A man has been charged over an alleged assault in Byron Bay last month.On Thursday, 4 September 2025, officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District commenced an investigation following reports an 18-year-old man was allegedly assaulted on Johnson Street, Byron Bay, about 3.30am on Saturday, 23 August 2025.Police were told the 18-year-old man was approached by another man before he was allegedly assaulted.The second man then left the area.Following extensive inquiries, about 9am today (Thursday, 25 September 2025), police executed a search warrant at a residence in Opaki Place, Wollongbar, where a 24-year-old man was arrested.He was taken to Lismore Police Station, where he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.He was granted conditional bail to appear before Byron Bay Local Court on Monday (13 October 2025).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.

Police are warning members of the public to be on alert after counterfeit cash has been reported being handed to businesses in the Ballina area.Officers attached to Richmond Police District were alerted after counterfeit $50 and $100 notes were handed to businesses in Ballina in September 2025.Officers have seized the notes, and inquiries are now underway.Tips from NSW Police to spot a counterfeit note include:Feel the note – a genuine note is printed on special plastic polymer and is difficult to tearHold the note to the light and look for the Australian Coat of Arms. This is generally located to the left of the clear window, or denomination numeral when looking at the front of the note.Feel for slightly raised printing on the main design of the noteLook for the seven-pointed star inside a circleCompare the background printing - look for any distortions or less clearly defined patterns.Check that the note has a clear window and that it has a clear printed image: $50 has the Southern Cross and the $100 has the lyrebird.If possible, look under a UV light to locate the serial numbersAnyone 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.

Grafton Base Hospital staff have been named finalists in the 2025 NSW Health Awards for their extraordinary contribution to the NSW public health system.Now in its 27th year, the awards showcase the excellence delivered by so many people and teams across NSW Health every day.The Grafton Base Hospital Day Stay Joint Replacement Program is among 41 finalists from across the state, and among three finalists competing in the Transforming Patient Experience category. The Grafton team has been recognised for their work in supporting eligible knee and hip replacement patients to return home on the same day of their operation, with support.NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM said she was incredibly proud of the staff, volunteers, and health programs that make up another remarkable group of finalists."The NSW Health Awards recognise the great work our staff do every day to improve the lives of our patients and the communities they serve," Ms Pearce said."I congratulate all the finalists, but I also want to acknowledge the exceptional work being done across the system every day by their colleagues – our teams of doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health and support staff."Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) Chief Executive Tracey Maisey said she was immensely proud of the achievements of the Grafton Day Stay Joint Replacement team, who under the guidance of Orthopaedic Care Coordinator Andrew Wong and Head of Department, Clarence Physiotherapy Brenton Sahlqvist have been recognised for their passion and commitment.“Patient experience is at the heart of everything we do at NNSWLHD, so for our Day Stay Joint Replacement team at Grafton Base Hospital to be recognised as a finalist in this category is particularly rewarding,” Ms Maisey said.“Well done to everyone involved in this innovative model of care, which allows eligible hip and knee replacement patients to return home on the same day as their surgery, where they can recover in the comfort of their own surroundings, with no adverse outcomes compared to non-day stay patients.”The finalists and winners will be celebrated at the NSW Health Awards ceremony, which will be held on Thursday, 30 October 2025 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney and via livestream on the NSW Health website.The full list of finalists is available on the NSW Health website.

Northern NSW Local Health District is encouraging community organisations in the Clarence Valley to participate and help deliver healthy living activities for residents as part of the Healthy Living Program.The Healthy Living Program provides guidance and support to help individuals adopt and maintain healthier lifestyle habits and promotes wellness and healthy ageing.Acting Director Aboriginal Health, Oral Health and Health Promotion, Cameron Johnson is excited to hear from community organisations based in the Clarence Valley, who are focused on helping people lead healthier lifestyles.“We would like to find out about existing local projects that support people in the Clarence Valley with healthy eating and physical activity,” Mr Johnson said.“By working in partnership with locals and locally based community organisations, we can help keep people healthy and well and out of hospitals.“We are looking forward to learning about the great initiatives based in the Clarence Valley and to consider how NNSWLHD can collaborate with organisations and support existing activities.”The team is interested in discussing opportunities with community groups across a range of areas, such as physical activity, dance, sport, healthy eating and social interaction activities for young and old.The initiative is part of NNSWLHD’s Health Promotion strategy, which aims to support healthy lifestyles in the community. Recent initiatives have included healthy eating programs for families, creating fitness activities for older residents such as dance classes and community education about the dangers of vaping. Clarence Valley-based organisations are invited to complete an online form to express interest and share what is happening locally for families, adults and older adults.Organisations are encouraged to complete this form by Sunday, 5 October: http://bit.ly/41tVMX1.For more information, email NNSWLHD-HealthPromotion@health.nsw.gov.au.

Kyogle Council is making steady progress in restoring Lions Road, with repair work on three of the five major landslips expected to be completed in 2026.Four of the landslips occurred during the catastrophic 2022 flood event, which also damaged the road and a number of culverts.The damage was further compounded in 2025 when Cyclone Alfred created a new landslip, further destabilised the existing landslips and caused additional culvert damage. For safety reasons, the road has had to remain closed.Progress to date includes:All damaged culverts have been replaced or repaired.Remediation of three of the five major landslips is advancing, with completion expected in 2026.Funding applications for the two remaining landslips are yet to be approved.Once Council has repaired all the landslips, full road reconstruction works will follow. These are scheduled for 2026, though an exact completion date is not yet available.Kyogle Council Mayor Cr Danielle Mulholland said the scale of the damage to Lions Road meant the restoration was a complex and lengthy process, but Council was making headway."Council has a responsibility to make the road as safe as possible and staff and contractors have worked tirelessly to ensure every step of this recovery is done properly – that takes time," Cr Mulholland said.“We know how important Lions Road is for locals and visitors, and we are committed to restoring it as soon as possible.“In the meantime, we thank residents and motorists for their patience and understanding."Council will continue to keep the community updated as funding approvals and works proceed. For now, Lions Road will remain closed until all repairs are complete.

TAFE NSW has been named Large Training Provider of the Year at the 2025 NSW Training Awards. There was also a local flavour with the Casino Food Company winning Industry Collaboration. They now progress to the Australian Training Awards.The event marked the 70th anniversary of the NSW Training Awards, with finalists representing the best of the best across several industries, including energy, construction, community services, hairdressing, engineering, and early childhood education.Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, said the awards are a reflection of the high-quality vocational education and training TAFE NSW provides, and highlights the life-changing impact of skills training. “Vocational education is a smart choice for people looking to start a career, make a change, and learn all sorts of practical skills – the NSW Training Awards winners and finalists are testament to the opportunities skills training can unlock.“I’ve met many students and graduates across the state who tell me TAFE NSW gives them the confidence to apply their new skills, both in the classroom and in the workplace.”   TAFE NSW Managing Director, Chloe Read, accepted the Large Training Provider of the Year award on behalf of TAFE NSW. She said the winning results demonstrate how TAFE NSW offers students the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to succeed in their learning, work, and competition. "I was thrilled when TAFE NSW won the Large Training Provider of the Year award, which reflects the dedication of our teachers and people working across 154 campuses and local communities – they all play a part and deserve to feel proud of this recognition," Ms Read said. "These awards showcase the breadth of vocational skills and careers that are available to people – from hairdressing to bricklaying – and how TAFE NSW training can help kickstart all sorts of careers."TAFE NSW students also took away the Vocational Student of the Year and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year. "We are incredibly proud of our students' achievements – they've put in the time and energy to perfect their skills, often while juggling work and other commitments, and have had their efforts rewarded.""TAFE NSW teachers are incredibly dedicated – these awards are also a reflection of their experience and commitment to supporting students to be the very best they can be. It's easy to see why TAFE NSW-trained apprentices, trainees, and vocational students are so highly regarded by employers." Ms Read also highlighted the quality of TAFE NSW connections to industry, recognised by the Industry Collaboration Award win for its partnership with Casino Food Company Ltd.“We work closely with industry to deliver skills that work from day one, ensuring students receive the practical, hands-on skills and knowledge we know employers and industry need now and in the future.”Simon Stahl, CEO of Casino Food Company, said of the win, “Through our collaboration with TAFE NSW, we’ve been able to deliver nationally recognised training on site, giving our people the skills and confidence to succeed while strengthening the future of our industry.” “The Certificate II in Meat Processing has given our workers practical knowledge they can apply every day, which in turn drives efficiency, safety, and career opportunities across our business.” “Partnering with TAFE NSW ensures our workforce continues to grow in capability and resilience, supporting both our employees and the red meat industry.” The Australian Training Awards will be held in Darwin on 5 December.A full list of TAFE NSW’s success at the NSW Training Awards is below:

From Monday, 13 October, there will be no outbound traffic on Mullumbimby Road, including on weekends. Mullumbimby Road will be open to inbound traffic. Emergency services and school buses will, however, have full access to Mullumbimby Road. Traffic signals will be in place to stop traffic for emergency services, 24 hours a day.Drivers leaving Mullumbimby should take alternative routes such as Myocum Road and Coolamon Scenic Drive.Coolman Scenic Drive will be maintained to cope with extra traffic.Heavy vehicles should take Myocum Road.The changes come as Council moves onto the next stage (Stage 2) of the Mullumbimby Road upgrade between The Saddle Road and Gulgan Road. This involves:Drainage work on the verges near the Uncle Tom’s intersection, including the removal of trees and other vegetation in the road reserve.  Installation of a new culvert with the aim of improving stormwater flow to Everitts Creek.New road surfaces, signage, guardrail installation and line marking.Minor road widening in the current road corridor.Council has looked at every option to keep the road open to two lanes of traffic during this project but it is not possible because sections of the road corridor are narrow, or there is a steep drop or incline on one or both sides.It is also not possible to have one lane of alternating traffic operating during Stage 2 because of the location of the work near the intersection of Gulgan Road.Traffic would be queuing on Gulgan Road, creating hazards for drivers approaching blind corners and congestion at Tandys Lane.  The approach from Mullumbimby from the crest of the hill would also be hazardous to drivers and workers.It is not possible to do nightwork during Stage 2 for several reasons, including:Supply of materials – most material suppliers are restricted to day shift supply.Worker safety - it is not safe for staff or equipment to be operated at night on this section of Mullumbimby Road, which includes wet, boggy and steep sections.Budget constraints – additional equipment hire, lighting, staff and contractor night shifts, loading and fatigue management. This has been assessed to cost the project an additional 33%The upgrade of Mullumbimby Road is a major project that is funded by the NSW and Federal Governments, and Council, to improve road safety and drainage and rebuild flood-damaged sections of the road.Information about the Mullumbimby Road upgrade is on Council’s website.

A man has been charged after a woman was found deceased in Mullumbimby last night.About 11.55pm (Friday 19 September 2025), police were called to a unit on Poinciana Street, Mullumbimby, following reports of a domestic incident.Officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District attended and located a 23-year-old woman deceased inside the unit.A 29-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Byron Bay Police Station.Police established a crime scene, and Tweed/Byron detectives commenced Strike Force Deston to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.Following inquiries, the 29-year-old was charged with murder (DV) today (Saturday, 20 September 2025).He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Bail Court tomorrow (Sunday, 21 September 2025).

A man has been arrested and an investigation has commenced after a woman was found deceased in Mullumbimby.About 11.55pm (Friday, 19 September 2025), police were called to a unit on Poinciana Street, Mullumbimby, following reports of a domestic incident.Officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District attended and located a woman deceased inside the unit.While she is yet to be formally identified, she is believed to be aged in her 20s.A 29-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Byron Bay Police Station.Police established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.Inquiries are ongoing.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Regional NSW disaster response and recovery operations will be strengthened as the NSW Government delivers new high-clearance vehicles and light flood rescues across the state, including Ballina, Yamba and Murwillumbah.   The vehicles are part of the NSW Government’s fleet replacement program, ensuring NSW State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers have the latest, purpose-built equipment to keep communities safe.  Included in this year’s flood rescue fleet upgrades are 10 new High Clearance Vehicles with cranes and specialised equipment worth $800,000 each and 11 light flood rescue Land Cruisers valued at $270,000 each. The addition of these vehicles to the NSW SES fleet across regional parts of the state will increase volunteers ability to access isolated communities and perform critical rescues during flooding.   Built at Alexander Perrie & Co at Port Kembla in the Illawarra, the new 4WD flood rescue vehicles are designed with enhanced off-road capability, and have a custom-built body for flood rescue equipment, as well as integrated stowage for inflatable flood rescue rafts. These vehicles are now being delivered to SES units in Wyong, Kiama, Tamworth, Ballina, Yamba, Orange, Forbes and Sydney.Further, the high clearance vehicles are designed to operate in extreme off-road conditions and through floodwaters up to 1.2 metres deep, enabling SES crews to deliver essential supplies, complete rescues, and support other emergency services in remote and hard-to-reach locations. The delivery of the new vehicles comes as SES crews responded to more than 59,000 incidents in the past 12 months, an 24,500 increase from the previous 12-month period, in what has been the busiest year since 2022. The NSW Government thanked communities for following emergency service advice to prepare, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting wetter than average weather will continue until the end of the year.  September to April is typically the time when the frequency of storms, strong winds and heavy rain increases, but August has already been wet for much of the state.  High clearance vehicles will be delivered across the state, including to areas recently impacted by flooding, such as Murwillumbah, Coffs Harbour and Taree. Others will be operational throughout Ku-ring-gai, Broken Hill, Goulburn, Moruya, Forbes and Dubbo.  The fleet rollout follows extensive consultation with SES volunteers, trainers, and manufacturers to ensure each vehicle meets the operational challenges of the State’s diverse landscapes.  Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, “I would like to thank our hardworking SES volunteers who have been out in force this year and who are a reassuring sight for communities in times of need.”  “These new vehicles ensure we are giving our frontline emergency services the equipment they need to respond faster, reach more people in isolated areas and carry out rescues in some of the most challenging conditions.” “Our investment in these vehicles is about making sure the people who run towards danger to help others have the tools they need to do it safely.”  “We know we can count on SES crews to help communities, and I would encourage anyone who wants to join to sign up.” NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Damien Johnson said, “These vehicles represent a significant step forward in our flood and disaster response capability.” “We’ve worked closely with our volunteers and technical experts to ensure these designs meet the realities of field operations — whether that’s wading through more than a metre of floodwater, navigating fire trails, or delivering supplies to communities cut off by floodwaters.” “This investment brings our total number of high clearance vehicles to 20 and means our dedicated members will be able to work more safely and effectively when the next emergency comes.” 

Police are appealing to the public for assistance following the thefts of two e-bikes in Suffolk Park and Ballina.On 7 September 2025, an e-bike was stolen from the Suffolk Park Shopping Centre. Police Reference No. E100707670 relates. The officer in charge of the investigation is Constable EPPLE from Byron Bay Police Station.On 17 September 2025, a break, enter and steal occurred at a business in Hogan Street, Ballina and an e-bike was stolen. Police Reference No. E102287774 relates. The officer in charge of the investigation is Constable SCHLAGER from Ballina Police Station.The male person/s depicted in the images may be able to assist with our investigations.Anyone with information as to the male person/s identity is urged to contact either Byron Bay Police Station on 02 6685 9499, Ballina Police Station on 02 6681 8699, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

Grafton Police have charged a third teen during an investigation into an alleged fatal stabbing near Grafton earlier this week.About 1am on (Wednesday 17 September 2025), emergency services were called to the Gwydir Highway near Hay Street, Waterview, following reports of an assault.Officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District arrived to find a 35-year-old man had been stabbed.The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.A crime scene was established, with Coffs/Clarence Police District detectives – assisted by State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad detectives – commencing an investigation under Strike Force Meldine into the incident.About 2.40pm on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a home on Bent Street, South Grafton.During the search, detectives arrested a 17-year-old boy at the home before taking him to Grafton Police Station.About 7pm the same day, strike force detectives attended a second home on Maxwell Street, where they arrested a second 17-year-old boy.The teen who was arrested on Bent Street was charged with murder DV, while the other teen was charged with affray.Both teens were refused bail to appear before a children’s court yesterday (Thursday 18 September 2025), where they were formally refused bail to appear before a children's court on Thursday, 25 September 2025.About 1.35pm yesterday (Thursday, 18 September 2025), a third 17-year-old boy was arrested at Grafton Police Station.He was charged with affray and was refused bail to appear before a children's court today (Friday, 19 September 2025).

The Clarence Valley community is being invited to view and provide feedback on the design of the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment, with a new fly-through animation released today. The NSW Government is investing $263.8 million in the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment to provide new and enhanced health services for the region, which includes a new 3-storey acute services building.  The animation offers the community a virtual tour of the new hospital and coincides with completion of the detailed design for the project, which has been shaped by extensive consultation with staff, stakeholders and the community.The redevelopment will deliver a new and expanded emergency department, new emergency short stay and a new medical imaging department, including an MRI suite and inpatient unit, enhancing health services for the region.The day surgery and operating suite will be expanded to provide two extra operating theatres, increasing overall capacity. The new building will also provide space for maternity services to be relocated in the future, as well as zones for potential further development.The new inpatient building, located on the north-east side of the campus, will be seamlessly integrated with the existing hospital via a new hospital street at the current public main entrance. This will connect to a lobby in the new building to enhance access.The redevelopment will also improve access to the hospital for patients, visitors and staff including public access to the hospital from Arthur Street, with a turning circle drop-off zone for visitors as well as a new road off Queen Street to provide ambulances with direct access to the emergency department, and a new car park.The local community is being encouraged to attend upcoming community information sessions to meet the project team and provide feedback on the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment design at Grafton Shoppingworld on: Monday, 29 September between 3:00pm-5:00pmTuesday, 30 September between 9:00am-11:00amFeedback can also be provided online via the project website.In the coming weeks, the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) planning documents will be placed on public exhibition, providing the community with further opportunity to view and provide feedback. Construction timeframes will be confirmed once planning has been finalised, and a builder is engaged.As part of the redevelopment, a refurbishment of two administration blocks within a section of the old Grafton Gaol is progressing, which will provide contemporary administration, office and training support facilities for hospital staff. For more information about the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment, to view the new fly through animation and provide feedback, visit: https://nsw.gov.au/grafton-base-hospital-redevelopment.Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park, said, “The Minns Government is committed to rebuilding essential healthcare services in regional NSW.“The Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment will deliver modern facilities, expanding and improving care for the community.“We’re grateful for the input provided by staff and stakeholders into the planning process that has helped shape this project and look forward to the community sharing their views and feedback on the new design in the upcoming information sessions.”Minister for North Coast, Janelle Saffin, said, “This upgrade is essential to maintain the high level of care the growing community of Grafton deserves.“It’s great to see the upgrade being progressed with community input and feedback, and I encourage everyone to have a say to ensure we get the best possible outcome.“By working together, we are enabling health staff to deliver excellent patient care in environments that support patients and their families to feel safe, welcome and comfortable.”

Two men have been charged following a fatal two-vehicle crash in the state’s north earlier this year.About 2.20pm on Saturday, 15 March 2025, emergency services were called to Kyogle Road, Uki, approximately 46km north of Lismore, following reports of a two-vehicle crash.Officers attached to Tweed-Byron Police District were told a ute and a motorcycle collided before the rider was ejected from the motorcycle.The rider – a 35-year-old man – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to Princess Alexandra Hospital, where he later died the same day.The driver of the ute – a 52-year-old man – was taken to Murwillumbah District Hospital for mandatory testing.A crime scene was established, and an investigation into the crash commenced.Following inquiries, on Saturday (13 September 2025), the driver and passenger of the ute – a 30-year-old man – were issued Future Court Attendance Notices.The older man was charged with negligent driving (occasioning death) and never licensed person drive vehicle on road, while the younger man was charged with Learner not accompanied by driver/police officer/tester.Both men are due to appear before Tweed Heads Local Court on Monday, 27 October 2025.

A woman has been charged following a fatal single-vehicle crash just north of Casino earlier this year.About 10pm on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, emergency services were called to Droneys Bridge Road, Fairy Hill, following reports of a single vehicle crash.Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended and found a vehicle submerged in the Richmond River.,Police inquiries led them to believe the vehicle was travelling along Droneys Bridge Road, before it left the roadway.A 23-year-old female occupant of the vehicle was able to self-extricate. She was uninjured.With assistance from Police Rescue and NSW SES crews, the vehicle was retrieved from the water.The bodies of two men - aged 26 and 27 - were located inside the vehicle.Police established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.Following extensive inquiries, about 3pm yesterday (Thursday, 18 September 2025), police arrested a 23-year-old woman at a unit on Short Street, Glen Innes.She was taken to Glen Innes Police Station, where she was charged with two counts of dangerous driving occ death-drive manner dangerous, negligent driving (occasioning death) and drive motor vehicle during disqualification period.She was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 5 today (Friday, 19 September 2025).Police will allege in court that the 23-year-old woman was the driver of the vehicle when it crashed.

Grafton Police have charged a teen with murder over an alleged fatal stabbing in Grafton yesterday.About 1am (Wednesday, 17 September 2025), emergency services were called to the Gwydir Highway near Hay Street, Waterview, following reports of an assault.Officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District arrived to find a 35-year-old man had been stabbed by unknown people while walking along the street.The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.A crime scene was established, with Coffs/Clarence Police District detectives – assisted by State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad detectives – commencing an investigation under Strike Force Medine into the incident.While examining the crime scene, strike force detectives located and seized a knife, a metal pole and the handle of an axe.Initial inquiries indicate the stabbing was targeted.Following further inquiries, strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a home on Bent Street, South Grafton, about 2.40pm yesterday.During the search, detectives arrested a 17-year-old boy at the home before taking him to Grafton Police Station.About 7pm the same day, strike force detectives attended a second home on Maxwell Street, where they arrested a second 17-year-old boy.The teen who was arrested on Bent Street was charged with murder DV, while the other teen was charged with affray.Both teens were refused bail to appear before a children’s court today (Thursday, 18 September 2025).

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

Some major Northern Rivers roads will be receiving much-needed state government funding to make upgrades that will keep motorists safer.The NSW Government is investing nearly $46 million in 16 new safety projects under its Towards Zero Safer Roads Program as part of its campaign to reduce crashes and save lives on roads in the regions of New South Wales. Those projects include Summerland Way at The Risk in the Kyogle Shire, the Gwydir Highway, Jackadgery in Clarence Valley and the Bruxner Highway in the Kyogle Shire. Marking Rural Road Safety Month, the funding is directed to regional communities with a focus on the north of NSW. The funding targets: Key inland highways and corridors, including the New England Highway ($7.9 million), Newell Highway ($8.6 million), Mitchell Highway ($3 million), Kamilaroi Highway ($2.2 million, Summerland Way ($2.1 million) and Olympic Highway ($1.7 million).  Great Dividing Range crossings, including the Waterfall Way ($5 million), Oxley Highway ($1.5m), Bruxner Highway ($1.2 million), Gwydir Highway ($4.4 million) and Illawarra Highway ($4.1 million). These upgrades are designed to reduce road trauma by addressing high-risk areas and improving infrastructure and are projected to prevent more than 2,000 fatal or serious injuries. Works include shoulder widening, new safety barriers, widening of centre lines, audio tactile markings and other improvements to help motorists.The new projects are funded through savings from earlier rounds of the program and aim to reduce the number of serious crashes in high-risk rural areas. Works will be carried out by Transport for NSW. Rural Road Safety Month is an annual initiative led by the Australian Road Safety Foundation and supported by the NSW Government. It aims to raise awareness about the unique risks faced on country roads. This year’s theme is ‘Step Up For Rural Road Safety’. While one-third of NSW residents live in regional areas, more than two-thirds of all road fatalities occur on country roads. Launched in 2023, the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program has delivered $328.5 million across 198 safety projects statewide. This includes 54 delivery projects and 79 planning and development projects focused on high-risk rural and regional roads. To learn more about the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program, visit: transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/programs/towards-zero-safer-roads-program. The Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said, “The NSW Government is reinforcing its commitment to regional road safety, with nearly $46 million reinvested into upgrades like safety barriers, wider shoulders, and clearer line markings that benefit our regional communities. “Infrastructure improvements are crucial to reducing crash risks and saving lives.  “We know around 70 per cent of all fatalities happen on regional roads, and 85 per cent of all fatal crashes on country roads involve a country resident. Rural Road Safety Month is a reminder for every motorist to take responsibility for yourself and for every life around you when on the state’s road network. “Driving on country roads poses unique dangers. Environmental factors such as different road conditions and design, higher speed limits and increased roadside hazards such as wildlife contribute to a greater risk and severity of a crash on country roads.  “There’s no room for complacency. Take breaks, don’t drive under the influence, follow speed limits, watch for wildlife, and drive to conditions. Whether you're a local or a visitor, please take extra care on rural roads.” Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty, said, “The upgrades to Mitchell Highway in the Dubbo region, Kamilaroi Highway in the Liverpool Plains, Olympic Highway in Hilltops and Newell Highway in the Moree plains, will boost safety for local communities. “This is a win for the safety of country roads used by locals heading to town or trucks freighting crops, livestock and produce to market and the supplies back to farms. “With this being Rural Road Safety Month, I would like to remind every driver to choose road safety first by slowing down and being alert. We all want you to get home safely.” Minister for North Coast, Janelle Saffin, said, “This investment is a win for the North Coast, with targeted upgrades to roads like the Summerland Way and Gwydir Highway helping to save lives.  “Rural Road Safety Month is an important reminder that country roads carry unique risks, and together we can step up for rural safety.   “Whether you’re commuting, visiting family, or moving freight – every journey on a regional and rural road should be a safe one.” 

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