bush fire at Wardell Road at Wardell, grass fires burning at Myall Creek Road at Bora Ridge and at Wyrallah Road at Tuckarimba, and a pine needle fire at Carwon State Forest in Richmond Valley. Yesterday, there were 66 bush and grass fires burning across NSW, with 19 still to be contained. All State forests from Sydney to the Queensland border are closed. Read more: All State forests to the border closed from todayWith seven total fire bans and increased fire danger across the state, The RFS strongly suggests people review their bush fire survival plans and know what you will do if fire threatens.“If a fire starts in your area it will not be controllable in these weather conditions”, the RFS reported.“If you are not prepared or would not be completely safe if you are in a bush fire prone area, you should leave early.”Read more about the severe weather and the dust plume over the region: Severe weather brings brown skies to Lismore

All State forests to the border closed from today
All State forests to the border closed from today

06 November 2019, 8:33 PM

All State forests from the north of Sydney to the Queensland border, including the Far North Coast, will be closed to the public for three days from today.The forests are closed from Thursday, November 7 until Saturday, November 9 due to the very high to extreme fire danger over the coming days. The closure applies to all State forests in the Rural Fire Service zones in the Greater Sydney Region, Far North Coast, North Coast, Greater Hunter, New England and the Northern Slopes.The only exceptions are Cumberland State Forest, Treetops Adventure Park at Ourimbah State Forest and Sealy Lookout at Orara East State Forest. Forestry Corporation of NSW’s Senior Manager Forest Stewardship Kathy Lyons asked the community to stay out of these State forests due to the very high risk to public safety. “We are expecting very high to severe and extreme fire weather over the next three days and there are already extensive fires across the north coast and tablelands. Fires are likely to be uncontrollable in these conditions,” Ms Lyons said. “All State forests from the north of Sydney to the Queensland border and the northern tablelands will be closed for the next three days due to the high fire danger. “This closure will affect popular camp grounds and picnic areas throughout the region including Olney, Heaton and Strickland State forests, Swans Crossing near Kendall, Coopernook Headquarters and recreation areas along the Allyn River and Telegherry River in the Chichester State forest. “Please do not enter these forests over the next three days.” For the latest information about fires, visit the Rural Fire Service website www.rfs.nsw.gov.au 

Grants open to smart farmers and landcare groups
Grants open to smart farmers and landcare groups

06 November 2019, 4:29 AM

Farmers and landcare groups are encouraged to apply for funding of up to $50,000 under round three of the Australian Government’s Smart Farms Small Grants program. Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the grants would help farmers turn innovative ideas into on-ground projects to improve the quality of their natural resources while increasing on-farm productivity. “Farmers are the custodians of more than half of Australia’s land and they’re wanting to pass it on in a better state,” Mr Hogan said. “Projects previously funded under include innovative methods to manage soil acidity; virtual fencing to protect riparian habitat; improving orchard pollination and bee health using drone technology, as well as mentoring activities connecting farmers and students. “Smart Farms Small Grants supports projects that increase the knowledge, skills and capacity of farming, forestry and fishing communities to adopt best practice sustainable agriculture.” A total of $43.5 million is available for Smart Farms Small Grants across an anticipated six annual rounds (2017–18 to 2022–23). Under Round one, 77 projects valued at $4.75 million were approved, with another 110 projects valued at $9.25 million approved under Round two. Round three Smart Farms Small Grants applications are open until 19 December 2019. For more information and to apply visit the Community Grants Hub website http://www.communitygrants.gov.au

 Man arrested over alleged online exploitation of a child
Man arrested over alleged online exploitation of a child

06 November 2019, 3:11 AM

A man has been arrested in Lismore and charged over the alleged online exploitation of a child and possession of child abuse material.Last month, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crime Squad’s Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) began engaging online with a man from the Far North Coast.Police will allege in court that the man believed he was speaking with a 14-year-old girl and engaged in conversations about sexually-explicit acts he wished to perform on the child.Following extensive inquiries, a 33-year-old man was arrested by Strike Force Trawler detectives at a business at Lismore about 9.30am today (Wednesday November 6).Strike Force Trawler detectives also executed a search warrant at a home near Casino, where they seized electronic devices.The man was taken to Lismore Police Station and charged with use carriage service to send indecent material to person under 16, use carriage service to solicit child abuse material, possess child abuse material, and fail to comply with reporting obligations.He was refused bail to appear at Lismore Local Court today.Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by the CEIU into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.Regular covert online investigations are conducted by the CEIU; and police in NSW work closely with their law-enforcement colleagues interstate and overseas.Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. 

New residential development ready for inspection
New residential development ready for inspection

05 November 2019, 10:31 PM

A new residential community in Goonellabah is ready to be inspected by potential home owners.The Eastwood development on Invercauld Road, Goonellabah will offer 133 homesites across a 21 hectare parcel of land.Managed by developers the McCloy Group, Stage 1 of Eastwood will be open to the public on November 16, from 10am-12pm.On offer in Stage 1 will be 16 to 20 blocks of land for sale to the public.McCloy Group Project Director Sam Rowe said the development will incorporate incorporate public art, children’s playgrounds and over 200 mature street trees. “We seek to create communities which families can be proud to call home” Mr Rowe said.When complete Eastwood will be home to around 135 new homes and over 300 residents. Pictured: Artist's impression of stage 1 of the Eastwood development.Fast progressMr Rowe said the development has been able to go ahead quickly because his company purchased the land 18 months ago with a Development Approval already in place.“The previous developer never started the project because of the big upfront costs for infrastructure, on top of standard civil construction costs,” Mr Rowe said.“We realised we needed to take a hit on stage one to get it off the ground.Mr Rowe said some changes to the development plan were necessary to get the development to the construction certificate stage with Lismore Council.“We had to make some changes to the roading because it was too close to residents’ properties,” Mr Rowe said. “And we took out the retaining wall on the side of the access road and instead made it a landscaped development."We purposely collected a civil contractor with a good reputation and it was a quick 6-7 month program to get the works done – and we’ve been lucky with the weather.”Pictured: Artist's impression of stage 2 of the Eastwood development.Six StagesThere will be six stages overall in the development, with 20-25 lots being made available in each stage.Mr Rowe said if stage 1 sold quickly, the company would begin work on stage 2 immediately.“McCloy Group want to offer something different to what you would normally see in a subdivision,” Mr Rowe said.“We are offering an open park, natural landscape, utilising the natural rock features on the site and have replaced trees we’ve had to remove with mature trees.”A Vegetation Management Plan has been put in place which will see substantial revegetation of open space areas (including Gundurmba Creek corridor) undertaken, with over 7,000 thousand active tree and plant species to be planted within the community. Open dayPeople interested in purchasing land can come and look at the development on November 16.Mr Rowe said representatives from real estate agent LJ Hooker would be on site on the day to walk people through the sites.“People can secure land on the day with a $1000 holding deposit,” he said. “Block prices range from $149,000 to $257,000.“The streets will be well presented, with roads, curbs, gutters and grass and lot sizes vary from 629 – 2700 square metres.”Some of the land has a steep gradient and Mr Rowe said different options would be available for home builders who wanted a flat area, or a split level construction.“As part of the stage 1 development, natural stone from the site has been resourced to create a statement entry feature to welcome future residents along with reuse in homesite benching,” he said.“Local residents will also notice the new public art commissioned with the launch of Eastwood, a three meter high bronze koala and its baby, titled Cuddles, by artists Gillies & Marc.“We look forward to welcoming the community at the launch event, there will be brekkie wraps and coffee on us along with free children’s activities and local builders onsite.”For more information about Eastwood, visit https://eastwoodliving.com.au/ or see Facebook for information about the open day on November 16 https://www.facebook.com/events/406920133538399/  

New pharmacy brings a fresh face to Lismore
New pharmacy brings a fresh face to Lismore

05 November 2019, 4:36 AM

There’s a new face in pharmacy in town. Discount Drug Stores has a opened a new chemist store on Rous Road in Goonellabah. The purpose-built pharmacy is attached to the GP Super Clinic in the shopping complex on the corner of Pleasant Street and Rous Road. Pharmacist and managing owner Steven Defrenne said today is the second day of trading. “We knew there was a need for a pharmacy here,” Steven said. Pharmacist Steven Defrenne has settled in Lismore.“People in this area have limited transport to get into town and we wanted to make sure that we could optimise health care here.”Steven said the pharmacy will be open seven days a week and at the moment is in a “soft opening” stage as he sets up the pharmacy and keeps and eye on what the most suitable times are to be open for customers.At the moment, the store is open Monday to Thursday 8am - 7.30pm, Friday 8am – 6.30pm, Saturday 9am – 4.30pm and Sunday 9am – 3.30pm.“We’ll gauge when we are going to be busy and then set opening hours based on what is best for the community,” Steven said.“We will hold a grand opening in a few weeks and invite people along.” Steven moved to Lismore from Brisbane and is now happily settled here. “We are part of a franchise, but I’m the owner of this business,” he said. “We will be offering multiple services as we set up over the coming months, including services to help with sleep apnoea and home medication management.” 

Lismore's lolly shop to close
Lismore's lolly shop to close

04 November 2019, 10:00 PM

After nearly two years in business, Muzza’s Milk Bar is closing. But don’t despair – you will still be able to buy your cola bottles, aniseed rings, coconut rough and freckles from the shop’s new pop up lolly shop in Lismore Square.The shop, located on the corner of Molesworth Street and the Star Court Arcade, will be moving to the Square on November 14 for six weeks over Christmas. Maddy Powell, whose mum owns Muzza’s said the milk bar was closing because her mum’s shoe shop next door “is taking off”.“My mum Petria owns Treas Shoes next door and she’ll be taking over shops, so there won’t be an empty shop on the street,” Maddy said. “We’re not closing because we’re not busy - I’m not going to be here next year to help run the shop.” “The square offered us the shop at the bottom of the escalator for cheaper rent than we have here.“We thought it was a great idea and Santa will be set up next door to us between the escalators.“The markets are on there too, so we’ll be open seven days a week.“We should be busy over the Christmas period.”Maddy said her favourite lollies are caramel jerseys.“Don’t worry - any lollies left over after Christmas won’t go to waste,” she said.“We’ll take them to our milk bar in Evans Head.“My mum opened a milk bar in Evans head seven years ago because there wasn’t one already there.“Then she opened the Lismore shop after the floods in 2017.”

Lismore sees biggest record dry spell since 1941
Lismore sees biggest record dry spell since 1941

04 November 2019, 5:54 AM

Dry weather conditions since mid-winter across north east NSW have resulted in record, or close to record low rainfall totals for many locations, with Lismore showing the lowest rainfall in the area – totalling 18.2mm.The data, complied by Northern NSW Severe Weather show combined rainfall over August, September and October.For Lismore, when these three month totals were added to the July rainfall, we see that only 19.6mm has fallen in the past 115 days.The three month total is only 0.1mm more than the record dry-spell for Lismore for the same months, which was set in 1941 - a year remarkably similar to 2019 overall.The three-month totals from August 1 to October 31 in the region are between 10 and 25% of normal for this period.Three-month totals from August 1 to October 31:18.2mm at Lismore53.8mm at Murwillumbah72.0mm at Byron Bay61.2mm at Ballina56.4mm at Casino50.6mm at Grafton37.8mm at Tabulam33.6mm at Tenterfield51.2mm at Glen Innes32.4mm at Armidale34.2mm at InverellCurrently, an active trough system is crossing into NSW and the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting a chance of a thunderstorm Monday and Tuesday, with a 40% chance of showers by the afternoon and early evening of Tuesday.These thunderstorms have the potential to deliver widespread falls of around 20mm, with some places likely to see close to 50mm.Maps from Bureau of Meteorology show October totals, August-October Rainfall totals, and August-October Deciles.

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