A number of flood recovery projects have now been completed or are nearing completion. Council’s Infrastructure Recovery Team and various contractors have been busy repairing landslips, culverts and more, following the extensive damage caused by the 2022 floods.“We’ve made some great progress on Wilsons Creek Road, Left Bank Road and Main Arm Road over the past few months with some of the more major landslips now repaired,” said Phil Warner, Council’s Manager Infrastructure Recovery.“I want to thank the staff and contractors involved in these projects and give a huge thanks to the communities living near the work sites for their patience, as we deliver this work. “There will be more work happening this year and beyond. Unfortunately, it does take time to deliver such a large program of work,” said Mr Warner.Upcoming projects (beginning in early 2026)Binna Burra Road – landslip repair.Coopers Creek Road – repair of landslips, culverts and a small section of damaged road. Coopers Lane – repair of a damaged culvert and road repairs commences this month. Cooper Shoot Road – road shoulder repair including minor road and drainage repairs.Dry Creek Road – repair of a landslip near 58 Dry Creek Road commences this month.Goonengerry Road – landslip repairs in multiple locations.Huonbrook - Repair of culverts is currently underway and will continue this year. With further work to happen later. Kings Road – landslip repair.Left Bank Road – repair of a major landslip near 599 Left Bank Road and some causeway repairs are now complete. Two more culvert repairs will begin from early this year.Main Arm Road – repair of landslips, and the repair of some causeways are now complete. Remaining causeway, culvert and road repairs are expected to occur this year.Monet Drive – landslip repair.Mullumbimby Road – stage three heavy patching works are planned early this year, with most of the project now complete. Piccadilly Hill Road – road shoulder repair including minor road and drainage repairs.Possum Shoot Road – landslip repair.Wilsons Creek Road - Pavement and sealing works between Alidenes Road and Upper Wilsons Creek Road will commence this month (January). Replacement of culverts and repair of some of the landslips is now complete. Further landslip repairs will take place later this year, with repairs in Upper Wilsons Creek and Wanganui to continue into 2027.  “There will be or continue to be some disruptions to traffic. We thank everyone for their patience and encourage people to stay up to date via Council’s website and communication channels, and Live Traffic,” said Mr Warner.Council also reminds all road users to drive with care through construction zones, follow signage and directions from traffic controllers, and allow extra travel time for their safety and the safety of workers on site.These projects are jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Some projects also received additional funding from other programs.For updates and information about flood repair work, please visit Council’s website.

Northern Rivers Community Gallery welcomes 2026 with four exceptional exhibitions by local and interstate artists, offering rich explorations of interior and exterior landscapes, magic and ritual, and our relationship with the world around us. Opening Thursday 8 January, the new exhibitions feature painting, photography and digital animation.Gallery Coordinator Imbi Davidson says, “NRCG is excited to launch its 2026 exhibition program, which will showcase leading Australian artists alongside emerging talent from across the region. Our first series of exhibitions presents a great opportunity to engage with artworks that explore the realms of nature, magic, landscape and beyond.”Into the Forest | Karyn Fendley Karyn Fendley’s art practice is grounded in a deep and enduring respect for nature. Her body of work over the last two decades reflects a long-standing exploration of the natural world, and her most recent series of landscape paintings turns its focus specifically toward forests. These paintings are drawn from the lakes, estuaries, and forests that grow in the coastal national parks of northern New South Wales.Temporal collapse | Linsey GosperLinsey’s work explores the intersection of art and magic through analogue photography and dark-room processes. Central to this exhibition is the altar - an assemblage of symbolic objects, serving as a timeless site of ritual, devotion, and offering. Through imagery of personal magical practice, altar objects, and the mythic, the work reveals the visual language of inner experience and esoteric tradition.A Light Hold | Eliza Adam Presented by multidisciplinary artist Eliza Adam, A Light Hold responds directly to her surroundings and explores recent and distant histories of place. Drawn from quiet observations of the natural landscape, these works are a meditation on the substance and the essential material nature of our world and our relationship within it.Boundary Rider | Jacqueline & Dane ScotcherScotcher and Scotcher believe that connecting with the natural environment’s rhythms is at the threshold of deeper inner knowing. Through a ‘slow’ approach to digital animation and abstract painting, the duo attempt to give credence to these often intangible and quiet internal terrains, which are essential in navigating an increasingly noisy external world.These exhibitions open on Thursday, 8 January and continue until Sunday,1 March. The official exhibition launch will be held from 5.30 to 7.30pm on Thursday, 8 January.The Northern Rivers Community Gallery is located at 44 Cherry Street, Ballina and is open Wednesday to Friday from 9am until 3pm and weekends from 9.30am until 1.00pm. For further information, contact the Gallery on 02 6681 0530 or visit the website www.nrcgballina.com.au.

A teenager has been charged after a spate of alleged break-and-enters around Ballina yesterday.Officers attached to Operation Soteria commenced an investigation following incidents at five homes across Ballina, East Ballina and Skennars Head yesterday morning (Tuesday, 30 December 2025):Between 1am and 3am, a Porsche SUV was allegedly stolen from a home on Norton Street in Ballina, and a BMW SUV was allegedly stolen from a home at Skennars Head.About 2.15am, car keys and a wallet were allegedly stolen from a home on Pacific Terrace, East Ballina.About 2.20am, a group of males allegedly attempted to break into a home on Shelly Beach Road, Ballina. The group were unable to enter the home and left the scene.About 3.15am, police were called to a home on Canal Road, Ballina. At the scene, police were told that a group of males forced entry to the home before threatening the occupant, an 87-year-old woman. The group allegedly stole electronics and jewellery and left the scene. No injuries were reported. Police commenced patrols of the area; however, they were unable to locate the group.Police established crime scenes at all locations and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incidents.Following inquiries, the BMW SUV was located abandoned in bushland in Kempsey about 7.10am yesterday and was seized for forensic examination.Following further inquiries, police executed search warrants at houses in Greenhills and West Kempsey.A 15-year-old boy was arrested at the Greenhills address and was taken to Kempsey police station.He was charged with 13 offences:Aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal (three counts)Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner (two counts)Dishonestly obtain property by deception (three counts)Armed with intent commit indictable offenceCommon assaultAggravated commit serious ind offence in dwelling-use violenceDestroy or damage propertyEnter inclosed land not presc premises w/o lawful excuseHe was refused bail to appear before a children’s court today (Wednesday, 31 December 2025).Investigations under Operation Soteria are ongoing.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from Ballina in the state's north.Cicily Spiers, aged 51, was last seen in Ballina about 4pm on Saturday, 18 October 2025.Officers attached to Richmond Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.Police and family hold concern for her welfare.She is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165-175cm tall, of thin build, and with light brown hair.Cicily is known to frequent the Ballina, Yamba and Tweed areas.Police believe she might be travelling in her vehicle, a silver Honda CR-V with registration AZ56MC.Anyone with information about her whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Bring your friends, and family and come into the heart of Byron Bay for the Soul Street celebrations this New Year’s Eve for a festival of entertainment and music for all ages.Things get underway at 4pm in Jonson Street where there will be live music, outdoor dining and face painting aimed at younger families.Jonson Street is closed to cars, creating a wonderful fun and safe environment for the kids to run and play and reclaim the street.At around 6pm the focus moves to Dening Park, on the foreshore near the surf club, where there will be the always popular silent disco, lighting installations, circus workshops, kids’ entertainment and live music.The main stage at Dening Park will have a rolling line-up of performers providing top-notch entertainment from dusk and a variety of food vans to suit everyone’s tastes.The focus of Soul Street is on family entertainment in a safe and fun environment. Soul Street is an alcohol-free event and there are no fireworks displays at midnight.Road closures will be in place and more information about temporary changes are on Council’s website.  “Soul Street is all about celebrating together safely so bring your friends and family, look after one another, and enjoy the amazing local entertainment that makes Byron shine on New Year’s Eve,” Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, said.“When heading into town, plan your trip. Walk, ride, use public transport, or carpool with friends.“Let’s keep the roads clear and the good vibes flowing.“And please, as Soul Street is an alcohol-free event, we ask everyone to respect our beaches and foreshore — no drinking, just dancing, laughter and great music under the stars,” Mayor Ndiaye said.Soul Street is a creative initiative of Byron Shire Council to promote positive and safe activity in public space.

Three people have been charged after a pursuit that crossed from Queensland into NSW yesterday, ending in Ballina.Queensland Police were tracking a sedan stolen from Brisbane about 11am yesterday (Thursday, 25 December 2025), when it crossed the border southbound about 5pm.A short time later, the vehicle was seen on Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads West, and a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit was terminated a short time later due to safety concerns.The Queensland Police Air Wing continued to track the vehicle towards Byron Bay, where a road spikes were successfully deployed; however, the sedan continued south on the M1 Pacific Motorway before turning off at Tamarind Drive, Ballina, and coming to a stop in Russell Street.The three occupants were arrested a short time later and were taken to Ballina Police Station where they were charged.A 36-year-old man has been charged with three offences:Drive conveyance taken without consent of ownerPolice pursuit – not stop – drive at speedDrive motor vehicle while licence suspended.He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 1 today (Friday, 26 December 2025).A 24-year-old woman has been charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner. She was refused bail to appear before the same court today.A 14-year-old boy has been charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner. He has been refused bail to appear before a children’s court today.

A new flood camera has been installed on Mullumbimby Road near the intersection of Gulgan Road.It’s the fourth flood camera in the Byron Shire, with others located on Left Bank Road, Myocum Road and Main Arm Road.The cameras, which can be viewed at Council’s Emergency Dashboard, provide people with an accurate picture of the impact of rain on flood-prone roads before they decide to drive.“Mullumbimby Road is particularly affected by flooding, and while improvements we have made make the area less susceptible to flash flooding, there will still be times when flooding will happen.“This camera will allow people to check the road to see if they can safely get in or out of Mullumbimby,” Acting Director Infrastructure Services, Christopher Soulsby, said.“We have had positive feedback about the cameras in other locations with our data showing people checking them often during wet weather,” Mr Soulsby said.Three advanced smart flood monitors are also now operational in the Byron Shire at:Belongil Creek (Belongil)Federation Bridge (Mullumbimby)Helen Street Bridge (South Golden Beach)The monitors use cameras and infrared technology to allow emergency services and Council to track water levels and water flow in real time to provide early warning for flash flooding.“This is cutting-edge flood-monitoring technology which has been installed as part of the National Hazards Detection System program and delivered in collaboration with the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer,” Mr Soulsby said.“This is a big step forward in keeping our community safe and resilient during extreme weather events,” he said.

Ballina Shire Council is receiving $100,000 from the NSW Government towards the Ballina Shire Boat Ramp Cleaning Schedule and Brunswick St Boat Ramp Repairs to support important upgrades that will help keep local boating facilities safe, accessible and ready for the community.This funding is part of a broader $2 million investment in forty maritime maintenance projects across NSW.Grant recipients are decided by the NSW Maritime Executive Director and are assessed by an Assessment Panel that conducts a two-stage evaluation process.More information is available at Boating Infrastructure Maintenance | NSW Government.Emily Suvaal Duty MLC for Ballina said, “The Minns Labor Government is investing in the infrastructure that our communities rely on every day.”“By supporting these upgrades and maintenance works, we’re improving safety, protecting our waterways and ensuring boating facilities across Ballina are ready for the future.”Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said, "The Minns Labor Government is proud to work with councils, clubs and community groups to deliver safer and more accessible maritime infrastructure across the state.""This funding supports forty projects that directly benefit boaties and local communities."

The Casino Rescue Squad, along with other emergency service vehicles, were called to action at approximately 10:30 pm on Monday (22 December 2025) when it was reported that a person was trapped following a crash on McDonalds Bridge Road, Stratheden, about 20km northwest of Casino.While en route, crews received an urgent update advising that a person was trapped and required immediate extrication, with concerns the vehicle may have been in water.On arrival, crews were confronted with a single vehicle approximately 30 metres down a wet, steep, and muddy embankment. The vehicle was partially on its roof, with the driver trapped inside.The Rescue Squad said this was a highly technical and challenging rescue. Crews utilised battery-operated rescue equipment to access and extricate the patient.The patient was then carefully transferred onto a rescue board and Stokes litter rescue basket. Once fully secured, stabilised, and packaged, the patient was hauled up the embankment by rescue crews, with assistance from other emergency services.A vertical rescue backup was also set up in case the original plan was deemed inadequate.Once safely back at road level, the patient was loaded into an ambulance and transported to hospital for further treatment."This incident highlighted the exceptional teamwork and coordination between all emergency services, working seamlessly to ensure the patient was safely extricated and rapidly transferred into the care of specialist paramedics."Well done to all crews involved for a professional and coordinated response in very challenging conditions," the Casino Rescue Squad stated on its Facebook post.

From today, (Tuesday, 23 December), rubbish collection from Byron Shire Council’s CBD, parks and reserves in the Byron Bay town centre will be emission-free thanks to the trial of a new Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric vehicle.The vehicle, operated by Solo Resource Recovery, Council’s waste collection contractor, will start collecting waste from the public areas of the Byron CBD and parks. The trial is planned for an initial three-week period, with a view to extending the trial, depending on the outcome.The truck is one of only a handful of hydrogen-powered electric vehicles of its kind in NSW and will operate around Byron Bay CBD. The data gathered through this trial will help to inform how Council may move away from diesel-fuelled trucks and into more renewable energy in the future.Danielle Hanigan, Manager Resource Recovery, said Council was keen to explore the potential of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles as part of its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and impact on the environment.“The vehicles is the same size as a normal waste truck, but it looks different and is branded as a hydrogen vehicle, so it won’t be hard to miss,” Ms Hanigan said.“We are the first Council in the Northern Rivers to trial a hydrogen-powered truck, and the busy Byron Bay town centre will be a good test of its range and performance, especially at this time of year.“Council is investing in electric vehicles, including trucks, as part of its own fleet and we are very keen to see, first-hand, the potential of hydrogen as an alternative to traditional diesel-powered trucks.“The environmental benefits are front-of-mind for Council, but this truck will also be much quieter in the street so there will be less noise pollution,” Ms Hanigan said.The truck is managed by Solo Resource Recovery.

Byron Shire Council is inviting community feedback on its Draft Volunteering Policy, now on public exhibition until 18 January 2026.The Draft Volunteering Policy sets out the principles and guidance for how Council volunteers are engaged, inducted and supported, helping ensure volunteering with Council is safe, meaningful, inclusive and well-managed.Community input will help shape the final policy and ensure it reflects local values, experiences and expectations.Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said volunteers play a vital role in Council services and in the wider life of the Shire.“Volunteers bring skills, care and local knowledge that strengthen our services and our connection with community. “This policy is about recognising that contribution and making sure people who volunteer with Council feel supported, valued and safe,” Mayor Ndiaye said.People can volunteer directly with Byron Shire Council in a range of meaningful and flexible ways, supporting programs and services that benefit the whole community.Opportunities include volunteering on a Council committee or advisory group, assisting at the Lone Goat Gallery, and contributing to environmental and community initiatives.Information for people interested in volunteering directly with Council is on its website.Feedback on the Draft Volunteering Policy will be reported to Council in March 2026.Volunteering in our community – looking ahead to 2026The spirit of helping one another has long been part of Byron Shire. From surf-rescue crews and bushfire fighters to Landcare, community gardens and neighbourhood groups, volunteers help keep our region safe, connected and resilient.“Volunteering is one of the quiet strengths of Byron Shire – it’s how people show up for each other, especially in times of need,” Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said.Mayor Ndiaye said some of her most meaningful moments living in the Shire had come through volunteering. “Whether it was helping someone get back into the surf, planting trees at dawn, coaching local kids, or simply listening after the floods, those moments remind you that what you receive from volunteering is often far greater than what you give,” Mayor Ndiaye said.In 2021, 19.5% of Byron Shire residents reported doing some form of voluntary work, compared with the New South Wales average of 13%.“This shows our strong community spirit,” Mayor Ndiaye said, “But it also reminds us that volunteering is under pressure after years of disruption,” she said.Volunteering builds belonging, connection and wellbeing. “The 2022 floods showed just how essential volunteers are,” Mayor Ndiaye said. “Every person who steps forward helps lighten the load and supports fair and inclusive recovery.”Mayor Ndiaye encouraged people to consider flexible ways to get involved in 2026. “Volunteering doesn’t have to mean a big commitment. Even an hour here or there can make a powerful difference. “Your time, skills and compassion can help renew the spirit of volunteering in Byron Shire,” she said.It’s your time, and it could be a wonderful gift for 2026.

A clean-up run by not-for-profit organisation Co-Exist Byron Bay and Byron Shire Council in early December saw 27 kilograms of litter collected across Main Beach and Apex Park.It was a significant amount given the rubbish items were small and light, mainly cans and bottles, single-use plastic water bottles, takeaway containers and packaging, wristbands and more than 400 cigarette butts.“We were really disappointed to see the amount of litter and much of it would have ended up in the ocean if it wasn’t intercepted by the volunteers and clean-up crew” Anika Brown, Byron Shire Council’s Litter Prevention Officer said.“Most people, visitors and locals, really value our beaches and natural environment but it takes a collective effort to keep litter out of the ocean, waterways and parks and beaches.“Everyone can help by picking up litter they see and either taking it home or putting it in a public bin,” Ms Brown said.Dog poo bags are another problem.“People are using the bags to pick up dog poo in the leash-free areas which is great but leaving them on the beach or high in the dunes is contributing to more plastic in our environment and the ocean and this is terrible for birds, turtles and other animals,” Ms Brown said.“Many of the dog poo bags are not compostable so leaving them on the shore is the same as throwing a plastic bag on the beach – dog poo bags always go in the red bin.“I know some people put the poo bag down on the beach with the intention of getting it on the way back but often they forget.”Make this Christmas a year where you give a present to the environment and pick up your rubbish, or any that you might see, and bin ya ciggie butts.

UPDATE: M1 clear as at 3:06pm.ORIGINAL STORYThe Christmas/New Year holiday season has started poorly with the death of a man in Blueknob (Man dies following crash at Blue Knob) and a car crash on the Pacific Motorway at Knockrow.Lismore App readers Donna and Rita said a car had left the highway. Live Traffic is showing the incident started at 12:39pm.Police Rescue, NSW Rural Fire, SES and two ambulances are in attendance.The accident is approximately 1km from the Lennox Head turn-off.The accident is affecting southbound traffic. The highway is open, but you can expect delays.

Byron Shire Council is teaming up with Tweed Byron Police District, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Marine Parks, Reflections Holidays and Transport for NSW this festive season to ensure public spaces remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.The Christmas and New Year period is the busiest time of year for compliance teams and all agencies will be working seven days a week to monitor public safety, parking, and illegal camping.“Our towns and villages experience a huge influx of visitors during the holidays, which puts significant pressure on local infrastructure,” Sarah Nagel, Council’s Manager of Public and Environmental Services, said.Camping in residential streets, beach car parks, national parks, nature reserves and Crown land across the Byron Shire is prohibited and fines will apply.  “Rangers will be working extended hours, enforcing parking regulations and no-camping rules.“We’re also seeing more issues with dogs roaming or off-leash in restricted areas and staff will be patrolling parks, beaches and public spaces,” Ms Nagel said.Details on the locations of off-leash areas where people can walk and exercise their dogs, as well as information on parking, are on Council’s website.Police are urging residents and visitors to remember that parks and the Byron Bay town centre are alcohol-free zones. Officers will be targeting these areas to reduce alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour, helping keep the community safe throughout the holiday period.National Parks and Wildlife Service has announced road closures for New Year’s Eve, including:Lighthouse Road to the LighthouseBlack Rock Road, Tyagarah Nature ReserveTallow Beach Road“Our message is simple: respect our community, our residents, and the natural environment,” Ms Nagel said. “Byron Shire is a beautiful place, and we all share responsibility for keeping it clean, safe, and protecting our wildlife and biodiversity.”

Ballina Shire Council has unveiled Water Stories and Soundtrail, a renewal of the Richmond River interpretive trail that includes new hard signs and a geo-located audio experience.The signage replaces the old Historic Ballina Waterfront signs that had deteriorated over time, with 23 signs featuring updated content and contemporary design.In addition to the signage, Council has introduced the Ballina’s Water Stories Soundtrail, an immersive audio walk that adds a new layer of storytelling along the river.Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the interpretive signage is an important community asset.“This project brings to life our riverfront and shares stories that help people understand more about Ballina’s history,” Mayor Cadwallader said.“The signage and Soundtrail will help people understand more about the places they’re walking through, whether they’re locals or visitors.”The Soundtrail guides listeners from the Marine Rescue Tower to Pioneer Park in East Ballina. Stories and cultural knowledge are shared by Nyangbal knowledge holders Marcus Ferguson, the late Uncle Ricky Cook, Aunty Sandra Bolt and Uncle Graham Marlowe, along with contributions from local historian Kate Gahan and local actors voicing early settlers that were laid to rest in the old Ballina cemetery, now Pioneer Park.Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) Chairperson Kylie Jacky said the project marks an important moment in local storytelling: “The soundtrail project is the first time the Ballina Shire will hear all the voices of our shared history that makes Ballina what it is today. Importantly, we will hear truth-telling from our Nyangbal cultural knowledge holders who are the voices of Country.”Visitors can download the Soundtrails app, which uses location settings to automatically play each story as they walk through each storytelling zone.(Aunty Sandra Bolt, viewing Water Stories signs along North Wall, East Ballina. Photo: supplied)The signs, located along the river from the Marine Rescue Tower to Fawcett Park, explore themes including connection to the river, the importance of Country and way of life of and culture of Nyangbal families, and the ways of early settlers who came to the river in the first half of the nineteenth century. Caring for Country and water and the environments it supports are other important themes. The late Uncle Ricky Cook narrates the signs, his contribution to this experience is an enduring cultural legacy for Nyangbal families and the wider community.Destination and Economy Coordinator Alanah Ward said the combined upgrades strengthen Ballina’s cultural and visitor offering.“Visitors increasingly seek authentic, place-based experiences. Water Stories and the Soundtrail provide exactly that - a chance to learn through storytelling, landscape immersion, and cultural knowledge. It also aligns strongly with both state and regional visitor economy strategies that call for more meaningful experience-led tourism,” Ms Ward said.Local historian Kate Gahan said the project highlights the layered histories of Nyangbal and settler-origin people that sit side-by-side along the river.“These stories reflect thousands of years of Nyangbal peoples’ connection to Country, as well as the complex histories that followed settlement. It’s a privilege to have worked with Nyangbal knowledge holders to bring these stories forward through a walk where people can hear, follow and reflect on stories told by local knowledge holders.” Dr Gahan said.The project received full funding from the NSW Government’s Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package – Arts and Cultural Assets Program (Create NSW), supporting the rebuild of arts and cultural infrastructure following the 2022 floods, including repairs to the Aboriginal Cultural Ways nodes in East Ballina.More information is available at discoverballina.com.au.

Great news from Byron Shire Council just before school holidays begin, with the Tallow Creek footbridge open again after Council temporarily strengthened the existing structure to make it safe for public use.The footbridge was closed in August after inspections showed it was structurally unsound and infested with termites.“The footbridge, which was built in 1987, is extremely important to locals and an important pedestrian connection between Suffolk Park and Byron Bay,” Christopher Soulsby, Acting Director Infrastructure Services, said.“Unfortunately, despite regular maintenance and repairs, the harsh environment took its toll on the bridge and for public safety, it was necessary to close it four months ago,” Mr Soulsby said.“We will have to build a new bridge and while planning is underway, approval for a new bridge and construction is more than 12 months away so we had to come up with an interim solution for the community,” he said.This week Council contractors strengthened the piers and installed a new girder to make the bridge safe for pedestrians.“This is only a temporary solution while we design and build a new bridge, but it means that people will once again be able get to and from school, work and the beach safely,” Mr Soulsby said.

Ballina Shire Council has announced the completion of the new Ballina Pump Track at Kingsford Smith Reserve in the heart of Ballina.Designed to national competition standards, the impressive new facility will provide a dynamic space for riders and visitors from across the region to enjoy.The southern area of the reserve has been transformed into an exciting precinct featuring a competition-quality main track, junior track, and new amenities for riders and spectators.The development of the project was supported by the NSW Government through $733,345 in funding.(The new Ballina Pump Track gets its first tryout. Photo: Ballina Shire Council)Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said the project will add to Ballina’s already strong reputation as a great place to enjoy outdoor activities.“It will be fantastic to see riders take to the new, national standard pump track to showcase and grow their skills,” Minister Moriarty said.“The project, right in the heart of Ballina with its fantastic climate, is bound to be a drawcard for both residents and visitors to the area.”Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin, said the project shows what can be achieved when state and local government work together for regional communities.“Facilities like this help young riders on the North Coast build confidence, stay active and feel connected.“By supporting regional projects, such as this pump track, we’re backing grassroots participation and the growth of cycling and BMX at a competition level. Ballina Shire Mayor, Sharon Cadwallader, said the new facility is already generating excitement across the community.“We are so pleased to officially open the new Ballina Pump Track. This precinct is an incredible addition to our shire, offering a vibrant space for riders of all ages to come together, stay active and have fun,” Cr Cadwallader said.“This project also reflects Council’s commitment to enhancing community wellbeing and supporting healthy, active lifestyles. It’s more than a track, it’s a community hub where people can ride, watch each other in action and connect with friends and family.”Built to national qualifier event standards, it also features the Vorld Timing System, which is an innovative, interactive timing technology that allows riders to track, time, and count laps using their smartphones.“This facility puts Ballina on the map as a destination for recreation, sport and adventure,” Cr Cadwallader said. “We look forward to welcoming major events and visitors from across the region and interstate to experience everything our community has to offer.”Ballina Council partnered with Boyds Bay Group and specialist pump track builders Velo Solutions to bring the project to life, with valuable input from key community stakeholders helping to shape the final design.The new precinct caters to riders of all ages and skill levels and includes:Competition-level pump track Junior pump track and advanced alternate lineTrackside hardstand for spectators and participantsShelters, seating, bike stands, drinking fountains and a workstationLandscaped areas with shade trees and stormwater managementThe pump track is a specially designed circuit for bikes where riders maintain momentum by using a pumping motion rather than pedalling or pushing.Ballina Shire Council has further upgrades planned for the site, including a new dedicated carpark and improved site access. These works are scheduled for completion later this financial year.For more information or to view images of the new facility, visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/Ballina-pump-track.

As part of the Byron Bay Drainage Upgrade, work has now moved from Jonson Street to the rail corridor between Butler Street and the Lawson Street South Car Park. Christopher Soulsby, Acting Director Infrastructure Services, said that he is pleased with how the project is progressing.“We are happy to report that site investigation and service relocation work on Jonson Street has now been completed. The new upgraded drains have also started to be installed, which will increase the capacity of Byron Bay’s town centre drainage system once it is fully connected,” said Mr Soulsby.“So that the impact to the town centre is reduced as much as possible over the December/January school holiday period, the contractor will now only be working in the rail corridor over this period. The laneway between Guzman Y Gomez and Byron Hot Bread Kitchen has now also been temporarily restored,” he added. The pedestrian footbridge closure between Butler Street and the Lawson Street South Car Park remains in place. The Lawson Street South Car Park will be fully operational for the school holidays.The schedule of work for next year will be confirmed early in the new year. People should expect traffic changes and impacts in the Byron Bay town centre from February 2026. More information about the project can be found on Council’s website.

Byron Shire Council is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from community members and stakeholders to join the new Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) Working Group for Byron Bay.“The SEP Working Group will play a key role in guiding and providing feedback on the trial of the Special Entertainment Precinct in Byron Bay,” Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said.“This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the implementation, and evaluation of a vibrant, safe, and culturally rich night-time precinct in Byron Bay.”We are seeking EOIs from:• Up to four business owners currently running a business based within the SEP boundary (not a current member of Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce).• Up to four residents living within or adjacent to the SEP boundary;• Up to four creatives representing a Creative Industry such as music, art, public space activation, entertainment, and organisers.“The Working Group will also include representatives from Council, staff, representatives from the Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce, Liquor Accord, NSW Police and NSW Health, Destination Byron, Music NSW and other creative agencies,” she said.Meetings start in March 2026, with members expected to commit to quarterly meetings until June 30, 2027.Expressions of Interest close 31 January 2026. Apply now via: yoursay.byron.nsw.gov.au/SEP.For media enquiries call the Media and Comms team on 02 6626 7320.