Police have charged a driver over a fatal crash in the state’s far north last year.About 3.30pm on Monday, 4 November 2024, emergency services were called to Teven Road, near Shawns Lane, Teven, about 10km northwest of Ballina, following reports of a two-vehicle crash.Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended to find a Hyundai SUV and a Nissan SUV had collided head-on.The driver of the Hyundai – a 60-year-old woman – and front passenger – an 87-year-old woman- both suffered minor injuries.The back passenger – an 87-year-old man – suffered a cardiac arrest and died in Lismore Base Hospital on Monday, 11 November 2024.The driver of the Nissan – a 62-year-old woman – suffered minor injuries.On Monday, 3 November 2025, police attached to the Far North Coast Crash Investigation Unit, charged the 60-year-old driver of the Hyundai with dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death, and not keep left of dividing line.The woman’s licence has also been suspended.The matter is listed for Ballina Local Court Thursday, 1 May 2025.

The $2.7m upgrade of South Beach Road in Brunswick Heads gets into full swing today (Monday, 3 February) and Byron Shire Council is asking the community to avoid the work site as much as possible and seek alternative parking in town.“We are excited to get this upgrade underway for the Bruns community, and we’ll be delivering a complete reconstruction of the road, including some critical drainage improvements, new kerbs and gutters, and line marking,” Byron Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway said.The first stage of construction includes drainage works across Torakina car park and South Beach Lane, and both of these areas will be fenced off to the public under traffic control arrangements. A traffic bypass will be in place so that South Beach Lane residents can access their properties.“While a limited number of parking spaces may be available on South Beach Road at various stages of these works, the whole of South Beach Road will be under traffic control on weekdays and we’re asking beachgoers and anyone wanting to access the river, foreshore parks and beaches to seek an alternative car park in Brunswick Heads and walk over one of the bridges.“Pedestrian access to the parks, foreshore areas, beaches and dog beach will remain open to the community, and the tennis club and community centre will be open as usual.“Of course, all residents of South Beach Road, businesses, service providers and other key stakeholders who we’ve been in contact with will be able to gain access to their properties via the traffic controllers.“Traffic controllers can also help anyone with disability access requirements.“Fortunately, we’ve been able to start this project after the school holidays in what is a quieter time, and with the community’s support, we’re aiming to get this major reconstruction done as safely and as quickly as possible.“We’re working closely with the surf club and have arrangements in place to ensure the quality of the road will not be compromised by the club’s renovation,” Mr Holloway said.Regular updates about this project and traffic impacts will be available on Council’s website  Upgrades to South Beach Road Brunswick Heads

Transport for NSW has advised motorists of changed overnight traffic conditions from this weekend on Summerland Way at Kyogle to carry out road surface repairs between the two intersections of Boorabee Street.To reduce the impact on motorists, work starting on Sunday, 2 February, will be carried out from 6pm to 6am, Sundays to Thursdays, and is expected to be completed in eight shifts, 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 motorists and workers.Motorists are advised to allow up to ten minutes’ extra travel time, drive to traffic conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

As we move through another hot summer, Local Land Services is reminding livestock producers of the important steps they should take to ensure stock are well hydrated.“As the weather warms up, livestock will have a harder time maintaining daily functions, just like us,” said Principal Program Manager of Agriculture and Plant Biosecurity Andrew Lieschke. “Livestock drink considerably more water in hotter weather, with beef cattle, depending on their class, consuming up to 100 litres per head per day and sheep and goats up to 10 litres a head per day. However, actual intake will vary based off water quality, environmental and animal factors. “Livestock will also avoid warm water so it’s important to provide shade and shelter for water resources, as well as stock. “It’s vital that producers are aware of the steps they can take and factor these into their livestock and property management to ensure stock are well hydrated and remain in good condition over summer.” If you’re mustering, handling and transporting livestock during the warmer months, it is essential to meet basic animal welfare standards, such as:  • move livestock during early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler • provide sufficient shade and shelter for animals to rest and cool down • ensure you have sufficient feed available during the summer period to maintain animals in a healthy condition  • consider drafting off all animals suitable for sale via saleyards or directly to a processor if required. If you have any questions about your stock and water intake, and managing your local conditions, contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 or via www.lls.nsw.gov.au. 

Construction is forging ahead on flood-resilient school facilities at Broadwater Public School, as the school community looks forward to returning to its permanent home in the coming months. Broadwater Public School was destroyed in the destructive 2022 Northern Rivers floods, with the inundation destroying most of the school’s buildings. Flood repair works are well underway at the school site after kicking off in July, after the Minns Labor Government used enhanced powers under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act to accelerate the school’s planning approval. The new school, due for completion by Day 1, Term 2, was created with a flood-resilient design and includes an elevated building, raised approximately four metres above the ground, supported by a steel structure. The first floor includes three new classrooms, a library, a canteen and administration areas connected by undercover walkways, and a ground floor area with new bathrooms, an under-croft play space and new landscaping. Works are progressing well, with flood-damaged buildings now demolished, the under croft slab and ceilings installed, and the school's modular buildings delivered and in place. Work has now commenced on the interior fit-out and landscaping. Other works to be completed during Term 1, include the installation of a new playground and the return of cherished items, such as Broadwater Public School’s beloved school bell. Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car and Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin visited the Broadwater Public School work site on Wednesday and met with members of the school community to view progress on the rebuild. The Minns Labor Government is continuing to invest in and rebuild public education in NSW and ensuring flood-impacted schools in the Northern Rivers are being repaired and rebuilt, so communities can get back on their feet. Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said, “It is fantastic to see construction progressing at pace at Broadwater Public School, and the community can look forward to having their school returned to them this year. “After the destruction of the 2022 floods, this community has shown great resilience and patience, and I want to acknowledge the hard work of the local community, who worked hard to ensure this school was returned to the community. “Once completed, teachers, families and young children will have certainty of a high-quality school back in their local area, and I am so pleased a Minns Labor Government will deliver that for this community.” Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “I am so pleased that works are well underway at Broadwater Public School, and students and families can look forward to returning to permanent facilities later this year. “Since the floods, many local families have had to contend with much ongoing disruption, and I am proud to be part of the Minns Labor Government, as we continue to deliver important infrastructure back to our community. Broadwater Public School Relieving Principal Bronwyn Cole said, "I am overjoyed to see the incredible progress on our school’s rebuild. This milestone represents a new chapter for our community. “We look forward to moving into a permanent home that is not only flood-resilient but also thoughtfully designed to support the needs of our students, staff, and families. “Our school has always been the heart of this community, and this project is a testament to the strength and resilience of our school community.”

The NSW Government has returned four public schools to the Murwillumbah community, after the previous Liberal/National Government's public school mega-merger was reversed at the 2023 State election.The upcoming re-opening of Murwillumbah High School, Wollumbin High School, alongside Murwillumbah East Public School and Murwillumbah Public School, on Day 1, Term 1, 2025, will mark the delivery of an election commitment by the Minns Labor Government.The return of these schools in time for the 2025 school year is in line with a commitment made following extensive community consultation, which included participation from more than 260 families, parents, students and staff.Murwillumbah High School and Wollumbin High School, which the former Government announced they would close in 2020, have both undergone significant refurbishments under the Minns Labor Government.At Murwillumbah High School, upgrade works have delivered more than 40 refurbished classrooms and specialist spaces, including three science labs, two wood workshops, two metal workshops, and a food tech kitchen, a new darkroom, as well as a new Student Support Unit, refurbished school library and hall, upgraded front office, staff, and administration spaces, and outdoor areas with new landscaping and play areas.Further work will see the delivery of a new canteen and final landscaping works to the grounds throughout Terms 1 and 2.Students at Wollumbin High School will also return on Day 1, Term 1 to a refurbished canteen, a re-fenced and repainted sports court, new football goal posts, refurbished student toilets, a new pottery kiln, and refreshed classrooms with new paint and carpet.Planned upgrade works at Wollumbin High School in the coming months will include the relocation of existing music rooms to make way for a new specialist support unit with modern facilities.At Murwillumbah East Public School, works are underway to upgrade the school’s ventilation and lighting. Further upgrades are planned for the school including for new classrooms, a new library, canteen, and facilities for specialist support classes.At Murwillumbah Public School the Minns Labor Government has invested in school maintenance works, with the installation of a new roof on the heritage-listed building in Block D, covered walkway extensions, and refurbishment of student toilets all now complete. Work is also underway to deliver new air conditioning in all classrooms.Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin will today visit Murwillumbah High School to view the new facilities and meet with members of the school community ahead of the start of the 2025 school year.NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said, “It is a privilege to be back here in Murwillumbah, just days ahead of these important schools being returned, in line with our commitment to this community.“We listened to Murwillumbah locals, who told us loud and clear that they did not support four schools being merged, and I am pleased our government has delivered on our commitment.“I look forward to the local community being able to flourish as they turn a new leaf with world-class public education in their upgraded local schools.”Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, “It is fantastic to see our four public schools returned to the Murwillumbah community.“Returning our four public schools back to the community marks the completion of a key election commitment that I am proud the Minns Labor Government has delivered for our community.“We have worked with the community to ensure our local schools were delivered the upgrades they needed, so all our students can thrive right here in the Northern Rivers.Murwillumbah High School Principal Zoe Tiernan said, “We are thrilled to begin this new chapter as a distinct school community.“The upgrades to our facilities have created a vibrant and modern environment where students and staff can thrive.“As we look forward to welcoming everyone back for the new school year, we are excited to foster a strong sense of identity, pride, and connection within our new school community.”Wollumbin High School Principal Kelly Spilstead said, “This will be a fresh era for Wollumbin High School, enabling it to build on its own reputation in the community and on its ties to the other schools in Murwillumbah.“We have a feeling of renewal and are looking forward to re-engaging with our students for a productive and fulfilling year.”Murwillumbah East Public School Relieving Principal Kate Buston said, “A new school year is always an exciting time, and particularly this year because as well as welcoming new kindergarten students we will be adding to the collaboration we have worked on in recent years.“Sharing our expertise across the primary sector and in support of transition to high school is a very rewarding part of running a school in a community like Murwillumbah.”Murwillumbah Public School Principal Les Daley said, “We are looking forward to a new school year, confident that we can build on the outstanding programs we have run in the last two years, receiving state and national recognition for their excellence.“This will ensure that achieving the best possible outcomes for our students remains our highest priority.“We have very supportive school communities who have pride in their local school but also appreciate the benefits that come with close cooperation between the schools.”