Byron Shire Council will investigate whether solar-fuelled batteries can be installed on its community facilities to ultimately provide energy back to the grid as well as electricity in an emergency.The project is being driven by Council’s Community Battery Working Group.Alicia Lloyd, Team Leader Sustainability, said the working group has spent five months looking at community batteries and operating models before concluding that the best option for collaboration with the Byron Shire community would be the installation of batteries on some of its buildings.“Putting batteries on Council-owned community facilities where there are existing solar panels or solar potential would see energy able to be fed back into the grid at night, and this would provide a financial benefit,” Dr Lloyd said.“Because the batteries store energy, they would also be very useful during emergencies, providing another level of resilience if the power is out for long periods of time,” she said.Staff will now work with a renewable energy consultant to do a feasibility study, which will determine which Council facilities could support energy storage batteries, the benefits for the community, and cost estimates to get the technology installed.This will be overseen by the Community Battery Working Group, which will report back to Council on the findings of the feasibility study.“This is exciting technology and many councils around Australia are investing in projects like this which benefit Council, the community and provide a good environmental outcome as well,” Dr Lloyd said.

E-bike users are being reminded to slow down and know the rules, following a number of accidents and near misses involving e-bikes over the past few years. Just recently, several teenagers have been issued fines, and local authorities have impounded multiple e-bikes.In 2024, a man sadly died in the Byron Shire, while this year, a Mullumbimby man was seriously injured after being hit by an e-bike.“We want everyone to be safe in the Byron Shire. Wrongly used e-bikes can be dangerous, and there are rules that need to be followed to ensure a safer community,” Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said.  “The current rules state that e-bikes should not go faster than 25 kilometres an hour.“Cheer up, chill out and slow down on your e-bike is the message we want people to remember.“We are also urging people to remember to wear a helmet when on your bike or e-bike, and if there are lots of pedestrians around, be sure to sound your bell, to let them know you are approaching. Further to this, you can only ride on footpaths if you are under 16 or accompanying someone under 16.“Other e-rideables like e-scooters are illegal to use, except when on private property.“We’re also seeing many incidents of e-bike users damaging our Shire’s sports fields, which is hugely disappointing, after what has been such a disrupted year for many sports teams, due to wet weather.“I know I’m not alone in urging people to do the right thing and stay off fields,” the Mayor added. Illegal e-bike use can be reported to police. Community members can report any incidents to their local police station, police assistance line on 131 444, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or triple zero 000 in the event of any emergency. Anyone caught riding an illegal electric-powered bicycle or motorised device on a road or road-related area in NSW can face fines starting from $723. The fine for riding without a helmet is $344. More information is available on Council’s website. Information about e-bikes is also on the Transport for NSW website.

A man has died after being stabbed in Waterview, near Grafton, this morning.About 1am (Wednesday, 17 September 2025), emergency services were called to the Gwydir Highway near Hay Street, Waterview, following reports of an assault.Officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District arrived to find a 35-year-old man had been stabbed by unknown people while walking along the street.The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.A crime scene has been established, with Coffs/Clarence detectives – assisted by State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad detectives – commencing an investigation into the incident.Initial inquiries indicate the stabbing was targeted.The area is expected to remain a crime scene for a considerable amount of time and motorists are urged to avoid the area.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Grafton Police 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.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA)’s successful embedded batteries trial is expanding to another 13 locations across the state, including Ballina and Kyogle, allowing more communities to safely dispose of and recycle items with built-in batteries for free. Gadgets with embedded lithium-ion batteries are increasingly common in our homes, such as vapes, headphones, speakers, electric toothbrushes, e-scooters and smart watches. Battery-powered items contain valuable recoverable materials but are also highly combustible, with waste workers saying these items are causing thousands of hard-to-extinguish fires in trucks and landfills each year.  Nearly 200 battery fires have been attended by Fire and Rescue NSW so far in 2025, reflecting a serious risk to the community, households and waste workers.  Another 13 community recycling centres are joining the trial, which is set to run until September 2026:  Kiama Community Recycling Centre Goulburn Community Recycling Centre Lithgow Community Recycling Centre Belmont North Community Recycling Centre Randwick Community Recycling Centre Katoomba Community Recycling Centre Kempsey Community Recycling Centre Armidale Community Recycling Centre Cowra Community Recycling Centre Ballina Community Recycling Centre Culcairn Community Recycling Centre Moama Community Recycling Centre Kyogle Community Recycling Centre NSW EPA Chief Executive Tony Chappel said battery fires are a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for communities and waste workers.   “We’re leading the way to combat these risks by introducing a product stewardship scheme, but we also need to make sure battery-powered items are being managed at the end of their usable life,” Mr Chappel said. “With more than 30 councils now pitching in to collect this problematic waste, we’re making it easier for people to keep batteries out of the bin, so we can protect our environment, increase our recycling rates and keep communities safe.”  The embedded batteries trial first launched in September 2024, with 21 councils across NSW initially taking part to safely collect and recycle items with built-in batteries at Community Recycling Centres.  To date, more than 9,000 kilograms of this problem waste has been dropped off at centres and safely disposed of, reducing pressures on landfill and driving circular solutions. Locals in participating areas are encouraged to look at what unwanted battery-powered items they have in their home, and head down to their local Community Recycling Centre to drop them off. For a full list of accepted items and locations, go to: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Your-environment/Recycling-and-reuse/household-recycling-overview/Embedded-batteries.  

Council has all-but finished improvements to Federal Park just in time for summer.The park, in the heart of Federal, is a much-valued gathering space for the community. Council has invested $39,000 in a spruce-up of some facilities.The outdoor team has installed several hardwood timber bench seats, and there’s now an outdoor table tennis table.“I am sure that people are searching for their table tennis bats and balls and there will be some fiercely competitive battles on that table over the next couple of months,” Malcolm Robertson, Manager Facilities and Open Spaces, said.Council is also doing some paving to link two existing paths, and the mosaic at the entry to the park has been repaired.“In particular, our thanks go to Turia Bruce and Pyari Cau, creators of the original mosaic, who volunteered their time and expertise to restore the artwork,” he said.“My thanks to everyone in the community for their input on this project – the work we are doing is in response to their requests for improvements,” Mr Robertson said.“Federal Park has something for everyone, and I hope the community enjoys these latest improvements and additions,” he said.

A woman will face court charged with numerous offences after a fatal crash in Tweed Heads earlier this year.About 7.30am on Monday, 30 June 2025, emergency services were called to Tweed Valley Way, Tumbulgum, following reports of a crash.At the scene, officers found a hatchback and SUV had collided head-on.The driver of the hatchback, an 85-year-old woman, was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, she was unable to be revived.The driver of the SUV – a 43-year-old woman – sustained minor injuries and was taken to Tweed Valley Hospital for mandatory testing.Following inquiries, today, (Tuesday 16 September 2025), the 43-year-old woman was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death, and not keep left of dividing line.She was refused bail to appear before Tweed Heads Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday, 17 September 2025).

The NSW Government is making $100,000 in funding available to support projects across the state that honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans via the 2025 Veteran Community Grants Program.Formerly known as Anzac Community Grants, the program has been refreshed with a greater emphasis on assisting projects that support recognition of the veteran community and events that acknowledge significant military anniversaries.Grants of up to $3,000 are available for projects that commemorate and educate local communities on the service and sacrifices of current and former service personnel. Activities that support the well-being of veterans in New South Wales are also eligible.Funding is available across four categories: local community historical research and education; preservation or display of war memorabilia; public commemorative events; and projects that support the NSW veteran community.(The North Lismore War Memorial)Last year, more than 90 projects were funded through the program.Individuals and not-for-profit organisations in NSW, including local government authorities, ex-service organisations and educational institutions, are encouraged to apply for a grant.  The grant round closes at 5pm on Tuesday, 11 November 2025.More information and details on how to apply are available here: www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/VCGP.Minister for Veterans David Harris said, “I am pleased to announce the opening of the Veteran Community Grants Program. The funding available from this program will support a range of initiatives that recognise and support veterans and educate the local community on our military history.“Since 2015, the program has been committed to honouring and commemorating the service and sacrifice of our ex-serving military personnel. The renewed Veteran Community Grants Program emphasises recognition and commemoration of veterans across NSW, which is a key pillar of the NSW Veterans Strategy 2025-2030.“I encourage individuals and organisations who are interested in acknowledging the service and sacrifice of our veterans to apply and look forward to seeing the range of project proposals that are received.”

The NSW Government has announced it will provide $5.4 million to NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs through the Surf Club Facility Program.The Program provides funding to keep clubs modern, inclusive, and accessible, with grants of up to $1 million available across three categories for projects that upgrade, restore or construct surf lifesaving facilities.The state government is focused on its commitment to build better communities, and as such, the program will now include grants for project design and planning, ensuring surf club projects are supported from concept to completion.The Program aims to assist eligible Surf Life Saving Clubs throughout NSW to create new and upgraded inclusive and accessible facilities. Projects that encourage participation by women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ are a priority of the Program.Applications for Category 1 close 20 October 2025, while applications for Categories 2 and 3 close 10 November 2025.For further information and to apply, visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/surf-club-facility-program.Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said, “The weather is heating up and summer is almost here.“The Surf Club Facility Program will provide critical funding to our surf lifesaving clubs to enable them to better protect beachgoers.“The inclusion of grants for design and planning means clubs are supported from concept to completion and better equipped to apply for funding at later stages of projects. “This Program is part of our four-year $21.6 million commitment to ensure our Surf Life Saving Clubs are modern, safe and inclusive.”Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, “Our dedicated volunteers are dusting off their caps for the upcoming patrol season as the NSW Government delivers on its record investment in Surf Life Saving NSW.“The $5.4 million in upgrades to be funded through this program will help surf lifesavers to better protect beach lovers along the entire NSW coastline. “Coupled with the new and upgraded equipment, additional jet skis, and Emergency Response Beacons funded by the NSW Government, our volunteers are being equipped with the latest modern and safe equipment to continue their incredible work.”President of Surf Life Saving NSW, Peter Agnew, said, “The funding provided by the NSW Government is vital to ensuring our surf clubs are safe and fit for purpose in what are sometimes extreme weather conditions, which take an enormous toll on our clubs’ facilities.“Our membership continues to grow, with more than 83,000 lifesavers and Nippers.“Providing safe, secure, and accessible facilities for members and the communities they protect is more important than ever.”

A body has been located during a search for a man missing from the Tweed Valley region today.The 59-year-old man was last seen in the Tweed Valley area, about 9.30pm Monday, 18 August 2025.When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District were notified on Monday, 8 September 2025 and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.Today (Monday, 15 September 2025), officers with the assistance of the Queensland Police Service and volunteer emergency services located the body of a man during a search of bushland in the Cudgen area.While yet to be formally identified, the body is believed to be that of the missing man.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 managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Five teenagers have been arrested and their e-bikes will be destroyed following an operation focused on the illegal use of e-bikes in the state’s north last weekend.On Saturday, 13 September 2025, officers attached to the Tweed/Byron Police District, including police from the Proactive Crime Team, conducted Operation Cyclesafe, focused on the unlawful use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) in the Tweed Heads South, Banora Point, Kingscliff, Casuarina, and Pottsville areas.As part of the operation, numerous cyclists and e-bike riders, both young persons and adults, were stopped and spoken to regarding offences, including failure to wear a helmet and driving unregistered vehicles.Police also spoke to a number of young people, educating them on e-bike laws.Of note, around 11:45am, a 15-year-old boy from Pottsville was seen to be allegedly travelling over 80km/h southbound on an electric motorbike in traffic.About 12:05pm, a 13-year-old boy from Elanora, Queensland, was observed riding an e-bike recklessly, performing a wheelie, and exceeding the 25km/h limit.About 3pm, a 14-year-old boy was detected travelling over 50km/h on an e-bike at Hastings Point.About 1:50pm, a 13-year-old boy was observed speeding on an e-bike on Casuarina Way.Shortly after, 16-year-old girl from Pottsville was observed travelling at 50km/h on an e-bike along Tweed Coast Road.All five teenagers were stopped safely by police and arrested.Tweed/Byron Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Matthew Zimmer, said there will be zero tolerance from police when it comes to keeping everyone safe. “This enforcement is about reducing road trauma and enhancing community safety, in particular other road users, pedestrians and customers frequenting shopping centres and public spaces,” Det Insp Zimmer said.“These operations will continue with covert police deployments right across the district to prevent and disrupt the use of illegal e-bikes and associated e-bike offences.”The five teenagers arrested will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act for various offences, including use unregistered vehicle on road, use uninsured motor vehicle on road, owner use vehicle on road with tax unpaid, driver use mobile phone when not permitted and drive recklessly/furiously – speed/manner dangerous.All five illegal e-bikes were impounded and will be destroyed.

Kyogle Council has extended and upgraded the road at Woodenbong Cemetery, delivering improved access and parking for the community.The gravel road has been upgraded to an all-weather surface and extended by 170 metres – it now runs right to the bottom of the cemetery. Additional car parking has also been installed.The $40,000 project was fully funded by Council and follows recent upgrades to visitor facilities at the cemetery, which included the installation of a composting toilet, a covered picnic table and bench seating.Kyogle Council Mayor Cr Danielle Mulholland said the works responded to community concerns and were about ensuring the cemetery was safe, accessible and welcoming for all.“We listened, and we’ve delivered improvements that make the cemetery more accessible and user-friendly for everyone,” Cr Mulholland said."Cemeteries are important places of reflection and remembrance for our community. By extending the road and adding extra parking, we’ve made it easier for people to visit the cemetery in all weather conditions."Cr Mulholland said Council was committed to continuing to improve community facilities across the local government area."This project, along with the earlier installation of a composting toilet, picnic facilities and seating, ensures Woodenbong Cemetery is a respectful, accessible and comfortable space for families and visitors alike," she said.

Residents in Byron Bay and Suffolk Park who have been affected by flooding are being asked to share their experiences, photos and videos with Council.The information will be used to inform the update of the Belongil and Tallow Floodplain Risk Management Plan and Study.The documents will guide the development of flood management strategies in the catchments, including planning controls, emergency management, and the development of a prioritised list of projects to address current and future flood risks.“Many properties in Belongil, Byron Bay and Suffolk Park were flooded in March 2022, which was the largest flood ever experienced in these catchments,” Josh Wilde, Project Manager, said.“Council has now calibrated its flood modelling to this event, but before we go any further, we need to first get community feedback on the flood maps to ensure they accurately reflect the flooding that occurred.“Many people provided Council with information about the extent of the flooding in the months following the event.“We want to have in-depth conversations with these people, as well as others who may not have spoken to anyone about recent flood events,” Mr Wilde said.“This is not just about flooding in 2022; we want to hear about any flooding experiences people have had and gather ideas on how to resolve these issues, which can all be considered in the study.”“We also want to hear people’s ideas on how to better prevent, manage, or reduce flooding impacts in our community,” Mr Wilde said.Staff will be at the Byron Farmers Market on 18 September and 25 September to speak with people and answer questions.People can share their stories and information at Your Say Byron Shire on Council’s website until 18 October.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s north. Derrick Sharp, aged 59, was last seen in Kingscliff, on Monday, 18 August 2025.When he was unable to be contacted, officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District were notified on Monday, 8 September 2025 and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.There are serious concerns for his welfare.Derrick is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm, thin build and has dark coloured hair.He was last seen wearing a grey hat, blue denim jacket, grey shirt with black and white horizontal stripes, blue jeans and white shoes.Inquiries have established that on the day after (Tuesday, 19 August 2025) he was last seen, an unknown male attended Tweed Heads Police Station about midday and placed a bag containing Derrick’s possessions on the front counter of the station and left without speaking to police. Officers are urging this man to contact police.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 will face court charged following a violent assault in Uki earlier this month.About 10:45pm on Friday, 5 September 2025, officers attached to Tweed-Byron Police District attended a hotel on Kyogle Rd, Uki, about 55km northwest of Byron Bay, following reports of multiple people physically fighting.At the scene, police located a 48-year-old man with serious injuries and provided assistance.A crime scene was established, and police commenced an investigation into the incident.Following extensive inquiries, officers from Tweed-Byron Police District – with assistance from Raptor Squad and Australian Federal Police officers – conducted an FPO search at a house on Rowlands Creek Road, Uki today (Friday, 12 September 2025).A 42-year-old man was arrested at the house and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station.He was charged with affray and refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 1 today (Friday, 12 September 2025), where he was formally refused bail to appear before Tweed Heads Local Court on Monday, 3 November 2025.Inquiries are ongoing.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.

Anyone travelling to the Gold Coast or Brisbane next week at night should be aware that the Tugun Bypass Tunnel on the Pacific Motorway will be closed on multiple nights during September for essential maintenance.The work will be carried out at night to minimise impacts to motorists.The tunnel will be closed from 7pm on Sunday, 14, Monday, 15 and Tuesday, 16 September, reopening at 5am the following morning.During the night closures, detours suitable for all vehicle types are available.Northbound traffic will exit the M1 Pacific Motorway via the Kennedy Drive exit, take Sugarwood Drive to Gold Coast Highway, then take Tugun Currumbin Road and rejoin the M1 Pacific Motorway at the Stewart Road on-ramp.Southbound traffic will exit the M1 Pacific Motorway at Tugun Currumbin Road (Exit 95) and follow to the Gold Coast Highway, then Cordyline Drive to re-join the M1 Pacific Motorway at the Kennedy Drive on-ramp.Motorists are advised to allow up to five minutes of additional travel time, drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control.For more information on this work, visit https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/233663, download the Live Traffic NSW App or call 132 701. To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘Tugun Bypass Tunnel’ in your Live Traffic app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’.

A man will face court charged after allegedly supplying prohibited drugs in South Grafton.In September 2024, officers attached to the Region Enforcement Squad (RES) Coffs Harbour established Strike Force Spalding and commenced an investigation into the alleged drug supply in Coffs/Clarence area.Following extensive inquiries, about 7.10am yesterday (Wednesday, 10 September 2025), strike force detectives, with the assistance of Northern Rivers RES, Hunter RES, North Coast Domestic Violence High Risk Offender Team (DVHROT), Operation Utah, Dogs Squad, PolAir, NSW Crime Commission and officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District executed search warrants at eight locations in South Grafton.During the search warrants, police allegedly located and seized about 1.25kg of Methylamphetamine, 3.63kg of Cannabis leaf, 326g of Cocaine, 180g MDMA, along with almost $110,000 in cash and an electronic stun device.The estimated street value of seized drugs is about $623,000.A 32-year-old man was arrested and taken to Grafton Police Station where he was charged with,Supply prohibited drug more than indictable and less than commercial quantity (16 counts)Supply prohibited drug more than small and less than or equal to indictable quantitySupply prohibited drug more than or equal to commercial quantity (four counts)Possess prohibited drug (12 counts)Supply prohibited drug more than or equal to large commercial quantity (four counts)Supply cannabis more than indictable and less than commercial quantity (four counts)Deal with property proceeds of crime less than $100000 and less than $5000 (two counts)Possess/attempt to, prescribed restricted substance, andFail to comply digital evidence access order direction.He was refused bail to appear at Bail Division Court 1 today (Thursday, 11 September 2025).

Two Evans Head community clubs will share more than $11,000 in Federal funding to improve safety and strengthen services for members and the wider community.The Evans Head Casino Surf Life Saving Club has been allocated $8,796 to install new defibrillators. These devices will boost emergency response capability for patrolling lifesavers and provide peace of mind for locals and visitors enjoying the beach.The Evans Head Tennis Club will receive $2,900 to modernise its operations. The grant will allow the club to upgrade its online booking and membership systems, purchase electronic payment devices, and secure a dedicated club phone so volunteers are no longer relying on personal devices.Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, said the grants were about backing volunteers who keep their community safe and active.“Surf lifesavers are always there when we need them. This funding means they’ll now have the latest defibrillators on hand - equipment that can literally save lives in the critical minutes before an ambulance arrives,” Mr Hogan said.“The Evans Head Tennis Club is also a hub for people of all ages to stay active and connected. These upgrades will make it easier for members to manage bookings, payments, and communication, freeing up time for volunteers to focus on running programs and encouraging participation.”Mr Hogan said he was proud to support both projects.“Our local clubs do an incredible job with limited resources. They are the lifeblood of communities like ours. This funding is about giving them the practical tools they need to keep serving the community well into the future.”

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions from next week on McFarlane Bridge at Maclean for routine maintenance work.Work will start from Monday, 15 September and be carried out from 7am to 5pm on weekdays. Work is expected to be completed by 26 September, weather permitting.Single lane alternate flow and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place during working hours, and some intermittent stoppages may be required. Motorists should allow up to ten minutes’ 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/248249, download the Live Traffic NSW App or call 132 701.To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘Maclean’ in your Live Traffic app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’.

From 8 September 2025, Byron Shire Council will be ramping up work on Mullumbimby Road, and the message for drivers is that there will be long delays at different times, and to take an alternative route.Since work started on the Mullumbimby Road upgrade in mid-July, the disruption to drivers has been minimal, but this is set to change.From 8 September, for several weeks, Council will be rebuilding the road between McAuleys Lane and The Saddle Road, and while it will remain open, there will be only one lane of alternating traffic under traffic control.To avoid potential long delays, drivers should take alternative routes such as Myocum Road and Coolamon Scenic Drive.“We know that Coolamon Scenic Drive is a windy road, and we will be making sure it is maintained to cope with extra traffic, and cautionary signage is in place,” Phil Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said.Heavy vehicles should take Myocum Road.In October, Mullumbimby Road will close to all outbound traffic for at least four months when work starts on the section between The Saddle Road and Gulgan Road.Priority will, however, be given to emergency services and school buses.Nightwork is also scheduled in October, on sections of the road from The Saddle Road to James Street.The 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.The $5.3 million project includes:Shoulder wideningImprovements to the McAuleys Lane intersection.New road surfaces, signage, guardrail installation and line marking.Minor road widening in the current road corridor.Drainage work on the verges near the Uncle Tom’s intersection, including the removal of trees and other vegetation in the road reserve.  Installation of a new culvert with the aim of improving the flow of stormwater to Everitts Creek.Information about the Mullumbimby Road upgrade is on Council’s website.