As the winds move from the south to the west, albeit still strong on Saturday, the maximum temperatures will finally get back to the average for July, 20 degrees, putting the cold Melbourne feel behind us.The sun will still shine, and even the winds will ease off for Sunday. The constant for the weekend will be the cold starts with 5-6 degrees the minimum.It may even feel like early spring next Wednesday and Thursday, with the mercury reaching 22 and 23 degrees.It is the second week of the school holidays, with a few families away for the winter break.For those staying in Lismore and the Northern Rivers, it is another quiet weekend to soak up the sun and get out and about to enjoy what we have to offer.The Lismore Farmers Markets swing into action at 7:30 tomorrow morning at the Lismore Showgrounds, Alexandria Parade, North Lismore. The CWA Lismore Evening Branch will be in attendance for their monthly visit, selling delicious handmade treats as well as treats and warm coats for your fur kids.Mish Songsmith will entertain you as you get stuck into hot coffee/tea and a hot breakfast while you shop for your homegrown fresh fruit and vegetables.It is the final days of the Just Landscape exhibition at the Serpentine Community Gallery in Conway Street, Lismore. You can view the wonderful landscapes tomorrow (Saturday) between 10am and 2pm.Heritage Park is always a good place to take the kids on a sunny Lismore weekend. The miniature train will be running from 10:30am until 4pm both days.The maintenance work on the Tucki Tucki walking track is now complete, and it is open for use again in Goonellabah.For those looking for an activity that is more adventurous, check out the bushwalks available Walks.Coming up:2024 Met Gala on Saturday, July 27, at the Hotel MetropoleNorthern Rivers Vintage and Veteran Car Club Rally 16 to 18 AugustDaryl Chapman Fun Run Sunday, August 25Live music at the Northern Rivers Hotel this weekend includes Helio Ray Duo tonight from 6pm until 10pm and the Sunday Session this week sees The Verbals with guest Zanna Black hit the stage from 2pm.For the middle weekend of school holidays, there is normally no rugby or soccer scheduled. However, as it was such a wet start to the season leading to a few washouts, this weekend Round 1 is being played in the NRRRL.That means the much anticipated local derby between Marist Brothers and Northern United will take place on Sunday at 2:45pm at Crozier Field.Both teams came off strong wins last weekend, with the Rams huge winners over fourth-placed Bilambil 50 points to 4.Football Far North Coast Premier League teams are taking to the field this weekend also.Tonight will see Mullumbimby/Brunswick take on Bangalow and Ballina at home to Lennox Head with an 8pm kick-off.On Saturday, the ladder-leading South Lismore Celtics tackle Alstonville at Nesbitt Park from 3pm, while Goonellabah are at home to Byron Bay.Sunday will see South Lismore backing up to travel to Maclean for a 2:30pm kick-off.In the Women's Premier League, tonight's match is Lennox Head v Ballina at 6:30pm. There are two matches on Sunday Byron Bay v Bangalow and Richmond Rovers v Alstonville with kick-off at 2:30pm.Fuel prices have been static this week. Lismore is still the most expensive place to buy fuel, with Casino and Ballina up to 16 cents a litre cheaper. Diesel is the only exception, with Lismore being the cheapest place to fill up.Here are the latest prices in each town:E10 is 193.9 across the board in Lismore, 180.9 at The EG Ampol on Canterbury Street, NightOwl Puma and the United on Johnston Street in Casino, with the new Mobil (485 River Street) cheapest at 175.5.Unleaded 91 is 193.9 at the new Astron on Ballina Road, 182.9 at the NightOwl Puma and United on Johnston Street in Casino and 177.5 at The Metro and the new Mobil in Ballina.U95 is 203.9 at the Independent on Wyrallah Road, East Lismore, Northside Liberty and Bakers Corner at North Lismore, 197.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street, Casino and 188.5 at The Metro in Ballina.U98 is 208.9 at the new Astron on Ballina Road, 202.9 at the Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino and 197.5 at The Metro and the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.Diesel is 183.9 at the Ampol Foodary Lismore Airport on Union Street, South Lismore, 192.9 at the United and the NightOwl Puma on Johnston Street in Casino and 192.5 at the new Mobil and The Metro in Ballina.The new Talking Lismore podcast will welcome Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan to the microphone for the first time on Sunday morning. Mr Hogan talks about flood mitigation, his election date prediction and what the new trade boom will be for the Northern Rivers.Have a great weekend!(Thanks to NSW SES Lismore Unit!)

The NSW State Government has announced a $4.5 million funding package that will be a significant step in helping reduce and replace animals in medical research. The funding will be used to establish the Non-Animal Technologies Network (NAT-Net), a NSW-led body that will work to develop innovative alternatives to using animals and advise on the required medical research infrastructure and regulations to support these as alternatives. Non-animal technologies, such as using human cells or tissues, are more biologically similar to the patients being treated, and so medicines being tested are less likely to fail in clinical trials. These technologies are beginning to exceed the performance of animal models in drug development and medical research. NAT-Net will include experts from the University of NSW, University of Wollongong, University of Technology Sydney, University of Sydney and the University of Newcastle, as well as the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Children’s Medical Research Institute and the Hunter Medical Research Institute. The funding comprises three pillars. The first, a research pillar to accelerate research progress, which will include a competitive research grant program, with recipients set to focus on developing solutions to reduce animals in medical research. The second, to develop infrastructure to establish NAT-Net and the third to set up a working group to develop regulatory approaches for non-animal technologies. This may include complex multi-organ models, organs-on-chips, or approaches using machine learning and artificial intelligence. Minister for Medical Research David Harris said, “This is the first time a network of this kind has been established for non-animal technologies in NSW, and it will significantly enhance the state’s ability to make scientific breakthroughs. I am excited to announce this wonderful initiative alongside our partner institutions.  “By investing in cutting-edge, non-animal technologies, researchers may be able to better predict which therapies work in humans, accelerating discoveries that could save people's lives. “We know that non-animal technologies in medical research are the way forward and NAT-Net will be a driving force behind these exciting Australian-first developments led by NSW.”

Steve Krieg, Lismore’s Mayor, has trialled a cutting-edge approach to understanding disasters using 3D modelling and virtual reality (VR) to experience what happened in the 2022 floods.  With disaster impacts on Australian communities projected to increase due to the influence of climate change, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is pioneering innovative ways to view disasters, understand what happens as they unfold and use the information to help develop Flood Disaster Plans. Mayor Krieg was very impressed by what NEMA has produced so far.“It was Lismore in a virtual reality program. At the moment, you can't actually get down onto ground level. It's all viewed from above.“There were actual flood heights on all of the buildings that showed which buildings were damaged, which buildings weren't damaged, how much water got into everything.”(View of flood extent and impact assessment near Wyrallah Road obtained in the aftermath of the floods. The colour of the buildings indicates different levels of assessed damage. Image credit: NEMA)The current version gives the user a bird's-eye view of Girards Hill, East Lismore and the CBD as waters inundate the virtual Lismore. The program is being further developed for a “Walk Through”.NEMA says they want to ensure they are best placed to prepare for, respond to, recover from and build resilience to disaster events. In this project, Michael Vernon, led the development of the new tool soon after joining NEMA earlier this year. Mr Vernon said, “I wanted to see if recent advancements in VR gaming technologies could be put to use to help communities make better decisions by making it easier to visualise the risk from floods and fires. “It turned out to be simple but effective, and it was great to be able to showcase the experimental tool we developed to Mayor Krieg and get his feedback when he visited us.”(View of flood extent and impact assessment near Lismore South Public School obtained in the aftermath of the floods. The colour of the buildings indicates different levels of assessed damage. Image credit: NEMA)Leveraging imagery collected from satellites and on-ground damage assessments from the devastating 2022 floods in Lismore, developers at NEMA built the digital canvas.“Pairing cutting-edge VR tools with real-world data like flood depths and vegetation onto 3D models of buildings and landscapes allows us to engage in deeper analysis of how factors like building density, infrastructure layout, and proximity to support services can help improve resilience to disasters,” Adi Chopra, NEMA Director with the Geospatial team said.“Early testing showcases its potential to pinpoint vulnerable areas, optimise evacuation plans, and target mitigation strategies.”The technology is designed to assist emergency services and local communities in learning from past disasters and simulating future disaster scenarios.Paul Gloyne, NEMA’s Chief Data Officer, said, “We're excited about the potential of technological innovation to empower our insights in support of states, territories, and local governments as we plan for, respond to, and build resilience to Natural Disasters. “The immersive experience offered by VR surpasses static maps and provides decision-makers with early insights into modelled impacts of actual or potential flooding events.“NEMA will continue to work across the emergency management system to leverage new technologies and techniques, share ideas, expertise and our code-base to ensure the benefits of these new capabilities can be accessed across the nation.”(Bird-eye view of the 3D model of the flood observed by satellite in Lismore in March 2022. Image credit: NEMA)NEMA is now developing ways to automate this capability for use during the upcoming storm season, which the Bureau of Meteorology says may involve another La Ninà year. We are currently at La Ninà Watch.Mayor Krieg was very thankful for the opportunity to experience what NEMA has developed.“Lismore and NEMA have become good friends over the last few years, and they wanted to show us, which was very kind of them.”Impressed with what he saw, Mayor Krieg is hoping that when the technology includes 3D street views, it can be brought to Lismore for all the community to experience first-hand.

Lismore City Council will be conducting an urgent under-bridge inspection of the Robert White Bridge on Wilson Street, South Lismore this Sunday, 21 July, weather permitting (forecast is sunny and 19 degrees).The inspection will require a temporary closure of the bridge from approximately 8am until late afternoon.Due to the necessary scaffolding and safety measures, vehicle access across the bridge will not be possible during this time.Detours will be in place for both light and heavy vehicles.Please follow the signposted detours and drive safely.The inspection will check the integrity of the bridge structure for future restoration work.Lismore City Council ask that you adhere to all road closure signs and follow the detours in place. "We appreciate your cooperation with traffic control measures to ensure everyone’s safety."If you have any concerns, please contact Council on (02) 6625 0500 or email [email protected] with the subject - Robert White Bridge – Wilson Street, South Lismore.

The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) has welcomed the announcement of the new Safe Staffin Levels rollout, increasing nurse-to-patient ratios at Lismore Base Hospital and Port Macquarie Hospital, to help alleviate pressures on staffing in emergency departments (ED) but has expressed concern over the pace of the phased rollout.Lismore Base Hospital will receive an additional 29 full-time equivalent (FTE) nurses, and Port Macquarie Base Hospital will receive 13 FTE, to meet the ratio of one nurse to every three treatment spaces in the ED.NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary, Michael Whaites, said it was pleasing to see recruitment would begin for additional nurses at Lismore and Port Macquarie Base Hospitals, and that regional hospitals were included early, but indicated members were frustrated by the slow implementation of safe staffing levels.  “We look forward to seeing these two regional hospitals receive a much-needed boost to their staffing numbers in the ED, which will improve the delivery of emergency patient care on the NSW mid and north coasts,” said Mr Whaites.“However, only four out of more than 200 public hospitals have started receiving nurse-to-patient ratios since the Labor government was elected last year. We know many hospitals are struggling with staffing shortages and need shift by shift minimum and enforceable ratios urgently.“We need the Ministry of Health and state government to speed up the safe staffing rollout, to ensure it is implemented smoothly and swiftly. We know hospitals like Coffs Harbour Health Campus, just up the road from Port Macquarie, are crying out for help, and desperately need more nurses to meet ever-increasing demand in their ED.“Right across NSW, the public health system is struggling to recruit and retain the staff it needs to operate our hospitals due to poor pay and unbearable workloads. As a result, many skilled and experienced clinicians are leaving the profession. Tweed Valley Hospital, north of Lismore, is losing staff to Queensland for ratios and better pay. They need to know when things are going to get better for them.“NSW nurses and midwives are now the lowest paid in the country. In order to rebuild the workforce and attract staff into the industry, nurses and midwives need a 15% one year pay increase to make their wages competitive with other states.“The government needs to pay nurses and midwives a wage that values the vital work they do. The longer the government fails to act, the worse it’s going to get. Now is the time to intervene.“As part of our claim, we are also seeking further funding for nurse-to-patient ratios so every unit and ward in every public hospital receives safe staffing.”The NSWNMA is continuing to negotiate with the state government on its 2024 pay and conditions claim, after the current Public Health System Nurses’ and Midwives’ (State) Award expired on June 30.

Lismore Base Hospital is the latest site in NSW to commence the rollout of the new Safe Staffing Levels in its emergency department, with recruitment underway for approximately 29 FTE (full-time equivalent) additional nurses to meet Safe Staffing Level requirements. The staffing boost at Lismore and Port Macquarie Base Hospitals facilitates staffing levels based on a one-to-one nursing care ratio for generally occupied Emergency Department (ED) resuscitation beds on all shifts, and one nurse to three generally occupied ED treatment spaces and ED short-stay unit beds on all shifts. This follows discussions with the Safe Staffing Levels Taskforce – established to oversee the rollout of the Government’s commitment of the equivalent of 2,480 full-time employees over four years towards staffing levels. It includes key leaders from the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA), NSW Health, and local health districts. Implementation of safe staffing level areas is scheduled to occur in phases over the next three years. Phase one of safe staffing levels is initially commencing in Level 5 and Level 6 EDs, which treat the most critically ill patients, and will then be progressively implemented across other hospitals and departments. The Safe Staffing Levels Taskforce will review the initial rollout at these facilities to help inform the rollout at future sites.The Lismore and Northern Rivers housing crisis has contributed to below-average statistics in the quarterly Bureau of Health Information results for Lismore Base Hospital.Key areas, such as transferring patients from paramedics to the emergency department (ED) decreased from 82.3% to 67.3%, bottom of the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD). Patients starting treatment on time in the ED was 57.6%, while the NNSWLHD average was 73.8%, and patients leaving the ED within 4 hours was 52.5% with the NNSWLHD average 72.5%.Where and how 29 new FTE nurses will eventually be accommodated was not addressed in the state government's statement. A spokesperson for NNSWLHD said, recruitment is now underway for additional nurses for the Lismore Base Hospital Emergency Department. "The Northern NSW Local Health District offers a range of programs to support new staff who are relocating to the area. These can include assisting new staff to connect with local accommodation providers, incentives and relocation allowances available as part of the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme or short-term bridging accommodation where required.  "The NSW Government has also committed an additional $200.1 million to increase key health worker accommodation across rural and regional areas of the state as part of the 2024-25 NSW Budget. Lismore has been identified as one of the priority locations for this program." A Level 5 Grade 6 nurse in NSW earns approximately $124,000 per year, according to Medshop, so with a rental house out of the floodplain costing around $650 per week, that represents about 27% of the salary. An entry-level Registered Nurse earns around $60,000, which represents 55% of their salary, leaving $503 for weekly expenses and entertainment.Clearly, the Safe Staffing Levels program needs to roll out quickly for the BHI Quarterly percentages to increase with affordable housing an obvious hurdle. Implementing safe staffing levels is just one of a range of measures that the NSW Government is embracing to build a more supported health workforce, including: 1.       abolishing the wages cap and delivering the highest pay increase in over a decade for nurses and other health workers;2.       beginning to roll out 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities; and3.       introducing the health worker study subsidies scheme. Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said, “The rollout of Safe Staffing Levels aims to improve the experience of our patients and staff and boost retention, capacity and capability in our hospitals. “The Safe Staffing Levels initiative involves the introduction of minimum staffing levels on every shift, which will result in more nurses employed in hospitals right across the state. “The rollout began earlier this year at Liverpool Hospital and Royal North Shore Hospitals, with Port Macquarie Base Hospital and Lismore Base Hospital now coming on board. “Importantly, this reform will deliver improved nursing numbers to provide care for patients while supporting our frontline healthcare staff. “I look forward to working with representatives from the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association and NSW Health as part the Safe Staffing Levels Taskforce as they review this rollout and use these experiences to help inform safe staffing levels implementation at future sites.” Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, “This initiative aims to support the attraction and retention of health staff to Lismore and the Northern NSW Local Health District to help ensure local patients have better access to safe, high-quality care. “This will make a big difference to nurses in the emergency department at Lismore Base Hospital, and be a major benefit for everyone in the community who requires emergency care at the hospital.”Please attribute to a spokesperson for Northern NSW Local Health District: Recruitment is now underway for additional nurses for the Lismore Base Hospital Emergency Department. The Northern NSW Local Health District offers a range of programs to support new staff who are relocating to the area. These can include assisting new staff to connect with local accommodation providers, incentives and relocation allowances available as part of the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme or short-term bridging accommodation where required.  The NSW Government has also committed an additional $200.1 million to increase key health worker accommodation across rural and regional areas of the state as part of the 2024-25 NSW Budget. Lismore has been identified as one of the priority locations for this program. 

Lismore was the epicentre of a series of transmission tower line faults last week when power was shut down to the greater Lismore region. This left 24,500 homes without electricity across the Northern Rivers.A report released by Australia’s Energy Market Operator (AEMO) this week lists all the facts leading up to last week's power outage, but a spokesperson for the AEMO said knowing the reason could be months away.In essence, the power outage was deliberately enacted to prevent potential catastrophic infrastructure damage, but the report reads as though Lismore is the focal point of transmission line failures in all possible directions.In the early hours of Monday morning, our main source of power from the south via Coffs Harbour was cut off due to a fault. Another fault tripped the interconnector bringing electricity down from Queensland, but the fault returned to service.Not long after, Contingency Analysis violations occurred to the southwest on the Armidale line connecting power to Grafton on its way to Lismore. A Contingency Analysis Violation indicates that an asset did not behave as it should.Power seemed to settle until the afternoon when the evening's need for power was building to a peak.At this point, there was no power coming from the south (Coffs Harbour transmission line was off) and just before 4.30pm, the interconnector with Queensland was not keeping up with its dispatch target - so power from the north of Lismore was unreliable.  Then, around 5pm the Armidale connection to the southwest, followed by the Tenterfield connection at about 5.30pm to the west, also began to misbehave.  In an effort to control the situation, the Tenterfield line was switched off. It fixed some issues, but others sprung up. The concern to keep a sufficient supply of electricity to the area was compounding to a volatile point.A spokesperson for AEMO said, “Not only was that major transmission line down, other lines feeding around the network or feeding energy into Lismore went down as well. So, that exacerbated the ability to service the demand. This made the flow of power more unstable and unreliable.”This put the actual infrastructure at risk of damage if demand outstripped the ability to supply. AEMO instructed that electricity needed to be "shed' or turned off.By 6.30pm, Essential Energy were using their network to restrict the supply of power. After the power feed to Lismore was halted, a series of works and resets were attempted to try and reboot the system so it could run in its typically stable manner.  However, more power had to be switched off, resulting in more fluctuations in the power supply to the wider area.By 7.30pm, the AEMO were confident that they were able to begin reconnecting the power. Most of this was done by 8pm. However, it took until 10pm to have the entire area back in power. This was mainly coming from the west and southwest.  One of the three systems from QLD (interconnector) was back online later that night, and the other two were fully restored the next day.It took another day for the power to be restored from the south.“Once that main power line was down for the day, the interconnector wasn't behaving as it should. The other power lines in that area were sensing something wasn't right. So they've tripped off, and that further exacerbated and limited supply to the Lismore area. “When we see this happen, we realise it is not right. This could escalate into a failure of the whole network in that area, which could lead to prolonged electricity outages and widespread infrastructure damage. So we take the proactive and the last resort action to shed or turn off electricity use, until the system stabilises.”This confluence of events was an unusual occurrence. The way electricity infrastructure is set up is intended to be responsive.“Powerlines do trip off. But because there's a range of transmission lines feeding into lower voltage or high voltage infrastructure, there are contingencies to cope with changes and that's the way it was designed. “The interconnector between states provides the cheapest way to get electrons to consumers. And it's also a resilient design. So if something happens in one state, they can be supported from electricity in other states.”In this situation, an investigation is vital to understand the limits of the system and make the infrastructure even more resilient.  “All of these faults added up to a power system security event. The answers as to why aren’t in this report, because we just haven't had the time to investigate as well as other companies investigating. “The purpose of this preliminary report is to gather the information available and then take it from there.”For a breakdown of the levels and layers of electrical supply, please refer to last week's story.If you would like to read through the full report from the AEMO, it is available here.

Following yesterday afternoon's fallen power pole incident on River Street on Fishery Creek Bridge, West Ballina, Essential Energy crews are conducting a thorough investigation.A statement from Essential Energy said:It is understood the street light pole fell on the road at River Street, Ballina at about 4:15pm yesterday (Wednesday, 17 July).Power was isolated to 3,068 customers following safety equipment being operated after a fault was detected on the network.Once crews arrived, they were able to isolate the fault, restoring power to majority of customers about 5.30pm.Power was restored to all customers just after 6pm. It is understood that a vehicle driven by a member of the public was damaged in the incident, and the driver was taken to hospital by emergency services.The welfare of the driver and the safety of the public is our highest priority.Essential Energy thanks customers for their patience and understanding.The public is reminded to remain at least eight metres away from fallen powerlines and to report them immediately by calling 13 20 80.

On Monday's Talking Lismore podcast with Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, the Wollongbar Pod Village closure was a topic of discussion (Podcasts).Temporary Housing has been a hot topic since the February 2022 flood when 4,055 properties were deemed uninhabitable, and 10,849 were assessed as damaged. 1,440 people were housed in emergency accommodation before 11 Pod Villages were created, with 546 temporary dwellings placed on villages in the Northern Rivers.Audit NSW released its recommendations in February 2024, saying The NSW Reconstruction Authority should:Develop a plan for the provision of temporary housing.Review the temporary housing waitlist.Determine a timeline for demobilising the temporary housing villages.Develop a strategy to manage the transition of people into long-term accommodation.Develop a process for state-wide recovery lessons learned.The Lismore App attempted to discover what progress has been made in the five months since the report was released through a series of questions: 1. Has the NSWRA developed a plan for Temporary Housing?2. Has the NSWRA reviewed the temporary housing waitlist? How many people are waiting for temporary accommodation? How many people are accommodated out of their preferred LGA?3. Has the NSWRA determined a timeline for demobilising the temporary housing villages? What is that timeline? Will the closure of the Wollongbar Pod Village put more pressure on those looking for housing?4. Has the NSWRA developed a strategy to manage the transition of people into long-term accommodation? What is that strategy?The NSW Reconstruction Authority provided the Lismore App with the following statement:Residents in the Wollongbar temporary housing village are being supported to transition to more permanent housing options as temporary arrangements come to an end.  In the aftermath of the devastating floods in 2022, the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) rapidly established 11 temporary housing villages in the Northern Rivers, with the assistance of councils and other landowners under crisis accommodation planning exemptions.  State and federal disaster recovery funding has enabled the provision of rent-free accommodation in the villages, along with access to other services and opportunities, to help people get back on their feet.  The lease for the site at Wollongbar is due to end in 2025.The RA is working closely with Northern Rivers Housing, Homes NSW, and local support services to engage residents in transition planning and support them into housing that is appropriate to their needs - be it private rental, aged care, assisted living or social housing. A transfer to vacant accommodation in other temporary villages may be an option for eligible households where needed. As per the lease agreements made with councils to create the Temporary Pod Villages, the RA must return the land to council as it was or in an improved state, so all pods, caravans, communal facilities and other infrastructure needs to be removed. Residents have been asked to move out of the village before 15 November 2024. The village will then be decommissioned between November 2024 and April 2025. The Lismore App understands there are currently 84 households living in the Wollongbar Pod Village. We still don't know how many are waiting for accommodation or where they are living. As for developing a plan for Temporary Housing and a strategy to manage the transition of people into long-term accommodation? That either has not been completed or is not to be shared with the community. One can only ask what happened to the promise of open and transparent communication so residents are informed about the flood recovery that we experienced and are living through.

UPDATE 7:08pmLive Traffic has Ballina Bridge open to trafficORIGINAL STORYLismore residents heading to Ballina tonight or Ballina residents heading home should be aware a power pole has fallen directly onto Ballina Bridge on River Street, closing the bridge to traffic in both directions.Live Traffic says the incident occurred at 4:36pm and motorists should avoid the area or use an alternative route.Essential Energy is on-site to fix the problem, but there is no estimated time when traffic will flow again.The fallen power pole has caused a power outage to 54 homes south of the Ballina Bridge.There are reports the pole fell onto a car, with no major injuries to the driver.

Forty-four of the region's most talented young athletes were celebrated for their sporting achievements today at the offices of Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan.Mr Hogan said forty-four was a phenomenal number, which shows, for our electorate, "we do exceptionally well". Other electorates close by reward 10-20 athletes.The Local Young Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance for competitors aged 12-18 participating in state, national or international championships. Athletes and parents can apply for grants of between $500 and $800 to help with their travel and accommodation when competing in their chosen field.The young athletes also received a certificate in recognition of their achievements.(Athletes and parents at Kevin Hogan's temporary office in Goonellabah)Those achievements included hockey players, swimmers, athletics, rugby league, rugby union players, touch football, netball, volleyball and baseball.“Those who received the Awards have excelled themselves representing the Northern Rivers on the state, national and international stage,” Mr Hogan said. “The Northern Rivers has produced some outstanding sportspeople in the past, and it is important that we support the next crop of our local sporting talent.”  “Unfortunately succeeding in sport doesn’t just take talent and determination – parents also often have to put their hands in their pockets to get their children to competitions. I’m very pleased to be able to help these families with financial support through these grants.” As an example, the state championships for baseball were held in Taree, the hockey state championships in Wagga Wagga and the state championships in Sydney for swimming. While the grant doesn't cover all the costs, it is very much welcomed by all the parents in the room.Two worthy recipients were Daniel and Makayla Frey from Nimbin. They excel in athletics, Daniel in the shotput and Makayla as a triple jumper.(They Frey family, May, Daniel, Makayla and Michael)Makayla's travel was to Perth to compete in the National All School Titles in Perth where she won her event, followed by a fourth in the Australian Championships Under 16s in Adelaide in April.Daniel's travel required a visa, as he competed in Fiji in the Oceania Championships Under 18s where he finished second, which qualified him for the Nationals.Proud parents Michael and May Frey said that puts Daniel in the Top 20 juniors in the world.When athletes start competing internationally, the costs rise drastically. Daniel's trip to Fiji cost $5,000, which was funded with some busking by Daniel on the streets of Nimbin, crowd funding and the support of local sponsors like Uri Ross Real Estate in Nimbin.Michael and May will be paying for their children to achieve their dreams for a while as training is in Lismore and the Tweed. Eventually, Daniel and Makayla will need to look at moving to Brisbane for more elite coaching and to train in the best facilities.The dream is to represent Australia at the Olympics and to be part of the Australian team for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. In the short term, Daniel's goal is the World Junior Championships in Oregon, U.S., in 2026, which is Under 20s.“Sport is important in the development of young people: it teaches them life-long skills like teamwork, keeps them fit and healthy, and allows them to excel in something they love and enjoy," Mr Hogan said. “I encourage any budding champions out there who have the opportunity of competing at a state, national or international event to apply for a grant by contacting my office or checking out the website ausport.gov.au.”The full list of today's recipients are:Lachlan Elphick from Goonellabah - Rugby UnionArchie Sauer from Evans Head - Rugby UnionOliver Collings from McLeans Ridges - Rugby UnionMikayla Frey from Nimbin - AthleticsDaniel Frey Nimbin - AthleticsQuin Fisher-Nicholls from Spring Grove - BaseballHannah Danforth from Lismore - HockeyKitty Danforth from Lismore - HockeyHarry Hosking from Alstonville - HockeyAva Smith from Geneva - NetballJye Barlow from Lismore Heights - BasketballJoshua Harris from Kilgra - HockeyJosephine Payne from Eltham - HockeyNaomi Austin from Boat Harbour - HockeyChloe Austin from Boat Harbour - HockeyEzrah Selesele from Kyogle - Touch FootballMaria Mitchell from Goonellabah - HockeyMakailee Close from Kyogle - Touch FootballWyatt Galvin from Kyogle - SwimmingJade Boyle from Kyogle - SwimmingArchie Lassig from Uralba - HockeyJayviah Harley from Kyogle - SwimmingLachlan Trease from Alstonville - SwimmingSophie Alcorn from Goonellabah - NetballBanjora Porch from Goonellabah - Rugby UnionReggie Field from East Lismore - Rugby UnionHarry Kilburn from North Lismore - SwimmingPadraig Heffernan from Dunoon - AthleticsClayton Wilkinson from Spring Grove - SwimmingLilly Comber from Bexhill - NetballIsabella Rowe from Alstonville - NetballTalia Rowe from Alstonville - NetballCaelan Cooper from Evans Head - VolleyballDarcy Porch from Goonellabah - Touch FootballEvie North from Wollongbar - Touch FootballMax Venables from Goonellabah - HockeyChloe Keep from Shannon Brook - NetballJaymie-Rose Leadley from Casino - NetballLexi Cadman from Shannon Brook - NetballTaylah Pederson from Casino - NetballAlice Shields from Casino - NetballPaiten Hampson from Greenridge - NetballGeorge Mitchell from Goonellabah - HockeyPaige Dalby from Broadwater - Swimming

Lismore City Council is working to amend its Investment Policy to ensure more funds held by Council can be invested locally. The first draft of the new policy was presented at last night’s Councillor Briefing session. Under the draft changes, Council can also invest in Socially Responsible Investments where the rate of return and risk profile is in line with other investment options. Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the draft changes would support Council’s desire to ensure good returns on investments, while supporting the local economy. “Under our current Investment Policy, we are restricted by how much we can place with local financial institutions," he said. “The draft change will mean the large amount of grants that Council has already received, or will receive over coming months and years, will be invested locally. “How many communities do you read about where they no longer have a bank in town? By investing in banks and credit unions which have invested in Lismore, Council is helping to support local banks and branches which delivers choice for customers, and certainty for our community. “Banks and credit unions that have invested in Lismore LGA also deliver a boost for our economy and employ local people.” Also discussed at last night’s Councillor Briefing were draft changes to Council’s Concealed Water Leaks Policy, under which residents can seek reimbursement for charges for undetected water leaks. The current policy has not been updated since 2014 and is inconvenient for residents. Mayor Krieg said the draft considered last night is much fairer and easier to navigate for water customers. This draft policy will be presented for adoption, along with the draft Investments Policy, to the new Council following the September Local Government Elections.

The Minns Labor Government has released its response to the statutory reviews of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the native vegetation provisions of the Local Land Services Act 2013. The response signals a shift in the way the state fulfils its responsibilities to protect the environment and manage native vegetation across the State, now and into the future.The plan will deliver on three key election commitments in this term of government: to reform the biodiversity offsets scheme, to end excess land clearing and strengthen environmental protections.It also outlines the legislative, policy and program directions the NSW Government will take to respond to the statutory reviews and deliver on its commitments.The response:recognises a change in approach is needed to set nature on a path to recovery;acknowledges the intrinsic relationship between biodiversity and Aboriginal culture and recognises the social, economic and environmental benefits that flow from caring for Country as well as the broader interests’ Aboriginal people have in biodiversity and land management issues;sets out short, medium and long-term priority actions to improve biodiversity protections and land management practices;sets the direction to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and support environmental repair and regeneration;introduce a NSW Nature Strategy to guide actions to protect, restore and enhance ecosystems and landscapes;recognises the strong connection farmers and landholders have with their land and the key role they play in managing and enhancing native vegetation and natural assets;outlines NSW Government support for landholders to access emerging natural capital markets, incentivising them to undertake sustainable farming practices while protecting and restoring their environmental assets;Amendments to the Biodiversity Conservation Act will also require the biodiversity offsets scheme to transition to overall ‘net positive’ outcomes, and upfront consideration of biodiversity will be strengthened in planning and development processes. To support ongoing improvements to native vegetation management on private land, the NSW Government will strengthen prescriptions in the Land Management (Native Vegetation) Code and implement a new monitoring, evaluation and reporting framework.The NSW Government is committed to working with the community to design and deliver the wide range of initiatives outlined in the response to ensure natural resources are managed in the social, economic and environmental interests of the state.The full response is available at www.nsw.gov.au/nsw-plan-for-natureMinister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said, “We cannot ignore the truth: biodiversity in NSW is in crisis. Our goal must be to leave nature better off than we have found it.“The independent review of the Biodiversity Conservation Act showed we need to take a number of reform measures not just to protect the biodiversity we have now, but to build on this baseline and do better. Our response to this review is that we are ready to take on that challenge.“It’s clear we need new approaches, and that additional effort must be directed into proactive landscape-scale biodiversity protection, restoration, and management. We must go beyond the aim of halting loss to one of achieving overall ecosystem gains.“The response sets out our immediate priorities and directions, but this is the start of concerted action, reform, investment.”Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said, “The NSW Government is committed to improving the management of native vegetation on private rural land and supporting landholders to improve environmental outcomes and access emerging natural capital markets.  “While the statutory LLS review found the objectives of the native vegetation provisions are valid, it also showed us there are actions we can take to improve native vegetation management on private land. “To support further improvements to native vegetation management on private land, there will be an independent review by the Natural Resources Commission commencing in 2025, to provide Government with advice and options to further protect and restore biodiversity in regional landscapes and enhance value and support for landholders.“Importantly, we will be working with farmers to deliver the actions outlined in this response to ensure we better protect native vegetation and promote sustainable agricultural production.” Farmers or landholders who have questions about native vegetation management can contact their closest LLS office: www.lls.nsw.gov.au/i-want-to/contact-my-local-office.

Rebuilding schools, both primary and secondary, has been a long-term problem for the NSW Government and private operators, such as Trinity Catholic College.Closer to home, South Lismore Public School has been rebuilt and reopened, and Richmond River High School will be rebuilt on a new flood-free site. Approximately 25 kilometres away, Broadwater Public School was in a similar position of not knowing the fate of their local school, having been closed for the last two and a half years.In a statement released today, the NSW Government will use its enhanced planning powers under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act, for the first time, to return students back to Broadwater Public School in the first term of 2025, ending years of delay and impacts to the community.Broadwater Public School was extensively damaged in the devastating floods that impacted the Northern Rivers in 2022, leaving most of the buildings uninhabitable and in need of repair. Since then, local students have had to travel out of the area to attend school.With the support of the NSW Department of Education, Richmond Valley Council, the school community, and the CEO of the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA), the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has authorised the school’s redevelopment using the RA’s enhanced planning powers.Broadwater Public School’s new facilities will include three modern flexible classrooms, a new library, canteen, administration area, large undercroft play space and amenities, a yarning circle, and landscaping to complement the school’s surroundings.The new school will include modular buildings raised 3.7 metres from the ground and be supported by a flood resilient steel structure. Using Modern Methods of Construction techniques, classroom modules have been completed offsite and will be transported and craned into the existing site once the steel structures are in place, cutting construction time.More information about the construction program and next steps will be shared with the Broadwater Public School community at an information session in Term 3.Relieving Broadwater Public School Principal Bronwyn Cole said, "This is extremely welcome news for our school and community, and we are very grateful for the ongoing support we have received.“Since the floods, we've all witnessed remarkable unity and resilience within our community, and I am deeply moved by the bonds that have strengthened during this time."We are looking forward to the rebuilding of our school so students can learn and thrive in their own community. This journey is not just about rebuilding, but about nurturing our school community and fostering a safe, supportive space for learning and growth.“Together, we will continue to build a strong foundation for our students' success and well-being."Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “The Broadwater community has spoken, and we have been listening, they need their school back.“That’s exactly why we established the Northern Rivers Community Leaders Forum, to guide local decision-making and local engagement for outcomes like the one we have today.”Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said, “Rebuilding Broadwater Public School as quickly as possible is a priority for the Minns Labor Government, so students and teachers can finally return to their own school on a permanent basis.“This change by the Planning Minister will ensure that work to rebuild Broadwater’s school can now proceed swiftly.“The people of Broadwater know that public schools are integral to the wellbeing of communities, and I want to acknowledge the unwavering support shown to getting Broadwater Public School back on track.”Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “This is the first time this planning power has been used and is an important step in our Government’s response to disaster recovery.“The powers in the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act mean that we can fast-track recovery and reconstruction projects to better support communities.“This Government is committed to getting communities like Broadwater back on their feet, and as we’ve shown today, we will use the full powers available to the RA to help us do that again when needed. Acting CEO of the Reconstruction Authority Mal Lanyon said, “It is important we back projects that support flood recovery efforts and make communities more resilient.“Recommending to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces for a Ministerial authorisation under the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s Act to rebuild the Broadwater Public School is a significant demonstration of our commitment to recovering and ensuring the safety and welfare of communities.”

Lismore City Council is investing $1 million in important remediation work on two water reservoirs after a scheduled in-depth health check on the system's condition.The two identified for repairs are the Esmonde Street and Wyreema Avenue reservoirs. Both require the complete emptying of all water to ensure all necessary repairs and remediation can be successfully achieved.Work has already begun on the 1938-built Esmonde Street Reservoir. It is a 7.38-meter-high, 30.5-meter-diameter water storage tank with 5.68 megalitres, equivalent to almost three full-size Olympic Swimming Pools.The Wyreema Reservoir, constructed in 1959, will begin its remediation work in early 2025. At a total capacity of 2.84 megalitres, it is half the size of the Esmonde Street reservoir. Both reservoirs are critical to Lismore’s water supply network.Lismore City Council’s Head of Water and Wastewater, Matt Potter, said work has already started, and remedial works like this are important to ensure Lismore continues to maintain its perfect 100% water quality compliance.“Typically, concrete assets like these, which are 50 to 80 years old, require in-depth service and maintenance which will extend their lifespan for many more years,” he said.“The Esmonde Street Reservoir is empty, and we’re sealing the inside concrete construction joints, which involves applying an adhesive and a bandage system to the internal wall and floor joints to strengthen its design further.“Concrete spalling, which is when the concrete begins to degrade or break away, was also detected in several locations, necessitating remediation to the concrete."It's fascinating to be inside the reservoir now that it's empty; seeing the sheer size and engineering up close is incredible.”Mr Potter also said that between large remediation works such as this, Council conducts spot health checks using unexpected methods.“Much to everyone’s surprise, our Water Operations Team uses scuba divers to inspect and clean the reservoirs, preventing sediment buildup and ensuring water quality all year round,” he said.“Divers are part of our regular maintenance schedule and help keep the water safe for usage. They also provide the Council with a Condition Assessment Report on the internals of the tank.“Lismore City Council’s water is tested weekly at all the reservoir sites and the results are vetted against the trigger limits listed in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.”After the major remediation works are done, the reservoir is cleaned and disinfected making it safe and ready for refilling.Mr Potter also said that while the scaffolding is up, it’s also an opportunity to install new water nozzles, which fill the reservoir with water.“We’re installing directional nozzles, which will improve water quality even more by ensuring even circulation throughout the system,” he said.The Esmonde Street Reservoir is filled by gravity with water from Council’s High Street Reservoir, which means there is no pumping requirement due to the pressure differential between the two reservoirs.The primary function of these reservoirs is to store and deliver potable water to customers in the Lismore LGA, as required by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.During the remediation of both reservoirs, customers will not experience any water interruptions.The Esmonde Street works are expected to be completed by October this year, with the Wyreema Avenue works expected to start early next year and finish by June 2025.

Families in NSW can access support to build healthy habits together, including tips and assistance for getting active, healthy eating and overall wellbeing by taking part in a free 10-week after-school program for children aged 7–13 and their families (including siblings, parents and carers).Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) Acting Director of Integrated Care and Allied Health Services, Kathryn Watson, said parents and carers can now enrol children in Go4Fun’s Term 3 programs in Lismore and Tweed.  “The enrolment criteria has been expanded so that more families and family members can attend. We know that community and family support is important to both making and maintaining healthy habits”, Ms Watson said. “For many families, the focus is on just getting by on a day-to-day basis, and many don’t have the money or time to invest in healthy lifestyle programs. “Go4Fun helps by providing easy tips to make healthy changes and involves parents, carers and children in fun activities to help put these changes into practice.” The program includes games, activities, prizes, and a supermarket tour. It also helps families and children to connect with others in their local area. “Families love that the program is free and that it helps their child’s wellbeing, including their sleep. It creates a space to connect and build relationships as a family,” Ms Watson said. “For families who are not in the Tweed or Lismore areas, or those who can’t attend in person, there is also a Go4Fun online program.” Parents and carers can sign up to the program directly, and health professionals and GPs can also refer their patients. Places are available for Term 3 in the following locations: LISMORE Go4Fun Wednesdays, 3.30pm-5.30pm, starting Wed 31 July Location: Lismore PCYC, Cnr Orion & Dawson Streets, Lismore TWEED Aboriginal Go4Fun in partnership with WeCare Mondays, 4pm-6pm, starting Mon 22 July Location: Banora Point Community Centre For more information and to register your child, call 1800 780 900, visit www.go4fun.com.au.  

Yesterday's strong winds caused havoc in backyards, on the roads and on sporting fields throughout Lismore and surrounds. The Bureau of Meteorology forecast of strong 25-35 km/h westerly winds hit with force late morning and stayed with us most of the day.Today's forecast is similar, with another day of 20-30 km/h winds from the west once again.The NSW SES Lismore City Unit is warning residents to:Tie down or turnover trampolinesSecure backyard or patio furnitureMove your vehicle away from treesThe Lismore City Unit Facebook page said, "There is a strange phenomenon that occurs at this time every year. When the August winds begin to blow, some trampolines get delusions of grandeur and believe they can fly."This is a difficult and upsetting time for all involved and can cause significant damage or injuries."Tie down or turning your trampoline over, can help keep them in check - it is best for its safety and the safety of others, to restrain it."While we don't have any severe weather warnings, this wind certainly can cause disruption.For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500.In life-threatening situations call triple zero (000).Stay safe!

The 2024 NSW Local Council Elections will be held in eight weeks time this Saturday (Saturday, September 14).Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg described these local elections as "probably the most important in Lismore's history" in his recent Talking Lismore Podcast.Lismore has seen residents leave and arrive since the February 2022 floods, and hundreds of students have turned 18 in the last two and a half years since the last State Election. The NSW Electoral Commission is encouraging NSW voters to check their enrolment or to enrol for the first time before 5 August 2024 to make sure they are ready to vote in the 2024 Local Government elections. The electoral roll used at the election cannot be updated after 6pm on Monday, 5 August.   Acting NSW Electoral Commissioner Matt Phillips reminded voters that at council elections, voters must attend a polling place in their council area or ward.  “If you’ve moved recently or aren’t enrolled to vote where you currently live, update your details now so you can vote at a polling place near you on 14 September.”  “You cannot vote outside your local government area at local council elections, so it’s important your details on the electoral roll are correct.”  Mr Phillips said NSW has the highest enrolment rate in the country but it is everyone’s responsibility to maintain the electoral roll’s accuracy. “NSW can be proud of its 99 per cent enrolment rate, but if your details change, you must update them on the electoral roll. Visit www.elections.nsw.gov.au to find out how.”  “I encourage anyone who has moved recently to put updating your electoral roll details on the top of your to-do list.” Mr Phillips said it is compulsory to enrol to vote in NSW elections if you are eligible and aged 18 or over.  “All you need to enrol is a driver's licence or similar identification document, or you can have someone who is already enrolled confirm your identity.”  Further information about enrolment and about the 2024 NSW Local Government elections is available on the Electoral Commission website. For those potential Lismore City Councillors, there will be a Council Election Information Session on Wednesday, July 31 from 5:30pm at the Lismore City Council Chambers on Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah.

Get ready for an action-packed weekend of hockey as Lismore teams up with Ballina to host the NSW Northern Division Women's Masters Hockey Championships.The event kicks off on Friday, 26 July and runs through to Sunday, 28 July, at the Goonellabah Hockey Centre in Hepburn Park and the Ballina Hockey Centre.Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the collaboration between Lismore and Ballina showcases the strength and unity of our communities.“A lot of effort has gone into developing our Hockey Centre, and hosting an event of this magnitude in Lismore is a significant achievement," he said.“This event not only brings top-tier hockey to our area but also offers an opportunity for local businesses and the community to benefit from the influx of visitors. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved, and I encourage our community to come out and support the event.”This year's championships will feature 50 teams with over 850 competitors competing for top honours across the two venues. The NSW Women's Masters Hockey Championships, which began in 1985 in Newcastle with only 16 teams, has grown significantly in size and stature over the years.President of Far North Coast Hockey Inc., Nathan Kesteven, said we are thrilled to be hosting the NSW Women's Masters Hockey State Championships.“This event not only celebrates the athleticism and sportsmanship of our players but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and community spirit among all participants,” he said.“We’ve had a huge amount of interest from our local players, and this year will be entering five highly competitive teams in the event, from the Over 34 Div 1 team up to the Over 55’s Div 1.”“We are looking forward to welcoming teams, supporters and hockey enthusiasts to what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of competition.”For the first time, the Championships will be held on the Far North Coast, marking a significant milestone for the region. The championships promises to be an exciting and competitive event, showcasing the talent and dedication of athletes from across the northern part of the state.Local residents and visitors are invited to attend the event, support the teams and enjoy the exciting matches and vibrant atmosphere of the championships. The first game commences at 11am on Friday, 26 July at the Goonellabah Hockey Centre, 214 Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah and the Ballina Hockey Centre at 2C Bentinck Street, Ballina.