The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) has released a clarifying statement following Wednesday's attempt to disconnect water to Pine Street properties as they look to move illegal squatters on so they can perform assessments on the buyback houses for relocation.As reported by the Lismore App, they were successful at a Little Keen Street buyback house, also occupied by illegal squatters.An NSWRA spokesperson said:NSW Police, Homes NSW and Social Futures have made extensive efforts to engage with the illegal occupants, offering alternative accommodation and access to support services. Most offers have been rejected.In January 2025, notices to vacate were issued to 40 individuals illegally occupying homes in Lismore.The illegal occupants were given seven days to vacate the premises, but more than three weeks after the notices were served, numerous properties remain occupied.After exhausting all available options, the RA has now taken the step to permanently disconnect water services, which had been reconnected by these illegal occupants.This decision has not been made lightly. The Resilient Homes Program was designed to support those genuinely affected by flooding, not to bear the cost of removing illegal occupants from homes that are part of the buyback program.On Wednesday, 12 February 2025, a contractor acting on behalf of the RA commenced the permanent disconnection of water services to Resilient Homes Program properties in Lismore.Later today, staff from the NSWRA and Richmond Police District will meet with spokespeople for the illegal squatters to try and negotiate a date for the group to vacate the houses permanently. Negotiations in the past have proven fruitless.The NSWRA has purchased over 525 high at-risk houses in the Lismore LGA as part of the Resilient Homes Program (RHP), an initiative that offers buybacks for homes severely impacted by the catastrophic February 2022 flood and which now pose an ongoing threat to human life in future flooding events.The homes currently illegally occupied are situated in an area that was devastated by the floods, making their buyback essential to mitigate further risk to life and to protect the community.As part of the buyback process, services, including power and water, were disconnected, and fencing was erected at each premises to prevent unauthorised persons from entering the houses and to ensure public safety. ,In some instances, illegal occupants have reconnected services, including water.Notices to vacate the properties were issued to approximately 40 individuals on January 21 – disconnection of water services was included in the letter to occupants and advised verbally as the next step.

Following Tuesday's marathon eight-hour February meeting, the first ordinary meeting of 2025, four rescission motions have been put forward by various councillors.Those motions are:10.2 Review the Code of Meeting Practice11.2 Creation of a subdivision on Booyong Road, Clunes12.2 The creation of a Lismore City Council Property Strategy12.7 Nuclear Free Peace Zone PolicyThe Draft Code of Meeting Practice review was placed on public exhibition for 42 days (20 December 2024 to 31 January 2025) after council resolved to make changes to the existing document to streamline monthly meetings making them more efficient.There were 11 public submissions received by council.The most relevant changes to the Code of Meeting Practice include:Moving Public Access from the start of council meetings at 10am to prior to council meetings at 9am. Public Access will be streamed live and recorded.Change the number of speakers to two for and two against (from four for and four against).There is a maximum of ten (10) speakers. This is necessary because of the one-hour time limit on public access. It allows for change over time of speakers, questions and responses to questions.Each speaker will be allowed three (3) minutes (reduced from four)Limit responses to councillor questions to one (1) minute (currently unlimited)A councillor may submit no more than three (3) notices of motions to be considered at each Ordinary council meeting.A councillor may submit no more than three (3) questions with notice for response at each Ordinary council meeting.The length of a council meeting will be no longer than 5 hours after it begins. It can be extended by 30 minutes by resolution.During Tuesday's meeting, councillors opposed to the changes had their say depending on its relevance. For example, Cr Rob objected to being restricted to three notices of motions and three questions with notice. Cr Guise objected to Public Access moving to 9am, the ten maximum speakers and the change to two speakers for and two against.The first vote to not adopt the changes was defeated. This was followed by three amended motions, which were all defeated before the original motion to adopt the Draft Code of Meeting Practice was passed 7/4.When the rescission motion is debated at the next council meeting, it is highly unlikely that it will be successful.11.2 Clunes SubdivisionCouncil staff recommended that the Clunes subdivision to create two (2) lots and the construction of a new dwelling on proposed Lot 2 and associated infrastructure at 7 Booyong Road, Clunes not be approved was carried 6/5, with Crs Hall, Gordon, Battista, Bing, Jensen and Krieg voting for and Crs Rob, Knight-Smith, Dalton-Earls, Guise and Waters against.Unusually, for a DA of this size, it was debated for over an hour with different amendment motions put forward.Council staff reasons were long and detailed:1. the proposed development does not provide for the orderly development of the site or good design and amenity of the built environment due to undersized lots and unacceptable sewage management arrangements (Section 1.3 of the EP&A Act 1979).2. the proposed development is inconsistent with the following clauses of Lismore Local Environmental Plan 2012 (Section 4.15(1)(a)(i) of the EP&A Act 1979):a. Clause 2.3 – Zone objectivesb. Clause 4.1 – Minimum subdivision lot sizec. Clause 4.6 – Exceptions to development standardsd. Clause 6.4 – Drinking water catchments Report Lismore City Council Meeting held 11 February 2025 - DA5.2023.301.1 - Subdivision to create two (2) lots and the construction of a new dwelling on proposed Lot 2 and associated infrastructure at 7 Booyong Road, Clunes 25e. Clause 6.9 – Essential services3. the proposed development is inconsistent with the following requirements of the Lismore Development Control Plan, Part A, Chapter 1 – Residential Development (Section 4.15(1)(a)(iii) EP&A Act 1979): a. Element 4.10 – On-Site Sewage and Waste Water Management.4. the proposed development is inconsistent with the following requirements of the Part A, Chapter 6 – Village Subdivision of the Lismore Development Control Plan (Section 4.15(1)(a)(iii) EP&A Act): a) Element 4.1 – Lot Size b) Element 4.9 – Sewer (non-reticulated areas)5. the site is not suitable for the proposed development (Section 4.15(c) of the EP&A Act 1979)6. the proposed development is not in the public interest (Section 4.15(e) of the EP&A Act 1979)12.2 The creation of a council Property StrategyAs reported previously, this motion turned into a Richmond River Historical Society and its supporting councillors versus creating a property strategy that will look at councils building assets and peppercorn leases to determine if there are better uses of the buildings, thus improving council's financial position.The fight will be ongoing for the RRHS team and its supporters to keep the Lismore Museum in its current building, the Lismore Municipal Building, until the rescission motion comes back to council, where the same debate will be had again.It should be noted that council resolved to find a suitable building to house the Lismore Museum as part of its Property Strategy.12.7 Nuclear Free Peace Zone PolicyThis motion was looking to repeal council's policy number 3.1.1, the Nuclear Free Peace Zone Policy.This was passed 6/4 with Cr Hall out of the chamber.Rescission Motions are standard practice for all local council's in NSW. Their purpose is simply to overturn the resolution of council that was passed during a council meeting.The likelihood of a council resolution being rescinded is at long odds. The rescission motion is more about politics. It's about councillors and the public restating their case that was unsuccessful in the first place. It is about garnering more public support to try and influence a councillor's previous vote—all within the Local Government Act 1993 - Section 372. As well as a low chance of success, it will add to a council meeting that was already over 8 hours long.

Mayor Steve Krieg mentioned the "award-winning Oakes Oval" at Monday's media event to promote tomorrow's Legends of Cricket Tenty20.Yesterday afternoon, Lismore City Council announced that Oakes Oval had won the Best Regional AFL ground in NSW.Lismore’s premier stadium is now in the running for the national Ken Gannon Community Football Facility Award (AFL) after securing the NSW title, highlighting its significance as a premier sporting venue. This prestigious award celebrates best practice in community football facility development across the country.Following a $12.4 million upgrade, the stadium has solidified its place as the premier AFL venue in regional NSW, making it ready to host AFL pre-season matches.Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said Oakes Oval is a community asset we can be proud of.“Local sports fans can now enjoy the best of the best playing right here in our hometown stadium,” he said. “Sport is a cornerstone of Lismore’s identity, and the award-winning upgrades now position Oakes Oval as a prime candidate for more high-profile games and events in the future, further cementing Lismore’s reputation as a regional sporting hub.”The redevelopment included upgrades to the grandstand with new seating, improved media and coaches’ boxes and a complete refurbishment of the Gordon Pavilion, which now features a function room, bar and kitchen. The change rooms, amenities and storage areas were also upgraded to meet modern standards, ensuring a top-quality experience for players and spectators alike. Oakes Oval has already hosted AFL pre-season matches, local Australian Rules Football, Rugby League and cricket games and various major community events, including Carols in the Heart. AFL Venue and Government Partnerships Manager for NSW Samuel Thomson, said the award will open Oakes Oval up to opportunities for Lismore.“Now one of the premier AFL venues in all of NSW, we look forward to Oakes Oval becoming the centrepiece of the continued growth of our game across Northern NSW,” he said.Lismore City Council Manager for Liveable & Active Communities, Tony Duffy, said winning this award recognises the remarkable design and planning undertaken in the facility's configuration.“We don’t just have a Regional Facility that can host Sports at all levels; we have a facility that now has become a multipurpose stadium for Lismore and Northern NSW,” he said.“We look forward to the AFL bringing further local to elite content over the coming years.”The refurbishment, delayed by the 2022 floods, was a collaborative effort between all levels of government, with funding contributions from the Australian Government ($6 million), the NSW Government ($4.9 million) and Lismore City Council ($1.5 million). 

Farmers have welcomed a fresh crackdown on biosecurity breaches as the state escalates its campaign against deadly Red Imported Fire Ants.Two businesses have been fined $60,000 respectively in the NSW Local Court for bringing soil, turf and compost into the state from Queensland’s fire ant infested area without certification.NSW Farmers’ Biosecurity Committee Chair Tony Hegarty said this latest breach of biosecurity laws had put NSW at great risk, with fire ants presenting a $60 billion dollar threat to the nation.“There are serious consequences for those found to be doing the wrong thing and breaching our biosecurity laws – and there is very good reason for this,” Mr Hegarty said. “NSW remains fire ant free for now, but if this pest finds its way into the state, our whole community will need to radically change their way of life to prevent being stung by these horrific pests.“The costs of controlling a widespread outbreak could sound a death knell for the economy, and don’t forget the impacts on agriculture. This is simply a threat we cannot afford to ignore, and eradication is the only safe solution for our communities.”Current biosecurity orders prohibit the movement of turf from Queensland fire-infested areas into NSW, with a number of other restrictions in place for other fire ant carriers including heavy vehicles.Mr Hegarty said the NSW Government’s latest clampdown on biosecurity orders had come as welcome news to many, with serious and sustained action critical to stopping the spread of fire ants into NSW.“NSW deserves a biosecurity system that is proactive and effective when it comes to eradicating extreme biosecurity threats – and that includes fire ants,” Mr Hegarty said.“A serious biosecurity regime is what the NSW Government has demonstrated, and we thank them for delivering this when it’s needed.”

This Saturday's second Legends of Cricket Twenty20 at Oakes Oval features some of Australia's greatest cricketers, such as Adam Gilchrist, Michael Kasparovwicz, Jason Gillespie, Andy Bichel, Dan Christian, Steve O'Keefe, Sammy-Jo Johnston and Georgie Redmayne.This year, two band members from iconic Australian bands, one a Lismore local, will don the whites and grace the Oakes Oval turf in the name of Lismore's flood recovery.Pat Davern is the guitarist with local rock band Grinspoon (Chemical Heart and Better Off Alone), and Bernard Fanning, the frontman of Powderfinger and also known for his solo work, will be the outsiders on a field of champions and budding champions. But they are no lesser names, just in a different field, and both willing to play for Lismore's flood recovery cause.When asked about his cricketing prowess, Pat told the Lismore App, "My cricketing prowess is pretty much non-existent. I played a little bit of cricket growing up, but I have not put bat to ball or glove to bat or ball to hand for 20 years, I don't reckon. But, you know, the things you do in the name of a good cause, right?"Hopefully, there's not going be any chin music coming my way from any of these top-quality Australian bowlers."Being in the Mayor's 11, Pat could face Jason Gillespie or Michael Kasprowicz, but he hopes his good friend Bernard Fanning will bowl to him and vice versa. In his limited junior cricket days, Pat described himself as an allrounder. He batted at number six and bowled medium pacers."I hope I get an opportunity to throw some down. I mean, it'll be embarrassing, but I don't care. I'm, at the, I don't give a f&*% stage of my career now, so I'm going to give anything a go."I'm hoping it's just a gentle, non-competitive game of cricket, to be honest with you," he joked, "But I am going to be walking out there like the Michelin man no matter what happens."It would also appear the art of sledging is not just reserved for the cricket field."When Bernard's batting and I'm on the fielding side, I will definitely be able to sledge him for sure. Back in the day, we used to call Powderfinger the Australian Eagle Show, and they used to call us Diet Pantera. But funnily enough, I played in Bernard's band for the last couple of years on his last tour. So, you know, we're old mates. But that won't stop any sledging, that's for sure.When the chat got onto Bernard Fanning's cricketing prowess, Pat described him as cricket mad."It's funny, on the tour with him, I met Michael Kasprowicz, Usman Khawaja and Gilly when we were over in Perth, he hangs out with all the cricketers. He probably goes into the rooms at Lord's during the Ashes. He's that entrenched in Australian cricket. He loves cricket, and he loves talking cricket."He also professes to be handy with the bat. So let's see how that pans out, shall we?"Pat still lives in the Northern Rivers, so he is very familiar with Lismore's flood rebuild."Oakes is great. You know what I mean? It's amazing they got that $12.5 million to do that redevelopment. It needed it, and what a fabulous way to spend the money from the local and state governments."It's coming back. Obviously, there's lots of empty shops on Magellan and Keen Street and all of that. It's a lot of work, I would imagine, to get it all together. I mean, we did the flood relief concert out at the Lismore Showgrounds; it was in an awful state then."Lismore has resilient people. It's a kind of a catch cry for the town, isn't it. They'll get back up on their feet. I don't know what the long-term solution is going to be because obviously it's going to flood again. That's inevitable. But people are very resilient, and they've done a great job so far at bringing it back."It's always been a good hub for me working in kind of the arts industry, arts and culture. Those kinds of things can survive and often thrive through adversity. So, you know, I'm the first person who's going to put my hand up to give them a hand when they need it. Hence, doing this cricket day and hopefully giving a little bit back to the community, which we're always trying to do."As Mayor Steve Krieg has said previously, the cricketers will be out on the boundary signing autographs. Pat Davern said he would be too."If anyone wants one," he laughs. "There's a lot of big Australian cricket players who I'm sure are going to be the flavour of the day, but that's fine. I'm willing to represent the Park Street Boys of Grinspoon, who spent many years plying their trade over there. I should have got sponsored by the Golan Hotel."You will see Pat Davern in his cricketing whites, not the stage, this Saturday at the Legends of Cricket Twenty20 match at Oakes Oval.Gates open at 1pm with the match starting at 3pm.To purchase tickets, click here.

129 first-home buyers in the Lismore LGA (local government area) have used the NSW Government's stamp duty assistance program, saving them $2.5 million during the 2024/25 financial year so far.The First Home Buyers Assistance Dashboard shows that the average value saved for Lismore is $19,467, which eases the pressure on young people and couples saving for a deposit.Total stamp duty savings for first home buyers across NSW have topped $1 billion since July 2023.The First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme provides a full exemption from stamp duty for eligible buyers purchasing up to $800,000, and a concession for purchases between $800,000 and $1 million. This means first home buyers can save up to $30,529 in stamp duty.First home buyers can learn more about the program and calculate their potential stamp duty savings here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/home-buying-assistance/first-home-buyers-assistance-scheme/how-to-apply. Premier Chris Minns said, “We have now delivered more than $1 billion for first home buyers since coming to Government.“There is more to do on cost of living, but this is real relief that has helped 50,000 NSW singles, couples and families.“Our Government is helping more buyers to get a foot on the ladder, without having to leave Sydney or NSW.“This is the best first home buyer scheme in the country, and just one part of our plan to address the housing crisis and build a better NSW.”Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said, “This is an incredible milestone for this program.“50,000 families have been able to get into their first home sooner because of this essential stamp duty relief.“The savings mean more money in people’s pockets, easing pressure on households and giving crucial assistance in the task of saving for a deposit.”Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said, “Families and households in NSW are feeling under pressure with increasing costs of living. We want to support families and households to realise the certainty of home ownership.“This shows our program is working, delivering real savings that can make a real difference for first home buyers.”For readers in Ballina, Byron, Casino or Kyogle councils, you can check out the First Home Buyers Assistance Dashboard, which provides program statistics by Local Government Area and regional classifications. It will be updated regularly and can be viewed here:  https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/help-centre/resources-library/statistics/fhba-dashboard.

Two Queensland businesses have been separately convicted in the NSW Local Court of breaching biosecurity regulations designed to protect NSW from red imported fire ants and in total ordered to pay $60,000.Both businesses illegally moved turf, soil, turf underlay and compost from the Queensland fire ant-infested area into NSW.Fighting red fire ants has been an important issue in the Northern Rivers since they were detected in 2024 at Wardell and private Byron Bay property.The NSW Government has increased funding from $15 million annually, to $95 million over four years to combat the problem.To strengthen the fight against fire ants entering NSW in mid-November last year, the NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty took the unprecedented step of banning the movement of any turf from the Queensland fire ant-infested area into NSW. These recent successful prosecutions demonstrate that the Government’s crackdown on rogue businesses potentially spreading fire ants is working and is now sending a message.The importance of movement controls and the ability of the Minns Government’s restructured NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to trace carrier movements back to their point of origin is producing successful prosecutions.The first landscaping supply business was convicted on the 29 January and the second on Friday, 7 February.The first business, Brytarbri Pty Ltd trading as Allenview Turf, was convicted of nine offences after moving soil, turf underlay and compost into NSW from the Queensland fire ant infested area without the required biosecurity certificates.The second business, Marlyn Compost, was convicted of 20 offences under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 for moving turf from the Queensland fire ant infested area into NSW without certificates.Early detection surveillance is continuing across NSW’s border state agencies with detection cameras and operations with Police and Department of Primary Industries and Regional NSW teams working together as exemplified by Operation Victa. So far, four waves of Operation Victa have resulted in eight penalty notices issued and three warnings after stopping 352 vehicles, 156 of which were from fire ant infested areas, and ordering 12 vehicles back to Queensland, due to not meeting certification requirements.In addition, fire ant sniffer dogs are on patrol in Kyogle and Tweed Valley sites to monitor trucks, landscaping sites and target properties.The NSW Government’s fire ant team has completed the following since December 2023:Checked 1,366 voluntary community reports of potential fire ant sightingsReceived 12,750 Record of Movement declarations from businessesUndertaken with 1,613 surveillance eventsNSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said, “The Minns Labor Government is serious in stopping fire ants getting into NSW and in the three instances when they have got through the nets we have eradicated them quickly.“There will be no sympathy for a business who flouts our biosecurity controls and threatens our state’s land, homes and farms with fire ants. The full force of the law will be instigated to show this is very serious and will not be tolerated.“I urge everyone to do the right thing and comply with our biosecurity requirements to protect NSW from fire ants, or if you know someone is flouting the controls please let us know.“We are applying monitoring, CCTV, police, sniffer dogs, controls and border checks to address the fire ant situation as well as supporting the Queensland Government eradicate their infestation.”

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for HEAVY RAINFALL, LARGE HAILSTONES and DAMAGING WINDS for Casino and Kyogle.An upper-level trough located over the New South Wales coast combines with rich moisture and unstable conditions to generate thunderstorms over the far north of the state.Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, large hailstones and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations that may be affected include Casino, Kyogle, Mallanganee, Rappville, Whiporie and Dorrigo.64.6 MM OF RAINFALL RECORDED AT PINE RIDGE IN THE HOUR TO 11.23 AM.46.8 mm of rainfall recorded at Glen Elgin in the 1 hour and 15 minutes to 4:35 pm.41.5 mm of rainfall recorded at Newholme in the 30 minutes to 3:57 pm.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 9:45 pm.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSWRA) failed in their attempt to disconnect water to the illegal squatters on Pine Street this morning. However, they were successful with the disconnection at a house on Little Keen Street.At 7 o'clock this morning, staff members from the NSWRA, officers from Richmond Police District and contract workers were on site to begin disconnecting the water to each house on Pine Street except for the sole owner/occupier.Initially, one person came out from the first house to find out what was happening before others began to emerge from the neighbouring house.One person claimed they were staying until a buyer is found, and until then, they have to look after this place, while another said the RA were doing a sneaky job by cutting off the water at that time of the morning.The NSWRA issued a Notice to Vacate on January 21, giving the squatters one week to leave the RA-owned buyback homes so they can be assessed for relocation. They had also warned squatters that the water would be cut off to all properties.As more squatters streamed down the road as the word spread of the water disconnection, at 7:13am the group went into a huddle to discuss what their response would be.Police asked the owner of a car to move it forward so contract workers could access the area in front of the house, which is council-owned land. This was done.When asked for the caravan to be towed out of the way, the owner said it was unregistered, to which police replied, "We only want you to move it up the road a little to get it out of the way, so it is okay".As the crowd kept growing, more conversations were had with police. One squatter said, "I am sure you have better things to do", to which the police replied, "Yes, we do", hoping this exercise would run smoothly.The next step was to ask the NSWRA staff member for more time to negotiate. "We have tried to get in touch with you and have not had a reply" was one statement. The reply reinforced the RA's position of discussing options with squatters for more than six months and the fact that the squatters illegally broke into the houses given they were fenced off and boarded up.At around 7:20am, one man told the group, "Let's stand in the middle. They can't take all of us. Come on, let's try", trying to rally the group to block proceedings.At around 7:25am, the group of illegal squatters gather around and on the caravan tow bar, refusing to let the tow truck move it out of the way.At this stage, a person not living on Pine Street, walked down the street and began interacting with police. A small group moved to one side to negotiate with police and the NSWRA.There was discussion about disconnecting the first two houses today and for the people squatting in that house to move to other properties. This was not acceptable.The result was a community meeting will be held at the Lismore Workers Club at 1pm this Friday.Police told the group, "This will happen. We can discuss the timing for the disconnection and the vacation of the properties."By 8am, police and the RA staff left Pine Street to music and dancing at the first house site.The Lismore App observed a few men walking up to the RA staff, raising their voices to express their disgust about what they perceive as government problems with housing and mental health. It was clear the female RA staff were intimidated at this point with no police protection.As negotiations were wrapping up, the contractors and two police officers moved to Little Keen Street, where they began to disconnect the water supply. A small win for the RA.(Contract workers disconnecting water to a buyback house on Little Keen Street)It is clear the illegal squatters want their community to be left alone until all other buyback homes have been assessed and relocated or demolished. They have offered to vacate each house while they are being assessed and offered for sale through expressions of interest.The RA have been negotiating for over six months, including visits from Homes NSW and Social Futures to house and help those in need through mental health services. These services have been refused.While the illegal squatters can claim a victory today, thus a further delay in their housing situation, the ratepayers of NSW would have footed the bill for contractors on an hourly rate to be paid, as well as wasting police resources.The Lismore App understands that the NSWRA will continue to prepare to lodge a Writ of Possession in the Supreme Court for the occupied homes at a cost, according to the RA, of approximately $40,000 per house.After witnessing events firsthand this morning, the most likely future outcome is for police to physically remove the illegal squatters once the writs have been received and executed.Questions will be asked why arrests were not made today. Keep in mind the mains water pipes are on Lismore City Council land.

Two people have been charged over alleged property offences as part of an ongoing investigation in Lismore.About 3.05am on Monday, 3 February 2025, a supermarket in Goonellabah was broken into, and five televisions were stolen.Officers attached to Richmond Police District were notified and commenced inquiries under Strike Force Imperium.Following extensive inquiries, officers executed search warrants at two homes in Goonellabah where they allegedly located five televisions and their boxes.About 8am yesterday (Tuesday, 11 February 2025), police attended one of the homes where they arrested a 16-year-old boy and a 41-year-old woman.They were taken to Lismore Police Station, where the boy was charged with aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence.He was refused bail to appear before a children's court yesterday (Tuesday, 11 February 2025), where he was granted conditional bail to appear before a children's court on Friday, 7 March 2025.The woman was charged with goods suspected stolen in/on premises, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, and receive property-theft.She was granted bail to appear before Lismore Local Court on Monday, 31 March 2025.Investigations under Strike Force Imperium continue.

Hi, my name is Dr Luke Robinson. Last year I stood for Lismore City Council in the local government elections, and I am now honoured to be standing as the Greens candidate for the seat of Page at the next federal election. I live in Whian Whian, on Widjabul-Wiabal country north of Lismore and work as a specialist Emergency Physician in the emergency departments of Lismore, Casino and Ballina hospitals, having also recently worked at Grafton and Maclean. I perform as a singer-songwriter/poet at music festivals and public events locally and around Australia. In Whian Whian I am involved in Big Scrub rainforest and native grassland regeneration activities on local land.Working as an emergency department doctor here in Lismore and other local towns, I care for a broad cross-section of our community, with a deep appreciation not just of the medical needs, but also the social and economic challenges my patients and their loved ones face. I see people struggling to get timely health care, who can’t find a bulk-billing GP or afford private medical specialist, psychologist or dental fees. There is a desperate need in this region for more aged care facilities and home care packages - too many elderly patients languish in our hospitals because there is nowhere else safe to discharge them to. I see the struggles of those whose pay doesn't keep up with the cost of living, in insecure work, barely able to afford a roof over their heads or made homeless. Too many in our region are still reeling from (un)natural disasters like the 2022 floods, with their bodies, minds and relationships groaning under the weight of it all.There is strength and resilience in our community too, warm-heartedness, and a desire to support one another through tough times. We have demonstrated many times that we are stronger when we are connected and work together, and this is essential as we face challenges now and into the future. One of the most important ways we can achieve this, at scale and on a sustainable long-term basis, is through our shared public services, through our government. I believe we should look after each other, and our land, using well-funded and well-run government services, paid for through a fair and progressive taxation system. The provision of universal public services are the best way of ensuring fairness and are more economically efficient than expensive privatised ones – health care is a prime example. For decades now governments have been under-investing in our public services, and we have suffered as individuals, as a region and as a country as a result, creating damaging divides socially and economically. Unfortunately, the major parties either make the problems worse, or lack the ambition required to really make a difference, and they have taken this electorate of Page for granted for too long now. Government should be working for us all – but we have to demand it and vote in representatives with the vision and ambition to make it so.Together, through our government, we can have the world-class public healthcare, aged care and public schools that a rich country like ours should have. We can stand up for ordinary people and guarantee secure work with decent pay. We can once again have affordable housing – whether one is a first home-buyer or a renter. We can make the big end of town pay its fair share of tax and play by the rules we set. Together, through our government, we can support workers and communities in their transition from old to new industries rather than pretend that change isn't happening or leaving people to the vagaries of the market. Our unique, our only, irreplaceable natural home can be treasured, protected and healed from the many wounds we have inflicted. We can be a leader rather than a laggard internationally as this world moves to a clean energy future. We can be proud of the ancient and enduring cultures of our First Peoples across this continent, finding peace as we listen and learn how to connect with each other and this land. To care for each other and to care for country is what motivates me to present as your Greens candidate for Page. It would be an honour to be given the chance to represent you when you vote at the next federal election.To find out more or support my campaign, go to:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrLukeForPage.Website: https://greens.org.au/nsw/person/dr-luke-robinson.

Lismore City Council proudly announces Tywana Caldwell as the local artist chosen to have her artwork featured throughout its upcoming Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Ms. Caldwell’s artwork, titled Ngulliboo, the Bundjalung word meaning ‘all of us,’ has been selected to symbolise the RAP and its vision.Reflecting on her artwork, Ms. Caldwell expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to represent her community.“I am a proud Bundjalung woman from the Widjabul Wia-bal people here in Lismore. My family is from here, it’s my community, and this is where I grew up and still currently live,” she said.“The artwork is a representation of my interpretation of what I think Lismore stands for. The things that shaped my belief in why I think Lismore is really beautiful. It’s beautiful to share because it is about our community, about Lismore, about the people here.”Mayor Steve Krieg said Ms. Caldwell’s artwork, along with her passion for Lismore and its community, embodies the values and aspirations of the RAP.“It is important that as a Council, we support our young people and nurture the incredible talent within our community. Ms. Caldwell’s artwork is a reflection of the strength, connection and unity that we strive for through our Reconciliation Action Plan,” he said.Lismore City Council General Manager Jon Gibbons said Lismore is privileged to have so many talented people within its community.“As we work on our fourth Reconciliation Action Plan, this incredible artwork serves as a reminder of Lismore’s strength through community and our commitment to strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” he said.The upcoming RAP, currently in the community consultation phase, will develop a framework outlining practical actions Council will take to strengthen relationships, respect and opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.To assist with the consultation process, Council has engaged Tim Roberts from East Coast Heritage and Archaeology. Tim will work with the community to gather input that will help shape the new RAP.A Your Say survey is currently open for community contributions to the RAP. Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas by visiting: www.yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au.Additionally, members of the public are invited to drop into the Lismore Library Meeting Room at the Lismore Central Shopping Centre on Wednesday, 19 February, anytime between 10am and 2pm. This is an opportunity to have a yarn with Tim Roberts, share feedback and contribute to the future of reconciliation in Lismore.

Now that the 2025 school year has begun, and we have had building updates for Broadwater Public School and four Murwillumbah schools, the Lismore App went in search of an update for Blakebrook Public School and Richmond River High Campus.If you are not aware, the NSW Government has sought lower-cost and faster building solutions for many schools that were impacted by the 2022 big flood. Prefabricated pieces were the answer.In September 2024, the state government said the Blakebrook PS project would deliver an elevated building supported by a flood-resistant steel structure. The school will be raised above the ground, creating resilience against possible future inundation from flooding. The first floor will include four new classrooms, a new library, canteen and school administration areas connected by undercover walkways. The ground floor will feature amenities and an undercroft play space for students, as well as new landscaping. The offsite manufacturing of the school modules was 85 per cent complete, and fabrication of the steel gantry, which will support the modules, also began.It was November 7 when students and staff turned the first sod as the ground work was taking place.Fast forward three months, the first prefabricated pieces were put together like a box of lego last week.A NSW Department of Education spokesperson said, “Following the NSW Government’s use of the Reconstruction Authority to accelerate Blakebrook Public School’s planning approval, the fast-tracked rebuild is progressing well, with the school due for completion during Term 2, 2025, subject to weather and site conditions. “The delivery and installation of modules is a two-stage process. The first phase took place on Wednesday 5 February, which included the installation of the administration facility, library and lift shaft. The second phase will include the installation of the classrooms, canteen and plant room, which is anticipated to be completed this month. Following the installation of the school building, we will complete the internal fit out and external landscaping.“The Rivers Secondary College Richmond River High Campus rebuild is also progressing, with the tender out for the principal contractor after designs were released to the community in the second half of last year.“Site rezoning and planning applications are also underway. We will continue to update the community as the project progresses.”

Mayor Steve Krieg's Notice of Motion for council staff to develop a Property Strategy so Lismore City Council can streamline its operations and manage $2.3 billion worth of assets better was met with protests outside council chambers by members of the Richmond River Historical Society and supporting public at yesterday's council meeting.About 30 people positioned themselves at the back entrance of the Lismore Council building in Goonellabah chanting "Save our Museum", "Hands off our Museum", and "Renew the Lease".Council meeting day turned into a divisive battle with the Krieg team on one side and the Richmond River Historical Society (RRHS) on the other with strong support from The Greens Councillors Guise and Waters. How did it get to this point?President of the RRHS Robert Smith spoke to the media before the 10am meeting start time saying they were offered to move to the Municipal Building in 1992. The Lismore App understands they were in the Trench Building (next to Stock Pot) since it was formed in 1936.Mr Smith claimed that council started the property strategy in June last year."They kept us out completely from the discussions, let alone the decisions that were made. I mean, it's within two weeks ago we find out there were decisions made, and that's it. And while they say, oh look, we've got options like this or that for you, it's effectively a fait accompli. It's done."One of the key points for the RRHS was to not be at risk of flooding due to the removal of heavy and sometimes fragile objects that are "all precious to the history of Lismore".Mr Smith said discussions with council is that RRHS would be located in various places until a suitable building is found. "We know there's no suitable place. It's not going to emerge."One of the possible locations Mr Smith mentioned was the Lismore Tourist Information Centre, which is being refurbished near Heritage Park."They mentioned only one possibility, and it was for instance, and that was after two full meetings.At the moment, the Lismore Museum is in a pop-up store on Molesworth Street. During councillor questions in the meeting, Mr Smith said that about 200 square metres would be required for a preferred site for the RRHS.When it came to debating the Property Strategy in chambers, an amendment was put up by Councillor (Cr) Knight-Smith, which Cr Guise seconded by adding a point 4 to the original motion, and that was that 'the General manager immediately execute a lease to the Richmond River Historical Society at 165 Molesworth Street, Lismore'.It was clear that some councillors wanted the RRHS to remain in their current location regardless of the outcome of the Property Strategy findings and committed council to a written 5-year lease, which had been a verbal agreement in the past.Mayor Krieg acknowledged that the Property Strategy motion had turned into an RRHS versus Council debate rather than what is best for the community in the long term."This isn't about the Municipal Building or it's not about the Terrania Shire building, it's not about 42 Oliver Avenue. It is about a package of $2.3 billion worth of assets which our ratepayers simply cannot manage, they cannot maintain, and they cannot afford."I did not write this Notice of Motion to target the Historical Society. You don't take things personally in this job, you really don't, but I had the Historical Society out at my house in September, and you feel like an absolute criminal when this is turned around as we're evicting the Historical Society. If that is the case, then I apologise for misleading you by inviting you to my property and showing you the cemetery and all of those other things attending your AGMs, and all of the other connected meetings that we've had together."This policy proposal was never about the historical society and your location. It's turned into that. But what I want to see done is adequate and proper management of our pocket parks, for example, looking after the 47 community groups that we provide peppercorn leases to. There's 47 of them scattered through our LGA, all deserving of the best possible facilities at the best possible location."It's about streamlining our operations as an organisation. Do I want to see Council staff in the CBD? You betcha. I want to see two hundred, three hundred of our council staff walking the streets for lunch, supporting our local businesses, doing their Christmas shopping in our retail sector. I am an unashamed advocate of bringing our council staff back to the CBD, and that's what this policy is intended, in part, to see happen. But it's also a reality check. Is that a reality to bring those staff to the CBD? Is there better use for this building that we stand on now? What about GSAC? What about the facilities that Lismore City Council owns in Goonellabah, that industrial estate that's sitting there along Oliver Avenue? All of those things are involved in a property strategy."I want to see Lismore be able to grow, be able to thrive, be able to manage our assets properly, and to do that, we need to have the correct strategies in place."Cr Gordon mentioned that not one person had acknowledged that the Property Strategy could put the RRHS in a better position than they are now."At the moment you are in a terrible situation, you have nothing. I'd like to think that in a very short period of time, this chamber will come back and say we've got a solution, and you're going to say, we love it. And, I hope and pray that's the case. And I will do my best, as I'm sure every other person in this room will do their best to ensure that happens."Cr Rob agreed with Mayor Krieg and Cr Gordon that a Property Strategy is an important step forward for council's future financial position.The first amendment was defeated 7/4 with Crs Dalton/Earls, Knight-Smith, Guise and Waters voting for and Crs Hall, Gordon, Battista, Rob, Bing, Jensen and Krieg voting against.Cr Battista had put forward a foreshadowed amendment adding a point 4, which said 'priority be given to find a suitable location for the Richmond River Historical Society'. He also apologised if the communication to the RRHS was not what it should have been, and the lack of time that has caused angst for Mr Smith and the committee.While other councillors like Dalton-Earls, who was pragmatic about the outcome, Cr Guise was particularly scathing in his remarks after the first vote."So, we're turfing out the Historical Society. Shameful, shameful. And, the way it's been done, the way it's been done. I mean, talk about disrespect to a long-standing institution in Lismore, and we're going to let them languish now for years more. We're going to resettle them in another temporary location, and we're going to pretend that we've got their best interests at heart along this process."This foreshadowed amendment was passed 9/2, with Crs Guise and Waters opposed.During the fifty-minute discussion about the Property Strategy, it was revealed by council staff that the first draft of the Property Strategy should be ready by the end of March.It then comes back to council with an implementation model so councillors can read and debate the recommendations and vote on a way forward.There is definitely more to come.

Storms are sweeping up the coast from the southwest, causing the Bureau of Meteorology to issue a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for heavy, locally intense rainfall, large, possibly giant hailstones and damaging winds this evening and into the night.An upper-level low located over the central New South Wales coast combines with rich moisture and unstable conditions to generate thunderstorms over central and northeastern parts of the state. Thunderstorms are expected to continue into the evening.The Bureau says that very dangerous thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, large, possibly giant hailstones and damaging winds over the next several hours in the Northern Rivers. Locations that may be affected include Lismore, Tenterfield, Casino, Kyogle, Yamba and Maclean.59.6 mm was recorded in the 30 min to 2:50 pm at Yarras (Mt Seaview).38.0 mm was recorded in 1 hour to 10:25 am at Merriwa.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 8:45 pm.

An innovative new prostate cancer treatment is now available at the North Coast Cancer Institute in Lismore, offering significant reductions in treatment times for eligible patients.The stereotactic radiotherapy treatment delivers a higher dose of radiation to the target area over five treatment sessions, compared to the previous standard course, which delivered a smaller dose across 20 sessions. Local and international clinical trials have shown that the shorter course was as effective while significantly reducing the time commitment for patients.Bill de Groot was the first patient to have received the stereotactic radiation therapy for prostate cancer in Lismore and said the shorter course was a better choice for him.Patients who are eligible for the stereotactic treatment will be able to discuss their options with their doctor.The shorter treatment course is also expected to be available from the new Tweed Valley Hospital Integrated Cancer Care service in the near future.Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said, “This innovative new treatment will make a major difference to those living with prostate cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia.“Having the new treatment available in Lismore means patients who would have previously travelled to Brisbane or Sydney for the shorter course of treatment can now receive it locally.Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, said, “This shorter course of prostate cancer treatment offers multiple benefits for patients and the health system.“Here in Lismore, Prostate cancer treatment accounts for around 20 per cent of all cancer treatments provided at our North Coast Cancer Institute.“Prostate cancer support and treatment is an area I take an active interest in, given my pivotal role in securing support for the PET/CT scanner and the two LINACs, as well as the prostate cancer support nurse.”Radiation Oncologist Dr Shreya Armstrong said, “With the new treatment, we deliver a higher dose per session over fewer sessions, so the total biological radiation dose is the same.“It’s also very beneficial for our service, as it reduces the number of prostate cancer patients who are coming for daily treatment over four weeks, thereby freeing up the machine for other patients and reducing waiting times.”Patient Bill de Groot said, “For me it’s close to home, so having it at Lismore is a great benefit.“There’s also a psychological benefit to this, too, in that I don’t have to go in for four weeks solid, which can be depressing.“Once you are in the situation of being diagnosed with cancer your whole life changes around, and then you kind of focus on that and forget about everything else.“This is quick, and from there you can move on.”

There has been a severe shortage of childcare in Lismore since the 2022 big flood wiped many centres out.In June 2024, the lack of childcare places was highlighted when Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan and Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education Angie Bell hosted young mothers and two Early Childhood and Care providers in Goonellabah.It was said that mothers who try and register their children in an appropriate facility while pregnant still have to wait 12 to 18 months for their children to be accepted.The shortage is about to change in Goonellabah; however, it is a long way from solving the crisis.First Steps on Rous Road was under construction for much of 2024 following council DA approval and is now in service.Its $1.7 million construction has created a wonderful 98-place childcare centre in Goonellabah.The next Goonellabah childcare offering has had a lot of the community talking as land was cleared and ready for construction to start at the Simeoni Drive site next to the Aldi supermarket.The development application (DA) has been approved, and now the owners are waiting for the construction certificate approval from Lismore City Council.When complete, the $2.9 million two-storey childcare centre will have room for 140 children and 48 car parking spaces at the back of the block with associated landscaping and operate from 6:30am to 6:30pm Monday to Friday with 23 staff on site.The facility will have a shade cloth-covered sandpit, slide and fort, balance beam, mud kitchen, bike track and climbing pole, as well as stepping stones throughout the childcare centre.The entrance and exit of the childcare facility will be shared with Aldi shoppers.(Aldi on the left and Coles to the right of the new childcare centre on Simeoni Drive, Goonellabah)Whilst the new childcare centres will not solve the shortage problem across Lismore, it will shorten the waiting list.

It was in early December that the Lismore App reported on local business owner Lindsy Barton's diagnosis with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that typically affects children and about 1% of adults.In the last two months, Lindsy and partner Heidi Green have been making frequent trips to Brisbane so Lindsy can receive treatment.Throughout this process, Lindsy and Heidi have discovered a glaring hole in the medical system, and it has to do with the transference of medical records or the lack thereof. This is something that Heidi is hell bent on changing, no matter how long it takes.Before we dive into that topic, here is an update on Lindsy's cancer."He's good. We're in cycle four. He's been taking it fairly well," Heidi explained."He's lost his hair. He's got fuzz and whiteness now, rather than his black hair. They do say to leave two centimeters so that the hair follicles have weight to fall out so that you don't get infections in your head. His best mate came in and did the clipper when it was coming out in clumps."He's coping well with the treatment. He's coping really well. He's just really lethargic, a bit of nausea on the days when he has the bigger chemos. But other than that, he's good."(A lethargic Lindsy Barton after lunch and treatment in Brisbane. Photo: supplied)While the treatment signs are good, the real test will happen in March when Lindsy has his next PT scans to measure the size of the sarcoma and then make plans to have surgery to remove it before continuing chemotherapy for another nine months.Many people from the Northern Rivers cross the border for medical treatment, especially if it is specialised treatment like Lindsy's. What the couple have discovered is a glaring hole in the cross-border sharing of Lindsy's medical records. It has been impossible for Lindsy's GP at the Goonellabah Medical Centre to receive or view his treatment cycle. Worst still is when Lindsy visits the emergency department (ED) at Lismore Base Hospital."I have a big folder that I carry with me now, and I actually have that ready when we're at ED or going to see another specialist. If we're seeing his GP, the information isn't being shared fluidly between the two systems. So, if bloods are taken in a New South Wales Hospital, it takes days for the Queensland hospital to be able to see that information and vice versa. There isn't that instantaneous sharing of the information on what's happening.""It can be uploaded to My Health Record, but the patient has to already have opted into My Health Record and have consent for that information to be shared. But the hospitals run on different software systems, so if Lindsy's GP wants current medical information, she has to ring his hospital in Queensland and actually request that information every time that she wants an update.Larger problems arise when Lindsy visits Lismore Base Hospital when his pancreatitis is playing up."On a recent presentation to ED. I actually had to give the ED doctor a six-page list of medications that Lindsy is currently on, which he then photographed. In looking on My Health Record, there isn't a list of his current medications. So, I can't log on, he can't log on, the health professionals can't log on. At the moment, it's reliant on me having this document for an ED doctor to know what Lindsy's actually on."This is where Heidi's advocacy begins."I'm advocating for us to have one system that has all of a patient's information on there, so that it's readily available for a GP, for an ED doctor, or a health professional."We've got 12 different health professionals that are dealing with Lindsy's case at the moment, and there isn't a cross-section of that information being shared with everybody. Not everybody has the full picture of what's going on."If Lindsy was to present to ED today, he's cytotoxic. If Lindsy was unable to speak, and I'm not there, nobody is going to know that. Nobody is going to know that he is two days out of having five major chemotherapy drugs that are still in his system. He's still cytotoxic."We need to be able to have that information readily available for people who are dealing with people who have got medical situations."According to the Cancer Council of NSW, health issues may arise when someone comes into contact with a patient's body fluids. Very small amounts of the chemotherapy drugs may be released from the body in vomit, urine (wee), faeces (poo), blood, saliva, mucus (phlegm), sweat, and semen or vaginal discharge.The chemotherapy drugs may stay in Lindsy's body for up to a week. Cancer (oncology) nurses and doctors often wear gloves, goggles, gowns or masks because they are exposed to chemotherapy drugs every day. When the treatment session is over, these items are disposed of in special bags or bins.Heidi believes the onus shouldn't be on the patient to make sure that that information is readily available.Of course, Lismore and the Northern Rivers is the only cross-border towns that this situation could affect. It is likely the case at Albury/Wodonga, so NSW and Victoria or Mildura, which is in Victoria but closer to Adelaide than Melbourne."I think this is a federal issue. We have our own state medical health. We don't have a national medical health. We have Medicare, we have the ATO, and we have Centrelink. They're national; it doesn't matter where you go. But, when it comes to medical information, each state has their own system, which doesn't correlate with another state's system, and we're finding again that hospitals have their own systems, which don't correlate with other systems within the state."It's very frustrating. I'm a capable person, and Lindsy couldn't tell you everything that's going on with him at the moment, but if you've got somebody who doesn't have a support person and the patient doesn't understand correctly, the patient's stuffed. There's nothing there. It's open to mistakes.Heidi is referring to Lindsy's self-confessed chemo-induced brain fog, which is becoming stronger following each treatment at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane.Heidi has enlisted Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin to advocate on her behalf. One of the first words Ms Saffin told Heidi was "This is going to take a long time"."It's a long process. This is not a quick fix. In her words, this is a 10-year fight. But today's the start of what needs to be done with it. This has to happen."Janelle Saffin told the Lismore App that she is only starting to dig down on the issue now."A few local people have come to me after they get referred and through the public health system to Queensland. So, there's that issue. I'm just waiting for them to give me some more details."I said to them, both, the people who've talked to me, that some of it may be within the belly wick of public health, and some of it might be private, and we've got to work out that and see what we can do. Once I've got that detail, I'll be able to advocate better for them."We've got Cross Border Services commissioners. So, New South Wales has one and Queensland now has one. I know the New South Wales one, I've been trying to meet the Queensland one, and we keep passing each other. It's been a couple of years, but there was an MOU (memorandum of understanding) on health, and we need to look at it.As MS Saffin said, the wheels are turning, and maybe for quite some time before a permanent solution is agreed and implemented.

Lismore is counting down the days until the second Legends of Cricket Twenty20 match, as this year’s team lineup was announced by Mayor Steve Krieg today.In five days' time (this Saturday, 15 February), Oakes Oval will once again host some of Australia’s greatest cricketing names, once again showcasing the resilience of the Lismore community as we continue to recover and rebuild.Once again, the line-up is a mix of former Australian cricketing legends alongside some of our best local talent for an unforgettable day of explosive action and fun.Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg will again captain the Mayor’s XI, taking on Adam Gilchrist’s Gilly’s XI.Fans can look forward to seeing cricketing stars Steve O’Keefe, Michael Kasprowicz, Jason Gillespie, Dan Christian, Nathan Hauritz, Andy Bichel, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Joe Parsons, Claire Moore, Ebony Hoskin and Georgie Redmayne in action.Adding to the spectacle, Powderfinger’s Bernard Fanning and Grinspoon guitarist Pat Davern will swap the stage for the pitch.Local business representatives and community members are joining the teams, including Tim Cohen and Peter Thomas from Bennett Constructions, Luke Shay from CommBank and local young rising stars Cooper Williams and Joe Parsons.Finally, the Hon. Paul Scully, NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, will attend the event as well.When asked about Minister Scully's cricketing prowess, Mayor Krieg replied, "What better way to spend an afternoon sitting on the hill watching Andy Bichel bowling a couple of short balls to the Planning Minister of NSW. He's sh&^$ing himself".“We had such an incredible response to the Legends of Cricket match in 2023, and this year’s event is set to be even bigger,” he said.“The calibre of players putting their hands up to be part of this is phenomenal. Thank you to all the players for taking the time to showcase their skills at our very own Oakes Oval. “While I can’t wait to win and show Gilly’s XI whose boss, I’m genuinely excited about what this event means for Lismore. Our community deserves this celebration, and I can’t wait to see everyone there.”(Adam Gilchrist in full flight during the inaugural Legends of Cricket match in 2023)Adam Gilchrist said it’s more than just a game of cricket; it’s a chance to showcase how far Lismore has come in its rebuild.“Lismore is where I grew up; it will always hold a special place in my heart,” he said.“Seeing so many of my cricketing mates come together to help support this town and its people is incredible. It’s great to see how far we’ve come in rebuilding; there is still a way to go.“Events like this are about recognising what is possible and raising the profile of Lismore as a thriving regional centre capable of hosting high-calibre events at state-of-the-art sporting facilities.”Gilly's comments were reiterated by Mayor Krieg."For me, it's not about the sport as much as testing our facilities. We've just won a state award for the Best Regional AFL ground in New South Wales. We've gone on to the national competition for that particular award."I want to test our facilities. I want to make sure that we can very easily cater for five or six thousand people here. My dream is to get eight or nine thousand, to be honest, to really test our capability, to make sure that our toilets work, as silly as it sounds, to make sure that our grandstands are comfortable and fit for purpose. To check the new Adam Gilchrist pavilion, which we're officially naming with Gilly on Friday, but to make sure that the whole new building is fit for purpose."Any improvements, modifications that we might need to make, is where we get that data from holding events like this."The newly upgraded Oakes Oval includes improved change rooms, an upgraded grandstand, new coach boxes and dedicated media spaces through a $12.4 million joint investment by the Commonwealth and NSW governments and Lismore City Council. The team line-ups are:Gilly’s XI•   Adam Gilchrist•   Claire Moore•   Nathan Hauritz•   Michael Kasprowicz•   Jason Gillespie•   Jodie Fields•   Tim Buckett•   Lenard Blok•   Cooper Williams•   Bernard Fanning•   Tim Cohen•   Paul Scully (Minister for Planning and Open Spaces)Mayor’s XI•   Steve Krieg•   Dan Christian•   Steve O’Keefe•   Andy Bichel•   Sammy-Jo Johnson•   Georgie Redmayne•   Joe Parsons•   Pat Davern•   Peter Thomas•   Luke Shay•   Ebony HoskinGates open at 1pm with the game starting at 3pm. Tickets are available via www.oztix.com.au.VIP tickets have now sold out. Grandstand seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so fans are encouraged to arrive early. Ticket Prices:•   Adult: $22.45•   Concession: $12.25•   Family: $54.10•   Children 11 and under: FreeThe Mayor updated media on the weather forecast five days out from Legends of Cricket Twenty20."The weather forecast is cloudy, minimum of 20, maximum of 31 uv is pretty high, but no rain at this stage.""We're talking about contingencies and all of those sort of things, especially after Carol's. We've been keeping an eye on the forecast. A bit of drizzle won't hurt us if, if we do get a little squall that comes through, we'll delay it. And who knows, we might get to flick the lights on and play under lights. But the commitment is there to get the game in and given the weather forecast, it will be happening""It will be a real picnic atmosphere. It's fully licensed this year, and we do have food vendors. You're allowed to bring food and drink in as long as there's no glass bottles and no alcohol because of our licensing agreement. But there is alcohol available at the ground."(Council GM Jon Gibbons tries to get the key into the Oakes Oval wicket watched by Mayor Steve Krieg)As part of the overall cricket fun, before the main event, young cricketers aged 5–14 can take part in the Legends of Cricket Junior Cricket Clinic, where they’ll learn skills from Aussie legends and enjoy a fun-filled morning of activities at Oakes Oval. The clinic runs from 8:30a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and costs $49 (the first 20 registrations are free). For more information, email northcoastcricket@cricketnsw.com.au. Fans can also join Adam Gilchrist and Trevor Chappell, in conversation with Geoff Lawson OAM, at the Legends of Cricket Sportspersons Breakfast presented by Alder Constructions. Hosted at the Adam Gilchrist Pavilion on the morning of the game from 8.30a.m. to 10.30a.m., this exclusive event includes a catered breakfast by The Secret Chef, live entertainment from Lonnie Pasco and the chance to mingle with cricketing greats. Tickets are available at www.visitlismore.com.au.