Australia's 28th Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, visited Lismore yesterday, making good her promise to Mayor Steve Krieg when the two met soon after her official swearing-in on July 1st this year."I think it's important that I've come, and it's a trip that I've wanted to make since being sworn into office," the Governor-General told the Lismore App, "It was something that the former governor-general impressed upon me, having come here many times."As he was leaving and handing the role to me, he was clear that to come is very important and to listen and to just make sure people are doing okay, but to keep showing up. So, it was always going to be an important part of my first few months in the role. And then, I was lucky enough to see Steve Krieg and Jeri Hall in the first week of my term when they were in Canberra for the Local Government Association Conference. We had a really great discussion about what was happening in Lismore and the Northern Rivers, and why it was important to come and visit soon. I gave that commitment in my first week in the office."So, it's taken us a little bit of time, mainly because we had a royal visit that I wasn't expecting, and so we wanted to give this proper attention time."Her Excellency started her visit at the Jarjum Preschool in Goonellabah, where she was welcomed by Mayor Steve Krieg and given a tour by Family Worker Kristylee Buchanan, with Aunty Sandra Bolt, Shirley Patton and other staff in attendance.She discovered that Jarjum now has 75 young students since opening the new building three years ago. Twenty of those have special needs.The tour ended with the governor-general reading a book, Welcome To Country by Aunty Joy Murphy and illustrated by Lisa Kennedy, to a room of students.Starting in a chair, it wasn't long before the governor-general moved to the floor to be closer to the Halloween-dressed children. It was the first indication of what Her Excellency's term as governor-general will focus on."I think the office of Governor-General is one of those high offices in our country that performs a series of roles, and one of them is to represent community and amplify the stories of community, back to the country, and to stand by communities, either in their moments of great joy or their moments of despair, and stick with communities."That's something that I've always believed anyone in an office like this should do. It's about showing up, continuing to show up, and understanding what it is that I can do in my role that can help a community find its way through and also to observe and listen to what makes a resilient Australian community."I've put at the centre of my term work care and kindness and respect. And I think care and kindness is something that all communities would like to see modelled by those of us who have the privilege of these offices. It's not just the showing up, it's listening and paying respect to the stories that are here. And for me, care is about caring for each other, caring for those that care. So clearly, there was a lot of that here that happened. And then caring for our natural environment and our great continent, caring for civics, institutions, and then caring for the way we conduct ourselves in the tough conversations, rather than descending into rancour and violence and enmity. How do we actually argue well, and civilly, and understand how we solve problems by doing that, not by fighting one another."So, the notion of care, for me, is at the core of the Office of the Governor-General. But it's not a soft option. It's, I think, a way of working with communities all around the country to build a sense of what allows us to be optimistic and successful and modern and diverse. I find that wherever I go, people are yearning for care and kindness."It's not easy to do. I think it sounds easy, but I think if you think about how a nation thinks about caring for each other and caring for those that care, we see that in the care economy, with those that are in the business of caring. But when you've been through something that this region's been through, and to see people who didn't expect to have to stand up, their world's changing forever, they'd lost everything, but were there for everybody else, and still have the residual recovery underway, and the fear of it happening again, it's very important that I do care, and my office cares, and that we encourage others to keep showing up and ensuring that the recovery and rebuilding is given the right support that it will need for this community."Her Excellency's visit also included Southern Cross University, where she discussed its role in the flood rescue and recovery with Vice-Chancellor Tyrone Carlin and Chief of Staff Chris Ashton. She met the artists in residence at CONVERGE on Woodlark Street and inspected a few council assets under repair, including the Lismore Library and the Lismore Municipal Building (Historical Society).(The team from Bennetts Construction explaining the rebuild in the main room upstairs in the Lismore Municipal Building)When asked what she had observed yesterday, Her Excellency replied, "What I've discovered is exactly what I was told by Steve (Krieg) and Jeri (Hall) and General David Hurley, and that was, this is a community that has dealt with some of the toughest times, many times over, is very resilient and was able to get through this because of the strength of the community, but there's still a lot of underlying trauma and concern about what the future holds, and not just relying on things that have always been and will this ever happened again, but more importantly, to rebuild community and have a sense of belief that the community will be okay."Her Excellency loves books and, standing by her earlier comments, expressed an interest in returning to Lismore in early 2025 for the official opening of the Lismore Library.(Her Excellency during the Lismore Library tour)"I'd love to come back and open this library. That is an image that is seared into my memory. I'm a lover of books and libraries, and so is my daughter. We saw those images of the books just being thrown out the window and just completely destroyed, and watching all of that literature and knowledge in one go being lost to this community. "To come here and see a restoration that pays respect to the building and the purpose for which this building exists, I think, if I were invited back, I'd have to find room in my program to come and open that and celebrate with the community. That would be an indication of recovery and something to be very proud of."I will leave that up to the mayor and to those that are involved in this. But I want to keep showing up where you'd expect governors-general to show up. And show up in places that maybe governors-general haven't turned up before, just to keep caring and to keep reflecting on the national character and amplifying that around the country."Mayor Krieg has said that Her Excellency is welcome back anytime to Lismore, so if the schedule allows, it is certain we will see her again in a few months and quite a few times over her term as the Governor-General of Australia.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning for DAMAGING WINDS, LARGE HAILSTONES, and HEAVY RAINFALL has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for Nimbin and Kyogle.An upper wave combines with a southerly change to generate severe thunderstorms this afternoon.These are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations that may be affected include Kyogle, Nimbin, Wooli and Woolgoolga.The State Emergency Service advises that people should:* Move your car under cover or away from trees.* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.* Unplug computers and appliances.* Avoid using the phone during the storm.* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.The next warning is due to be issued by 6:35 pm.

The State of the Climate Report 2024 has found Australia’s weather and climate has continued to change, with an increase in extreme heat events, longer fire seasons, more intense heavy rainfall, and sea level rise.The report, prepared every two years, was released today by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, and the Bureau of Meteorology. It draws on the latest national and international climate research, monitoring, and projection information to describe changes and long-term trends in Australia’s climate.Scientists found the oceans around Australia are continuing to warm (over 1° Celsius since 1900), with increases in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leading to more acidic oceans, particularly south of Australia.CSIRO Research Manager Dr Jaci Brown said warming of the ocean has contributed to longer and more frequent marine heatwaves, with the highest average sea surface temperature on record occurring in 2022.“Increases in temperature have contributed to significant impacts on marine habitats, species and ecosystem health, such as the most recent mass coral bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef this year,” Dr Brown said."Rising sea levels around Australia are increasing the risk of inundation and damage to coastal infrastructure and communities.“Global mean sea level is increasing, having risen by around 22 centimetres since 1900. Half of this rise has occurred since 1970.“The rates of sea level rise vary across the Australian region, with the largest increases in the north and south-east of the Australian continent.”The amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere continues to increase, contributing to climate change, with 2023 the warmest year on record globally. Australia, on average, has warmed by 1.51 + or - 0.23 ° Celsius since national records began in 1910.Dr Karl Braganza, Climate Services Manager at the Bureau of Meteorology, said Australia is continuing to warm, with eight of the nine warmest years on record occurring since 2013.“This warming has led to an increase in extreme fire weather, and longer fire seasons across large parts of the country,” Dr Braganza said.The report describes the shift toward drier conditions between April to October across the southwest and southeast, and reduced rainfall in southwest Australia now seems to be a permanent feature of the climate."The lower rainfall in the cooler months is leading to lower average streamflow in those regions, which can impact soil moisture and water storage levels and increase the risk of drought. Droughts this century have been significantly hotter than those in the past," Dr Braganza said.“However, when heavy rainfall events occur, they are becoming more intense, with an increase of around 10 per cent or more in some regions.“The largest increases are in the north of the country, with 7 of the 10 wettest wet seasons since 1998 occurring in northern Australia.”The Northern Rivers is forecast for less rainfall in the cooler winter months followed by average to above average rainfall in the wet season, especially during periods of La Niña.Although Australian emissions have declined since 2005, Australia is projected to see continued warming over the coming decades, with more extremely hot days and fewer extremely cool days.The rate of emissions decline will need to accelerate from now to meet Australia’s 2030 emissions targets.State of the Climate 2024 is the eighth report in a series published every two years by CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology. The findings highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and help to inform and manage climate risk.The 2024 report can be found on the CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology websites.

Aged Care Reform has been moving at a glacial pace since the Royal Commission Final Report was delivered in March 2021. The Royal Commission found that the current Aged Care Act and its related legislation is no longer fit for purpose. This is because it is structured around providers and how to fund them, rather than around the people accessing services and what they need.The lack of Aged Care beds in Lismore and the Northern Rivers is one of the reasons why Lismore Base Hospital emergency department wait times are some of the worst in the state. The elderly are taking up beds in the hospital with no where for them to go.The new Aged Care Act introduced into parliament in September this year, will underpin responses to around 60 Royal Commission recommendations, including to legislate:the Government's response to the Aged Care Taskforce recommendationsthe new Support at Home programstrengthened Aged Care Quality Standardsstronger powers for the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissiona Statement of Rights for older people.Leaders from the UnitingCare Network appeared before the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee in October to advocate for an Aged Care Bill that meets the needs of older Australians for decades to come.From Devonport to Darwin, representatives shared their perspectives during the following hearings:Andrew Kinnersly, Uniting AgeWell – Devonport (4 October) Jude Emmer, Wesley Mission Queensland – Brisbane (11 October) Chris Stewart, Helping Hand – Port Lincoln (14 October) Sarah Watson, Uniting Communities – Port Lincoln (14 October) Tracey Burton, Uniting NSW.ACT – Newcastle (16 October) Russell Bricknell, Juniper Aged Care – Perth (18 October) and Aged Care Remote Accord – Darwin (24 October)“This Bill represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance the quality and sustainability of aged care services across the country,” said Claerwen Little, National Director of UnitingCare Australia.“The voices of our CEOs highlight our commitment to ensuring that every older Australian experiences compassion and dignity as they age.“As a significant provider of aged care services, we are deeply committed to advocating for a rights-based and future-proofed aged care system that meets the diverse needs of all Australians.”UnitingCare Australia’s Submission on the Aged Care Bill, prepared in consultation with the UnitingCare Network, supports the Bill overall. The submission also identifies key provisions that would benefit from adjustments, including funding for accommodation and arrangements for disclosing residential care services.Such adjustments will provide the confidence needed to continue delivering high-quality services across the sector.“Older Australians have waited over three years since the Aged Care Royal Commission delivered its final report, and it is time to advance this vital reform,” said Little.“Every Australian deserves to age with dignity, regardless of their financial circumstances, and we believe this legislation can pave the way for that. We urge Parliament to pass the Bill before the end of this parliamentary term.“We are also calling on the Government to urgently release the Aged Care Rules, which are essential to fully understand the Bill’s impact and ensure a smooth transition.“We need to make sure that no one is left behind in this transition, and the Government must guarantee adequate funding to sustain the sector, especially in regional and rural areas.“As we navigate this transition, our focus remains on fostering an aged care system that meets today’s needs while laying a strong foundation for the future.”About UnitingCare AustraliaUnitingCare Australia is the national body for the Uniting Church’s community services, the largest social services and not-for-profit aged care provider network in Australia. The UnitingCare network supports 1.4 million people every year across 1,600 sites in urban, rural, and remote communities, with over 55,000 staff and 17,000 volunteers.

"Someone once said, 'The law is an ass', " is how John from East Lismore started when he emailed the Lismore App. John was referring to a recent break-and-enter case that occurred at his set of units on Dibbs Street that left 80-year-old Bernadette traumatised and her arrested perpetrator set free.The offence itself took place at 11pm on July 14 this year when two youths broke into Benadette's unit and attempted to rob her while she slept.John is Bernadette's neighbour. He heard the two would-be juvenile thieves as they walked past his window behind his unit."There were two of them. They came past my bedroom window in the unit that I live in. But we don't have back doors in our unit. We only have one front door."Bernadette's unit is one of two in the middle of two rows of units and did have a back door."People normally lock their doors, but on this occasion, she forgot to lock the back door."John immediately rang the police, and luckily for Bernadette, there was a car in the vicinity, which led to the police arriving very quickly. The thieves were still in the unit as the police searched the premises with torches on."The kids came out, saw the coppers and ran. And, the coppers ran after him and got one of them."According to John, the thieves dropped Bernadette's handbag when they saw the police."Bernadette told me that they had everything all lined up on the cupboard inside her lounge room. They had keys and jewellery and all sorts of things."Three months later, in early October, Bernadette and John went to the Children's Court to testify at the youth's trial."We were met by the arresting officers who informed us we would not be required as the judge was not going to proceed with the case because of the young age of the accused. So, the end result was the perpetrator was allowed to go free and continue his life of crime."The Lismore App applied for the fact sheet in the case. It read, 'Charge of Aggravated B&E commit serious indictable offence was Dismissed – Withdrawn on 08 Oct 2024'. Police cannot comment on the case as it involves a juvenile whose case has been heard. John said he thought the thieves were 13 or 14 years old.It is likely that the criminal was aged over 10 years but under 14, as that is when the 'doli incapax' rule can apply.The doli incapax rule operates throughout Australia. In principle, it assumes that children aged 10 to 14 are 'criminally incapable' unless proven otherwise. This presumption can be rebutted by the prosecution calling evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the child, at the time of doing the act, knew that it was seriously wrong as a matter of morality, or according to the ordinary principles of reasonable persons (and not merely naughty or mischievous).The benefit is it keeps young offenders out of the justice system as they are thought to be from troubled homes. Statistically, if children enter the justice system at a young age, they are more likely to re-offend.Of course, the doli incapax rule can be abused time and time again by a young criminal until the age of 14. That criminal can re-offend as each case is dealt with separately.While most crimes involving 10 to 14-year-olds are non-violent, they revolve around theft or robbery; their victims are not so lucky.John says that Bernadette has been traumatised by the incident."She is very, very apprehensive. She doesn't feel safe anymore. She was telling me the other day she locks the doors at 4. 30 every afternoon and keeps checking them until she goes to bed. And then, when she's in bed, any little noise she hears, she gets up. Prior to the incident she was quite happy going about her business and enjoyed a full social life."Unfortunately, these are not isolated incidents."We get this all the time. It's very disappointing, you know? I mean, we get kids through here all the time, and I've rung the police many times, and this is the first time we've been able to catch somebody. Since then, there's been three kids walk through here; walked past my window again checking out the cars in the park under the carport at two o'clock in the morning."The best way to avoid being a victim is to lock your doors and lock your cars. However, it still doesn't help an elderly person living their life and forgetting to lock the door on one occasion.John said the Diocese of Lismore operates the premises. There is a meeting scheduled for next week to discuss increasing security measures to make all residents safer and to deter criminals from entering the premises.John's closing line? "So that saying, "the law is an ass" was once again proven to be correct."

The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) checked more than 8.8 million megalitres of water entitlements across NSW during the 2023-24 financial year - enough water to fill more than 3.5 million Olympic pools. The huge number has been revealed as the water regulator tallies the results of its major compliance campaigns for last financial year, which includes the Far North Coast.The campaigns targeted key water use areas: Overdrawn accounts – looking at water accounts that had gone into negative balance (statewide) Irrigated agriculture - focusing on illegal water take or storage for commercial use (Murray-Murrumbidgee, Far North Coast) Non-urban metering - concentrating on high-volume high-risk water users who were not compliant with metering regulations (northern and southern inland) Improving floodplain connections - focusing on addressing the problem of unapproved floodworks (statewide) Monthly meter reporting - which sought better water use reporting by water licence holders in at-risk underground water sources (regions near Moree, Narrabri, Dubbo, Narrandera, Lake Cargelligo and Albury). The data also shows the regulator scanned tens of thousands of water works and properties/accounts using highly sophisticated satellite, intelligence and remote sensing technology. With this technology scanning and identifying potential compliance problems, compliance officers were then focused to undertake thousands of detailed desktop assessments and infield follow-up. NRAR officers visited more than 815 properties in 2023-24 related to these programs. More than 675 investigations and cases stemming from this work are still underway as of 30 June 2024. During the 2023-24 financial year, NRAR focused on irrigated agriculture to address illegal water take or storage for commercial use. This is an important issue, given that irrigated agriculture accounts for 80% of water intake in New South Wales. NRAR Director Regulatory Initiatives Ian Bernard said, "We used satellite spatial analyses to identify high-priority properties with unauthorised or oversized storages. The Far North Coast was identified as an area of concern along with the Murray-Murrumbidgee regions. (NRAR Director Regulatory Initiatives Ian Bernard)"We analysed data on rainfall, storage levels, and river flows and compared it to land use maps made from satellite imagery. This allowed us to observe water used for irrigation from afar and quickly find potential markers of non-compliance. "We particularly looked at the Richmond, Tweed and Brunswick river valleys based on intelligence we had gathered using technology and data analysis. Our activities in these areas included assessing: 4,770 Properties 2,660 individual water works (under 2,190 licence approvals) 39,660 ML of water entitlement looking for potential non-compliance (40 per cent of all non-town water supply in the region) "Horticulture is expanding, and weather patterns are changing. This is causing water stress in the Far North Coast region. The community expects that water used for irrigation is stored and used lawfully. "Compliance data (Far North Coast) July 1 2023 to June 30 2024 . 172 Suspicious activity reports received 25 Suspicious activity reports referred or further investigation 19 Reports investigated and finalised 12 Enforcement actions (total) – including 2 fines (penalty notices), 4 directions, and 6 warnings/cautions. You can view the reports on each campaign's results via the NRAR's website as part of the agency's commitment to transparency and building public confidence. "People can see exactly what we did and why, how we approached the problem and what the results were," Mr Bernard said. "The results also highlight the growing capacity and the technological advancements of the regulator to identify potential breaches of water laws and act accordingly," he said. "There has never been a higher likelihood of being caught if you do the wrong thing." 

The NSW Government has reached an agreement with the Health Services Union (HSU) to increase wages and deliver benefits from salary packaging for more than 50,000 health workers across the state.The agreement covers a range of professions, including allied health roles, hospital cleaners, scientists, security officers, patient transport officers and more.Under the Government’s new Fair Pay and Bargaining Policy, the NSW Government and the HSU have agreed to a one-year pay increase of 3.5 per cent plus 0.5 per cent in superannuation.The agreement will also provide 100 per cent salary packaging, delivering a key election commitment.This will increase the share of salary packaging benefits for eligible workers from 70 per cent to 100 per cent with effect from 1 July 2024.Under current salary packaging arrangements, the resulting tax savings are split between health workers and NSW Health.Cost of living protection has also been agreed with a $1,000, one-off cost of living payment if the 12-month annual average Sydney Consumer Price Index rate exceeds 4.0 per cent in the year to the March quarter of 2025.The agreement also includes award reform that commits all parties to working together to create modern, fit for purpose awards.This includes a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that commits to working cooperatively to achieve a 3-year wage agreement on the expiry of the 1-year award.This deal forms part of the Government’s comprehensive plan to deliver the long-term repair of healthcare across NSW.It follows a 4.5 per cent pay rise delivered last year, which was the highest in more than a decade.Minister for Health Ryan Park said, “The NSW Government is pleased to announce an agreement has been reached for a salary increase for more than 50,000 public health workers including Aboriginal Health Workers, dental officers, psychologists, security officers, patient support assistants, hospital cleaners, cooks, technicians, interpreters and administration staff.“The NSW Government and the HSU have agreed to work together to identify system changes, productivity outcomes, benefits from award reform and savings.“This has been a collaborative approach, which builds on the 4-year agreement reached with paramedics late last year.“The agreement delivers on a key election commitment to deliver 100 per cent salary packaging and abolish the wages cap.”Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said, “The Minns Labor Government continues the work of rebuilding the state’s essential services and the industrial relations system.“That work started with scrapping the Liberals and Nationals wages cap and introducing a new bargaining framework.“We were elected on a mandate to fix the recruitment and retention crisis in essential services and that is what we are doing.”HSU Secretary Gerard Hayes said, “This is a generational advance for 50,000 health workers who have earned every cent of this pay rise. The reform to salary packaging will be life-changing for hard working people on modest incomes.“Health workers deserve 100 per cent of their salary packaging tax benefits and this shows the strength of a union that stands together to get things done.“After years of neglect in a struggling workforce, we demanded the government do better and secured a deal that finally recognises health workers. We pay tribute to the Government for honouring its commitment."

About 8.15pm (Tuesday 29 October 2024), emergency services were called to Fischer Street, Goonellabah, following reports of shots fired.Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended and found damage to a window. There were no reports of injuries.A crime scene has been established, and an investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the incident.Anyone with information is urged to contact Lismore Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 3333 000.

The NSW Government has provided a funding boost to the Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services to support tenants across NSW. The network of 21 local not-for-profit organisations, help tenants to understand their rights, support them during negotiations and in resolving disputes, and assist and advocate for them at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.Funded by NSW Fair Trading, these services will be boosted by $1 million extra a year until 2028. In 2024-25, funding has increased to $16.2m.The funding boost follows the government’s recent passage of a significant rental reform package to assist renters in over a decade. The new reforms will: Ban no grounds evictions;Limit rent increases to only one per year;Make it easier to have pets in rentals;Ensure fee-free ways to pay rent; andBan renters paying for background checks.In addition to these historic new reforms to help tenants across the state, last financial year, NSW Fair Trading responded to 393,000 rental enquiries. Where tenants required greater help, they could access the free assistance of a local Tenants Advice & Advocacy Service.The network responds to around 30,000 requests a year for tenancy advice from renters in private and social housing, boarders, lodgers, and land lease community residents. The service also provides ongoing assistance to approximately 10,000 tenants annually.More information about the Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/tenants-advice-and-advocacy-program. Minister for Fair Trading and Better Regulation Anoulack Chanthivong said, “NSW has millions of renters who come from diverse backgrounds and communities spread right across the state.“The Tenants Advice & Advocacy Service provides local support through a network of highly-skilled advocates who work to ensure quality advice and advocacy is available to all renters in NSW.“The funding boost will mean the services can reach even more renters and keep this critical information service free.“This is another step forward to get renters a fairer deal.“This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a fairer system for renters.”NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said, “This funding will provide critical support to the millions of people renting in NSW.“The tenant advice program supports people in their own communities helping Fair Trading to increase our reach and support for renters.“This funding is another example of how the NSW Government is taking action to support renters across the state.”

Changes in the protection of NSW police officers injured in the line of duty have led to a concerning leap in police officers currently on sick leave.This has the potential to affect police districts across the state, including the Richmond Police District.The way police officers are protected by insurance changed on October 1st, moving from the Police Blue Ribbon Insurance program (PBRI) to the Enhanced Police Support Scheme (EPSS).The EPSS will improve coverage for officers injured on or off duty. It will also provide additional support payments for up to 10 years, and extend off-duty income protection from 2 to 3 years. Death benefits remain the same.The area that has caused concern is the discontinuation of the Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) payments. They are for police who are permanently injured in the line of duty - and it is these that were discontinued on October 1st.The cessation of this benefit, brought on a rush of officers making a claim and stopping work as a result. As of October 1st, existing TPD claims were unaffected by the change in policy.A spokesperson for the police said, “Since the announcement of the Enhanced Police Support Scheme, the NSWPF has recorded an increase in psychological injury claims as compared to the same period last year, reports of physical injuries have remained stable.“We have seen 332 officers enter sick leave since the announcement. We will continue to work to support these officers as we do with all our officers to get them back to work. We acknowledge that some will require ongoing support.“The NSW Police Force is committed to ensuring, as far as reasonably practicable, all of our injured police officers are supported in their recovery and return to work, and they have access to the appropriate treatment and support services that will assist them when they need it most.”However, the Police Association of NSW (PANSW) views it a little differently. Kevin Morton, the president of the PANSW says, “The PBRI had not been budgeted for by the previous LNP government after 1 October 2024 and was going to be gutted. When the PANSW asked for a letter of commitment from the Coalition prior to the last election, we received nothing back.“The Minns Government inherited the scheme under pressure, with many aspects of the true cost only discovered by the PANSW after being consulted by the new government. The exponential growth of the premium from 1 October 2024 would have given the Government no choice but to reduce the scheme further.”  This insurance is compulsory for police. The cost is subsidised to make it affordable, but there were already concerns with those costs. Mr Morton says, “Currently, over 9,000 members were impacted, with some tax bills being received in excess of $30,000.”TPD insurance is considered crucial financial protection for officers in the event of a career-ending disability. Police officers on EPSS are able to take out separate TPD insurance at an extra cost to themselves.The Police acknowledge injuries happen and stand by the new EPSS, “The reality is that each day some of our officers sustain and report both physical and psychological injuries. As an organisation, we are always striving to provide the safest workplace that we can through appropriate training, education, and support.“We have in place internal and external processes that must be followed when there is a reported injury, these have not changed. All reported injuries since the EPSS announcement have been treated in this manner.”Mr Morton said the PANSW has actively tried to support its members with this change.“The PANSW advocated to maintain the necessary protections for members and gained some enhancements in the new EPSS scheme from what the Commissioner of Police initially proposed including for those who cannot work again. “Although the scheme has changed from its previous form, our core focus is to look after injured workers and maintain their health and ensure our police officers return to work where possible.”

The 10am Lismore City Council meeting turned into a farce and gave a further indication that the next four-year term will be anything but cordial, respectful and unified.There were a number of 'Points of Order' under 15.11 (d) (insults or makes personal reflections on or imputes improper motives to any other council official, or alleges a breach of the council’s code of conduct) and one on 15.11 (e) (says or does anything that is inconsistent with maintaining order at the meeting or is likely to bring the council or the committee into disrepute) against Councillor (Cr) Big Rob. One was refuted by the general manager defending his staff.After losing the Rescission Motion to change the monthly meeting times from 10am, Cr Rob then asked multiple questions for item 10.1 2023/2024 Reserves (Internally Restricted), which looked to extend the meeting rather than asking questions to gain the necessary information to make an informed decision on an item that was mostly time-sensitive.Cr Rob made comments, such as "I'll move on because, you know, in the interest of time. I could do this all day," and "I'm almost halfway through anyway, so my next question is related to.....(laughs) I'm joking. I'm almost done." and "So, obviously, I'm demonstrating a point of changing the meeting times without going through proper process in this by asking lots of questions. And, I honestly don't think I have more than two questions for the next item (10.2) to put you all at ease, right? Because I do have a meeting at 2 o'clock that I want to get to."Mayor Krieg made the comment, "We've had four speakers against, one for, and councillor Rob is entitled to ask as many questions as he can or would like to, as we don't have any limitation on questions in our Code of Meeting Practice." Maybe that should change?The gamesmanship got in the way of what should have been a relatively straightforward, extraordinary meeting.The Rescission Motion put forward by Crs Guise, Rob and Waters to reverse last Tuesday's decision to change council meetings to 10am started with two public speakers, Nancy Casson and Jim Richardson, with the two main points being limiting public access and public engagement and that some other councils in the Northern Rivers start their meetings in the afternoon.It was revealed that the cost of changing the meetings was $2,000, $200 in meals and $1,800 for staff time.Cr Guise reiterated those points by saying it is about getting public engagement and that a certain class of people can attend meetings at 10am. Day-time workers are disenfranchised from physically attending or watching the livestream.Cr Rob mentioned what times other councils hold their meetings and the lack of consultation. This was where Cr Rob also indicated he would ask as many questions as he liked to use the full 12-and-a-half-hour meeting time plus, as is in the current Code of Meeting Practice.Mayor Krieg shared his thoughts on why the change to 10am occurred saying, "It comes down to productivity and Workplace Health and Safety". He said that people are more productive in the mornings and that he observes councillors yawning and eyes drooping when a meeting hits 9pm because councillors work or run businesses during the day.Mayor Krieg also said he spoke to the Byron Mayor, who said their public access can go up to two hours with a 9 o'clock start time, indicating there is not a lack of public engagement in its shire.This was supported by Cr Jensen, who mentioned the safety aspect of driving home late at night for councillors and staff after a 10:30pm or 11pm finish and fatigue management.Cr Dalton-Earls, who voted for the change last week, asked for an early afternoon start, which "poses a better balance".It was at this time that Cr Rob asked the question about who was representing councillors as council staff: "When the staff load up our agenda to make us go to 1:30 that we determined to change the meeting time to ensure to do that, so that we're basically being forced our hand by staff loading up our agendas that meetings were going so long."The General Manager, Jon Gibbons, replied, "Imputing wrongdoing and improper motives by employees is also a breach of the Code of Meeting Practice. In this particular matter, council officers haven't been involved in putting forward a report around these times. We've responded to requests that councillors have had about how that might work or the section of the Code of Meeting Practice about why this meeting here today was at the time it is.""We don't load up meeting agendas. We do honourable things here in an impartial way and we follow our codes and documents the best way that we can. So, I do request all councillors just to respect officers in this chamber, and we're all here for the good of the community at the end of the day and not for our own self-interest."The Rescission Motion was put to the vote and it was lost 5/6, with Crs Rob, Waters, Dalton-Earls, Knight-Smith and Guise voting for and Crs Gordon, Hall, Jensen, Bing, Battista and Krieg voting against.10am council meetings are here to stay.When the agenda moved to item 10.1, that was when the gamesmanship commenced because of the result of the above vote.While the debate and questions went on for more than an hour, Acting Chief Financial Officer John Hartley kept reiterating the same point, "I just like to elaborate with councillors. Council has so much cash in the bank; you can't dispute that. It is the bank balance. It's reconciled. This is our cash."The other option, if Council doesn't approve this, to fund our shortfall in cash. If council wants to fully fund these reserves, the other option is to go into restricted funds, which is a breach of the Office of Local Government and would be a breach of the legislation. So, the only way we can fund and make sure that we have got sufficient funds in restricted reserves, which are externally restricted, is to reduce our cash on hand in these reserves."And all I'm reporting is saying we only have $14 million in internal cash. That is all this report is trying to tell you. I've taken out all the restricted stuff. I'm just saying we have $14 million internally restricted cash, which we can apply to certain reserves. However, as I've already explained, we've got 15 and a half million dollars already come into the bank from our grants. We expect more to come in strongly. Actually, more of a would have come in by now, which is a cash flow issue. It's a timing issue. That's all it is. We have to cut our reports off at the 30th of June. We have to report at a certain date and time, and that's all we are doing."Cr Rob put forward a motion that council defer making a decision on 2023/2024 Reserves until after councillors have been trained and a briefing is held to determine if any amendments are required to Reserve policy 1.5.10.That was defeated 9/2, with only Crs Rob and Guise voting for it.The original motion was then moved with an amendment for councillors to be briefed on the Reserve Policy. This was passed 9/2, with Crs Rob and Guise voting against.The final item on the agenda was the Audited Financial Statements for the Year ended 30 June 2024.There were a few questions to understand the document and clarify certain points, but after 10 minutes, it was put to the vote. Again, it was a 9/2 split, with Crs Rob and Guise voting against it.We only have two weeks to wait until the next Lismore City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 12 at 10am.Hopefully, all councillors will focus on the items on the agenda that have the community's best interest at heart. After all, that is why they were elected less than two months ago.

For some people, October 31, the spookiest night of the year, is their favourite celebration… Make sure you keep an eye over your shoulder as we delve into what is happening around town.Halloween began over 2000 years ago when Celtic peoples in Ireland, the UK and Northern France celebrated Samhain (pronounced Sow-in). It was the end of the harvest season when the dark and cold started to settle. It was believed to be when the veil between the living and dead was thinnest - at risk of slipping from one side to the other…Christianity rebranded it All Hallows Eve, and the spookiness was retained. All things scary have become synonymous with Halloween. The United States did a lot to raise its profile to make it a mainstream and well-celebrated holiday for all ages.In Lismore, there is a lot for families to see and do. We have a list of things to consider, but first, we speak with Tiah Stack, who is becoming synonymous with knowing the places in Lismore, celebrating in terrifying style. Tiah moved to Lismore in 2020 and used her passion for Halloween to connect with the community, “I found it to be a great opportunity to build community cohesion and to get to know the neighbours in a safe and fun way."I originally created the map to make it easier for my family to navigate our local community during Halloween. I wanted to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for my young children. “Being new to Lismore and unaware of the area's Halloween activities, this map was incredibly beneficial for us. I have since shared it with other families to help them as well.”The map, called Halloween 2024 can be found via the Facebook page, Lismore’s Halloween Hotspots, and at the bottom of this article.“My passion for Halloween started with my parents; my mother has always been a creative genius with a passion for the spooky season. This has inspired me and my love for Halloween. “There are great people in Lismore who are really invested in making Halloween an awesome night for the community.”Tiah and her family are really excited for this Halloween, and will be actively participating. Tiah is also a dab hand at special effects makeup and is not letting anyone in on what her costume will be this year, but it’s bound to be frightening!(Tiah at Halloween past!)“The excitement and joy that my children experience is always the best part of Halloween for me. The whimsical essence of the holiday really brings a sense of wonder and magic back into a world that oftentimes forgets it.”Tiah has a few words of advice for those keen to trick or treat, “I would recommend having an adult present at all times, to remain respectful to those around you and stay visible (glow sticks). “Also, be mindful of time and staying in well-lit areas. Mapping out your route can be a useful way to stay efficient and mindful of those who choose not to participate in the holiday. “Make sure that all the lollies collected are packaged and safe for consumption, and remind kids to never enter a home or vehicle if asked.”Tiah’s favourite Halloween was with her loved ones, “The Halloween party my family hosted remains my most unforgettable experience, featuring an array of spooky delights from food to decorations and costumes.“This was all shared with cherished friends and family, culminating in a night of thrilling games and even a best costume award ceremony.”To visit the most unearthly and creepiest houses to view or trick or treat at, check out Tiah’s Map, Halloween 2024 and look out for the ghostlets...Some of the houses are already decorated and ready to give you the chills!The list below includes some of the many special events in and around Lismore on the night of October 31st:Lismore Square is holding a special trick-or-treat event between 4 and 5pm, but you will have to book.In Alstonville, there is a movie under the stars for children and adults at the Federal, starting at 6pm. Check out the details here.At Broadwater, Nightmare on Baraang Drive is another one for the entire family and runs for 3 nights.  Lots going on there!The Lismore Heritage Centre is showing the movie Coraline at 3pm. You will need to book.In Nimbin, if you want to get in early and do some work on your outfit, there is a Halloween Craft-a-Noon this afternoon from 4pm. Details here.Wishing you all things supernatural, weird and mysterious for your Halloween!

This morning marks a significant shift for Lismore City Council when the first daytime council meeting (for some considerable time) gets underway at 10am.At last week's first council meeting since the September local council elections, a resolution was passed to move the monthly meetings (second Tuesday of each month) move from 6pm to 10am, this includes extraordinary meetings.Lismore was the only council in the Northern Rivers to hold its meetings at night, until today.As was expected, a rescission motion has been moved by Councillors Big Rob, Adam Guise and Jasmine Knight-Smith to try and return the meetings to 6pm.Last week's vote was 7/4, with Councillor (Cr) Harper Dalton-Earls voting with Crs Krieg, Hall, Gordon, Bing, Jensen and Battista, so it is unlikely the rescission motion will be successful.The two main items on the agenda at the Extraordinary Meeting are for councillors to view and adopt two areas of Lismore City Council's financial position as of 30 June 2024.In general, Council needs to submit an annual report as part of its Reserve Policy. This provides guidance on their 'internally restricted' funds. These are funds that council can use for any purpose, as opposed to 'externally restricted' funds, which have a specific purpose, government grants fall into this area. The policy categorised reserves as follows: held on behalf of other parties Special Rate Variation carry forward or revote works emergencies economic development and growth public infrastructure and building assets Council has identified $36.967 million in funding is required in internal reserves; however, as of 30 June 2024, Council did not have sufficient unrestricted cash to fund these reserves. The Acting Chief Financial Officer said this is a timing issue only. At the date of the reserve calculation, 30 June 2024, Council was owed $25 million for grant expenditure incurred and not reimbursed. So, when these grant funds are reimbursed, the funds are applied to fully fund the identified reserves of $36.967 million. In accordance with the Reserves Policy and reporting requirements Council can only recognise reserves that are held as cash, therefore the Internally Restricted Reserves held as cash was $14.026 million as at 30 June 2024. The second item on the agenda is for council to 'form an opinion' on the Audited Financial Statement for the year ended 30 June 2024.As you would expect, the February 2022 big flood is still impacting council's finances. However, the area of most concern is the long-term financial plan to move the Net Operating Results Before Grants Contributions Provided for Capital Purposes from the red into the black or at least break even.There have been some positive signs in this area, with an improvement of $5.3 million ($-13.4 to—$8.1 million), but Lismore City Council still needs to make further improvements over the next four years.

Earlier this year, Living Lab Northern Rivers asked the Lismore community about their vision for the town's future through Look Ahead: Ideas for a future Lismore, gathering ideas through meetings, small group chats, and many cups of tea. A common thread across these discussions was the desire for a future shaped by Indigenous knowledge and culture."Through our conversations with the Lismore community, a strong message has emerged: people want to explore a future grounded in Indigenous Knowledges and connection to Country”, said Dan Etheridge, Engagement Director, Living Lab Northern Rivers.Around the same time, the NSW Government committed to ensuring that all built environment projects in the state are developed with a Country-centred approach, guided by Aboriginal people, who know that if we care for Country, Country will care for us. As we continue this cultural shift, what does it really mean to work with Indigenous Knowledges? What do people mean by cultural land management? How can—and should—Indigenous custodianship integrate with European concepts of land ownership, planning, and management systems?(Red cedar tree. Photo: Tom Wolff)Tracing the Past, Shaping the Future explores these questions by examining how the physical environment has changed from pre-colonial times to the present day. It does this through the lens of plant communities, contrasting the environmental conditions shaped by the Country-centred worldview of the Bundjalung people with those shaped by the dominant Eurocentric, human-centred perspective of today.“Our ongoing collaboration with Jagun Alliance and Zion Engagement and Planning has been instrumental in shaping this exhibition”, said Dan Etheridge. ”With the added creative expertise of Agency in Design, we've incorporated community voices and cultural insights into an exhibition that delves into new ways of caring for and living with the land."Elle Davidson, Director, Zion Engagement and Planning agrees, viewing this exhibition as an invitation to unlearn and relearn some of the ways we’ve come to understand the land or Country. “It’s an opportunity to open ourselves to a different approach, guided by First Nations Knowledges, and to think about how we can build a future that honours Country in a way that benefits us all," Elle said.Join Dan and Elle at the Living Lab Northern Rivers shopfront for the opening of this exhibition;Date: Thursday 31 OctoberTime: 5.30—7.00pmAddress: 11 Woodlark Street, LismoreCost: Free. All are welcome.The Tracing the Past, Shaping the Future exhibition runs from 5 November 2024 to 6 February 2025, Tuesday to Thursday, between 1pm and 4pm. It will be closed for the summer holiday period from 20 Dec 2024 to 13 Jan 2025, reopening on Tue 14 Jan 2025.For more information visit https://www.llnr.com.au/tracing-the-past-shaping-the-future.About Living Lab Northern RiversLiving Lab Northern Rivers is a space where research and community come together to create the solutions that will allow the region to thrive in uncertainty. A collaboration between Southern Cross University, University of Technology Sydney and NSW Reconstruction Authority, Living Lab Northern Rivers brings a diversity of groups to the table to create new ways of doing things to help rebuild better and foster resilience for the future. 

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for DAMAGING WINDS, LARGE HAILSTONES and HEAVY RAINFALL for the Northern RiversWarm and moist surface conditions are combining with an upper trough to produce severe thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms may also develop further south as the afternoon progresses.Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, Ballina, Casino and Kyogle.5 cm hail was observed at Gulmarrad at approximately 2:20pm.The State Emergency Service advises that people should:* Move your car under cover or away from trees.* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.* Unplug computers and appliances.* Avoid using the phone during the storm.* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.The next warning is due to be issued by 7:25 pm.

Today, public school teachers across New South Wales have voted to accept the Minns Labor Government’s three-year award agreement, formally completing last year’s four-year pay deal.This agreement will mean the state’s 95,000 public school teacher workforce will continue to have highly competitive salaries, receiving a three per cent pay increase annually for the next three years.  Further, this agreement offers improved workplace flexibility to improve attraction and retention in the profession. This will include opportunities for job-sharing, part-time employment as well as full-time and part-time leave without pay where requested.To maximise teaching time, regular after-school meetings will be capped at one hour a week and after-school events will need to be planned in consultation with teachers, with reasonable notice given.Teachers will also be provided with additional school development days for the duration of the three-year agreement to assist with rolling out the new curriculum with a focus on explicit teaching, while the Department continues to address ongoing staffing challenges.Today’s agreement follows the once-in-a-generation pay rise given to teachers last year which saw starting salaries lift from $75,791 to $85,000 and top of the scale teacher salaries increase from $113.042 to $122,100. These efforts have helped reduce teacher vacancies to a three-year-low of just more than 1,600, with NSW public schools reporting 24 per cent fewer vacancies at the start of Term 3, 2024 than at the same time last year. Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said, “Since coming to Government, we have been clear in our view that pay is a function of respect, and I am pleased to see teachers will continue to benefit from our once-in-a-generation pay agreement.“Teacher vacancies have fallen by 24 per cent year on year, and we are committed to continuing our work addressing the teacher shortage crisis we inherited from the former Government.“Having teachers in front of classrooms, providing high-quality learning to students is the key to improving learning outcomes in the state.“Offering better conditions and work-life balance will help us to attract new teachers and ensure those already teaching will stay on board.”Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said, “This three-year award agreement with our public-school teachers reaffirms the Minns Labor Government’s new industrial relations framework is working.“It recognises not only the important work our educators provide but acknowledges and rewards their efforts and at the same time, helps address the teacher shortage crisis.”

North Coast beaches have been given excellent grades in this year’s State of the Beaches Report, according to Lismore MP Janelle Saffin. “While we don’t have beaches in the Lismore Electorate they are still our beaches we swim in and have grown up with,” Ms Saffin says.“It’s good to see some of them receive top ratings.”Water quality assessment indicated that 100 per cent of monitored ocean beaches in Ballina Shire and Richmond Valley achieved a Good or Very Good grading. This means the swim sites were suitable for swimming most or almost all of the time.The best rated beaches in the region were Seven Mile Beach, Shelly Beach, Lighthouse Beach and Shark Bay.Overall, 53 per cent of the 19 monitored swim sites in the North Coast region performed well, with gradings of Good or Very Good. In Ballina, three of the seven estuarine swim spots were classed as Good while four sites – Shaws Bay North, East and West and Missingham Beach – received Poor grades. Shaws Bay East was downgraded from Good from the previous year. Only one of the four monitored lake/lagoon sites (Lake Ainsworth South) was graded as Good in 2023-24, with Lake Ainsworth North, East and West all graded as Poor, this was the same grade as previous year.  Two estuarine swim sites in Richmond Valley – Evans River and Elm Street Bridge North, were also graded as Poor, similar to the previous year’s results. The North Coast experienced above average rainfall in Spring 2023 due to heavy rainfall in October and November.Rainfall is the major driver of pollution in swim sites, with water quality impacted by stormwater runoff and sewage overflows.  State of the Beaches grades are compiled from water quality samples collected at NSW swim sites monitored under the Beachwatch and Beachwatch Partnership programs.   Daily Beachwatch pollution forecasts and weekly star ratings for beaches across NSW can be found at beachwatch.nsw.gov.auand on Twitter and Facebook.

Private health insurer HCF has agreed to resume paying the correct room rate when using the public system.Following ongoing dialogue, the not-for-profit fund has notified the NSW Government of its intention to recommence paying the gazetted single room rate.The decision from HCF leaves the nation’s three biggest for-profit private insurers, Bupa, NIB and Medibank, continuing to refuse repeated requests to pay their bills in full.Instead, these private funds are persisting with a public fear campaign threatening premium hikes as their profits rise.This campaign has been backed by the Liberal Party, which is arguing for ongoing taxpayer subsidy of the private health insurance sector even as people endure a cost-of-living crisis.In the last financial year, the single room rate in NSW was gazetted at $892:NIB only paid $491. This cost NSW Health $17.6 million per annum.Bupa only paid $501. This cost NSW Health $35.8 million per annum.Medibank only paid $515. This cost NSW Health $33.4 million per annum.The Minns Labor Government passed legislation last week that mirrors the approach taken by then-Treasurer Mike Baird when the Liberal Party confronted the same issue in 2013.The NSW Opposition refused to support the reintroduction of this bill, with the Member for Vaucluse instead signalling the Liberals support for private insurers to walk away from their bills with no recourse.The NSW Government remains open to further dialogue with for-profit private health insurers to resume paying the gazetted single room rate.Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said, “HCF has decided to do the right thing and return to paying its fair share in the public health system.“This is significant progress in our ongoing negotiations with the private health insurers.“However, the three big for-profit private health funds, backed by the Liberal party, are continuing to argue for taxpayer subsidies to their businesses during a cost-of-living crisis.“This is wrong - they should just pay their bills.”Health Minister Ryan Park said, "We commend HCF for doing the right thing and paying their fair share of their use of public hospital beds.“It should serve as an example to the large for-profit health insurers and the NSW Liberals who are holding out on the people of NSW.“It is inexplicable that these big health insurers are expecting NSW public hospitals to subsidise their record profits.”

Lismore City Council has had some financial nooses around its neck for quite some time. The Blakebrook Quarry, GSAC and the Lismore Airport have been the bane of council's budgetary process each year, each losing money that puts pressure on the budget to return to a breakeven position.The February 2022 big flood destroyed most of council's assets, including the Lismore Airport. The silver lining has been that council has been given time to rebuild the asset to its original condition, thanks to a government grant while thinking and planning its future.Rex Airlines was only flying into Lismore because of a federal government subsidy. When that expired, Rex announced they would stop flying into Lismore (via Grafton). Now, they are not an option moving forward.The Lismore Airport construction phase at the terminal is coming to an end. Brendan Logan, COO at Lismore City Council, Mark Davis, the Airport Manager and Scott Collis, Head of Open Space, gave the Lismore App access to the airport and provided some airport facts and a deeper understanding of how our airport functions and what it means to us, even without its use as a passenger terminal.The airport's future use has been open to public discussion on the Your Say council web page. Now, a different approach is being targeted.Brendan Logan explains, “I've just recruited Scott Collis to be Head of Fleet and Open Space here, and one of his KPIs is to determine the future of the airport and determine that in a reasonable space of time.“It's not just about coming up with what we might want to do and then trying to work out how we are going to fund it and invest in it - this needs to be analysed at the same time. “We need these decisions to be backed by genuine investment logic.“Economies are changing regionally. Industries are changing regionally. So we need to look at that in the context of the airport, and assess - What is the future of the airport with those economic and regional industry trends that are starting to emerge?”This will not be an extended exercise. “Through this investment logic work, the absolute minimum is cost neutrality. You can't carry an airport that is run at a loss just for general aviation. That does not make sense. That's why I want to get cost neutrality first, and get there quick.”Enquiries have been made as to who would be able to start a passenger flight service back into Lismore. There are not many regional flight services currently available. Brendan said, “We asked Qantas. And the answer was yes, but not without upsetting Ballina. “If Qantas locks all their efforts into Ballina, well, what's the future of our airport? Maybe it's not Qantas, maybe it's not passengers, maybe it's other things.”Almost ironically, the new name of the airport - the James Strong AO Terminal is named after James Strong, an ex-CEO of Qantas who was born and raised in Lismore. Mr Strong himself opened the airport terminal on December 9th, 2000.Mr Logan talks about the works that have been visible driving past the airport, “The airport terminal is nearly complete. That work has been done over the last 12 months, but it probably started about 18 months ago. “That's essentially the EPAR funding, the Essential Public Asset Restoration works that's part of our larger buildings program.”The next phase of works includes a range of other federal grants, almost $5 million, that will see works to the “airside” - the pavement, the tarmac and the outdoor works that will be completed progressively throughout 2025.(Interiors of the newly renovated terminal.)Post flood saw immediate works to its taxi areas and runways to become functional once more so the airport could be used to bring in supplies and in emergency situations. Mark Davis said the airport could be up and running within days of a flood ebbing, “In times of flood, once the water has receded, having a runway available to fly in supplies is critical. Post the water receding, the runway was operational within three or four days.”Mr Logan added, “Fuel, as we saw in the 2022 flood, became a real constraint to recovery in everyday life. The airport allows a source of that to be available in quicker times than road transport.”Although the airport isn’t functioning as a passenger terminal, it has been far from idle.Mark Davis reports, “The annual aircraft movements that the airport is currently experiencing are back to pre-flood and pre-Covid numbers - approximately 14,000 per year.”That is around 40 movements a day, or 20 flights in and out, or out and in, depending on the aircraft's origin.  (As we were discussing the airport use, a B58 Baron, fast aviation twin-engine training aeroplane, took off in the background.)Mark describes the process, “The way airports work is any pilot has the ability and the right to land at any certified aerodrome in Australia, and Lismore is no different. “So a pilot would simply launch a flight plan with Air Services Australia, which we aren't privy to, and then make the required radio calls amongst the fellow pilots utilising the airspace, and they just land.”The intention to use the airport is logged, and the aircraft is charged for the use of the facility.This includes flights for private use, the aero club (which includes training), the Royal Australian Airforce, National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, the Royal Flying Doctors, and other medical emergencies.There are 19 separate, privately owned hangars that lease land from the airport.In the recent restructure of the aerospace in the Northern Rivers, which standardised the flight paths coming in and out of Ballina, Lismore ensured it was involved. Mark says, “We were definitely vocal in our opinions and ensured that Lismore was not left out.“There were a few things that we did raise that they have taken on board and will potentially implement, as far as radio communications being improved and also having a standard instrument departure out of Lismore.”The works to keep the airport in a well-maintained condition include inspections of the runway and surrounding facilities twice a week. Any variations in the runway and surrounding grassed areas can potentially be a hazard.  For example, the grass immediately surrounding the runway is strictly kept below 15cm. However, if there has been rain, the mowing equipment cannot use this area, and any wheel divots or bumps greater than 25mm constitute an unacceptable hazard.Pre-planning and maintenance of the other airport equipment are vital. The BOM’s weather instruments transmit the latest weather from the airport. Mark says, “Pilots can tune in to that frequency and get the current weather. “This allows them to reduce their visibility requirements in poor weather for instrument pilots, and that assists the Westpac Rescue chopper in getting here in marginal weather conditions.”(Mark checking the BOM instruments)We'll leave you with a little anecdote discussed during the interview, a flashback to the times when the airport was used as a passenger terminal nearly three years ago. The talk was about the Rex check-in person, who was also the Rex flight attendant.  His ability to recall people was uncanny, “and he had this thing of biscuits that had the Arnott's twin packs, which wasn't flash, but if you were on an early flight, it was great with a cup of tea.”It remains to be seen whether we return to those days or the Lismore Airport will move in a completely different direction. The goal is for the Lismore Airport not to cost ratepayers a cent.