A responsible budget that sets the groundwork for growth, improvement and prosperity.That’s how Kyogle Council Mayor Danielle Mulholland has described the $61.3 million draft budget which Council voted on Monday night (14 April) to put on display for public comment.It provides $2.68 million for regional road projects, $4.1 million for rural local roads, $5.4 million for bridges, and $17 million (over two years) to build a new sewerage treatment plant for Kyogle.A further $6 million has also been provided in the forward estimates to sewer the villages of Wiangaree, Tabulam and Mallanganee and $2.5 million for a Tabulam water supply.“Council is investing in the future of our communities,” Cr Mulholland said.“We are providing the essential infrastructure and connectivity needed to ensure the Kyogle LGA continues to be a great place to live and work while also having the capacity to grow sustainably.“With this budget, Council is planning for the future - a future where the LGA’s infrastructure meets the needs of a growing, more prosperous community and Kyogle LGA is the place where people move to for lifestyle and opportunity.”The draft budget also sets aside: $783,674 for urban streets,$141,500 for the Roxy Gallery$614,490 for the library and mobile library$725,213 on Council’s three public swimming pools$1.48 million on parks, gardens and village maintenance$166,620 in financial assistance and community donationsThe budget provides for a general rate increase of the rate pegged limit of 4.1 per cent.Meanwhile, a proposed 10 per cent increase in sewerage rates will help raise $4.25 million needed to secure a $12.75 million State Government grant to build the new sewerage treatment plant.“The old sewerage treatment plant (STP) is classified as high risk and no longer meets environmental standards,” Cr Mulholland said.“Building the new STP will ensure critical environmental standards are met and sets Kyogle up for the future, with the town having increased capacity to grow and thrive.”The draft budget is on display for public comment until 13 May 2025. Copies of the budget can be found at Council’s administration centre at 1 Stratheden Street, Kyogle, on Council’s website www.kyogle.nsw.gov.au or at Wadeville store, Woodenbong Post Office, Tabulam Post Office, Cawongla store, Mallanganee Post Office, Wiangaree Post Office, and Bonalbo Post Office.Written submissions will be accepted up to 4pm on 13 May 2025 and should be sent to the General Manager, PO Box 11, Kyogle, NSW 2474 or to council@kyogle.nsw.gov.au.

A man has died after being allegedly assaulted in the state’s north yesterday.About 11am yesterday (Monday, 14 April 2025), emergency services were called to a home on Irwin Street, Kyogle, following reports a man was injured.Officers attached to Richmond Police District arrived to find that a 49-year-old man was unconscious with assault injuries.He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.Police immediately commenced Strike Force Alonnah to investigate the man’s death.Following inquiries, strike force officers arrested a 56-year-old man on Highfield Road, Kyogle, about 4.30pm the same day.He was taken to Casino Police Station, where he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray.Police will allege in court that the 56-year-old assaulted the 49-year-old on Sunday, 13 April 2025, following a verbal altercation.The man refused bail to appear before Casino Local Court today (Tuesday, 14 April 2025).

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has been notified about sewage discharge in Byron Bay between 12 February and 19 March 2025. It is estimated that approximately 929,000 litres of sewage were discharged into the stormwater system during this period.Council became aware of the problem on 19 March and took corrective action before reporting the incident to the EPA.Council believes the issue occurred when a contractor working on a sewer upgrade in Byron Bay accidentally diverted a sewer bypass into the stormwater system.Staff immediately began checking the stormwater system in Byron Bay to ascertain the extent of the discharge and extract any sewage from the stormwater pipes in the town centre and at the Cowper Street outlet.Extensive water testing was done to see if there had been any discharge to the ocean via Clarks Beach or Belongil Creek and all results at the time indicated there was no spill although it is impossible to determine if this was the case for the duration of the discharge.While water quality testing did not reveal any risks to the public, or impact on the environment, ongoing monitoring will continue while the EPA investigates the incident.There are ongoing investigations with the contractor to find out how the accident happened and to make sure it does not happen again.“No one wants to see an incident like this happen and we accept that the community will be very concerned,” Christopher Soulsby, Manager Major Projects, said.“Our water monitoring so far has not shown any environmental impact, but this does not negate the fact that the incident occurred.“Council self-reported to the EPA as soon we found out about the discharge, and since then we have been systematically checking our systems, collecting data and providing information to the EPA.“With those initial investigations complete, we are now in a position to inform the community.“It is important to note that the discolouration of the water around Byron Bay in recent weeks is not a result of the sewage spill,” Mr Soulsby said.“Council sincerely apologises for this incident, and we will do everything we can to make sure it does not happen again,” he said.What happened:The problem was discovered by Council on 19 March.The town’s stormwater system was systematically checked to determine the extent of the spill.Vacuum trucks pumped out 90,000 litres from the stormwater system until it was clean.Water testing was done (multiple times) to determine if there was any discharge into the ocean at Clarkes Beach or Belongil Creek. The results were negative.Extensive investigations involving the contractor are ongoing to determine how the accidental diversion to the stormwater system happened.The EPA was notified immediately.

Volunteers from Marine Rescue Ballina have negotiated challenging two to three metre swells on the Ballina Bar today to rescue a male foilboarder who was swept out to sea during the outgoing tide.Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray said NSW Police Marine Area Command tasked Marine Rescue Ballina with the mission just after 12pm today, Sunday, 13 April."Because of the rough conditions on the bar, Marine Rescue NSW vessel Ballina 21 was deployed for the mission. Ballina 21 is a highly manoeuvrable rapid-response jet boat."With conditions against him, the foilboarder was unable to return to shore and was being swept further out to sea."Within 10 minutes of getting on the water, the volunteer crew on board Ballina 21 located the foilboarder approximately one kilometre east of the north wall. Members from Surf Life Saving NSW arrived on the scene simultaneously in an IRB and retrieved the man from the water before transferring him to the Marine Rescue NSW jet boat."The IRB requested the Marine Rescue NSW crew return the man to shore because conditions on the bar were too dangerous for their vessel."The man was extremely lucky. The conditions were quite challenging, and the Marine Rescue NSW jet boat was the ideal vessel for the mission."The foilboarder was taken on board Ballina 21 and returned to Shaws Bay. He was uninjured," Inspector Murray said.Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.

Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader has joined the growing chorus of regional leaders demanding urgent and sustainable funding commitments from Federal Election candidates.In her role as Executive Board Member of the Country Mayors Association of NSW Inc. (CMA), Mayor Cadwallader has echoed the concerns raised by the Association’s Chair, Mayor Rick Firman OAM, about the declining financial support for local councils and the alarming lack of response from major political parties.“Local councils like ours are being asked to do more with less, and quite frankly it’s unsustainable,” Mayor Cadwallader said. “We are delivering essential services, maintaining infrastructure, supporting disaster response, and meeting community expectations with funding that hasn’t kept pace with inflation or responsibilities.”Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants, once equating to 1% of federal tax revenue now hover around 0.5%, leaving regional and rural councils struggling to make ends meet. These grants make up over 70% of total revenue, with little room to increase income from rates or other sources.“The funding model is broken,” Mayor Cadwallader said. “We urgently need a fairer share of national tax revenue to support our local communities. I’m calling on all candidates in the Richmond and Page electorates to publicly commit to restoring Financial Assistance Grants to at least 1% of tax revenue. Our communities deserve better.”“Ballina Shire, like many regional councils, is being asked to take on responsibilities that were traditionally delivered by state and federal governments,” Mayor Cadwallader said. “Yet the funding isn’t following the function. Enough is enough.”Mayor Cadwallader also stressed the impact of rate pegging, growing compliance burdens, and cost shifts, particularly in areas like roads, housing, and climate resilience, are hitting councils hard including Ballina Shire Council.“Local government is the level of government closest to the people. We are best placed to deliver real outcomes, but we need genuine, long-term funding partnerships with the Australian Government to do that,” she said.She urged residents across the Northern Rivers to demand better from their local candidates. “If your candidate isn’t backing stronger funding for councils, ask them why not and make your vote count for your community.”For more information about the Country Mayors Association’s advocacy, visit: www.nswcountrymayors.com.au.

Pedestrian and vehicle accesses to Seven Mile Beach between Broken Head and Lennox Head will be closed this weekend.The reason for this is so Byron Shire Council staff can remove the carcass of a humpback whale that was buried high in the dunes of Seven Mile Beach after it washed up on the beach in July 2023.Recent big seas, because of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, stripped the beach of a lot of sand and the carcass has been exposed.It is unpleasant and a potential health hazard.In 2023 the whale was buried in the dunes after consultation with NPWS, NSW Marine Parks, Arakwal and the Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council.Byron Shire Council is again working closely with all stakeholders to ensure the carcass is either reburied or disposed of accordingly.

Ballina Shire Council is asking the community to share their waste habits and barriers to help inform Council’s waste education programs and materials.“We understand people are busy and it’s sometimes hard to know what goes in which bin, but we also know Ballina Shire is home to a lot of residents who try to dispose of their waste correctly and responsibly,” said Justine Rowe, Ballina Shire Council’s Resource Recovery Education Officer.Council is asking residents to complete a short online survey to give their Resource Recovery Section an insight into residents’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours towards waste and recycling.The results from the community survey will help guide the direction of Council’s resource recovery educational materials and programs over the next 12 months.“We are asking residents to take five minutes to tell us a bit about their current waste practices and how we could support them to make waste management and waste minimisation simpler.Whether you prefer information in print or on social media, or perhaps you would like to see more local community clothes swaps or repair cafes ─ we want to hear from you!”The survey closes at 5pm on Friday, 9 May 2025. The survey can be completed online, or over the phone by calling our Resource Recovery Section on 02 6686 1287.Don’t ‘waste’ the opportunity to complete Ballina Shire Council’s Resource Recovery Education survey!Complete the survey today at https://wasteeducationsurvey2025.paperform.co/.

Road closures remain in place following a single-vehicle crash near Grafton this morning.About 4.15am (Thursday, 10 April 2025), emergency services were called to the Gwydir Highway at Jackadgery, near the intersection of Cangai Road, following reports a truck had rolled on the roadway before catching alight.The fire was extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW officers.The driver and only occupant of the truck was uninjured.Officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District are at the scene and have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.The highway is closed in both directions and motorists are urged to avoid the area. For up-to-date traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com.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.

Byron Shire Council opened its Community Initiatives and Creative Public Spaces programs this week – offering grants of up to $5,000 to eligible community groups, individuals and creatives.  Applications need to be completed before the deadline of 16 May 2025.Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, said the purpose of Council’s ongoing investment in the two funding programs was to deliver small grants that could make a big difference to community groups and creatives and help them to generate outstanding outcomes and innovative projects.“We encourage applications for any event or project that supports the environment, the creative life of the community or that improves access and inclusion and opens up ways for more people to participate in our community,” the Mayor said.The Creative Public Spaces program supported three site-responsive projects in 2024 that looked at reimaging our waterways, CBD walls and public spaces.“In particular, we are actively looking to support projects, activities and events from a diverse range of ages, cultures, abilities, and backgrounds, that look for new ways to activate our public spaces,” she said.The Community Initiatives program supported eleven projects in 2024.“Last year the Community Initiatives Grants supported a range of innovative projects including Junior Landcare, Elder Beats - rhythm and dance for seniors, Stories of Matriarchal Bundjalung, Music in the Valley Festival and a community access project at Eureka Public Hall. “Council’s grassroots funding programs have been running successfully for many years now and have been proven to help make inspiring projects happen in our community,” the Mayor said.To find out more about the Community Initiatives Program and the Creative Public Spaces Small Grants program, go to Council’s website. Eligibility criteria vary for each grant program, so get the details from Council’s website.

Byron Shire Council and the Marvell Hall Committee invite the Byron Shire community to a special morning tea at Marvell Hall, Byron Bay, this Saturday (12 April) to celebrate the recent completion of a $756,000 renovation and transformation of this much-loved community space. The hall upgrade was funded by Byron Shire Council with a generous contribution of $65,000 from Marvell Hall’s operations and includes new air-conditioning, a new semi-commercial kitchen, accessibility upgrades and improved soundproofing.“The morning will kick off with a free taster session from Move It Dance Fitness at 10am, followed by a cuppa and cake at 10.30am, and a chance to have a look at the new and improved space,” Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said.“The halls play such a vital role in bringing our community together, and these upgrades have created more functional and accessible spaces, making Marvell Hall an even better facility for all. It’s exciting to see how these changes will benefit everyone who uses the space,” she said.Upgrades to Marvell Hall were completed in December 2024 and were funded through Council’s Capital Works Program including:Asbestos Removal – The removal of Asbestos containing internal and external linings throughout building as necessary for renovation works program and replacement of linings including acoustic upgrades to Oodgeroo Hall.Accessibility Upgrades – Demolition of non-compliant existing loading ramp to building entry and addition of new accessible ramp to meet relevant standards.Kitchen Upgrade – Complete kitchen replacement (semi-commercial) to meet current health & safety standards.Upgrade to existing storeroom to meet current fire safety regulations and complete electrical Upgrades throughout building.Air-conditioning - Council and Committee funded replacement and upgrades throughout.Marvell Hall is located in the heart of Byron Bay. "I recently did my first Move It class, and it was so much fun! It’s a great opportunity to connect with others in the community. I warmly invite everyone to come along and join us,” the Mayor said.Marvell Hall Community Morning TeaDate: Saturday 12 April 2025Time: 10.30 to 11.30 Morning Tea, (10am for free Move it Dance Fitness Taster Session)Address: 37 Marvell Street Byron Bay.

Ballina Shire Council has announced the auction of nine serviced industrial lots within the Southern Cross Industrial Estate, Ballina – enabling new business opportunities and supporting sustainable economic growth in the region.The lots range in size from 1,527m² to 4,492m² and are conveniently located directly opposite the Ballina Homemaker Centre, and just one kilometre from the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.The lots are level, zoned E4 General Industrial and have all services connected.Council said, "Don’t miss this rare opportunity to secure new industrial land in Ballina." A public auction will be held on Wednesday 30 April 2025 at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre, Park Lane, Lennox Head. Registration opens at 5 pm, with the auction commencing at 6 pm.More informationFor further information or to arrange an inspection, contact your preferred local real estate agent or Ballina Shire Council’s Manager Commercial Services, Paul Tsikleas, or Leanne Harding on 1300 864 444.Additional details, including an Information Memorandum and Industrial Lot Site Plan, are available on Council’s website at www.ballina.nsw.gov.au/boeingavenue.

If you live in New Brighton, South Golden Beach, Ocean Shores, or surrounds, now’s the time to review and provide feedback on Byron Council’s draft Place Plan for these villages, until Sunday 18 May.The draft Place Plan is a guiding document for future infrastructure and development in these communities, and includes 22 actions relating to movement, environment, open space, village feel, community and resilience.“We started development of this draft Place Plan back in July 2024 and have collaborated with a wide range of community groups, associations and individuals, local Minjungbal representatives, local schools and students, business owners, government representatives and other stakeholders,” Byron Shire Council Place Planner, Stephanie McMurray said.“Council engaged a Stakeholder Reference Group to make sure a wide range of views and interests from the North of the Shire were included,” she said.“We also consulted more widely with the local community, held workshop sessions, attended community markets and gathered valuable information online, via a range of feedback tools.“Thanks to everyone’s participation in the process, we are now pleased to present the draft plan including our shared vision and 22 priority actions for the communities of New Brighton, South Golden Beach and Ocean Shores for the next 20 years.“We invite everyone to have a read and tell us what they think,” Ms McMurray said.Feedback on this draft is open today - Monday 7 April until Sunday 18 May 2025 and you can provide your comments and ideas online any time via Council’s website or come and see us at one of the following places: Ocean Shores Community Centre on Tuesday 15th April between 3:30 pm – 6pm.South Golden Beach Hall on Wednesday 16th April between 3:30 pm – 6pm.New Brighton Farmers Market on Tuesday 29th April between 8am - 11am.The Draft Place Plan for New Brighton, South Golden Beach and Ocean Shores, is on Council’s website at www.byron.nsw.gov.au/nso-place-plan,Or drop into Council’s Customer Service Centre to view a hard copy and provide a submission by 18 May.

Leading automotive retailer Supercheap Auto is set to film a major new advertising campaign in Kyogle across a four-day window between Thursday 22nd May to Tuesday 27th of May. This is the second time the brand has shot in the region, having previously filmed here in 2018. This year’s production will necessitate some temporary road closures in and around the town centre; however, Supercheap Auto is working closely with the Kyogle Council to ensure that any disruption is minimised. Kyogle Mayor Danielle Mulholland says the production will bring economic benefits to the Kyogle region. “We are aiming to promote Kyogle as a film-friendly location, so when a large, national company like Supercheap Auto chooses our town for a huge commercial shoot, it sends a positive message to the wider production industry,” Cr Mulholland said. Supercheap Auto Content Manager Reece Moger said that Kyogle’s picturesque buildings and pro-film attitude is a big reason why the company is returning to Kyogle. “We had such a great experience working with Kyogle Council to produce our previous campaign. So when we were scouting for a location for this year’s production, Kyogle’s picture perfect streets and amazing buildings made it the ideal choice,” Moger said. The commercial is produced by TAXI Film, one of Australia’s leading production companies. It is anticipated the production will bring over 100 cast and crew to the region, bringing economic benefits to local accommodation and hospitality providers as well as other businesses. “We’re also hoping to employ locals as background extras, as well as work with local auto clubs to source vehicles,” Moger said. Locals interested in being a background extra in the production are asked to email photos of themselves and a brief description, including name, age and contact details to production@taxifilm.tv or if you have any questions relating to the production please email shoot@taxifilm.tv.

NSW water law compliance data for spring-summer 2024-25 has shown an increase in the number of fines (penalty notices) issued by the NSW Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) compared to the same period in 2023-24. The number of fines issued increased from 26 to 44 for the period across NSW. NRAR issued fewer directions and stop work orders over spring-summer compared to last year (110, down from 139) but the number of formal warnings and official cautions issued remained steady on 118. The number of inspections done by the independent regulator increased by 66% compared to the same period last year (171 to 285). NRAR received 1171 suspicious activity reports in the spring-summer period 24-25, and 490 of those were referred for further investigation.  This is similar to the previous year when there were 1358 suspicious activity reports and 356 referred for further investigation. Of the state's 14 water sharing plan regions, the North and Far North Coast regions had the highest number of penalty notices issued (16). That is a 300% increase on the same time last year and more than double the next highest total of 8 recorded in the Murray Water Sharing plan region. The Namoi Water Sharing Plan Region had the highest total number of enforcement actions in NSW for the period with 50, including fines, directions and stop work orders, formal warnings and official cautions.  TABLE: Compliance data for the five NSW water-sharing plan regions with the highest number of enforcement actions for spring-summer 2024-25.  In all the listed regions (above) the most common offence types detected by NRAR staff in spring-summer were alleged unlawful water take, non-compliant metering or failing to comply with approval conditions. NRAR Manager Compliance Investigations, Tim O’Connell, said releasing compliance data was an important part of NRAR’s commitment to transparency about its activities and results.  “A variety of compliance data is publicly available on our website, and this gives confidence to the public that water is being managed effectively, and action will be taken when rules are broken,” Mr O’Connell said.  “When we decide how to respond to breaches of the law, we focus our efforts and resources on those that pose the greatest risk of harm to communities, the environment or other water users,” he said.  “A lot of people are already doing the right thing, and we are encouraged by that. “The number of breaches is small compared to the 39,000 licences monitored by NRAR, but that said, even small breaches matter because together they can add up to a serious widespread problem.” You can see more compliance data for your area on their online dashboard.  Case study: Gunnedah regionThe offence: A Gunnedah region landholder was investigated by NRAR after a public tip off in 2020 lead to the discovery that water in a creek had been diverted into the landholder's farm dam. Our response: NRAR issued a direction to remediate the site and ensure that the original course of the stream was restored. The regulator continued to monitor the area and ensured that the creek diversion was removed and the watercourse restored. This occurred at the end of 2024. The result: The creek is now flowing properly along its course. This is particularly important for a koala habitat downstream. 

The Northern NSW Local Health District is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case that was infectious while visiting several locations in Byron Bay, Lennox Head, Tintenbar, and Broken Head.The case had recently been travelling in South East Asia where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles in several countries.People who attended the following locations should watch for the development of symptoms. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.Monday 31 March 2025:Combi Café, 5b/21-25 Fletcher St, Byron Bay, 10:50am to 11:50amTuesday 1 April 2025:Killen Falls, 38 Killen Falls Dr, Tintenbar, 11:30am to 12pmKiosk Lennox Beach, Pacific Parade, Lennox Head, 12:08pm to 12:30pmLake Ainsworth, Pacific Parade, Lennox Head, 12:30pm to 3pmBroken Head Beach, Broken Head Reserve Rd, Broken Head, 3:30pm to 4:30pmRegional Director of North Coast Population and Public Health, Dr Valerie Delpech, said anyone who visited the above locations at those times should monitor for symptoms.“Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,” Dr Delpech said.“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it's important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms up until 19 April 2025.“If they develop symptoms, they should call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.“We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough.“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment."The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective, and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn't already had two doses.Children under the age of 12 months can have their first dose of MMR up to six months early if they are travelling overseas. Parents should consult their GP.People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).For more information on measles, view the measles factsheet​.If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

The Royal Australian Air Force will be conducting fast jet training at the Evans Head Air Weapons Range (EVDAWR), located south of Evans Head township on the north coast of New South Wales, from April to June 2025. The training will involve F-35A Lightning II, F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft from RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Amberley and will allow aircrew to complete initial and currency weapons training. F-35A Lightning II aircraft from Number 2 Operational Conversion Unit at RAAF Base Williamtown are scheduled to operate on the range from 4-9 April and 16-21 June.F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft from Number 1 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley are scheduled to operate on the range from 12-16 May, 28-30 May and 2-6 June.EA-18G Growler aircraft from Number 6 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley are scheduled to operate on the range from 16-21 and 23-27 June.Training is scheduled to take place during daylight hours on weekdays but is subject to change due to weather or other operational considerations. Flying will normally involve two waves per day in application pattern, and will include live gunnery. The training may also include the use of lasers. Defence personnel will display red flags to indicate live-firing activities, and will conduct patrols for public safety. Commander Air Combat Group, Air Commodore Peter Robinson, thanked the Evans Head community for their understanding and support of critical training activities. “Air Force appreciates the long-standing support from the local community while aircrew complete this important training,” Air Commodore Robinson said. The Evans Head Air Weapons Range covers both land and overwater areas. The public are reminded that access to the range land areas remains restricted at all times, and not just while flying activities are occurring. This restriction is a safety measure due to the possibility of unexploded ordnance remaining at the site. The overwater area will be closed from 10am to 5pm during all operations except where specifically indicated. The Evans Head Air Weapons Range Community Advisory Panel has been advised of these activities. For further information, please refer to the Air Force Operations website on www.airforce.gov.au/operations/flying-operations/flying-activity. A copy of the EVDAWR Defence Practice Area map is available on the Defence website at Frequent flying schedules | Air Force.

More than 30 people have been charged during Operation Furittus, established to target anti-social and criminal behaviour across the Tweed/Byron Police District.In recent months, Tweed/Byron Police have increased high-visibility policing in areas such as local shopping centres, public spaces, and public transport hubs to enhance community safety.This week, between Tuesday, 1 April 2025 and Thursday, 3 April 2025, officers from Tweed/Byron Police District held a joint operation with security investigation partners and centre management at local shopping centres.Uniformed and plain-clothes police worked in conjunction with retail outlets and loss prevention officers to saturate local shopping centres to detect and disrupt crime.As a result of the operation:A total of 49 charges were laid against 33 people, including several outstanding warrants and breach AVO offences.15 business inspections took place with 60 shoplifters detected,25 criminal infringement notices were issued,37 banning notices were issued,seven youth cautions were conducted,six people were moved on, andthere were eight breach of parole notifications.In addition, officers attached to Police Transport Command and Tweed/Byron Police District used handheld scanners to reduce knife crime and boost community safety under Operation Ares.Operation Ares ran between 9am and 9pm yesterday (Thursday, 3 April 2025) at two shopping precincts in Tweed Heads.In total, 384 people were stopped and scanned using hand-held devices, resulting in one knife allegedly being produced by a 56-year-old Mullumbimby man.He was issued a court attendance notice for custody of knife in public place, and will appear before Tweed Heads Local Court on Monday 28 April 2025.Tweed/Byron Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer, said these operations are part of a wide-scale proactive policing strategy aimed at keeping the local communities safe."Members of our community have a right to feel safe when they use our shopping centres, public spaces and transport hubs. This operation reinforces our commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the community by disrupting individuals who engage in criminal activity and holding them accountable for their actions.""Police have developed strong relationships with many local retail outlets and security partners. This operation has identified a large number of individuals who have been prosecuted for outstanding warrants and a range of other offences including stealing, possessing prohibited drugs and having goods in their custody suspected of being stolen.""Police proactively investigate all reports of retail theft and anti-social behaviour through the use of CCTV and other investigative strategies. If individuals steal from a retail outlet or commit offences within local shopping centres, there is a high likelihood that they will be identified and prosecuted."These types of operations will continue across the Tweed/Byron Police District, while Operation Ares will continue to run in various areas across NSW.

Kyogle Council has engaged an accredited geotechnical provider to review damage on the Lions Road post-Cyclone Alfred and undertake a risk assessment that included landslips south of the Queensland border. The geotechnical review process was undertaken in accordance with the Transport for NSW standard assessment of risk at landslip sites.The review identified five different hazards, including downslope landslides, rockfalls from above and upslope landslides. The most consequential risk is a downslope landslide, which presents a high risk to users for several reasons, including:-Unstable state of exposed fill and collapsed roadway, including further crackingThe potential for a rapid failure without warningThe depth of void below the road meaning road users are particularly vulnerable to serious injury or worse should a vehicle impact the hazard.Any traffic loading on the remaining roadway would be bearing directly on the “zone of influence” of the downslopeThe recommendation of the review is for a continued full road closure.  Council had hoped to open the Lions Road for the Easter school holidays, unfortunately the damage sustained as a result of Cyclone Alfred, exacerbated by recent rainfall, means that is now not possible. The closure will be required for some time, and the road is unlikely to be reopened this year.Council will provide further updates as they come to hand.

Byron Shire Council is urging the Australian Government to take meaningful action on Federal Assistance Grants, advocating for an increase from the current 0.5 per cent of tax revenue to 1 per cent.  The call comes at a critical time, as local communities across the country are grappling with the ongoing housing crisis and its aftermath. “Local governments are facing increasing pressures to provide more services while managing growing infrastructure demands, and making proper investment in local councils is essential for improving the quality of life for everyone, no matter who they are,” Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said. The proportion of national taxes allocated to local government has shrunk over time, according to an SGS Report (2024) into Long-term trends in Australian Local Government Financial Sustainability. “Financial Assistance Grants represented 0.83 per cent of Commonwealth tax revenue in 2000.  They declined to 0.62 per cent by 2008 and have dropped down to a meagre 0.5 over the past 5 years,” the Mayor said. “It’s a disgrace that successive Australian Governments have allowed the Federal Assistance Grants — the only untied source of annual funding for local governments — to flatline at such an embarrassingly low level for so long, while per capita expenditure from both State and Commonwealth governments has soared,” she said. “It’s outrageous that in the lead up to the election, neither of the major parties are talking about the very thing that would have the most meaningful impact on people’s quality of life on a daily basis.” The Mayor’s comments follow insights gained at the recent Country Mayors Association NSW conference and a report from the NSW Auditor General reiterating this ongoing challenge.  She is calling on other councils across the nation to join her in highlighting the unfair imbalance in funding that forces local governments to beg for grants and funding every election cycle just to maintain basic amenities and infrastructure.  “Local governments are now expected to manage more services than ever before, from roads and rubbish to libraries, parks, childcare, and even airports, cemeteries, and some health services.  “We are the safety net for our communities and the services of last resort for the most vulnerable,” Mayor Ndiaye said. “Local governments employ over 200,000 people across more than 400 occupations, and we manage assets worth $640 billion with an annual operating spend of $38 billion. We’re responsible for managing one-third of Australia’s public infrastructure and 77 per cent of the national road network." In addition to these existing challenges, local governments are now being burdened with the increased demand for services due to the impact of climate change, particularly in areas like Northern Rivers, where climate disasters are becoming more frequent. “The Federal Assistance Grants, first introduced by the Whitlam government in 1974, were designed to help local governments fund essential services. However, at 0.5 per cent, the current level is simply not sustainable for us to continue delivering the services and infrastructure our communities rely on,” Mayor Ndiaye emphasised. “It’s time for the Australian Government to ‘get real’, stop tinkering around the edges trying to lure votes with sugar hits and make meaningful change. We need serious investment in local government — a move that will ultimately improve the quality of life for all Australians.”