The Tweed community is set to benefit from additional car parking at Tweed Valley Hospital, following the appointment of local company Alder to undertake works to expand car parking capacity.The project will deliver 130 new street-level free car parking spaces, boosting the site capacity to more than 1,300 parking spaces, and includes upgrades to existing parking areas, such as new signage, line marking, and enhanced parking management systems. This project follows an extensive operational review into transport and traffic arrangements at the Tweed Valley Hospital, including consultation with emergency services.Most of the new parking spaces will be created on the grassed area to the south of the existing multi-level car park and along Ring Road on the northern boundary of the hospital campus.Work will be carried out in stages to help minimise disruption to patients, staff and visitors.The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.The $723.3 million Tweed Valley Hospital opened to patients in May 2024 and has transformed the delivery of healthcare in the region.The hospital has expanded its health services, including interventional cardiology and radiotherapy, allowing residents to access these services locally without needing to travel outside the region. The additional parking is being delivered by Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD), in partnership with Health Infrastructure.Staff and the community will continue to be updated as work progresses.  Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said, “The new Tweed Valley Hospital has been embraced by the local community, with activity rising significantly since opening in May 2024.“These works will boost capacity on site to more than 1,300 free parking spaces, improving access to the hospital and vital health services for the local community.“I’d like to thank all our staff and volunteers at Tweed Valley Hospital, as well as the local community, for their feedback.”Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin, said, “Tweed Valley Hospital is a very busy health facility, with hundreds of staff delivering high-quality healthcare every day to the growing communities of the Tweed-Byron region.“We trust this additional free parking will ensure a better experience for patients, their families and carers and of course our wonderful staff, when they go to the hospital.NNSWLHD Chief Executive Tracey Maisey said, “We’re delighted work will soon get underway on the construction of additional parking at Tweed Valley Hospital. This will make a real difference to the many patients, carers and staff who visit the hospital campus every day.“Thank you to the team who have worked to deliver this project. We’re confident these practical steps will improve access to the hospital campus and ensure we continue to deliver first class healthcare to our community.”

A motorcycle rider has died in a single-vehicle crash at Tyalgum, about 54km north of Lismore.About 7pm yesterday (Sunday, 26 October 2025), emergency services responded to reports of a motorcycle rider being ejected after crashing into a tree stump along Tyalgum Creek Road, Tyalgum.Witnesses performed CPR but the rider could not be revived and died at the scene.Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District established a crime scene and have commenced an investigation.Whilst yet to be formally identified, the male rider is believed to be aged in his mid-50s.A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.Anyone with information about the incident, or who was in the area at the time with any available dashcam/mobile phone footage, is urged to contact Tweed Heads Police Station or 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 managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Service relocation work on Jonson Street has started in Byron Bay’s town centre, as part of stage 1 drainage upgrades in the Town Centre Catchment.In addition, two site compounds have been established. One is in the rail corridor between Jonson and Butler Street, and one in Suffolk Park at the old sewerage treatment plant (South Byron STP) for the storage and treatment of acid sulphate soils (ASS). The contractor will remediate both compounds at the conclusion of the project.Christopher Soulsby, Manager Assets and Major Projects, said that works are progressing well.“Service relocation works are the first step in the town centre works before main construction activities can begin. Ground conditions are being confirmed, and existing utilities such as water, sewer and electricity are being moved, where these services conflict with the new drainage works,” said Mr Soulsby.“People will notice the road is being dug up to relocate these utilities. Traffic control and temporary parking restrictions are in place near the work area.“We know these areas, particularly the old STP site at Suffolk Park, are highly valued by the community, and I assure people that these changes are only short-term. “These site compounds are temporary, and they will be rehabilitated and returned to public open space,” he said.Stage 1 of construction of the Town Centre Catchment is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, through the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program and the Infrastructure Betterment Fund. As well as Byron Shire Council’s Byron Bay Town Centre Master Plan Reserve.More information about the project is available on Council’s website.

An emergency exercise will be held at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, from 8am to 12pm. Emergency service agencies will participate in the exercise in collaboration with airport staff, including members of NSW Fire and Rescue, NSW Police, State Emergency Services, NSW Ambulance, Airservices Australia, and the Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service.Every two years, the airport conducts a full field exercise to test the effectiveness of the aerodrome emergency plan. This exercise is essential to meet Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) requirements.“We run simulated emergencies on the airfield to make sure our procedures stay up to date and effective,” said Julie Stewart, Airport Manager.“These exercises take significant planning and coordination with our emergency service partners. They provide an invaluable opportunity for agencies to work together and ensure that, in the unlikely event of a real emergency, everyone is well-prepared and ready to respond efficiently.”This exercise will not impact scheduled flights, and terminal operations will remain unaffected for passengers and visitors.For enquiries about this exercise, please contact Ballina Byron Gateway Airport Manager, Ms Julie Stewart, on 1300 864 444.

Applications are now open for local artists to join the line-up in Byron Bay this New Year’s Eve (NYE).“Organisers of Soul Street are looking for a wide range of family-friendly performers, musicians and roving artists to perform across multiple sites and stages,” Marisa Snow, Acting Arts and Culture Officer, said.“There are so many fantastic artists in the Northern Rivers, and it would be great to see a higher representation of local talent this NYE.“This is a paid opportunity and all artists, irrespective of experience, are welcome to apply,” Ms Snow said.NYE celebrations in Byron Bay are spread across two areas – Jonson Street and Dening Park.The activities in Jonson Street start at 4pm with roving performers and kids’ activations in a family-filled program aimed at younger families. The main music stage at Dening Park kicks off at 6pm with a series of rolling acts throughout the evening, including the popular silent disco which takes over the foreshore. Applications for the delivery of workshops, arts and crafts, and kids’ activations are welcome.Apply now at www.soulstreetbyronbay.com.au. Applications close 14 November.

Volunteers from Marine Rescue Point Danger completed an 81 km round-trip rescue after responding to a Pan Pan call off the Tweed this morning.A Pan Pan call indicates an urgent situation that is serious but where there is no immediate threat to life or the vessel.Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said radio operators at Marine Rescue Point Danger heard the distress call at 5:45am.“Two people on board the 11-metre catamaran were stranded 22 nautical miles (40.5 km) east of Point Danger after the vessel’s steering cables broke and the back-up system failed while transiting to Ballina.“A volunteer crew was rapidly assembled and deployed just after 6am on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Point Danger 31 to rescue the sailors,” she said.Marine Rescue Point Danger Deputy Unit Commander Guy Youngblutt skippered the rescue vessel and said conditions were not favourable offshore.“The trip out was very uncomfortable, with two-metre seas and 20-knot winds,” he said.The volunteer crew on board PD 31 reached the distressed vessel at around 7:20am, checked on the welfare of the two people on board, and secured a towline for the long, slow trip back to the Tweed River.“Thankfully, conditions improved on the return leg,” Youngblutt said.Point Danger 31 and the catamaran safely crossed the Tweed Bar on the incoming tide at around 11:05am before securing the vessel on a courtesy mooring at 11:30am.“Both people on board the catamaran were exhausted but extremely grateful to be taken to enclosed waters.“Our crew and radio operators did a wonderful job this morning in fatiguing circumstances,” Youngblutt said.Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer-based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.

Work has started on the construction of a new kayak storage shed at Clarkes Beach between the two existing kayak container locations.The new shed is long overdue, replacing shipping containers and trailers which belong to the two licensed kayak tour operators in the Byron Shire.“The current set-up for the kayaks visually takes away from the Byron Bay foreshore area, so this project will deliver some major improvements,” Malcolm Robertson, Manager Open Spaces and Facilities, said.“The new facilities will be a big improvement on the current set-up, designed to blend in with the surrounding natural environment as well as being a publicly owned asset that helps service the thousands of locals and visitors who take kayak tours every year.“We expect to finish construction work by the end of November, and when all the kayak equipment has been moved, the operators will dismantle their infrastructure on the foreshore and remove it,"“The area will be rehabilitated and returned to public open space.

The NSW Government has allocated $2.1 million across 17 new projects to tackle pests and weeds across the state, including tropical soda apple, wild dogs, harrisia cactus and feral deer.The funding is part of the government’s biosecurity plan to protect the state’s primary industries and regional landscapes by focusing on addressing pest and weed matters impacting both public and neighbouring private lands, which is funded through the $10 million Good Neighbours Program.The 17 new projects focus on coordinated pest animal and weed control programs, as well as capacity-building workshops and training for landholders and land managers and will be delivered in partnership with public land managers such as Forestry Corporation, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Crown Land and local councils.The new projects cover initiatives such as the following:Improving wild dog management across the Central TablelandsReducing feral pig impacts along the Mid North CoastImproving statewide biosecurity strategic management on Crown LandsMinimising threats to endangered coastal emu populations within the Clarence region from invasive vertebrate pestsThis builds on the progress of the first round of projects, which were allocated $4.25 million and announced earlier this year, that are actively underway across the state, such as the following:Boxing Glove Control Program in Western NSW - has helped protect 55,903 hectares of private and public land in Sturt National Park and Tibooburra from boxing glove cactus through targeted weed control and the use of cochineal insects.Tropical soda apple control North Coast - Public land managers and local control authorities have carried out 1,535 hectares of tropical soda apple control activities.Feral Pig Management Program Bathurst – Forestry Corporation has brought together 47 landholders next to state forests in the area to work collaboratively to target feral pigs across 5,949 hectares.The Good Neighbours Program will deliver a total of 36 projects across NSW. Visit nsw.gov.au/good-neighbours to learn more and see the full list of projects.Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said, “We know pest animals and weeds do not respect property boundaries, which is why the Minns Government is investing in a range of new and expanded on-ground biosecurity projects to protect farms lands and our environment through the Good Neighbours Program.“These projects support public and private land managers to work together to prevent the spread of pests and weeds because we can only make headway by collaborating.“We are already seeing positive results from these collaborative efforts, including stronger relationships between landholders and land managers, which we will continue to build on as the latest projects get underway.“The latest projects continue the important work already underway which is showing success. There is action addressing target problem pests and weeds, such as feral pigs, deer, tropical soda apple and Hudson pear.”GOOD NEIGHBOURS PROGRAM – 17 NEW PROJECTS LISTControlling kudzu vine weed bordering the Comboyne township on the NSW North CoastLocal Land Services (LLS) is supporting public agencies and private landholders to deliver a weed management project to control the invasive vine weed kudzu on private and public land bordering the township of Comboyne on the NSW North Coast. This effort aims to reduce the spread and impact of kudzu to a level where land managers can continue to manage its impacts.Controlling glory lily in conservation and cultural areas within the Macleay region in South West Rocks areaLLS is supporting public agencies, community groups and private landholders to deliver a targeted priority weed management project focusing on the localised containment of glory lily along coastal dunes within national parks, public land, and Local Aboriginal Land Council land.Feral deer management in the Euabalong area in Western NSWLLS in collaboration with public agencies and private landholders will deliver a comprehensive pest management program. This program will target feral deer on public and private land in the Hillston-Euabalong area.Gwydir Valley pest management project near InverellLLS is supporting public agencies and local landholders to deliver a collaborative pest management project to reduce the impact of feral deer and other priority pests in the Gwydir State Conservation Area. The project will undertake control measures and build skills, capacity and collaboration for ongoing management.Increasing tropical soda apple management across the North Coast and Northern TablelandsLLS is working with public agencies on a coordinated effort to control tropical soda apple on different types of public land and neighbouring properties in areas across the North Coast and Northern Tablelands regions including Tenterfield along the Richmond River and the Upper Macleay at Georges JunctionImpact reduction of red cestrum in the Killabakh Nature Reserve on the mid-North CoastLLS is supporting public agencies and private landholders to deliver a targeted weed management project. This project will aim to control red cestrum along roadsides and other public and private land in Killabakh Nature Reserve.Improving statewide biosecurity strategic management on Crown LandsLLS is supporting Crown Lands and adjoining landholders to develop, implement an improved statewide biosecurity strategy to guide best practice biosecurity management.Improving wild dog management across the Central TablelandsLLS in conjunction with public and private land managers will develop a strategic plan to assess and implement best practice wild dog control across the Central Tablelands.Managing pests across Central Tablelands state forestsLLS is supporting Forestry Corporation of NSW and private landholders to conduct on-ground control in the Bathurst region. The project aims to reduce the impacts of a broad range of invasive species, primarily feral deer.Minimising threats to coastal emu populations within the Clarence regionLLS is supporting public agencies and private landholders to reduce the impacts of invasive vertebrate pests on the endangered coastal emu population in and around the forests of the Clarence region.North Bathurst pest management projectLLS is supporting public agencies and private landholders participating in the North Bathurst pest management project. The project aims to reduce the impacts of feral deer and pigs across both public and private land.Osage orange control in the Macintyre River riparian area near InverellLLS is supporting public agencies and private landholders to deliver a targeted weed management program to manage Osage orange along 20 kilometres of the Macintyre River, protecting valuable riparian zones and agricultural land.Protecting the Ramsar values of Caryapundy Swamp near TibooburraLLS in collaboration with public agencies and private landholders will support the delivery of a multifaceted pest and weed management program aimed at preserving the biological diversity of the Ramsar listed Caryapundy Swamp.Reducing feral pig impacts along the Mid North CoastLLS is supporting public agencies and private landholders to deliver a feral pig management project across forestry plantations and neighbouring private land across multiple state forests in the Wingham and wider Mid North Coast area.Reducing impacts on the Robertson Rainforest in the Southern HighlandsLLS is supporting public agencies and private landholders to deliver a comprehensive pest and weed management project. This project aims to reduce the impact of feral deer and invasive weeds in the South East Region. This project provides practical support and training to landholders to meet their biosecurity obligations.Reducing the impact of harrisia cactus on agricultural land in Warren ShireLLS, Castlereagh Macquarie County Council and private landholders, will coordinate efforts to control the spread and impacts of harrisia cactus in Central Western NSW.Reducing the impact of pests and weeds in the Hunter Estuary Wetlands Ramsar area near NewcastleLLS is supporting public agencies and private landholders to deliver a cross-tenure pest and weed management project. This program aims to create a buffer to protect sensitive ecological areas within the Hunter Wetlands National Park.

Ballina Shire Council has extended nominations for the 2026 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards to Friday, 7 November, giving the community more time to recognise local heroes who make a real difference.Behind every thriving community are people who give their time, dedication and compassion to help others. From volunteers and organisers to young leaders, artists and environmental champions, these awards are a chance to say thank you and celebrate their impact.Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the awards recognise the spirit and generosity that strengthen our community.“What stands out about our nominees is not only what they achieve, but the way they lift others up and inspire positive change,” Cr Cadwallader said.“These awards celebrate both remarkable individuals and groups whose ongoing commitment helps shape a stronger, more connected community” she said.Nominate now in one of the following categories to help recognise the local heroes who inspire and support our community:Young Citizen of the Year (30 years or under) - Recognise young achievers making a difference.Senior Citizen of the Year (60 years or over) - Celebrate the wisdom and dedication of our seniors.Volunteer Award (individual or group) - Applaud those who selflessly support our community.Sports Award (individual, team, coach, sports administrator) - Honour sports excellence and contributions.Arts and Culture Award (individual or group) - Celebrate creative visionaries enriching our culture.Environmental Award (individual or group) - Acknowledge eco-warriors protecting our environment.Community Event of the Year (event held during 2025) - Spotlight outstanding events held in 2025 that unite us.The 2026 Ballina Shire Citizen of the Year will be chosen from all nominees across all categories.To nominate an individual or group visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/2026Awards.  Nominations close Friday 7 November 2025.The 2026 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards ceremony will be held on Monday 26 January 2026 at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre, where we will recognise contributions of our exceptional community members.

More than 200 citizen scientists have gathered along the Clarence River catchment in the largest community-driven survey of its type ever undertaken on the NSW Mid North Coast. Small teams collected sediment samples from 100 key locations across the Clarence catchment on Saturday 18 October and Sunday 19 October, with volunteer coordinators working out of hubs in Grafton and Tabulam. The samples were sent to Southern Cross University laboratories for analysis. The survey was led by the Clarence River Guardians and Southern Cross University, motivated by the recent and substantial extension of mining exploration licences and community concern over water quality in the catchment.  It follows a similar, smaller project that concluded earlier this year in the Macleay River catchment. By analysing sediment for more than 50 different elements, researchers can detect the presence of heavy metals, metalloids and trace elements. This will provide a reference point to assess any future changes, particularly those associated with mining activities and how they might influence water quality.  “We’re establishing a baseline for future management,” said Southern Cross project lead Professor Scott Johnston. “Rivers are delicate ecosystems and once they become polluted, it’s often difficult and slow to reverse. “Working with citizen scientists is the only way we can collect such a large number of samples over a single weekend. This ensures a significant and robust dataset.” A unique aspect of the project is the co-design and walking together with First Nations custodians throughout the project development and in refining sample location selection.In what is perhaps a scientific first, all sediment samples will be returned to their points of collection in the river after the analysis is complete, out of respect for Country, the River and Traditional Owners. “It was great to see so many people out on the river and participating in this major survey,” said Tracy Pateman from Clarence River Guardians. “We hope this is the first of many to come.” The logistics of organising large numbers of volunteers to safely disperse to precise locations across a catchment half the size of Switzerland were formidable, but the process was aided by modern GPS-enabled smartphones, QR codes and digital map apps.  Water quality and citizen science in the Clarence RiverTechnology has played an important role in Clarence River citizen science. A parallel project investigating water quality in the Clarence River has been running throughout 2025, with feedback and reporting of water quality data to the community in real time.  The citizen scientists sample water using a sophisticated digital probe, taking photos of the readings which are uploaded to a WhatsApp group that includes community members and University scientists.   Professor Johnston enters and compiles the data, usually on the same day, and generates simple dot-colour scale maps and summary data which is shared on-line via the Clarence River Guardians website, often within hours of collection. View the data: https://www.clarenceriverguardians.net/estuary-water-quality-data.  “This aids transparency and also provides strong incentive to the group as they can see the results of their efforts,” said Professor Johnston, who calibrates the digital probe and undertakes maintenance at Southern Cross University every three weeks to ensure quality control of the sampling is robust.  “Citizen science backed by University training and analysis is a powerful tool for engaging the community and monitoring such pristine environments as the Clarence River catchment.” 

What makes Spoonbill Reserve special to you?Ballina Shire Council is developing a master plan for Spoonbill Reserve in Skennars Head and is inviting the community to share what’s important about this local green space, along with ideas for the future of the reserve.Located between Redford Drive and Seaside Avenue, opposite Xavier Catholic College, the two-hectare reserve is a large open green space that holds great potential for the local community.“The master plan for Spoonbill Reserve will provide a medium to long-term vision for the site that recognises the value of the reserve to the community,” explained Council’s Landscape Architect Sheryn Da-Re.“The site is quite a large open area with an old pine tree and fig tree the only real features. The community might like to keep the embellishments simple by just adding some picnic shelters and barbecue facilities, or they might like to see a variety of other active recreation additions such as sports courts or exercise equipment. We’re asking residents to upload photos as examples of what they like, or kids might even want to share a drawing. It’s easy to post ideas to the Your Say Ballina website.”There are multiple ways to get involved throughout the engagement period from mid-October to mid-November.Attend a Drop-In Session:1pm to 5pm Saturday 25 October, Epiq Marketplace (outside Woolworths) 8am to 4.30pm Tuesday 28 October, Spoonbill Reserve, Redford Drive Skennars Head (opposite Xavier Catholic College)Post your ideas onlineUpload a photo or drawing or simply write in the 'Ideas' board at Your Say Ballina.Visit yoursayballina.com.au/spoonbill-reserve for more information.Submissions close Monday 17 November 2025.There is a small amount of funding allocated for open space improvements at Spoonbill Reserve in the 2029-2030 financial year. No other funds are yet available. However once completed, the master plan will enable Council to seek funding for future construction of any works outlined in the master plan.

A four-month project focused on Ngugum, or the dingo, and its cultural connection to Indigenous people in the Byron Shire has wrapped up with results providing information for their future management in the area.The project, involving Council, more than 40 local Indigenous representatives and rangers, University of NSW and the Taronga Conservation Society, was undertaken in the Mount Jerusalem National Park in the Byron Shire hinterland.In a first for the Northern Rivers, the project brought together Indigenous stakeholders, scientists and others to look at the dingo, its historic cultural connection to Traditional Owners and, with the use of 26 cameras, to learn about the current dingo population, their pack relationships and behaviour.Rob Appo, Council’s Aboriginal Projects Officer, said the project is the first in the Northern Rivers to recognise the long history and importance of the dingo to First Nations people.“Dingoes are the closest companion animal for many Indigenous communities and they feature in many Aboriginal stories and lore from this area,” Mr Appo said.From the end of May to the end of August, participants set up cameras in the Mt. Jerusalem National Park and checked on them regularly.The project culminated in a two-day workshop which involved discussions around the footage and what it revealed, as well as ways to get Indigenous representatives more involved in conservation and management programs involving dingoes.“The footage was really interesting, showing dingoes in the area and how they shared the landscape with native animals like koalas and possums,” Mr Appo said.“It also showed invasive species such as foxes, wild dogs and feral cats active in the national park, along with people walking their free-roaming domestic dogs.“This project was the start of something that will hopefully develop into a long-running partnership that blends science, Indigenous knowledge and culture with the aim of improving how we manage local dingo populations,” he said.

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a man wanted on outstanding warrants in Ballina.Carlos Kiu, aged 22, is wanted on outstanding warrants for affray, property and weapons-related offences.Officers attached to Richmond Police District have released an image of Carlos as inquiries to locate him continue.Carlos is described as being of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, about 175cm tall, of medium build, with possible shoulder-length black hair and brown eyes.He is known to frequent the Wardell and Ballina areas.Anyone with information in relation to his whereabouts is urged to contact Richmond Police District or 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 managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Spring and summer are the peak times for families and water enthusiasts with canoes and kayaks to swim, paddle and enjoy the facilities at Lake Ainsworth in Lennox Head.Ahead of another warm weekend, WaterNSW has issued a Red Alert warning for high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae for Lake Ainsworth, after sampling conducted by Ballina Shire Council. The Red Alert warning applies only to untreated water at the identified location and will remain in place until monitoring confirms that the risk is sufficiently diminished.People should avoid recreational activities such as swimming, water skiing, canoeing and any other activity that brings them into contact with this water body until the red alert warning is lifted.Potentially toxic blue-green algae may cause gastroenteritis if consumed, while contact can cause skin and eye irritations. Consumption of water containing algal toxins may cause liver damage and other health problems.People who suspect they have been affected by blue-green algae should seek medical advice.People should not eat mussels or crayfish from red alert warning areas. A precautionary approach to eating fin fish from red alert warning areas is advised. Any fish caught should be cleaned and washed thoroughly in uncontaminated water; the internal organs should not be eaten. Avoiding fishing during a bloom is the best way to minimise risk.Blue-green algae are naturally occurring and can reproduce quickly in still or slow-flowing water when there is abundant sunlight and sufficient nutrients.Visit the Ballina Shire Council or local water utility websites for information about the management of blue-green algae risks in the nearby treated drinking water supplies.Updates and information about blue-green algae blooms and red level warning areas can be obtained by visiting www.waternsw.com.au/algae.

Australia Post has opened a brand-new, purpose-built parcel facility in Ballina, representing a significant investment in regional NSW ahead of the busy holiday season.Replacing the former parcels delivery site, the new facility is designed to boost parcel processing capability and improve service for the local community.Key Features: Improved capacity to handle more than 1,200 parcels per day, and up to 1,900 parcels per day in peak periods like Christmas, supporting continued growth in parcel volumes in the region.Spacious 858m² layout, featuring eight dedicated van bays and a larger warehouse space for storage and efficient truck unloading and parcel sorting."With eCommerce and online shopping continuing to surge—especially as we head into cyber sales and Christmas—this new site gives us the capacity we need to keep pace with demand and deliver on time for our customers. "This purpose-built facility not only improves efficiency but also provides a safer working environment for our team members ahead of the busy season,” said Shane Plant, Australia Post General Manager Network Development & Support Services.Australia Post says the new facility reflects a broader commitment to improving services and delivery speed for regional communities, while supporting parcel volume growth during the busiest time of year.

NSW Small Business Month takes place in October each year. Byron Shire Council is marking the occasion this year by supporting local operators with practical tools to strengthen and grow their businesses, with two free workshops.Small businesses employ thousands of residents who shop locally, send children to local schools and make up the social fabric of the community.“Many small business operators struggle to find the time or resources to work on their business as well as in it,” said Arika McElroy, Council’s Business and Industry Project Lead.“With this in mind, we have organised two free workshops which are designed to provide accessible, practical support,” she said.Recognising that one in five Australians live with a disability, the first session on Friday, 10 October, will be a practical workshop focusing on helping businesses be more accessible and inclusive for people with disability, and by doing so reach more customers.The second session on Friday, 17 October will take a hands-on look at artificial intelligence (AI) for small business, teaching people how to use it to improve productivity and marketing.These sessions are free, but in-person numbers are limited. People can also attend online.  Learn more and book via Council’s website.Session 1 – Accessible and Inclusive BusinessPresented by Sparrowly GroupWhen: 12pm to 2pm on Friday 10 October 2025Where: Cavanbah Centre, 249 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay. Session 2 – AI for Small BusinessPresented by Louis BirksWhen: 12pm to 2pm on Friday 17 October 2025Where: Mullumbimby Campus, Byron Bay Community College, 6/8 Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby.There are more great workshops and resources from a range of businesses, industry and government agencies available on the Small Business Commissioner’s website this month.

Byron Shire Council has confirmed an accelerated schedule for Stage 2 of the upgrade of Mullumbimby Road, between Gulgan Road and The Saddle Road, with two-way traffic expected to be restored before Christmas (weather permitting).Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said she understands the disruption these works have caused, but reassured the community that Council is doing everything possible to minimise the impact and fast-track delivery.“We know this work has been frustrating for many people, and I’ve been working with staff, community and local business to see what can be done to improve the situation.“That’s why we’re extending construction hours and increasing crews on-site to get the road fully open again as soon as possible,” Mayor Ndiaye said.“I’ve spoken directly with staff, and I’m confident that moving to six-day weeks and longer working hours will significantly reduce the overall length of the project.“Our goal is to have two-way traffic flowing again before Christmas, weather permitting,” Mayor Ndiaye said.Dry weather in recent weeks has allowed Council teams to recover time lost to heavy rain in July and August, and the momentum will continue with work now running from 7:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Saturday.Key traffic changes during Stage 2Mullumbimby Road will remain open to inbound (one-way) traffic at all times.Myocum Road is the designated southbound detour for all vehicles, including heavy vehicles.Coolamon Scenic Drive is the primary northbound detour for general traffic.Saddle Road will remain open and operate temporarily as one-way (eastbound) for drivers of light vehicles who may find Coolamon Scenic Drive challenging.To ensure safety on The Saddle Road during this temporary arrangement, Council will:Reduce the speed limit to 40 km/h.Install temporary traffic calming measures.Conduct regular road maintenance, including dust suppression.Maintain ongoing inspections to ensure usability and safety.Heavy vehicles will not be permitted on The Saddle Road or Coolamon Scenic Drive.Council has also committed to:Urgent maintenance on Coolamon Scenic Drive (north), including pothole repairs, shoulder work, signage improvements, and cyclist/pedestrian safety enhancements.Consulting with Mullumbimby High School on pedestrian safety at Jubilee Avenue.Regular updates to NSW Police, Emergency Services, Transport for NSW, and local bus operators.Ongoing public communication to keep the community informed.“This is one of the most important roads in our Shire,” Mayor Ndiaye said.“We’ve heard the community’s concerns, and staff are working flat-out to reduce the disruption and get this upgrade completed. “Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding — the end is in sight.“The $5.3 million upgrade of Mullumbimby Road is a critical investment in improving access, safety, and long-term resilience for one of the Shire’s most heavily used roads,” Mayor Ndiaye said.Information about the Mullumbimby Road upgrade is on Council’s website.

For those planning a trip to Lennox Head this weekend, you should be aware that Ballina Shire Council will temporarily close vehicle access to Camp Drewe Road in Lennox Head for The Ox Charity Fundraiser 24-hour running event this weekend.Camp Drewe Road, Lennox Head, will be temporarily closed from 8.00am Saturday, 11 October 2025 and will reopen at 11.00am on Sunday, 12 October 2025.Pedestrian access will be maintained; however, the 4WD beach access will be restricted during the road closure period.With an increase in visitors and event participants, parking near Lake Ainsworth and the Lennox Head Surf Club will also be limited on the day.For updates on road closures, visit livetraffic.com.

Construction has officially commenced on an iconic suspension bridge across the Richmond River in the NSW Northern Rivers, marking a major step towards better connecting the Casino community into the future.The landmark suspension bridge, jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments, will form the centrepiece of a proposed new riverside precinct, connecting the Casino CBD with Queen Elizabeth Park’s sporting facilities, river walks and open spaces.(Richie Williamson MP, Forge’s Robert Antonios, MLC Emily Suvaal and Mayor Robert Mustow turning the first sod)The precinct forms part of the Casino CBD Activation Project, which will provide a more vibrant central business district, with increased retail, residential and community space. The existing Casino Footbridge sustained repeated damage during recent flood events, prompting the need for a more resilient structure in a new location.The new suspension bridge will provide a safe, reliable and accessible shared path for both pedestrians and cyclists, improving connectivity between key recreational spaces and the town centre. The structure will be built above flood levels and designed to withstand strong river flows, ensuring improved reliability and safety during major weather events.The project received $3,505,767 from the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package under the 2022 Community Assets Program. This package is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.Council has accepted the tender from Forge Outdoors Pty Ltd (formerly Fleetwood Urban) to deliver the project.Completion of the bridge is anticipated by the end of June 2026, weather permitting.Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said, “This exciting initiative is a strong demonstration of the Albanese Government’s commitment to supporting communities to not just recover after disasters but to build better communities for the future.“The new suspension bridge in Casino will provide a safe, accessible connection between key recreational spaces and the town centre, helping locals stay connected and active.”NSW Minister for Recovery and North Coast Janelle Saffin said, “This new suspension bridge is more than just infrastructure it’s an investment in the future of our community.“By improving access between the Casino CBD and our beautiful parks, we’re creating safer, more inclusive spaces for people to walk, cycle and connect.“We are building back better to withstand future floods, ensuring our community stays connected even during challenging times.”Richmond Valley Council Mayor Robert Mustow said, “The new bridge was identified in the Casino Place Plan as an important way of connecting the community to the CBD, sports fields and the river.“I have fond memories of using the old footbridge throughout my life, and I’m sure this new, more flood-resistant and safer crossing will do the same for future generations.“I believe it will be an iconic part of Casino, its landscape, and a tourist attraction.“We would like to thank the Australian and NSW Governments for this vital piece of work that allows this connection to remain following flooding and weather events”