Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the Byron Bay/Mullumbimby area.Lauren Weir, aged 41, was last seen in the Byron/Mullumbimby area last Saturday, 21 February 2026.When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.Police and family hold concerns for her welfare.Lauren is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm-170cm tall, of slim build, with brown hair and hazel eyes.She is known to frequent the Byron Bay and Mullumbimby areas.She may be driving a white Toyota Camry.Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to call 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.

A man has died after being pulled from the water at Kingscliff on the Far North Coast yesterday.About 4pm (Tuesday, 24 February 2026), emergency services were called to Kingscliff Beach following reports that a man had gone missing in the water.Officers attached to Tweed Heads Marine Area Command commenced a search of the area with the assistance of the Westpac Helicopter.A short time later, police retrieved the man, commenced first aid, and transported him to the Water Police Station.NSW Ambulance paramedics assessed the man; however, he died at the scene.While yet to be formally identified, the man is believed to be aged in his 50s.Police have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident and will prepare a report for the Coroner.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.

Women in eight regions in New South Wales, including Yamba, will have access to practical wellbeing and self-care training with the launch of free Women’s Wellbeing Workshops ahead of NSW Women’s Week. The NSW Government is supporting regional and rural women’s mental health with this partnership with Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP), especially in areas where access to such care can be harder.  The workshops will discuss:stress and how it can impact rural women,how women may manage and respond to stress,values and how they impact wellbeing self-care, assessing the effectiveness of strategies, and learning how to develop an action plan.Funding of $10,000 for this program is through the Rural Women’s Network, which works to support and empower regional, rural and remote women.RAMHP is a program that provides mental health education, with a focus on regional, rural and remote communities. Coordinators are regional, rural and remote people and understand the specific strengths, challenges and characteristics of rural life.The one-day workshops will run in:Wee Waa (1 March)Manilla (17 March)Finley (31 March)Mudgee (14 April)Yamba (28 April)Narromine (12 May)Walcha (19 May)Urana (4 June).Register for the Women’s Wellbeing Workshops here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/rwn-events/womens-wellbeing-workshops#toc-dates-and-locations.These workshops complement the popular two-day Rural Women’s Skills Roadshow, run in partnership with St John’s Ambulance, that continue to make their way around the state. Registrations are still open for these workshops at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/rwn-events/rural-womens-network-skills-roadshow-2026.Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said, “Mental health is an important and ongoing conversation across regional NSW where the stress of drought and other natural disasters can really take a toll.“Mental Health and wellbeing support services are a vital lifeline and these workshops, specifically tailored for women, can really make a difference.“They offer rural women the chance to pause, share experiences with others and focus on their own health and wellbeing. Something regional women rarely get the chance to do.” Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said, “Regional and rural women play many different roles in their communities – as business-owners, farmers, carers and volunteers. Like many women, they are often selfless and put others ahead of themselves. “But sometimes, the stresses can be overwhelming. These one-day workshops are a great way for women to stop and learn how to prioritise self-care so they and their families can thrive. “This is part of our wider work to support women’s health and wellbeing, empower them, and boost their participation in the community.“I encourage regional women in these eight towns to register quickly for these workshops, as places will fill up fast.”Kate Arndell, Service Manager for RAMHP said, "RAMHP is thrilled to be working with Rural Women’s Network NSW to create welcoming workshops where women feel heard, supported and reminded that their wellbeing truly matters.” “These workshops are a chance for women to step away from the busy-ness of daily life, spend time with other women who understand rural pressures, and focus on their own wellbeing in a relaxed and supportive space.”

A man has died following a single-vehicle crash on the state’s north coast.About 11:00am on Sunday, 22 February 2026, emergency services were called to Numinbah Road, Numinbah, west of Murwillumbah, following reports a motorcycle had left the roadway and crashing into a tree.Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District attended and were told the rider - 60-year-old man – was part of a group travelling towards Murwillumbah.He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance Paramedics before being transported to Gold Coast University Hospital with critical injuries.Yesterday, (Monday 23 February 2026), police were informed the motorcycle rider had died in hospital.Police will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner.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.

Regular users of Linda Vidler Park at Suffolk Park will have noticed new improvements to the much-loved community facility.With the support of a $200,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation Program, the main entrance to the park now features a new path and bike racks, along with signage acknowledging the late Arakwal Elder, Aunty Linda Vidler.“Aunty Linda was a much-loved and respected, proud Arakwal woman and a cultural custodian,” Sarah Ndiaye, Byron Shire Mayor, said.“Linda Vidler Park is named in her honour and to now see new signage in place explaining who she was and her connection to Country is so fitting,” Mayor Ndiaye said.The improvements to the main entrance complement other upgrades of facilities in the park in recent years including:DrainageBush regenerationNew change rooms and canteen for the Suffolk Park Football ClubA pump trackResurfacing of the tennis courtsImproved connections from Pepperbush Circuit.A new shelter near the community gardens was also recently completed.

If you’re concerned about the welfare of someone who is sleeping rough in the Byron Shire, let Council know via a new online welfare form on Council’s website or call 6626 7000.This is the message from Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, who says this initiative will help get location-specific information from the community directly to experienced Council staff. “Our Public Space Liaison Officers are dedicated, experienced staff who work closely every day with people experiencing homelessness in our community,” Mayor Ndiaye said.“Information from concerned community members helps our team find people in need, make sure they’re okay, and where appropriate link them to local support services.”In an emergency, community members should contact 000.  Mayor Ndiaye said the welfare form was part of the ongoing work of the Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration Byron Shire, which now has over 30 members, including Council.“We know that the only way to remove barriers and solve homelessness is to work together with compassion alongside the homelessness sector, the government and our community,” she said.“This was at the heart of the 1000 Voices Byron Shire project we ran last year. We look forward to sharing findings with the community in the coming months,” the Mayor said. Council and the Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration are also working with government agencies on their annual NSW Street Count, which will take place in the Byron Shire on Friday 27 February.The NSW Street Count provides a point-in-time snapshot of how many people are sleeping rough and where. It helps government, service providers and local groups work together and better target housing, outreach and support services.“We’ve been working with Homes NSW to make improvements to the Street Count so the data collected is more accurate and better reflects what’s happening,” Mayor Ndiaye said.“We know the Byron Shire is in desperate need of more temporary accommodation and social housing to provide real pathways out of homelessness. “It’s unacceptable that so many people are stuck in an impossible situation, and increasing housing options is essential to creating long‑term change.”More information about homelessness services and programs is on Council’s website.

The community intrigue surrounding human remains and a car removed from the Richmond River in Ballina yesterday builds as police continue their investigation.About 3.50pm on Monday, 16 February 2026, police were called to the Richmond River, near Cherry Street, following reports that possible human remains had been located.At the scene, officers located human remains on the northern bank of the river.Officers attached to Richmond Police District established a crime scene and transported the remains to Ballina Police Station.The remains are undergoing forensic examination to determine the identity of the deceased, and police continue to await the outcome of the analysis.Following further inquiries, about 12pm today (Friday, 20 February 2026) police divers located a vehicle in the river, believed to be related to the human remains found earlier in the week.The vehicle is being recovered from the water and will undergo forensic analysis.As inquiries continue, anyone with information about the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Byron Shire Council has advised that the third and final stage of the Mullumbimby Road upgrade starts on Monday, 23 February.The work will be done between the Kings Creek bridge and James Street, including around the Manns Road intersection, and will involve heavy patching of the existing road surface.The heavy patching will take around two weeks, and the team will work at least one Saturday.There will be short delays for drivers, but these should be minimal because staff are currently building temporary side lanes, which will allow traffic to generally move through the work site, albeit at slower speeds.“The project has been challenging on a lot of different levels, and for it to be nearly finished is wonderful news for the community,” Phil Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said.“My sincere thanks to residents, businesses and visitors, for their patience and understanding while we have been working on this project – we are almost there,” Mr Holloway saidThe upgrade of Mullumbimby Road is a major project that is funded by the NSW and Federal Governments, and Council, to improve road safety and drainage and rebuild flood-damaged sections of the road.

Byron Shire Councillor, Asren Pugh, who is serving his second term on Council, this week announced he was resigning from 13 March 2026.‘I want to thank the community for their support, the Council staff for their tireless work, and my fellow Councillors for their service,” Councillor Pugh said.“I am proud of the progress we have made during my time on Council,” he said.“I’m particularly proud of being instrumental in changing Council’s position to supporting the Rail Trail, embedding Aboriginal housing on Country into Council policy and it has been my privilege to be able to represent my home village of Bangalow.‘However, with my business and other projects, I cannot dedicate the time I think is required to the work of Council and representing the community effectively.“While I would have liked to stay on council longer, if I leave after 14 March, there would need to be a by-election, and I will not impose this cost on the community because there are better ways to spend Council’s limited funds.“I leave knowing that our Shire is passionate and engaged, and I trust my colleagues, including my replacement, will continue to work hard for our region.“Council often gets a bad rap and a lot of criticism from the community, but I want to acknowledge the amazing staff who work under sometimes very difficult circumstances trying to deliver real, practical and transformative outcomes with limited power and limited budgets,” he said.Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, thanked Councillor Pugh for his work and advocacy on behalf of the community.“Asren has made a significant contribution to Council and the community,” Mayor Ndiaye said.“He has shown real dedication and care in working to achieve the best outcomes for our community, particularly for Bangalow.“On behalf of Councillors and staff, I thank him sincerely and wish him all the very best for the future,” Mayor Ndiaye said.Because it is less than 18 months since the last election, a new Councillor will be selected from a countback of votes from the people who ran in the last election and remain eligible and willing to accept the position. This process is managed by the NSW Electoral Commission, which will notify Council of the outcome.

Police are awaiting the outcome of forensic analysis after human remains were discovered at Ballina on Monday afternoon. About 3.50pm on Monday (16 February 2026), police were called to the Richmond River, near Cherry Street, following reports that possible human remains had been located. At the scene, officers located human remains on the northern bank of the river. Officers attached to Richmond Police District established a crime scene and transported the remains to Ballina Police Station. The remains will now undergo forensic examination to determine the identity of the deceased. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Kyogle Council is calling on landowners, community groups, industry representatives and residents to have a say in safeguarding the health of the Upper Richmond River catchment.The call comes hot on the heels of the launch of Council’s Upper Richmond River Waterway and Wetland Health Assessment and Action Plan. The project will assess the condition of waterways and wetlands across the catchment and identify priority sites for rehabilitation.Kyogle Mayor Cr Danielle Mulholland said community knowledge — from on‑farm observations to long‑held local insights — would be central to shaping a practical and effective Action Plan which will guide future on‑ground investment.“Protecting the health of the Upper Richmond River is a responsibility we all share, and local knowledge is one of our greatest assets,” Cr Mulholland said.“People who live and work in the catchment understand these waterways in a way no report ever could. Their observations will help us build a practical Action Plan that reflects real conditions on the ground.”Council will conduct two community drop-in sessions at Dyraaba and Mummulgum to provide an overview of the project. Those attending the sessions also will be able share their local knowledge and personal observations and help identify priorities for future works.The drop-in sessions will be held at:Dyraaba Hall – 26 February, 10am–12pmMummulgum Hall – 3 March, 10am–12pmAttendees are welcome to drop in at any time during the sessions and stay as long as they like.People can also provide feedback through Your Say Kyogle, Council’s new online engagement platform: https://www.yoursaykyogle.com.au/The project page includes a timeline, background information, and useful resources. Community members can participate in two ways:Completing an online survey, andUsing the places map to provide location‑specific feedback.Council is encouraging everyone to share what they know, what they’ve seen, and where they may have observed past or ongoing rehabilitation efforts. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps build a clearer picture of catchment health and strengthens the final Action Plan.This is a time‑sensitive project, running through to 30 June 2026. It is an initiative of Kyogle Council and is funded by the Office of Local Government.

Ballina Shire Council will be running two free workshops on Thursday, 26 March 2026, for caravan owners.“Whether you are an experienced caravan tower or new to the game, come along and hear from the experts, get some great tips and have your questions answered,” said Ms Helen Carpenter, Road Safety Officer (Ballina Shire Council/ Transport for NSW).The Caravan Safety Workshops will provide information, demonstrations and support on the safe loading and towing of caravans to ensure you are safe on your next adventure.If you are interested in attending one of the free workshops, please register for one of the following sessions on Thursday, 26 March at the Gawandii Room, Ballina Surf Club:Session 1 – 9.30am to 11.30amSession 2 – 1pm to 3pmEach session is limited to 50 places and will run for approximately 1.5 hours  Please do not bring your own caravan.For more information, please contact Helen Carpenter, Road Safety Officer, by telephone on 1300 864 444 or email: council@ballina.nsw.gov.au.To register for one of the workshops, visit https://events.humanitix.com/free-caravan-safety-workshops.

The Land and Environment Court has approved an Over 50's seniors housing estate in West Ballina, leaving Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith, very unhappy.The 56.76-hectare low-lying site in West Ballina comprises two lots and is bordered by the confluence of Emigrant Creek and the Richmond River. The development application was considered by the Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP) on 30 November 2023, and was refused by them on 11 December 2023.(Image: L&E Court)GTH Resorts No 10 Pty Ltd then lodged an appeal with the Land and Environment Court.Ballina Shire Council said that there is a range of impacts that either have not been adequately addressed through the development application documents, or are unacceptable in some way. Those impacts include impacts from bulk and scale, visual impacts on neighbouring properties, impacts on flooding and flood behaviour, impacts on surface water and groundwater in the areas to be conserved, impacts on aquatic ecology and biodiversity conservation, and impacts on Aboriginal cultural heritage. Ballina Council also argued that the site is not suitable for the proposed development on the basis that it is now a prohibited form of development on the site.Although the development is deemed to be in a medium flood risk area, it was approved.An unhappy Tamara Smith MP says the approval of the GemLife development on flood-prone land in West Ballina highlights a deeper and ongoing failure to protect communities from inappropriate development on floodplains.“After everything our community has endured, we are still approving new housing on land we know goes underwater,” Ms Smith said.“This isn’t a ‘Gem’ for our community. It’s a jackpot for developers who can afford to litigate, and a long-term liability for locals.”110 seniors dwellings are now set to be built in West Ballina, a suburb that experienced some of the worst effects of the 2022 floods and where locals report sky rocketing insurance premiums.“For years, my NSW Greens colleagues and I have consistently called for development to be prohibited on high-risk floodplains. We have pushed for planning reforms that put climate risk, safety and community wellbeing ahead of developer profits.”“The climate science is clear and Northern Rivers communities are on the front line -flood events are becoming more frequent and more severe. Yet we continue to approve projects that jeopardise existing residents and lock future communities into known risk.”“The current system allows developers to navigate planning frameworks while local communities are left carrying the long-term financial, environmental and emotional risks”.“When developments go ahead on floodplains, the profits are privatised but the risks are shared”.“We owe it to our community to stop creating tomorrow’s flood victims today.”

People who visited Byron Bay last week are advised by Northern NSW Local Health District to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after they were notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while visiting several locations in the Byron Bay area.People who attended the following locations should watch for the development of symptoms. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.Monday, 9 February 2026Northern Rivers Football Academy fields, Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay, 7pm to 9:30pmTuesday, 10 February 2026Businesses at 73-75 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay Industrial Estate, all dayMs Ho Hot Rolls, 88 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay Industrial Estate, 1pm to 2:30pmWednesday, 11 February 2026Businesses at 73-75 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay Industrial Estate, all dayMs Ho Hot Rolls, 88 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay Industrial Estate, 1pm to 2:30pmFriday, 13 February 2026Byron Central Hospital Emergency Department, 3pm to 6:10pm.If it has been less than 6 days since the exposure at these locations and you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system or have an infant who was exposed, you are advised to contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.There is currently an increased risk of measles in NSW, with 18 cases confirmed since 1 January 2026.Regional Director of North Coast Population and Public Health, Dr Valerie Delpech, said anyone who visited the above locations at those times should monitor for symptoms.“Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,” Dr Delpech said.“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.“Anyone with early symptoms who gets a rash a few days later should also think about measles, even if they haven't attended one of the identified locations, and seek testing.“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it's important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms up until 3 March 2026.“If they develop symptoms, they should call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.“We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough.“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment."The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is given free to children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn't already had two doses.Children under the age of 12 months can have their first dose of MMR up to six months early if they are travelling overseas. Parents should consult their GP.People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).For more information on measles, view the measles factsheet​.People can also visit the Australian Government Smart Traveller website for information on health risks, including measles outbreaks relevant to their travel destinationIf you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

Drivers and riders are now enjoying safer, more reliable access across the Richmond River, with works officially complete on the new Grieve Crossing Bridge on Gradys Creek Road.  Backed by a $4.96 million investment from the Federal and State Governments, the project has replaced the former single-lane timber bridge with a modern two-lane concrete structure. Raised 4.8 metres higher than the old bridge and standing 10 metres above normal water levels, the new crossing significantly improves safety and access during flood events.  The new bridge was delivered by Kyogle Council, supported by $2.46 million in joint funding through the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and $2.5 million from the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Bridges Program.  Grieve Crossing is the 106th bridge replaced by Council in the past four years – a strong demonstration of continued investment in safer, more resilience infrastructure for local communities.As well as improving flood resilience, the new bridge improves access for freight, trade and tourism, supporting better connectivity to and from Summerland Way.Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said, “This project is a terrific example of what cooperation between all three levels of government can achieve.“The new Grieve Crossing Bridge is far better equipped to keep regional residents and businesses connected during flood events.“The new crossing is 4.8 metres higher than the old bridge, so will be able to much better cope with the frequent heavy rainfall this area often receives.”NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said, “The upgraded Grieve Crossing Bridge is a major win for a community that knows all too well the impact of extreme weather. It is a project that will make a real difference when it matters most.   “By lifting the bridge 4.8 metres higher than the old crossing, this new bridge is far better equipped to keep regional residents and local businesses connected during flood events and periods of heavy rainfall. “It’s about keeping communities connected when the worst happens - keeping businesses operating, ensuring our truckies can get from paddock to port, and helping people reach work, school and essential services.”NSW Minister for Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, “Congratulations to Kyogle Council on the new Grieve Crossing Bridge at The Risk, the opening of which marks the completion of an ambitious bridge renewal program recognised in local government circles as best practice.  “Having a network of bridges built to last for the next century – modern structures that are designed to be more flood resilient with improved safety benefits – improves connectivity in rural areas, particularly for local farmers.  “This shows what can be achieved when a local council sets a target and has the in-house expertise to deliver multiple projects, supported by NSW and Australian Government funding.” Federal Senator for NSW, Jenny McAllister said, “We want to ensure NSW is better prepared for future disasters by funding critical infrastructure for communities regularly affected by floods.“The Grieve Crossing Bridge will help keep families, businesses and schools in the Northern Rivers connected, during flooding and heavy rain. That’s a good thing.”Kyogle Council Mayor Danielle Mulholland said, “The new Grieve Crossing Bridge represents a significant milestone for Council and the community.  “It improves safety for motorists and provides greater resilience during times of flood.  “Its new alignment addresses the awkward positioning of the old road, making it safer and easier to navigate for locals and visitors alike.  “And it is the last of 86 bridges funded under rounds one and two of the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Bridges Program to be replaced by Council.  “The new bridge also marks the 106th bridge we’ve delivered in just four years.  “That’s an extraordinary achievement and a testament to the dedication and skill of our staff, local tradespeople, and contractors.  “We thank the Australian and NSW Governments for their funding support to Council.  “With that support, we’ve been able to undertake a once-in-a-lifetime Bridge Renewal Project and provide safer, more reliable connections for our community, strengthened vital freight routes, and supported agriculture, local businesses, and regional growth.”  

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has confirmed the first case of Varroa mite pyrethroid resistance in the state and says best practice mite management is now more important than ever.Laboratory testing at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute identified a known genetic mutation, L925I, which causes pyrethroid resistance in Varroa mites. DPIRD Honey Bee Technical Specialist, Elizabeth Frost, said L925I significantly reduces the efficacy of pyrethroid miticides in managing affected mite populations, with just two approved pyrethroid miticide active ingredients available in Australia, flumethrin and tau-fluvalinate (sold as Bayvarol and Apistan). “The resistant mites were collected from Northern NSW flumethrin-treated bee colonies where the mid-treatment inspection revealed poor treatment efficacy in the hives and dead colonies,” Ms Frost said. DPIRD Senior Bee Biosecurity Officer, Rod Bourke, said best practice mite management is now more important than ever for beekeepers managing hives with Varroa. “Beekeepers can use the Varroa management tool,  rotate chemical modes of action (MOA) and follow the label and permit conditions,” Mr Bourke said.  “Check mite loads two to three weeks after treatments have been added and when removed, so you can monitor treatment efficacy and the risk of pyrethroid-resistant mites in your apiaries or region. If a product does not appear to work, you may need to try the next suitable miticide with a different MOA, otherwise mites will harm the colony further. “Pyrethroid-based miticides remain an important part of integrated pest management for Varroa mite, and avoiding back-to-back treatments with pyrethroids is critical in preserving their effectiveness.” If you suspect your treatments are failing, call the Biosecurity Helpline, 1800 680 244 or fill in the online form.  NSW DPIRD staff will work with beekeepers to assess the situation and assist in screening mites for resistance, if needed. Screening has also shown the pyrethroid-resistant mites carried endemic viruses already established in Australia, with no exotic viruses.  Testing to date indicates that the resistance is unlikely to be associated with a new Varroa mite incursion. Distribution of resistant mites is likely to be isolated to a small area at this stage, and bee biosecurity officers are surveying Varroa mites across NSW to get a better idea of the distribution of resistant mites.  

A driver has now been charged following a fatal single-vehicle crash near South Grafton last August.About 12.30am on Friday, 29 August 2025, emergency services were called to Bent Street, South Grafton, following reports of a crash.Officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District attended and located a vehicle that had crashed into a tree.The front passenger of the car, a 19-year-old man, was found deceased at the scene.The driver, a 39-year-old man, was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to Gold Coast Hospital in a critical condition.A crime scene was established by police attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District, and an investigation into the crash commenced.Following an extensive investigation by the Mid North Coast Crash Investigation Unit, police have charged a 39-year-old man with three offences – dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous, negligent driving occasioning death and drive whilst disqualified.The man is expected to appear at Grafton Local Court on 20 April 2026.

Work on Council’s new Developer Contributions Plan has started, and workshops will be held around the Byron Shire to tell people more about the plan and canvas their opinions.Christopher Soulsby, Council’s Manager Assets and Major Projects, said the Developer Contributions Plan is a complex and important document that underpins the provision of some community facilities, services and infrastructure over the next 15 years in line with Byron Shire’s population growth.Council’s Developer Contributions Plan was developed in 2012 and last refreshed in 2017, and there have been major changes in the Shire since that time. “The Developer Contributions Plan outlines the fees paid by developers through their development applications and identifies the projects that these funds can support,” Mr Soulsby said.“It also details projects like future parks, shared paths, roads and hall upgrades that have been identified by Council via its masterplans, place plans and other strategic documents,“Because this plan is complex, we are holding a series of community workshops to allow staff and consultants to answer questions. This will help us understand how the community’s priorities correlate to what we have identified,” he said.Workshops will be held from 18 to 20 February 2026 at various venues across Byron Shire. “The workshops are for everyone, from developers to community members, and it is important that people attend to provide feedback to the 15-year plan,” Mr Soulsby said.The community can also view an online map of proposed projects and provide their feedback using the online survey. Consultants will consider the information taken from the community workshops and online engagement when writing the new Draft Developer Contributions Plan. Information about the new Developer Contributions Plan, workshops and more opportunities to get involved is on Council’s Your Say Byron Shire website Have your say on the Developer Contributions Plan.

Byron Shire Council today (13 February) closed The Pocket Road due to the risk of a major culvert failure following rapidly rising water levels from the major rain event currently impacting the area.The steel culvert structure is located between 860 and 879 The Pocket Road, approximately 8.1 KM from Billinudgel Road and 2.4km from Main Arm Road. The closure follows an assessment, which determined that the structure faces a high risk of collapse during major rain events where water is passing over the structure at increased speeds. “Overnight, more than 100 mm of rain fell in under three hours (calculated at the Helen Street Bridge gauge). Several causeways and culverts across the shire are now overtopping and already unsafe to cross,” Phil Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said.“The rainfall we’ve had overnight has indicated the risk of collapse is too significant, and if we don’t act early, we can’t guarantee the safety of nearby residents and infrastructure,” Mr Holloway, said.The road will be closed until this rain event passes, which is anticipated to be Monday morning. Council engineers will inspect the site as soon as conditions allow. Barriers and signage are in place, and the community is asked to use alternative routes. Local traffic may access the area, but residents should take the safest available route and avoid the affected structure.“The good news is that this structure will be fixed as soon as a design is finished, with works completed before July this year,” Mr Holloway, said.Unfortunately, this cycle of opening and closing will have to take place until these structural works are completed.“We know the closure of The Pocket Road will be very disruptive to our community, but we cannot open the road again until we know it is safe,” Mr Holloway said.Council urges all road users to avoid the area and never drive through floodwaters.The SES has issued a Flood Watch for parts of Byron Shire. Visit the Byron Shire Emergency Dashboard to keep an eye on alerts form SES, BOM, LiveTraffic and more.