Yamba Road at Palmers Channel will be upgraded to improve long-term flood immunity and make vital infrastructure more resilient to natural disasters.The Federal and State Governments are providing Clarence Valley Council with $9.98 million to deliver the upgrade. Scheduled for completion in May 2026, weather permitting, the project is being delivered through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package (RRTRP) jointly funded under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).As the main access from Yamba to the Pacific Motorway near Maclean, the upgrade is a key component of the Yamba Road Flood Resilience Strategic Plan to improve long-term flood immunity and make vital infrastructure more resilient to natural disasters.During the severe flood event in February and March 2022, local businesses were either almost or completely out of supplies when Yamba Road was cut off for seven days.Local authorities have been calling for improvements to its flood immunity to ensure sustainability for local economies during and following severe weather events.Council is keen to get started with this work in the coming months, which will include the removal of a low spot in the road that causes it to be closed even during minor flooding.The project will lift the level of Yamba Road by about one metre at Palmers Channel South Bank Road, to help reduce the frequency and duration of flood-related road closures.Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, said, "The whole nation witnessed the flooding across the Northern Rivers region of NSW in 2022 and, in its aftermath, it was evident more needed to be done to ensure communities were better able to recover from similar events in future.“The Albanese Government is proud to be part of the first stage of the Yamba Road upgrade, which will help reduce the impacts on the local community during and after floods.”NSW Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison, said, “Clarence Valley Council provided clear reasoning for the improvement of Yamba Road, to reduce impact to SES and other agencies, so road access is maintained, and they can continue to respond to calls for help during emergencies.“By raising the road embankment and providing widened and sealed shoulders, the road will be more resilient to water damage and will recover more quickly from future flooding.”Quotes attributable to Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin, said, “Ensuring Yamba Road recovers more quickly from inundation is vital for Yamba and surrounding communities to stay connected.“We are building back better and creating more resilient communities for the future.”Clarence Valley Mayor, Ray Smith, said, “Securing this funding marks a significant step forward in improving Yamba Road’s resilience to flooding."It's fantastic to see us pushing forward with the Yamba Road and Palmers Channel Southbank Road intersection upgrade, it is such a critical project for our area. “The upgrade is a key component of the Yamba Road Flood Resilience Strategic Plan, aimed at improving long-term flood immunity and strengthening the resilience of vital infrastructure."

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions this week on Blackwall Drive at Wardell for repair and maintenance work to be carried out on Wardell Bridge and a CCTV pole.Work will be carried out from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, 4 September, and Friday, 5 September, weather permitting.Single lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place during working hours. Motorists should allow extra travel time during this work.Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.For more information on this work visit https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/247122, download the Live Traffic NSW app or call 132 701. To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘Wardell’ in your Live Traffic app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’. 

Bundjalung woman Jasmine Pilling has been recognised nationally, receiving the Youth Inspiration Award at Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia, National Conference in Darwin.The award celebrates Jasmine’s strength, resilience, and leadership, qualities she has shown in overcoming immense challenges in her young life.Growing up, Jasmine’s childhood was marked by instability. With her mum struggling with addiction and periods of incarceration, Jasmine faced neglect and hardship from an early age. Later, she experienced the impacts of domestic violence, and in 2022 was among those devastated by the Lismore floods. Despite these setbacks, Jasmine has found strength in her culture and community, turning her experiences into a powerful drive to create change.Now working as a Community Engagement Officer with the Ready Quit Solid - Tackling Indigenous Smoking program, Jasmine empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to live strong, healthy lives.“This recognition isn’t just about me, it’s about the power of culture, community, and the strength we all carry. I want young people to know that no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, you can create your own path and inspire change.” Jasmine said.Jasmine has also contributed to projects with the University Centre for Rural Health and WellMob, and continues to advocate for youth empowerment, Indigenous health, and healing through community connection.Her recognition shines a light on the strength and leadership of young Aboriginal people across Bundjalung Country and beyond.

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions from next week on Bruxner Highway east of Mallanganee to carry out geotechnical investigation work between Willock Street and Valley Road, Mallanganee.   Work will start from tomorrow (Wednesday, 3 September) for six weeks, weather permitting. Work will be carried out from 7am to 5pm. There will be no work on weekends.   A single lane alternating traffic flow arrangement and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place during the work hours for the safety of workers and road users. There will be no changed traffic conditions outside of work hours.   Motorists should allow extra travel time, drive to traffic conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.  For more information on this work visit https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/247388, download the Live Traffic NSW app or call 132 701.   To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘Mallanganee’ in your Live Traffic app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’.  

A man has been charged following an investigation into an assault alleged to have occurred in Byron Bay in July.About 9.35am on Tuesday, 15 July 2025, police were called to Jonson Street, Byron Bay, following reports of an altercation.At the scene, police were told two men were involved in an altercation before one of the men allegedly assaulted the other with a rock.NSW Ambulance paramedics treated a 28-year-old man at the scene for head injuries before he was airlifted to the Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition.A 37-year-old man was arrested at the scene, suffering minor injuries, and was taken to the hospital under police guard.A crime scene was established, and inquiries into the incident commenced by police attached to Tweed/Byron Police District.The younger man has since been released from hospital after making a full recovery.Following inquiries, the older man was arrested by police in Newcastle about 2pm on Friday, 29 August 2025, upon release from hospital.He was taken to Newcastle Police Station, where he was charged with reckless wounding.He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court on Saturday, 30 August 2025, where he was formally refused bail to appear before Byron Bay Local Court today (Monday, 1 September 2025).

In disappointing news, Primex has announced it is leaving Casino. Richmond Valley Council has worked hand-in-hand with Primex Field Days over the past 40 years to assist in growing the event and promote our region and agricultural industry.Each year, Council provides $25,000 cash in direct sponsorship support, as well as extensive in-kind and logistical support over the last decade to support the success of each event. Richmond Valley Council General Manager Vaughan Macdonald said Council had committed to continue this level of financial support for a Richmond Valley based event venue.“Council supported Primex through COVID and the impacts of natural disasters, which required changes to the event’s timing,” Mr Macdonald said.“Council was recognised in 2023 as one of the inaugural members of the Primex Hall of Fame in recognition of the role it has played in the event.”Council continues to work with businesses and groups, both locally and across the country, to attract high-quality events to our area that promote and stimulate economic development. Recent events, including the Australian Working Dog Championships and Heritage Weekend, showcased our newly redeveloped Casino Showground and Racecourse to a national audience. Council has also worked with a dedicated group of volunteers to develop the Casino Truck Show into a multiple-day event, which is now recognised as one of the largest attended regional events in the country. Mr Macdonald said with Council’s Invest and Live team and the newly released Economic Development Strategy, Council is committed to further establishing the Richmond Valley as a regional growth centre, broadening our economic base and growing the visitor economy.“Richmond Valley Council wishes Primex every success for the future in its new location and wishes Lismore City Council and the new venue well with its new relationship,” Mr Macdonald said.“The Richmond Valley community can be assured Council will continue its long-standing commitment to promoting our region's vibrant rural and agricultural sector and will pursue other opportunities to boost our annual events calendar.”

Human remains, believed to be those of a man last seen at Halfway Creek in the Clarence Valley earlier this year, have been located.The 81-year-old man was reported missing on Wednesday, 19 March 2025, to officers attached to Parramatta Police Area Command.Following inquiries, the matter was referred to Coffs/Clarence Police District.Despite extensive inquiries to locate the man and his vehicle, and four public appeals for assistance, the man was not located.About 4.20pm on Friday, 29 August 2025, police were called to a property at Dirty Creek following reports a vehicle was located in thick scrub.During a search of the area, police located human remains, believed to be those of the missing man.Police will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner.

The rebuild of Tumbulgum Public School, following the devastating 2022 floods, has reached a major milestone with the delivery and installation of new building modules.Students and staff gathered this week to watch as cranes positioned the 22 modules that will make up the new school onto flood-resilient steel structures.Manufactured offsite for rapid onsite assembly, these modules will fast-track the delivery of the school’s new library, administration area and modern classrooms.The project at Tumbulgum Public School includes restoring the old school bell and incorporating select pieces of the school’s signage and plaques, ensuring the school’s history remains part of its future.The elevated and flood-resilient school will also include a canteen, outdoor landscaping, and a playground.The rebuild is expected to be completed and ready for students and teachers to use later this year.Since 2022, 16 flood-damaged schools have been repaired or rebuilt in the Northern Rivers, including Blakebrook Public School which opened to students this term.Construction is also underway at nearby Condong Public School, while construction is expected to begin on Lismore South Public School in the coming weeks.The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding flood-affected schools in the Northern Rivers region, ensuring schools are built back better with flood resilience for local students and local communities.Funding to rebuild nine extensively flood-damaged schools, including Tumbulgum Public School, has also been provided by the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said, “The arrival and installation of these new modules is a huge step forward in rebuilding Tumbulgum Public School and having visited the school in July I know how exciting this will be for all of the students and staff. “The new school has been specially designed to be flood-resilient, giving students, teachers, and the community confidence that learning can continue no matter what challenges arise.“Students have been learning from Tumbulgum Public School for more than 150 years. The Minns Labor Government is committed to building back stronger, ensuring we provide the foundation for many more generations of education in this beautiful community.”Minister for Recovery and the North Coast Janelle Saffin said, “It’s fantastic to see the rebuild progressing at Tumbulgum Public School and to share in the students’ excitement as they see their new classrooms coming together.“Rebuilding schools like Tumbulgum is a central part of the recovery work we are doing to create more resilient communities following the 2022 floods.“We are building back stronger, ensuring our kids can thrive in schools that meets their educational needs in a resilient and safe environment.”Tumbulgum Public School Relieving Principal Genevieve Esgate said, “We are thrilled to see the new school buildings coming together at Tumbulgum Public School.“Our students are buzzing with excitement and curiosity as their future classrooms are assembled, and we are eagerly looking forward to moving into our new buildings later this year.“Our students and community have shown incredible resilience and adaptability throughout this journey, and these new facilities will be a wonderful celebration of everyone’s perseverance.”

Construction of a new roundabout on Bayshore Drive, at the intersection of the access road to Byron TAFE and the IGA shopping centre, is going to take five months longer than first scheduled to complete due to unexpected road and stormwater issues. The new roundabout is a $2.4m project including footpaths, garden beds, new kerbs and gutters and lighting – and is now due for completion by the end of March 2026, weather permitting.The project is part of the development of a 5.8-hectare Council-owned block of land where the Byron TAFE is located, known as Lot 12 Bayshore Drive.“Since starting works, we’ve had a number of unforeseen and substantial stormwater drainage issues around the roundabout construction site on Bayshore Drive and they can’t be ignored - they have to be fixed now,” Council’s Manager Assets and Major Projects Christopher Soulsby said.“Unfortunately, some of the stormwater issues are complex and have been compounded by months of rain and a very high water table which makes upgrades to the drainage and construction of new roads really problematic. “We wanted to be up front about these issues and let the local community and businesses know about the expected delay to completion of works as soon as possible. We’ll continue doing all we can to work with everyone to minimise impacts and we’ve introduced work on a Saturday to speed things up,” Mr Soulsby said.Council built a slip lane through the Lot 12 Bayshore Road (TAFE site) earlier this year to ensure two lanes of traffic remain open for the majority of the roundabout construction and to provide access to the shopping complex. “The new roundabout, once completed, sets up this education and innovation precinct for success and will be a great long-term asset for the future of Sunrise and the Byron Arts and Industry Estate,” Mr Soulsby said. For more information about the roundabout works go to Council’s website.

Byron Shire Councillors have supported a motion put forward at Thursday's ordinary meeting for Ethical Procurement Policy in Compliance with International Human Rights Law.The motion appears to have brought a war of words to the Northern Rivers, causing division in the community. Byron Council staff said, 'The proposal to strengthen these commitments through greater alignment with international human rights standards is consistent with Council's policy direction. However, given the complexity and potential breadth of the proposed changes, it is essential to proceed with caution and utmost diligence. A thorough assessment is required to ensure full compliance with Council's legal, operational, and financial obligations, and to mitigate the risk of unintended consequences which could affect Council’s governance, financial position and service delivery.''Implementing the actions proposed in the Motion would require a significant increase in staff time, legal oversight, and procurement resourcing.'The advice was ignored, the motion passed, and two press releases were sent by the Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine and the Northern Rivers Jewish Community Association.NORTHERN RIVERS FRIENDS OF PALESTINEByron Shire Council today voted to boycott companies operating in illegal Israeli settlements, taking a step forward in protecting ratepayers’ money from human rights abuses.“In 2024 we said ‘Not In Our Name’ — and now we’re saying ‘Not With Our Money’,” said Subhi Awad from Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine. “Our community, and communities across this country, do not want our money going to bombing hospitals and killing kids. This isn’t about division or anything else, it’s about basic human decency. It’s another clear signal to the government that we want sanctions on Israel and another huge win for the boycott movement.”The original motion was co-sponsored by Greens Councillor Elia Hauge. Her motion was foreshadowed by Labor councillor Asren Pugh, whose motion was similar but removed the 2025 list of companies that listed in Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese’s report, From Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide. Cr Pugh’s motion referred only to a smaller 2020 UN list of companies. Cr Pugh’s motion was carried.Cr Hauge has said: “Ethical procurement is core council business. People here don’t want their rates funding companies that demolish homes, displace families, or profit from killing civilians. This is good governance — and good conscience.”Greens Cr Michelle Lowe, who seconded Cr Hauge’s motion, has said, “This motion asks us to live up to our existing values, to listen to our community and to take meaningful action in solidarity with those facing atrocities. It is the least we can do and it’s exactly what is expected of us as community representatives. Collectively we have power.”Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine welcomed the progress but pledged to continue campaigning for full divestment from all companies complicit in Israel’s war crimes.THE NORTHERN RIVERS JEWISH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONThe NSW Jewish community condemns the decision of some Byron Shire councillors to import division and hatred into our communities by supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign.Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions is not a peace-based movement, its leaders openly oppose dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, reject a two-state solution, and advocate for the dismantling of the world’s only Jewish state.The Byron Shire decision will have no impact on the global conflict raging in the middle east but will risk feeding the antisemitism and bigotry already running rampant on our streets. Councillors were provided with compelling evidence of this escalating hate in the region and chose to ignore it. Stunningly, councillors admitted during debate that no work has been undertaken to examine the cost of this decision to ratepayers.The motion includes an order that council will be “ceasing to conduct business” with any business named on an opaque United Nations list that includes Airbnb, Booking.com, TripAdvisor.com and Expedia. This list is intended as advisory only and has been criticised for politicisation by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and Canada.It is unclear what that will mean for the thousands of short-term rental providers, tourism operators and hospitality businesses in the region.Council must answer questions about whether it will continue to collect rates and levies from businesses and owners which operate with these providers, and if so, how it can justify doing so.NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Michele Goldman said, “This isn’t just virtue signalling, this will cost rate payers and council must tell them how much."Weighing into an overseas conflict will not bring peace to the Middle East but is causing clear rifts between Byron community members where they were previously harmonious, undermining local cohesion and hurting both the Jewish and broader local community."Northern Rivers Jewish Community Association President Annalee Atia said, “The Byron Shire Council conducted no meaningful engagement with its constituents on this divisive and highly contentious matter and despite several attempts, has chosen to ignore important input from the local Jewish community, causing irreversible harm with their decision to adopt this motion and greatly affecting their relationship with one of its minority communities.“Many misinformed and divisive statements were made on the day. We respect that councillors hold strong personal views, but motions that single out one nationality or community are discriminatory by nature and have real, negative implications for our local community.”It appears that the effects of the Gaza war have reached the Northern Rivers.

A man has died following a single-vehicle crash near Grafton overnight.About 12.30am today (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 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 has commenced.As inquiries continue, anyone with information or dashcam footage of the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.A report will be prepared 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.

Attention Byron Shire-based community groups, schools, P&Cs and not-for-profit organisations.  Applications for the 2024/25 Byron Shire Mayoral Fund are now open until Friday, 3 October. There’s a total pool of $3,500 available. “Last year, the Mayoral fund provided small grants to ten community organisations to support a diverse range of projects and initiatives happening across the Shire,” Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye said.“Small, well-considered projects can create very meaningful change, and I encourage all community groups to have a think about how they could put a modest funding boost to use and get an application in.“This fund is all about supporting projects with heart that will make a significant, positive impact on our local communities,” the Mayor added. Last year’s Mayoral Fund recipients included:Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce - $500.Drill Hall Theatre - $500.Byron Youth Service - $500.Bangalow Quilters - $300.Bangalow Public School - $300.Shara Community Gardens - $300.Hinterland Christian College - $300.Mullumbimby High School P&C - $300.Ocean Shores Public School - $300.Ocean Shores Public School P&C - $300. More information about the Mayoral Fund and how to apply is on Council’s website. Applications close at 9:00am on Friday, 3 October 2025.

The Tweed Regional Gallery and three local artists have been successful in the latest rounds of NSW arts funding announced this week.The NSW Government has reformed the Arts and Cultural Funding Program to better support creative organisations across every art form.For the first time, multi-year funding is available for organisations, instead of having to apply every year. This enables them to employ and develop artists and arts workers and foster long-term strategic partnerships.The Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre has been successful in the 2-year Arts and Culture Funding Program with a grant of $80,000.In the Lismore electorate, three individual artists have been funded under Creative Steps-New Work with one grant of $4843 for a regional residency and grants of $3845 and $10,000 for professional development. For privacy requirements, the names of the individual artists are not released.Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, “I am pleased to see the reformed Arts and Cultural Funding Program has delivered simpler, fairer, and certain funding.“It’s always great to see dedicated arts funding supporting our local artists and organisations and I look forward to seeing these projects develop and enrich our cultural life.”All funded applications were assessed against published criteria and ranked in order of merit and impact by the ten Artform Boards. For more information about the funding outcomes, visit create.nsw.gov.au 

Work will begin at Mullumbimby’s Lavertys Gap weir in September to repair serious erosion along the creek bank.Erosion has been progressing for some time and was worsened during the 2022 floods and Cyclone Alfred earlier this year.Byron Shire Council Manager Utilities Cameron Clark said the work at the 100-year-old weir on Wilsons Creek will protect and preserve one of the Shire’s most important heritage assets.“The weir is the main source of drinking water for Mullumbimby and is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register,” Mr Clark said.“Without repairs, there is a risk of channels forming in the earth around the weir wall, causing leaking.“NSW Public Works will carry out repairs that will preserve the heritage fabric of Lavertys Gap weir and secure its long-term integrity.”Water cannot be drawn from the weir during the repairs, and Mullumbimby will be temporarily supplied with water from the recently extended Emergency Water Main.The Mullumbimby Emergency Water Main was upgraded in 2025 to support all of Mullumbimby, whereas previously it could only supply about half the town.The main is connected to the Rous regional water network, which supplies the rest of Byron Shire.There will be no disruption to supply, and residents will not experience any changes to their water service during the works.The project is expected to take approximately 16 weeks. Flows in Wilsons Creek will be maintained by pumping water past the weir wall.Information about the repair of Laverty’s Gap weir is on Council’s website.The work is being carried out under the NSW Government Water and Wastewater Repair and Recovery Program. 

Byron Shire Council's Regenerative Agriculture Small Grants Program is back for 2025-2026, giving local landowners and producers an opportunity to receive a grant of up to $3,500.Mark Duncan, Byron Shire Council’s Agricultural Extension Officer, said that the aim of the 2025-2026  Regenerative Agriculture Small Grants Program was to encourage and support regenerative land management practices while also improving on-farm productivity.“Projects that increase the land's capacity to produce more crops and improve biodiversity, such as implementing composting systems, is just one example of a project that could be considered,” he said.“The grant provides not just a financial boost to kick start regenerative practices but also gives successful applicants a chance to later showcase the outcomes of their projects. This may inspire and encourage more landowners to adopt similar practices, making Byron Shire farms more sustainable, resilient and biodiverse,” he said. Projects selected for the 2024-2025 program included funding towards:Electric fencing and water infrastructure to facilitate rotational high-density grazing to improve soil carbon.Beneficial insect releases to support a productive and environmentally friendly approach to pest management in a macadamia orchard.Implementation and assessment of biological treatments to improve soil health and seedling root establishment in a syntropic market garden.Setting up a worm farm to compost waste.If you are a primary producer, market gardener or small-scale farmer, and are interested in applying, please visit Byron Shire Council’s website to apply. Applications close Friday, 3 October. Successful grant recipients will be notified in early December. 

Ballina Shire Council is seeking community feedback on the concept design, cost estimate and preliminary impact assessment reports for the North Creek Road and Bridge project.This project will involve:Reconstruction, widening and raising of North Creek Road between Forest Oak Boulevard in North Ballina and Skennars Head Road in Skennars HeadProvision of an adjacent new shared pedestrian/cycle pathConstruction of a new bridge across North Creek.“Rebuilding the North Creek Bridge, which was demolished in the 1970s following construction of The Coast Road, will reconnect the Skennars Head/Lennox Head areas with Ballina/North Ballina, helping to ease congestion and cater for future traffic volumes,” explained Council’s Traffic Engineer Patrick Knight.Modelling predicts that North Creek Road will carry traffic volumes of 14,162 vehicles per day by the year 2036, and this project aims to alleviate congestion along The Coast Road.Further road network traffic modelling is underway to predict volumes to the year 2046, with this work due to be completed in late 2025. This network modelling will also inform future decision-making regarding this project.Have your sayThe community is invited to provide feedback on the draft concept design, cost estimate and preliminary reports by completing the online form at yoursayballina.com.au/North-Creek-Road-and-Bridge.Submissions close Wednesday, 24 September 2025.Community feedback will be collated and reported to a future council meeting, where Council will consider the draft documents, landowner and community feedback, before deciding whether to proceed with and fund the next stage of this project.

At approximately 5:00pm on Friday, 22 August 2025, officers from the Far North, Tweed Byron Highway Patrol were conducting stationary breath testing duties on Hinterland Way, Ewingsdale, as part of Operation RAID 2025.A black Ford Falcon sedan was directed into the testing site but failed to stop, prompting officers to initiate a pursuit. The vehicle entered the Pacific Motorway northbound, reaching speeds well above the posted speed limit and limits for a learner licence holder, he was observed forcing other vehicles off the roadway.The pursuit continued until the vehicle exited at the Gulgan Road exit and entered Fox Lane Tyagarah, a no-through road. The driver stopped, realising his error and surrendered to police without further incident.The driver was identified as a 16-year-old male learner licence holder from Queensland. At the time, there were no L plates displayed, no supervising driver, and further investigations led to identifying that the driver was recording the pursuit on his mobile.The male stated he had just purchased the car, and he didn’t know what to do. "I just panicked because I don’t have a licence." The male was Breath and Drug tested, returning a negative result. He was arrested and conveyed to Byron Bay Police Station.He was charged with the following offences to appear before the Byron Bay Children's Local Court:Police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously (1st offence)Class A motor vehicle exceed speed > 45 km/h (estimated)Fail to comply with request or signal to stop vehicleLearner not accompanied by driver/police officer/testerLearner driver not display "L" plates as prescribedLearner/P1/P2 licence holder use mobile phone while drivingHis NSW driving privileges were withdrawn for 6 months. As the registered owner of the vehicle, he is liable for towing and storage costs following the vehicle's confiscation for a period of three months.NSW Police remind all road users that learner drivers must comply with licence conditions at all times. Reckless behaviour places lives at risk and will be met with firm enforcement.

The Tweed Valley’s Riding for the Disabled group is now delivering therapeutic horse-related activities year-round thanks to the all-weather arena at its Murwillumbah home and has places open for more participants in its programs.Operating for more than 30 years in the local area, the group has previously battled through flooding and seasonal weather to meet client demand, but now with $407,975 from the NSW Government they’ve been able to extend and resurface the main arena and build a roof.Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, who is also Minister for the North Coast, congratulated Riding for the Disabled Tweed Valley President Leonie Dunne, her committee, and contractors – ABC Sheds and Uki’s Hardings Earthmoving -- on completing the major project.“Providing consistent activities for all members of the community is key to inclusivity,” Ms Saffin said.“This project will ensure people with disabilities can participate in enriching activities that boost their well-being with equity and dignity, and they won’t have to miss out on a key social activity in their lives due to weather.Ms Dunne said the upgrades will be life-changing for program participants.“Many people with disability have difficulties regulating their body temperature in heat and cold, and any rain makes riding boggy, slippery and dangerous – now we can keep classes going in all weather,” Ms Dunne said.“We believe riding develops abilities and benefits of the program include improved coordination, muscle power and balance, relaxation, outdoor activity, decision-making, communication, making friends, self-confidence, and importantly having fun.” Classes were limited to fine, clear days, and early mornings to keep clients comfortable, but now the community group will be able to run more classes each day, and that means supporting more people.With more than 20,0000 people in Tweed Shire living with disability, the ability to expand its offerings has been a long-term goal for the non-profit group.Emma Butler’s daughter Meg began riding with the group at the age of 11, and at age 20, she’s now volunteering and helping others.“For us personally, it’s been amazing; the horses themselves are great for building confidence, and then you see the participants grow new skills helping others with a disability, I’d recommend it to anyone with a child looking to make a connection,” Mrs Butler said.“The covered arena means you know it’s going ahead, too. Most of these kids thrive on routine, and you can pretty much guarantee it’s going ahead.”The Tweed Valley group is part of Riding for the Disabled NSW (RDA) and runs a range of programs for children and adults with both physical and mental disabilities.As one of the only equine facilities in the region with a covered arena, Tweed Valley Riding for the Disabled hopes to partner with other horse-related groups for events and arena hire to bolster funding for a future program delivery.Riding for the Disabled Tweed Valley has been operating in Murwillumbah since 1989. If you’re interested in participating in activities or volunteering with the group, you can go to the RDA Tweed Valley Facebook group for more information.

Summerland Way has alternating traffic conditions in place at The Risk, north of Kyogle, due to a serious motorcycle crash that occurred around 3:08 this afternoon.Emergency Services and Transport for NSW are in attendance.Expect delays if you need to drive in the area north of Wiangaree.It is believed a man in his 40s was treated for chest injuries before being flown to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle.Summerland Way was closed in both directions for two hours before the alternating traffic conditions came into place.Ongoing police investigations are expected to take some time. Motorists are advised to avoid the area.