Work on recovery efforts following ex tropical cyclone Alfred continues over the coming months with Council’s maintenance crews delivering resealing, grading, causeway repairs and more over May and June. Phil Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said although the weather event wasn’t as significant as previous natural disasters, there is still a lot of work to be done.  “Council staff are continuing to do a lot of work on our roads, drainage, vegetation and more throughout the Shire, following the weather event in early March,” said Mr Holloway. “People can expect minor to moderate traffic delays across this Shire as we get this important work done. We thank everyone for their patience,” added Mr Holloway. Staff have already begun repair work and will continue to be focusing on the following roads in the coming weeks: resealing on a small section of Coolamon Scenic Drive (south of Myocum Road). unsealed pavement repairs (grading) on sections of Watsons Road, Charltons Road, Kennedys Lane, Dingo Lane, Coopers Creek Road, Seven Mile Beach Road, and Settlement Road.causeway repair work and debris clean up at Palmwoods Road, Main Arm Road and Left Bank Road (causeways), and Wilsons Creek Road, Upper Wilsons Creek Road, Left Bank Road, Walkers Lane, Coorabell Road, Grays Lane, Beech Lane, Eureka Road and Goonengerry Road (debris).undertaking a make safe program involving extensive tree and limb removal throughout the Shire. All work is weather permitting and subject to change. “This work follows earlier work done by multiple Council teams. Over March and April, they supported community organisations to help people get back on their feet. Processed large amounts of waste and green waste received at our resource recovery centre. Collected extra bins. Did kerbside pick-ups of green waste in urban areas. Cleaned up our parks, beaches, beach access points, and roadsides. Ensured water supply was restored at Mullumbimby, and more,” said Mr Holloway.“A big thanks to all our teams, including our customer service teams on the end of phones and emails,” added Mr Holloway. Work is funded by emergency work/immediate reconstruction work budgets following ex-tropical cyclone Alfred (disaster funding). Additional work is expected from this weather event, essential public asset reconstruction work packages will be scoped in the coming month, with more information to be provided once it is available. All up, it is expected that the work following ex-tropical cyclone Alfred will cost close to $15 million.

Byron Shire is well known for its creative, generous and resilient community, and the Byron Council is hoping to reflect the essence of this in a new Vibrant Economy Strategy.“The last five years have had an incredible impact on our local economy in ways that no one could have imagined,” Sarah Ndiaye, Byron Shire Mayor, said.“We recognise that we need to not only reflect on the impacts of COVID, floods and economic factors on our businesses and our community, but we need to set the direction for what we want our economy to look like in the future.“Our business community have told us they want an aspirational strategy that reflects the creative and unique aspects of the Byron Shire, and this is what we intend to deliver,” Mayor Ndiaye said.The Vibrant Economy Strategy will be an overarching document designed to support the Shire’s 6,000 plus local businesses while acknowledging and balancing the community’s desire to ensure the lifestyle and values of residents are maintained and enhanced.Four action plans are being developed as part of the strategy, targeting the visitor economy, the night-time economy, the events sector and business and industry. “At the same time, we are working hard to support our businesses in the Byron Shire,” Mayor Ndiaye said.“There is a lot of exciting work being done. We’re co-hosting the North Coast Tourism Symposium and Awards in July, we’ve been awarded a grant to kickstart our work on a Special Entertainment Precinct in Byron Bay, and we are supporting a Regional and Remote Music Summit as well.“There are more than 21,000 local jobs in the Byron Shire, and we want to see people being able to live and work locally so this Vibrant Economy Strategy is a really important document,” she said.

Byron Shire’s Community Strategic Plan 2035 has been adopted by Council following months of community consultation, and it is now on Council’s website: www.byron.nsw.gov.au/communityplan “The Community Strategic Plan is Council’s most important document because it sets out the community’s aspirations and objectives for the next ten years.  “The Plan includes key partners, council plans and strategies, and how community members can be more involved in achieving the desired outcomes,” Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye said. Adoption of the new Community Strategic Plan also marks the start of Council’s community consultation of its draft Delivery Plan 2025 – 2029, and annual Operational Plan, Budget, and Fees and Charges for 2025/26.  The community is invited to have a say on these draft documents until Sunday, 8 June at www.byron.nsw.gov.au/dpop Setting Priorities and Projects “Now that the Community Strategic Plan has been adopted, the next critical step is for the community to get involved in helping us set priorities for the delivery of projects over the next four years. “Don’t miss this opportunity to have your say on these documents and help us clarify where our efforts, resources and time would be best focussed over the next four years,” the Mayor said. The draft Delivery Plan is a four-year plan that covers the term of our elected Council. It is structured around the same five community objectives in the CSP and includes the priorities and projects that Council is committed to achieving over the next four years.  The draft Operational Plan, Budget, and Statement of Revenue Policy, detail the specific activities, works, and projects that will be delivered in the first year. In 2025/26, Council is forecast to spend more than $61 million on capital works across the Shire, including:Sandhills Drainage - $6.3million.Mullumbimby Road upgrade - $2.277million.Infrastructure restoration - associated with February/March 2022 flood events - $26.135million.Open Space and Recreation - $693,000.Waste Management - $6.750million.Holiday Parks - $3.344million.Brunswick Heads Recreation Grounds Public Amenities - $540,300. Among the changes to the Draft 2025/26 fees and charges is the re-introduction of Shire Resident Parking Permit fees and the establishment of a new fee to enable non-resident ratepayers and border community members to access permits for parking in the Byron Shire to enable further investment in infrastructure and projects to benefit the community. Community invited to provide input on draft DP/OP and Budget, Fees and Charges until 8 June 2025. You can view Council’s draft documents and have your say at www.byron.nsw.gov.au/dpop  Council will also be running two community information nights where you can learn more and ask questions: Session 1 (in person): Tuesday, 20 May, 5-7pm at the Mullumbimby Council Chambers. Session 2 (virtual): Tuesday, 27 May, 4 – 6pm held online Register your attendance at www.byron.nsw.gov.au/dpop. To view the adopted Community Strategic Plan go to www.byron.nsw.gov.au/communityplan.

Ballina Shire Council is calling for community feedback on its key draft strategic documents, now on public exhibition until Friday, 6 June 2025.These important plans shape how Council will deliver services, manage budgets, and prioritise major projects across Ballina Shire, and include a special rates variation above the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal recommendation.The draft Community Strategic Plan has been informed by extensive community input. The community can now provide feedback on this plan and other key draft documents to help guide the future direction of the Shire.The following draft documents are available for community review:Community Strategic PlanDelivery Program and Operational PlanLong Term Financial Plan and BudgetFees and Charges ScheduleWorkforce Management PlanAsset Management Strategy.As part of its long-term planning, Council is continuing to pursue a major capital works program to meet community expectations. Key projects include the new Ballina SES Headquarters, a $16 million upgrade of the Alstonville Cultural Centre, completion of the new pump track at Kingsford Smith Reserve, flood resilience works on Ross Lane, and progress toward duplicating the Fishery Creek and Canal Bridges in Ballina.Mayor Sharon Cadwallader is encouraging the community to get involved, learn more about the plans, and have their say.“These draft plans reflect our commitment to maintaining core infrastructure and services while managing financial pressures responsibly,” said Mayor Cadwallader.“We’re planning for a stronger, more sustainable future, and community feedback is a vital part of that process,” she said.This year, the plans also include information on a proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV).“It is costing more to deliver services and maintain things like roads, footpaths and public buildings than the income Council receives,” said Mayor Cadwallader.“We have been careful with our budget, but to keep things running and plan for the future, we are looking at a gradual rate increase.” “The draft plans include a proposal to apply for a Special Rate Variation from 2026/2027 over four years. This is about securing long-term financial sustainability so we can continue delivering what matters most to our community.”“Ballina’s average residential rates are currently about 11% below similar councils, and even further below our neighbours. This proposal would help bring us closer to that level, making sure we don’t fall behind in funding essential infrastructure and services,” added Mayor Cadwallader.Council is proposing to apply for a 6% increase in our rate income for each of the four financial years from 2026/27 to 2029/30. The 6% represents an estimated 3.25% rate peg and a 2.75% additional increase for each year. This represents an 11% increase above the estimated rate peg for this four-year period.The SRV proposal is not for the 2025/26 financial year, but Council is seeking initial community feedback now as part of a long-term planning process. If approved, the SRV would gradually increase general rate income over four years (2026/27 to 2029/30), allowing Council to increase investment in roads, footpaths, stormwater, sports fields, community facilities, and operational services.Residents can view the draft documents, submit feedback, and ask questions at YourSayBallina.com.au. The site includes a detailed Q&A and an opportunity to ask questions, with responses published online to support community understanding.Submissions close Friday, 6 June 2025.

Organised Crime Squad detectives have charged five people following the seizure of more than a tonne of cocaine allegedly located on board a vessel off the New South Wales coast.The NSW Police Force obtained intelligence in relation to the suspicious purchase of a 13m motor cruiser, with a large sum of cash, in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire on Monday, 28 April 2025.The State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad commenced an investigation under Strike Force Blaine targeting drug supply and money laundering.Strike Force investigators, in collaboration with the NSW Crime Commission and Australian Federal Police, gathered information on those involved, which led them to focus on the movements of the vessel and persons associated with the group. With the assistance of specialist NSW Police resources and the AFP, officers continued to monitor the activities of the group as they travelled north up the NSW coast.On Friday (9 May 2025), as the vessel travelled back to shore - towards South West Rocks - it was intercepted by the NSWPF Marine Area Command about 9.30am.Two men, aged 24 and 26, were arrested on board and escorted to shore by the police vessel. They were taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station.Police allege approximately 1,110 blocks of cocaine, weighing 1.039 tonnes, were located on the vessel. The seized cocaine equates to over a million individual hits, with an estimated potential street value of $623.4 million.Simultaneously, three men – aged 28, 29 and 35 - were arrested on shore after investigators stopped two vehicles attempting to leave the South West Rocks area. They were taken to Taree Police Station.Forensic specialists are examining the seized drugs and will be conducting further testing to determine the exact weight and purity of the drugs.Strike Force investigators – assisted by the AFP – subsequently executed four search warrants at homes in the Newcastle suburbs of Beresfield and Edgeworth, Belmont North and Cardiff South, seizing electronic devices, documents and clothing.A further search warrant was executed by the AFP at a home at Catherine Hill Bay, where they seized communications devices and cash.The two men at Coffs Harbour were charged with supply prohibited drug - large commercial quantity and participate in criminal group.The three men at Taree were charged with take part in supply prohibited drug - large commercial quantity and participate in criminal group.They all appeared at Parramatta Bail Court yesterday (Saturday, 10 May 2025), where they were all formally refused bail to appear at Coffs Harbour Local Court on Tuesday, 15 July 2025.Investigations into the origin of the drugs and the groups alleged associates remain ongoing.NSW Police State Crime Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Jason Weinstein, said these arrests are testament to how rapidly our policing resources can coordinate and stop significant amounts of drug coming into NSW.“Whether on land or sea, NSW Police have the investigative capability to disrupt and undermine criminal enterprise,” A/Assistant Commissioner Weinstein said."This seizure shows how our continuous monitoring of known organised crime methodologies with our law enforcement partners, can be actioned into a successful multi-agency operation with those involved immediately arrested to prevent illicit drugs entering NSW.“Our ability to pivot and protect the community is evident in this week’s actions. Make no mistake these drugs, if allowed to enter our communities, would have had devastating impacts on people’s lives and social cohesion, particularly in regional townships.“The NSW Police Force is committed to protecting our citizens and are proud of the work being done to shut down and suppress organised crime and place those responsible before the courts."AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Dametto said Australian law enforcement agencies were committed to crippling and dismantling organised crime groups motivated by greed and indifferent to the devastation caused by their actions.“The AFP and NSW Police Force have a long history of disrupting criminal networks attempting to import drugs that destroy our community. Combining our resources and expertise allows us to get successful outcomes like the one we are announcing today,” Assistant Commissioner Dametto said.“Australia’s vast coastline is attractive to organised crime groups, who attempt to exploit this by trying to import drugs using boats. The bad news for them is the AFP will continue to work together with our partners to target organised crime syndicates who wrongly believe they can operate with impunity.“Importation of drugs via the sea is inherently dangerous, and criminals using this smuggling method risk both their freedom and their lives.”

Byron Shire Council’s Draft Pest Animal Management Plan (PAMP) for the next five years is on public exhibition.Claudia Caliari, Council’s Biodiversity Projects Officer, is encouraging people who are interested in the environment and protection of native plants and animals, to review the plan.The Byron Shire Pest Animal Management Plan is a document that explains how Council will manage or control pest animals on Council-owned land.“Pest animals are a significant threat to biodiversity and can cause enormous damage to our natural environment, and can be a burden to local farmers,” Ms Caliari said.“It focuses only on land-based vertebrate pests, which, put simply, means animals with backbones like foxes, rabbits and deer that live on land,” she said. “Many people in the community will find this document relevant and interesting because pest animals such as feral cats, foxes, wild dogs/dingoes and Indian mynas don’t respect property boundaries, and each landowner therefore has a role to play in their control.“The document also provides information about dingoes and wild dogs, highlighting the need to better understand if and how their management can be improved.“There are also emerging pest animals like feral deer, goats and pigs that could pose enormous problems should they get established in the Byron Shire, so community awareness is key to making sure they don’t become a problem,” Ms Caliari said.The PAMP is on display until Thursday, 12 June.Information about the Pest Animal Management Plan and how to make a submission is on Council’s website.

Casino's next generation of netball stars will get a boost with the opening of the new Casino Netball Association clubhouse this Saturday at Colley Park.The opening will occur at 12pm Saturday, 10 May, at the Colley Park sporting complex, with Mayor Robert Mustow, joined by Member for Page Kevin Hogan and Member for Clarence Richie Williamson, for the official opening.The $1.3m project was funded by the Australian and NSW governments' Community Assets program after the 2022 floods inundated the old facility.Richmond Valley Council General Manager Vaughan Macdonald said the new facility was another important asset for our local sporting community and an example of Council's commitment to build back better.Mr Macdonald said the new facility at Colley Park is built above flash flooding levels on a pier and beam system, future-proofing the facility from flash flooding and storm events."The new clubhouse also includes a commercial kitchen, canteen serving area, and accessible ramps and entry," he said."Council is proud to have partnered with the Australian and NSW governments to help deliver this facility and invest in our local sporting community."We look forward to celebrating with the Casino Netball Association and the wider community and encourage everyone to join us to enjoy the netball games on display and experience this new facility first-hand."

UPDATE 3pmThe multi-agency search for a swimmer at a beach in the Northern Rivers has been suspended.About 7.10am today (Tuesday, 6 May 2025), emergency services were called to Pottsville Beach, Pottsville, after reports of a missing swimmer.Officers attached to Tweed-Byron Police District arrived and were told an unknown woman had entered the water a short time earlier and had not resurfaced.Police with assistance from Marine Area Command, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, and Surf Life Saving NSW, commenced a multi-agency search to locate the woman; however, she was not located.She was described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in her early 20s, of thin build, with light brown shoulder-length hair in a ponytail, and was wearing cream-coloured shorts.There have been no official missing person reports, and no unattended vehicles or items have been located near the beach.Despite the search being suspended, police urge anyone who matches the description of the woman to contact local police.ORIGINAL STORYA multi-agency search for a missing swimmer is underway at a beach in the Northern Rivers.About 7.10am today (Tuesday, 6 May 2025), emergency services were called to Pottsville Beach, Pottsville, after reports of a missing swimmer.Officers attached to Tweed-Byron Police District arrived and were told an unknown woman had entered the water a short time earlier and had not resurfaced.Police with assistance from Marine Area Command, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, and Surf Life Saving NSW, have commenced a multi-agency search to locate the woman.She is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in her early 20s, of thin build, with light brown shoulder-length hair in a ponytail, and was wearing cream-coloured shorts.Police are urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of the woman, or anyone who matches the woman’s description at Pottsville Beach, to contact Tweed-Byron Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Grafton and surrounding communities are being given a look at the latest designs for the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment, with new artist impressions showcasing the new hospital building and improved access to the facility. The NSW Government is investing $263.8 million in the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment to provide new and enhanced health services for the region.The design for the redevelopment will integrate new and existing facilities on the campus to preserve the identity and history of the hospital. It will deliver a new three-storey building, including a new Emergency Department, Emergency Short Stay, Medical Imaging and MRI, and inpatient unit.The Day Surgery and Operating Suite will also be expanded, which will provide additional operating theatres, increasing overall capacity.The new building will provide a space for maternity services to be relocated in the future, as well as identifying zones for potential further development.A new inpatient building, located on the north-east side of the campus, will be seamlessly integrated into 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 improve access to the hospital for patients, visitors, and staff, including public access to the hospital from Arthur Street, a turning circle drop-off zone for visitors, and access to existing on-street parking spaces. Staff and service-related access remains on Crown Street, with the new services yard positioned at the northern end of the campus to support operational needs.The landscaping design will create a welcoming space for patients, visitors and staff, incorporating culturally inclusive elements that reflect the local region. This includes a ceremonial area outside the existing Aboriginal Health Unit, native plantings, winding pathways to symbolise the Clarence River, and a welcoming forecourt. Valuable feedback and input from staff, stakeholders, and the community will continue to help shape the redevelopment.The Grafton community is invited to learn more about the redevelopment at pop-up sessions at Grafton Shoppingworld on:Tuesday, 13 May, 3:00pm-5:00pmWednesday, 14 May, 9:00am-11:00amConstruction timeframes will be confirmed once planning has been finalised and a main works builder is appointed. As part of early works for the project, construction is progressing to refurbish two administration blocks within the minimum-security section of the old Grafton Gaol to provide contemporary administration, office and training support facilities for hospital staff. Clinical services will remain on the existing Grafton Base Hospital site.For more information, visit the project website: hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/project-search/grafton-base-hospital-redevelopment.Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said, “The Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment will deliver modern treatment spaces to support contemporary models of care and improve capacity. “We are excited to share more about this important project with the Grafton community at a series of upcoming information sessions.“Planning for the redevelopment has been carried out in close consultation with clinical staff, ensuring a strong focus on delivering on identified clinical priorities.”Government Spokesperson for Clarence, Emily Suvaal MLC said, “I’m really proud to be part of a government which is investing in regional healthcare.“The redevelopment project at Grafton will ensure the facility remains fit for purpose to treat patients for many years to come, and it also ensures it will be a welcome place for our hardworking staff to come to work.”

Two men have been charged after illegal tobacco worth more than $500,000 was found when a truck crashed near Grafton this morning.About 4am today (Sunday, 4 May 2025), emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway, Tucabia, 25km east of Grafton, following reports of a crash.Officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District attended and found a truck had left the roadway, before rolling and landing on its side.Two men, both aged 19, were able to get out of the truck uninjured; however, when the truck was checked, 125 boxes containing loose-leaf tobacco was discovered.The boxes weighed in at about 2.5 tonnes, which have an estimated potential street value of $500,000. Police have been advised this is a total excise loss of more than $1m.A crime scene was established, and investigations commenced.The men were arrested and taken to Grafton Police Station where they were charged with,Convey/possess tobacco products reckless re defraud revenueDeal with property proceeds of crime greater than $100000Goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not motor vehicle)The driver was charged with an additional offence being:Possess means of disguising face with intent commit indictable offenceThey were bail refused to appear before Grafton Local Court tomorrow (Monday, 5 May 2025).

Works on the $2.7m upgrade of South Beach Road in Brunswick Heads are ramping up over the coming weeks and months, and the community can expect further traffic and parking restrictions, starting Monday, 5 May. “With drainage, kerbs and gutters now successfully completed on the western side of South Beach Road, we’re moving to the foreshore side of the road,” Council’s Director of Infrastructure, Phil Holloway, said. “From Monday, we’ll have two crews working in tandem to dig up the road shoulder and construct brand new kerbs and gutters and put drainage in,” Mr Holloway said. “This means sections of car parking on the foreshore side of South Beach Road will become a construction site and parking and access must be further restricted to prioritise safety for the community and workers,” he said. “We also need to temporarily close Torakina car park for public use during this next stage of works so we can safely use the plant and machinery required,” Mr Holloway said. Once this stage is complete, works will start on reconstructing and sealing of the entire length of road (from the bridge to the cul-de-sac), line marking and landscaping. The upgrade of South Beach Road is currently on track for completion in August, subject to weather. For more details about this project, see Council’s web page: www.byron.nsw.gov.au/south-beach-road.

Students and families from the Northern Rivers have welcomed the beginning of flood rebuild works at Tumbulgum Public School and Condong Public School, with children from both schools set to return to permanent classrooms later this year. Condong Public School and Tumbulgum Public School were damaged beyond repair in the 2022 floods, with students attending school in temporary facilities over the past three years. The new schools have been planned with flood-resilient designs, with buildings elevated above the previous flood height.The projects will deliver new classrooms, a new library, canteen, administration spaces and external landscaping.Both school rebuilds are expected to be completed and ready for students and teachers to move in later this year, weather permitting.Condong Public School are preserving items significant to the local community, including the Great War Honour Roll, painted murals, and plaques.At Tumbulgum Public School, the old school bell will undergo restoration, and historical building materials will be re-used as part of the project.Minister for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin marked the beginning of works today, turning the first sods at both sites.As part of this work, the NSW Government has made a record $8.9 billion investment to build and upgrade schools across NSW, including investing a historic $1.4 billion for schools in regional NSW.A portion of the funding for flood rebuild projects is also allocated through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said, “The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering flood-resilient schools in the Northern Rivers, and we are pleased to be rebuilding Tumbulgum Public School and Condong Public School, after years of patience by the community. “The students and their families have demonstrated strength and patience throughout this process, and I want to thank them for their continued dedication to their local public school.“The new Condong Public School and Tumbulgum Public School will be world-class schools, setting local children up for future success.”Minister for Recovery and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said, “This is a moment of renewal and optimism for these school communities on the Tweed, as we celebrate the start of construction for the rebuilds of Tumbulgum and Condong public schools.“The new schools will ensure that students have access to a safe, modern, and inspiring place in which to learn.“Students, teachers and support staff, parents and caregivers, can look forward to their new schools coming to life and to the many academic, artistic and sporting achievements that will unfold.”Condong Public School Relieving Principal Debbie Francis said, “Over the coming months, we are excited to see the groundwork and structure of our new school coming together and bringing us closer to a fresh start.“After enduring the challenges of the past few years, we are looking forward to a renewed sense of stability and progress.“We look forward to watching our new school rise from the ground, and even more so to the day we can welcome our students back to a place they can truly call their own.”Tumbulgum Public School Principal Genevieve Esgate said, “We are excited to welcome the start of construction on our new school, marking a significant milestone in our journey to rebuild and restore a vital part of our community.“The resilience shown by our students, staff, and families throughout this process has been remarkable, and I am so proud of how we have supported each other.“With each step forward, we move closer to returning to a school that reflects the strength, spirit, and future of Tumbulgum.”

A man will face court today, charged over the alleged theft of $100k worth of property at Yamba.Officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District commenced an investigation following reports property, including two boats, two motors and a box trailer, were allegedly stolen from properties in Chatsworth and Yamba earlier this year, with the most recent incident occurring on Monday, 28 April 2025.Following inquiries, about 1pm on Thursday (1 May 2025), police observed a Ford sedan on Treelands Drive, Yamba, with allegedly stolen number plates.Police spoke with the driver and passenger of the vehicle before the passenger, a 48-year-old man, was arrested and taken to Yamba Police Station.At the same time, police searched a property on Jack Bulbin Road, Tullmorgan, where they located and seized the allegedly stolen items.A replica firearm was also located and seized by police.The 48-year-old man was later taken to Grafton Police Station, following medical treatment, where he was charged with six counts of goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not motor vehicle), three counts of dishonestly obtain property by deception, larceny, custody of knife in public place and possess unregistered firearm – prohibited firearm.He was refused bail to appear before Grafton Local Court today (Friday, 2 May 2025).

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions next week on Blackwall Drive, Wardell, to carry out routine maintenance work on Wardell Bridge.Work starting Monday, 5 May will be carried out from 6am to 5pm and is expected to be complete by Friday, 9 May, weather permitting.Single lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place during work hours. Motorists should allow extra travel time during this work.Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.For more information on this work, visit www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/232235, download the Live Traffic NSW App or call 132 701. To receive updates directly to your phone, search for ‘Wardell’ in your Live Traffic app; select the incident and click ‘Follow’.

Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, is applauding Council’s 2025 Cane Toad Busting program, which removed 6385 toads and tadpoles from our local environment, contributing to control of more than 200,000 cane toads this season (24/25) across Australia.“A huge thanks to the 133 community members who stepped up and got involved in this year’s online Toad Bust program for the Byron Shire,” the Mayor said.Council’s Cane Toad Busting program offered an information session followed by a community toad bust event and a demonstration of the cane toad tadpole trap at Ocean Shores, plus the four-day Toad Bust Challenge in January.“Special thanks also go to our community freezer hosts, Jude Alcorn and John Purssey, and to all environmental champions who rolled up their sleeves to get the job done on Cane Toad Bust night in January and throughout the challenge.”“This is such important environmental work, and the best thing about Council’s Cane Toad Busting program is that it educates and empowers participants of all ages to continue their cane toad busting efforts,” the Mayor said.“At the end of January, one community member had collected more than 13,000 tadpoles, while another reported control of more than 1,400 adult cane toads over the 24/25 season. “Imagine the difference we could make if we doubled or tripled participation in next year’s Program!” the Mayor said.Consistent toad busting is key to reducing local populations and has the potential to reduce 28-47% of local populations, greatly reducing harm to local native animals. Cane toads (Rhinella marina) are an invasive species in Australia that impact our wildlife, domestic pets and eat beneficial insects, which can impact local agriculture and ecosystems.For more information and to get involved, go to Council’s website.

Ballina Shire Council has developed a Draft Streetscape Master Plan for Newrybar to improve its public spaces, balancing community aspirations identified during a collaborative design process in late 2024.The community identified their vision for Newrybar as a welcoming, vibrant village that celebrates character, community, and creativity.The Draft Master Plan outlines five key place values that reflect what the community loves about Newrybar:Authentic village charmMemorable artisanal experiencesHome-grown produce and flavoursHonouring the Big Scrub and connection to CountryFostering a connected community.“A key proposal is to make traffic on the Old Pacific Highway between Brooklet Road and Hinterland Way one way, which would create space for safer pedestrian movement, improved parking, more shade trees, and better public seating,” said Council’s Landscape Architect, Ms Sheryn Da-Re.“Council invites the community to view the Draft Master Plan, including diagrams and a list of the proposed improvements, so they can share their feedback.”Feedback can be provided in multiple ways:Complete an online feedback form on the Your Say page.Attend Council’s community workshop from 6pm – 7.30pm, Monday 19 May 2025 at Newrybar Community Hall.Visit yoursayballina.com.au/newrybar-streetscape-master-plan for more information.Submissions close Wednesday, 21 May 2025.No funding or grants have been secured at this stage for the implementation of any works. However, once completed, the master plan will enable Council to seek the funding required to make the community’s aspirations a reality.

Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads.Where possible, motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists should avoid affected roadways.Motorists are reminded the tides will be occurring during the evening and that salt water may also affect maintenance of vehicle and bodywork.Roads likely to be affected by king tides and saltwater flooding include:• Tamar Street, Ballina • Riverside Drive, West Ballina• River Street, West Ballina • Burns Point Ferry Road, West Ballina• North Creek Road, North Ballina• Southern Cross Drive, North Ballina• Uralba Road, Uralba • Old Bangalow Road, Tintenbar • Tamarind Dr, Cumbalum For road information visit livetraffic.com or telephone Ballina Shire Council on 1300 864 444

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan has announced a $519,000 commitment to upgrade the lighting at Stan Payne Oval in Evans Head, if a Coalition Government is elected at the upcoming election.“Stan Payne Oval is a much-loved hub for the Evans Head community, regularly hosting rugby league, rugby union and touch football,” Mr Hogan said. “The upgrade will provide modern, reliable lighting — ensuring the oval can be better used for evening training, night games, and more community activities year-round.”“This is an important investment for Evans Head and for all the players, families, and volunteers who use Stan Payne Oval.”The funding commitment will help deliver key elements of the Stan Payne Oval Masterplan, developed in 2023, which aims to transform the site into a diverse and cohesive sporting precinct for the town’s future.“This is about backing grassroots sport and building facilities that support both our local community and visitors to Evans Head.”“Good lighting means more opportunity for participation, greater flexibility for clubs, and more reasons for families to stay active and engaged.”The lighting project will complement future plans for Stan Payne Oval to grow into a premier sporting and community venue for the Richmond Valley region.

Further charges have been laid by strike force detectives following the death of a man at Kyogle earlier this month.About 11am on 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 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 the Casino Police Station where he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and affray.The man refused bail to appear before the Casino Local Court on Tuesday, 14 April 2025, where bail was refused.Following this, the man’s charges were upgraded to include manslaughter and assault causing death at Lismore Local Court today (Monday, 28 April 2025).The man is next due to appear before the same court on Wednesday, 16 July 2025.