A man has died following a single-vehicle crash west of Kyogle today.About 2pm (Sunday, 3 August 2025), emergency services were called to Mount Lindesay Road, Koreelah – approximately 82km north west of Kyogle – following reports a motorcycle had left the roadway before hitting a fencepost.The rider – a man believed to be in his 50s – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.The man is yet to be formally identified.A crime scene was established, and police commenced an investigation into the incident.A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.Anyone with information about this incident or any footage 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 tomorrow over an alleged robbery in Byron Bay today.Just after 9am (Sunday, 3 August 2025), police were called to Jonson Street, Byron Bay, following reports of an alleged robbery.Officers attached to Tweed-Byron Police District were told a 71-year-old woman was approached by an unknown man before he took an amount of cash from her and left the scene.The woman was not injured.Following inquiries, about 2pm today, police arrested the 19-year-old man on the same street.He was taken to Byron Bay Police Station, where he was charged with robbery and breach of bail.He was refused bail to appear at Bail Division Court 1 tomorrow (Monday, 4 August 2025).Anyone with information about this incident or any footage 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.

With forecasts of big seas predicted to build across the north coast this weekend and into next week, there could be more erosion on some beaches in the Byron Shire.Beaches at Suffolk Park, New Brighton and South Golden Beach were badly eroded during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, and more sand could be stripped from these areas in the coming days.This means that beach access paths may drop off steeply, and the dunes could become unstable.Members of the public are asked to be aware of the potential for erosion, big seas and changed conditions to pathways when going to the beach in the coming days.People should also stay away from the foot of sand dunes.Council’s Open Space team will be inspecting beach accessways and closing them if necessary.

It’s koala breeding season, and this means koalas are out looking for mates.It’s also the time of year when koalas are very vulnerable and are often hit by cars.A $65,000 grant from the NSW Government will see new, temporary lighting installed on the Hinterland Way near Bangalow, a hotspot for koala activity.“Between 2019 and 2025, 18 koalas died on the Hinterland Way, just outside Bangalow, so we are hoping the temporary lights will give drivers more of a chance to see them and avoid them,” Liz Caddick, Council’s Biodiversity Team Leader, said.“Electronic message boards will also be in place, warning drivers about koala activity in the area,” she said.“We are very grateful to the NSW Government for providing funding for the lights and message boards, and I know that Bangalow Koalas, led by the amazing Linda Sparrow, is also very supportive and thankful for this initiative,” Ms Caddick said.In 2024, after the sad death of well-known local koala, Moji, Council successfully trialled the use of a solar-powered lighting tower to illuminate a dark section of Broken Head Road at Byron Bay.After the installation of the lights, there were no further koala road deaths in that location.  This new project is being funded by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).People can report a sick or injured koala, 24 hours a day, to Friends of the Koala on 6622 1233

Due to structural issues and termite infestation, Byron Council was forced to close the popular Tallow Creek footbridge at Suffolk Park today because of risks to public safety.The closure comes after engineers inspected the bridge and found it to be unsafe.The footbridge is on the path between the Byron Bay High School and the Ingenia holiday park at Suffolk Park, providing pedestrian access to the beach across Tallow Creek.The timber bridge was built in 1987, and it has withstood all sorts of weather, including storms and floods.While Council has maintained the bridge over the last 38 years, it is now beyond repair and needs to be replaced.“We know that the closure of the footbridge without warning is a blow to the community, but unfortunately, we have no option when it comes to public safety,” Phil Holloway, Director of Infrastructure Services, said.“Staff have looked at ways to keep the existing bridge open, but the salty environment is so harsh that it is not possible.“Because the footbridge is such an important piece of pedestrian infrastructure, we are now looking at the possibility of an interim solution, such as the installation of a temporary structure that will allow people to cross Tallow Creek.“As soon as designs for a new footbridge are finished, we will immediately be looking for grant funding for the construction of a new bridge because it is such an important asset and link to a beautiful, peaceful part of Byron Bay,” Mr Holloway said.

Relaxation, adventure, wellness, environmental sustainability and how to capture these experiences for visitors are being unpacked at this week’s 2025 North Coast Tourism Symposium being held at the Byron Community Centre.The Symposium is jointly hosted by Byron Shire Council and Destination North Coast.The theme of the conference is Inspire! Shaping Tomorrow’s Visitor Economy.“Byron Shire is fortunate that we are a destination people want to come to, and while the industry is still rebuilding after COVID and the floods, the most recent official figures have us hosting some 1.8 million visitors a year,” Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, said.“For me, shaping tomorrow’s visitor economy is about acknowledging that when community life is thriving and we have a well-protected and biodiverse environment, then we have something real to offer visitors.“The opportunity and the challenge we have before us is to shape a visitor economy that has depth and reflects our strength and resilience as a community,” Mayor Ndiaye said.“This Symposium is about sharing information, and it’s an opportunity for us to hear and learn what other regions of NSW are doing well, what’s working and what’s not,” she said.The Symposium will culminate with an evening event on 31 July, the 2025 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards.The annual awards recognise exceptional tourism businesses and initiatives from the Tweed to Hawks Nest and out to Lord Howe Island.

Detectives are appealing for information following a home invasion at South Grafton earlier this month.About 12.45am on Sunday, 13 July 2025, police were called following reports a group of unknown males armed with knives forced entry to a home on Tyson Street, South Grafton.An altercation occurred inside the home, resulting in a 25-year-old man sustaining serious injuries to his hand.The group fled the scene once police were notified; however, smashed the windows of two vehicles at the property as they left.The occupant of the home was taken to Grafton Hospital for the treatment of lacerations and other injuries. He has since been released.Officers attached to Coffs-Clarence Police District established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the incident.During a search of the area, police located a knife that has been seized to undergo forensic examination.As inquiries continue, detectives have released images of a silver-coloured Holden Commodore seen in the area at the time of the incident.Investigators urge anyone able to identify the vehicle or its occupants to come forward.Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions from next week for maintenance and repairs on the Bruxner Highway at Tabulam, including culvert outlet repairs, table drain cleaning and improvements, and sign installation.Work will start on Monday, 4 August and be carried out from 7am to 6pm on weekdays, and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays, and is expected to be completed by Friday, 29 August, weather permitting.Single lane, alternating traffic flow arrangements and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place during work hours for the safety of workers and road users. Outside work hours, a reduced speed limit of 60km/h will be in place.Motorists are advised to allow up to five minutes’ extra travel time, drive to traffic conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.For more information on this work visit livetraffic.com/incident-details/243088, download the Live Traffic NSW app or call 132 701. To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘Tabulam’ in your Live Traffic app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’. 

Students and staff from Condong Public School have marked the next phase of construction on the rebuild of their school, with the delivery and installation of the new school building modules.Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos joined the school community to welcome the arrival of the new classrooms, which are being craned onto a raised steel gantry.The installation of the school buildings is taking place in two stages, with the next phase scheduled for mid-August.Condong Public School Relieving Principal Debbie Francis said, “Having the students here to watch the trucks arrive and see the cranes at work is such an exciting experience.“It really brings home how close we are to a new chapter for our school, especially after the challenges our community has faced with such strength and resilience.”“We are all looking forward to the day when our new school becomes a permanent, safe, and welcoming home for our students, designed specifically to meet the needs of our community and providing a fantastic learning and teaching environment for our Condong students.”(The new Condogn Public School; artist's impression)Nearby Tumbulgum Public School will soon follow the same rebuild process, with the school’s modules manufactured offsite and ready for installation late next month.New buildings at both schools will be raised above the previous flood level, making them more flood resilient, while also providing new, modern classrooms, a new library, a canteen, administration spaces, and external landscaping.   Tumbulgum Public School Relieving Principal Genevieve Esgate said, “Our school community has endured so much since the devastating floods of 2022, so we are beyond excited that our new buildings are nearing completion and will be ready for delivery and installation at the end of next month.“This will be a major milestone in our community’s recovery and a big step towards returning to a more permanent, flood-resilient school environment where our students can continue to learn, grow, and thrive.”(An artist's impression of the new Tumbulgum Public School)Both rebuilt schools are expected to be completed and ready for students and teachers to use later this year and are part of a broader effort to build back better following the 2022 floods.At Condong Public School, the department is working with the local community to preserve significant items, including the Great War Honour Roll, painted murals, and plaques. The department is also working with the community at Tumbulgum Public School to restore the old school bell and repurpose historical building materials as part of its Heritage Interpretation Strategy. The NSW Government is committed to rebuilding flood-damaged schools in the Northern Rivers region, ensuring we build back better with flood-resilient schools for local students and communities.A portion of the funding for the school projects has been allocated through 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 of these brand new classrooms marks a significant step for Condong Public School and Tumbulgum Public School, as the Minns Labor Government builds both back better and more resilient.“I want to thank the school and the local community for their patience during this challenging period, and look forward to students returning to their new classrooms by the end of the year.” Minister for Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarty said, “The rebuilding of schools across the region that were devastated by the 2022 floods is among the most important activities the State Government must be doing.“Watching these schools emerge out of the flood waters must be reaffirming for the students, teachers, parents and communities.“It’s wonderful to see the rebuilding of Condong and Tumbulgum Public Schools moving ahead knowing they are among nine school rebuild projects jointly funded with the Commonwealth following the 2022 floods.”Minister for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “I know how important this rebuild is for the Condong community because I saw how many people turned up for the sod-turning to mark the start of works.“The new flood-resistant school buildings will give students and teachers the stability they deserve after having been displaced by floods twice since 2017.“It will serve the community for generations to come.”

1000 Voices Byron Shire is calling on every single member of the Byron Shire community to take part in this unique community-led project by completing a survey. You can complete the survey online at www.byron.nsw.gov.au/1000-voices, drop into Council’s Mullumbimby Offices for a hard copy, or call for assistance on 6626 7000. The survey is open until Sunday 14 September 2025. “We are grateful to everyone who has signed up as volunteer Community Researchers for this project so far,” Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration Byron Shire Backbone Lead, Anna Lockwood said. “Our Community Researchers are personally reaching out to friends and neighbours to gather as wide and diverse a range of ideas and views as possible.  “Now we’re putting the call out to every single person in the Byron Shire to take part in this project and make sure their voice and ideas are part of the 1000 Voices!” Ms Lockwood said. “We believe our community hold important ideas, perspectives and lived experiences from across the Shire,” she said. “Each voice contributes to shaping action on homelessness in the Byron Shire, and deserves to be heard,” she said. On 11 November, the whole Byron Shire community is invited to a Community Gathering day to share the 1000 Voices ‘What we Heard’ report, alongside other critical projects of the Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration and decide together our next steps.   To take the survey or join our growing team of Community Researchers, visit www.byron.nsw.gov.au/1000-Voices.

The NSW Government yesterday announced the purchase of a formerly vacant residential village on Soorley Street in Tweed, converting it into permanent housing with on-site support for people in need.The site includes 70 self-contained units and had sat empty until earlier this year, when it was temporarily reopened as emergency accommodation for older people and people living with a disability. This was made possible through a $525,800 grant from the Homelessness Innovation Fund. Rather than see the property sold off or returned to market, the NSW Government has stepped in to buy it, securing its future as housing for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Located next to Tweed City Shopping Centre, the complex is already delivering real results by providing stable housing and on-site support to help people remain housed long term. This intervention is part of the Government’s broader shift away from using hotels and motels as crisis accommodation. The focus is now on dedicated housing with support services that deliver better outcomes. This is part of the government’s historic $6 billion Building Homes for New South Wales Program, which on the Northern Rivers has seen:$13.6 million invested for pod villages, including converting 58 pods in Brunswick Heads into key worker Housing.$1.87 million invested in dedicated homelessness funding which has delivered 122 additional beds across the area for those who need it most.The completion of the New South Wales’s largest modular social housing build, with 24 modular homes delivered in Grafton South.165 public homes brought back online, and today providing safe and secure housing. In the past year, NSW Government has delivered 1,711 new social and affordable homes, the largest increase in government-built public, community homes in over a decade. Over 355 public and community homes will be delivered across the Northern Rivers over the next two years, leading up to June 2027. This includes:133 homes in Tweed69 in the Richmond Valley51 in Lismore2 in Kyogle52 in the Clarence Valley48 in BallinaChris Minns, Premier of New South Wales, said, “Housing affordability and availability is the single biggest pressure facing the people of New South Wales, but we know it is being felt acutely in our Northern Rivers Communities. “On top of the housing pressures faced across New South Wales, these communities have been further impacted by repeated natural disasters. “The best thing we can do to ease this pressure is to increase supply, which we are doing both with a historic pipeline of new builds, and a direct intervention in the market. “This is the largest pipeline of Housing for any regional community across New South Wales, and we are determined to continue working with and listening to this resilient community.” Rose Jackson, Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness, said, “This is the biggest pipeline of public housing investment in any regional area in NSW. It’s happening right here on the North Coast. “In Tweed, we’ve taken direct action by purchasing a former aged care village that had been sitting vacant for too long. We’re turning it into permanent housing with on-site support for people who need it most. “This site includes 70 self-contained units and is already changing lives. It is providing stable homes for older people and people with disability who would otherwise be at risk of homelessness. “We didn’t want to see this place lost to the private market. We stepped in and secured it because we know stable, supported housing delivers far better outcomes than emergency accommodation.” Janelle Saffin, Minister for Disaster Recovery and Minister for the North Coast, said, “Addressing the long-standing issue of homelessness in the Tweed is an urgent priority for the region and one we must do together.    “Everything is on the table, including repurposing housing that already exists and using vacant land to create permanent and sustainable homes.   “Thanks to Homes NSW and Social Futures, we are transforming a previously vacant village into permanent homes with the wraparound services to support residents to succeed. “It is great to see local and state government working hand in hand with community housing providers to create the social and affordable housing options our community need and deserve.” Tony Davies, CEO of Social Futures, said, “We’re already seeing positive outcomes at the Soorley supported temporary accommodation site. Participants are finding stability, engaging with our onsite specialist teams, and transitioning into permanent housing.  “By offering 24/7 management, secure facilities, and access to professional wrap-around support services, we’re ensuring participants feel safe and supported on their journey to securing permanent housing outcomes.”

The NSW Government on Tuesday night opened a new $2.3 million Service NSW Centre in Tweed Heads.The new purpose-built Service NSW Centre within the Tweed Mall shopping centre is larger than the previous centre.It offers a more accessible and welcoming layout, a space for people to have booked one-on-one appointments with a team member about cost of living or other personalised support, and new counters and self-service touch screens for staff to assist customers. Since the new centre’s doors opened last month, locals have given an overwhelming thumbs up with more than 8,000 customer visits.There were more than 77,000 customer visits to Tweed Heads Service Centre last year.People can access around 1,300 NSW Government services and transactions at Service NSW centres.Tweed Heads is the latest Service NSW Centre to undergo a major relocation, with another nine Service NSW Centres separately upgraded last financial year as part of a service centre refresh program.This update will give Northern Rivers locals a more accessible, secure and seamless experience when needing help with government services. Service NSW is putting people first every step of the way, delivering upgraded facilities, smarter digital tools and stronger security measures, making it easier than ever for people to get the help they need.Tweed Heads Service NSW Centre is open Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5pm and Saturdays 8:30am – 12:30pm.Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:“Service NSW centres are vital for communities, particularly in regional areas like the Northern Rivers.“This $2.3 million upgrade delivers a larger space and the latest technology, making a visit to Service NSW in Tweed Heads as easy as possible.“Whether applying for a Seniors Card, a driver's licence or cost of living support, the people of the Tweed can now do it at their brand new Service NSW.”Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:“With more than 6.5 million customer visits across NSW last year, investing in new and improved Service Centres ensures access for those who need the essential services they provide.“From enhanced centres to smarter digital tools like multi-factor authentication and the NSW Digital Photo Card pilot, customers can expect a simpler, safer and more connected experience.“Here at Tweed Heads Service NSW Centre, the friendly team have welcomed more than 8,000 customers into the bigger and better centre, already scoring a 94 per cent thumbs up since opening five weeks ago.” Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin said, “We know that our community really value that face-to-face support for those services they need and value – getting a driver's licence, registering a vehicle, or looking for cost-of-living relief.“The new centre means that Service NSW can better support the ever-growing community and small businesses with a welcoming and inclusive space when completing government transactions.”

The huge trade potential of the Northern Rivers region was the focus of the latest NSW Government ASEAN Market Update for NSW Businesses series being held in the Tweed.The updates provided local businesses with information about trends and export opportunities across Southeast Asian markets.Southeast Asia is the fastest-growing region in the world, expected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2040, and NSW is uniquely positioned to grow with the region.Southeast Asia is NSW’s second-largest trading partner, with two-way trade in goods growing by more than nine per cent in the past year. Continued rapid growth is expected in sectors where NSW businesses excel, such as food and beverages, health, and the digital economy.Today’s session brought together around 50 participants, including local businesses and industry groups at Husk Farm Distillery in North Tumbulgum.Husk Farm Distillery has made hand-crafted rum in the region since 2012. It is an experienced exporter to Southeast Asia, having benefited from NSW Government support, particularly in the Indonesian market. Speakers at the forum include Southeast export experts and NSW exporters who have already utilised Investment NSW’s support services to build connections and drive export sales across the region.The ASEAN Market Updates series is supported by other initiatives led by Investment NSW to help small and medium businesses pursue international growth objectives in Southeast Asia and other important export markets around the globe. In 2024/25, these included supporting cleantech companies to export to Malaysia and Singapore, and wine to be exported to Vietnam.The ASEAN Market Updates series began with sessions in Western Sydney last October and Wollongong earlier this year, with more locations to come.For more information on how the NSW Government supports businesses to export, visit Investment NSW: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/export/.NSW Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said, “Exporting is crucial for the growth and resilience of NSW businesses.“Higher exports lead to higher wages and more employment, driving long-term prosperity across our state.“Southeast Asia is entering a golden age.“It is the fastest-growing region in the world, with strong potential for NSW exporters in sectors like agrifood, life sciences, healthcare, and technology.“My ASEAN Market Updates series is all about helping businesses to crack new markets and accelerate their exports with Southeast Asia, where our two-way trade is worth $33.6 billion and is continuing to grow.“Today’s session in the Tweed follows previous market update sessions in Western Sydney and Wollongong, with more locations to come.”Minister for Small Business and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said, “Businesses in Northern NSW are doing some incredible things, and it is wonderful to be able to support them to expand their reach across the world.“I have a long-standing interest and engagement with our ASEAN neighbours, as does our Northern NSW region, but there remains enormous potential for our small businesses to take those relationships to the next level.”Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and Small Business and Duty MLC for Tweed, the Hon Emily Suvaal MLC, said, “The Tweed is home to so many innovative businesses with vast export potential, and Southeast Asia presents a golden opportunity for growth.“The NSW Government is here to support local businesses every step of the way to ensure they can compete and thrive on the world stage.”

Ballina Shire Council, in partnership with NSW SES, is preparing to start construction on a new, purpose-built SES unit and Emergency Operations Centre in Ballina. Designs have been finalised, and Council has completed the tender process for construction. Council has resolved to award a contract to the preferred builder, with construction scheduled to commence in September 2025.“This project represents a major step forward in supporting the vital work of our local SES volunteers and emergency services,” said Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader. “We’re proud to support this investment in our community’s safety and future, ensuring Ballina Shire is better equipped to face the increasing threat of floods, storms and other extreme weather events.”“The new, purpose-built facility will improve response times, enhance coordination during emergencies, and ensure our community is better protected during times of crisis. It’s a significant partnership with NSW SES that will deliver lasting benefits for the people of Ballina Shire,” she said.The current facility on the corner of Angels Beach Drive and Bangalow Road is no longer fit for purpose, prompting a much-needed upgrade to improve outdated infrastructure. The new building will deliver modern amenities and improved operational efficiency, supporting the Ballina SES Unit to continue its critical work responding to floods, storms and other emergencies.A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the project has been prepared and approved. The REF is a comprehensive assessment of the project, including an assessment of the possible environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of the building. The REF proposes appropriate mitigation measures in response to these potential impacts.To allow for construction, multiple trees will need to be removed. This will be carried out in line with Council’s Significant Tree Guidelines and Vegetation Management Plan. The new Ballina SES Unit is a jointly funded project, with $2.1 million contributed by the NSW Government and $4.2 million from Ballina Shire Council. Construction is expected to be completed by late 2026.

The largest modular social housing development ever built in the state has been completed on the North Coast in almost half the time of a traditional new housing build, delivering 24 new homes for people in need. This comes as the NSW Government announced last week that it will build 90 modular homes over the next year.Modular housing is the state’s secret weapon to tackle the housing crisis, providing good-quality homes built significantly faster and cheaper. NSW is now leading the country, taking inspiration from Europe, where the technology is used extensively. The $9 million investment for South Grafton was delivered via a partnership between the State and Federal Governments, Northern Rivers Housing and Anglicare North Coast.  Constructed offsite by Moov Modular on the Central Coast and transported to South Grafton, the homes were assembled, installed, and connected to local infrastructure, ready for use in just 6 months compared to a traditional build that would’ve taken around 18 months.  Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) offer a significant opportunity for the NSW Government to set new standards in housing productivity by creating a more efficient and innovative housing system in the state.Comprising twelve 1-bedroom and twelve 2-bedroom units, the beautifully designed, energy-efficient dwellings will provide a safe, secure home for people who need it most.This is part of the historic $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, the largest investment in housing in the state’s history. The program will deliver 8,400 new public homes, 21,000 affordable and market homes, and upgrades to 30,000 existing social housing properties.MMC refers to a wide variety of construction methods that differ from traditional on-site building. This includes prefabrication, kit-of-parts, off-site manufacturing, using pattern principles and modular or volumetric dwellings, as well as new technologies such as 3D printing, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said, “The housing crisis in the Northern Rivers is real. People have been hit hard by repeated floods and rising rents. We’re stepping up with real solutions that get homes built faster and better.”“Modular construction is a game-changer. It means we can deliver high-quality homes in months, not years, and that’s exactly what we need right now.”“These aren’t just houses. They’re homes. I’m thrilled to see a community garden is planned too, because it shows we’re not just building buildings, we’re helping rebuild communities.”“This comes on top of the biggest increase to public housing in NSW’s modern history, and we’re just getting started.”“This is the future of housing – smarter, faster, modern and built to provide tenants dignity. Modular homes aren’t ‘shit-boxes’ they are the future.” Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said, “I’ve advocated for more housing in the Northern Rivers region for a long time, including here in Grafton. I’ve made it a priority and will continue to push for real, lasting solutions.“It's great to see much-needed homes being delivered for local communities through the Building Homes for NSW package, the largest investment in housing in our state’s history.“This project shows that modular housing is one of the smart, innovative ways to boost supply. It’s fast, cost-effective, energy-efficient, and ready to meet the needs of people.“I’m excited for the families and individuals who are moving into these new homes and wish them all the best for the future.”Craig Brennan Northern Rivers Housing CEO said, “This project shows what’s possible when innovation meets purpose,”“By embracing modular construction, we’ve been able to accelerate delivery without compromising on design or durability,”“This project is more than just housing - it’s about dignity, stability, and opportunity for the people who will now call it home.”Mark McNamara Anglicare North Coast CEO said, ‘We are really pleased to deliver this project in full, on time and on budget,’“We thank the NSW government for their ongoing support and trust, and look forward to working further with them to deliver more community housing to the region that is critically needed.”

Ballina Shire Council is excited to announce that work has started to upgrade the car park precinct at Sharpes Beach.This major upgrade project is supported by $1.05 million in NSW Government funding and will enhance one of Ballina Shire’s most iconic coastal destinations.“These upgrades are about creating a more accessible, welcoming space for everyone to enjoy our stunning coastline,” said Ballina Shire Mayor, Sharon Cadwallader.“By improving facilities at Sharpes Beach, we’re enhancing access to the Coastal Recreational Path and supporting active lifestyles across our community.”“The new facilities include a sealed car park, toilets, showers, a viewing deck, and open space that will make it easier for everyone, including families, older residents, and people with limited mobility, to enjoy this beautiful part of our Shire.”“The new facilities will also support our dedicated surf lifesavers with better storage and facilities to help them continue their vital work keeping our beaches safe,” Mayor Cadwallader added.The upgrades include:Formalised car parking, including accessible and long-vehicle spacesNew accessible toilet and shower facilitiesAn accessible viewing deck with improved ocean outlookStorage for surf lifesaving equipmentImproved landscaping and drainageRestoration of native vegetation areasSharpes Beach is a year-round destination for surfers, swimmers, walkers, cyclists, and families, and forms a key link to the popular Coastal Recreational Path network.The upgrade will improve safety, accessibility, and amenity in response to the area’s growing popularity.Council invited community feedback on the draft design in 2023. Since then, the design has been reviewed by Councillors and progressed through a Development Application process, which included a further round of public exhibition.Temporary parking changesFrom 28 July 2025 Council will close the Sharpes Beach car park and begin construction of the new car park. To minimise disruption, the works will be completed in stages, with sections of the car park reopening as they are completed and safe to access.During the closure, beachgoers are encouraged to use the alternative car park located on the western side of The Coast Road, accessible via Headlands Drive.Pedestrian accessPedestrian access to Sharpes Beach, the Coastal Recreational Path, and nearby bus stops will remain open throughout the works via the existing footpath network.To ensure public safety, occasional pedestrian detours may be in place around active work zones.Council anticipates the project will be completed by late October 2025. Council thanks the community for their patience and understanding while we deliver these important upgrades.This project is jointly funded by Ballina Shire Council and the NSW Government.For more information and project updates, visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/Sharpes-Beach-Carpark-Upgrade.

Music is front and centre of conversation in Byron Bay this week, with the 2025 Regional and Remote Music Summit in town, bringing together industry professionals, artists and policymakers to talk about the importance of music outside the cities.The 2025 summit which runs from 23 to 25 July, offers a jam-packed program of conversations, expert panels and performances from some of the most influential names in the Australian music industry.Council is a sponsor of the 2025 summit which this year has the theme of Strengthening Communities.“Music brings us together and unites us and to host this summit in the Byron Shire is recognition of the incredible depth of talent, creativity and history we have with music in this area,” Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, said.“The creative industries have had some challenges in recent years and locally we have sadly seen the demise of key festivals.“These events inspired and entertained tens of thousands of people, especially our youth, and provided learning and work opportunities throughout the industry.“I am looking forward to seeing how a new vision for our music industry can unfold, not just locally but in other parts of remote and regional Australia as well,” she said.“Here in the Byron Shire music is more than entertainment, it brings us together while supporting local businesses, tourism and the local music industry.“There is some amazing talent in town for the summit and I hope people make the most of this opportunity to see what’s on offer,” Mayor Ndiaye said.Information about the Regional and Remote Music Summit is on Council’s website.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin says the NSW Government is delivering her key election commitment of 24/7 policing at the Murwillumbah Station in four phases of Budget allocations and recruitment.Ms Saffin confirmed that she had sought and received a progress report from the office of NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley, following the recent NSW Budget 2025-26.“The NSW Police Department has advised that to date, 10 authorised police positions have been allocated to the Tweed/Byron Police District specifically for Murwillumbah Police Station,” Ms Saffin said.“Phase 1 has been completed with three positions – a sergeant and two constables – filled or occupied. Phase 2 established a further three constable positions, and recruitment is underway.“Phase 3 – a sergeant and three constables – was allocated in last month’s State Budget and will be recruited over the next year.“The remaining five constable positions will be activated by 1 July 2026 as part of Phase 4, bringing the total of additional authorised police positions to 15.”Ms Saffin acknowledged that recruitment remained a challenge for all police commands, but the state government is supporting schemes that encourage people to become police officers, and incentives to retain them.This includes:An historic pay rise – the biggest in memory – for NSW Police officers.Paying recruits to study at the academy in Goulburn, which has seen a 70 per cent increase in the number of applications since it was introduced. Under the previous government only a handful of recruits were going to the academy.The ‘Be a Cop in Your Hometown’ program, which encourages residents of Murwillumbah and surrounding areas to consider a career in police. This initiative allows recruits to train and return to serve in their local community, helping address vacancies while strengthening ties with the area.The Professional Mobility Program, so officers up to senior constable level from other Australian jurisdictions and New Zealand can come to NSW at their existing rank.Creating the Health Safety and Wellbeing Command to ensure we’re looking after police who are injured on the job and getting them back to work when they’re better.  

Richmond Valley Council’s Casino Water Treatment Plant team is again headed to the national tap water tasting championships after taking out the top accolade for NSW and the ACT in the 2025 IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water competition.Casino was awarded the top honour following competitive judging at the annual Water Industry Operators’ Association of Australia conference in Newcastle yesterday.The judges conducted blind taste tests on samples from all 10 competing water utilities, evaluating them on colour, clarity, odour, and mouthfeel. Casino was declared the winner over Sydney Water and Central Coast, earning it a spot in the national showdown, competing for the Australian title in November.This is the second state-level win for the Casino team, after taking out the top honours in 2020. The following year, Casino officially became home to the country’s best tap water, winning the 2021 Best Tasting Tap Water in Australia competition. In 2024, Council’s Operations Supervisor - Water and Sewer Services, David Cash, won the prestigious Operator of the Year award.Council’s General Manager, Vaughan Macdonald, said he was proud of the entire Water and Sewer team and Casino Water Treatment Plant operators, who all worked hard to provide a quality service to all our customers across the Richmond Valley.Mr Macdonald said the town water supply was pumped through 2.3 kilometres of rising main to reach the treatment plant, just on the outskirts of Casino.He said that, servicing a community of more than 12,000 people, the plant was monitored 24 hours a day.“Council is incredibly proud to receive this recognition; it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who work every day to ensure our community has access to safe, high-quality drinking water,” Mr Macdonald said.“Like most water suppliers, we continue to experience numerous challenges from natural disasters to changes in water regulation, which impact the way water service providers, including councils, supply and manage water and wastewater within their communities.“We average a supply of six megalitres a day, with the capacity to provide 23 megalitres.“The plant is a standard coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation process, with the filter media being a standard sand and filter coal configuration.”Mr Macdonald said pumping from the Richmond River source brought its own sets of challenges, including blue-green algae and manganese.“We are full-time dosing with activated carbon to alleviate taste and odour issues associated with the Richmond River,” he said.“We also increase the activated carbon dose during summer months when dealing with blue-green algae. Potassium permanganate is periodically dosed for manganese issues.”Mr Macdonald said the plant was in the process of trialling enhanced coagulation to further reduce natural organic material.“The benefit is having to use less chlorine and minimising by-products in the drinking water,” he said.