A significant erosion control project at Lake Ainsworth, a vital freshwater lake in Lennox Head, has been completed by the NSW Government and Ballina Council.   Crown Lands, part of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, provided a $250,000 grant from its Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) for beach repairs and protection work. Ballina Shire Council funded the balance of the project to a total cost of $380,583.The NSW Soil Conservation Service was contracted to shore up eight beaches around the lake to protect the banks from water damage and nourish the beaches with more than 1200 tonnes of imported sand.Timber retaining structures were installed to protect the foreshore from rising water levels during heavy rain, and hundreds of metres of turf were laid to beautify the surrounding reserve. Revegetation work and protective fencing will further support the long-term sustainability of the lake’s environs.(New turf was laid after the restoration work was complete. Photo: supplied)The beach restoration project will improve access, safety, and amenity at Lake Ainsworth, ensuring locals and visitors can enjoy this local treasure for years to come. The lake’s revitalised sandy banks will give families easy access to the water. Alternatively, they can admire the picturesque waterway from nearby grassy knolls installed as part of the project.The project will also protect the health of the lake by reducing the amount of soil and runoff that flows into the water, which can contribute to algae growth and impact native vegetation.Lake Ainsworth, known for its distinctive ‘tea’-coloured water, is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The lake covers about 12 hectares and has calm waters, making it a hotspot for families. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, kayaking, sailing, fishing, bushwalking, picnics, BBQs, dog walking, and bird watching.Lake Ainsworth also hosts a unique sensitive ecosystem that is home to over 100 species of birds, endangered melaleuca forest and a diverse array of aquatic plants.Ballina Shire Council Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said, “Lake Ainsworth is one of our region’s most treasured natural assets, and this project ensures its beauty and ecological health are preserved for generations to come.Surrounded by tea-trees, the tannin-soaked waters are said to have healing properties that will leave your hair and skin feeling refreshed. Thanks to funding from the NSW Government and Ballina Shire Council’s investment, we’ve been able to restore and protect the lake’s foreshore, improving safety, accessibility, and environmental resilience.“The upgraded beaches, new retaining structures, and revegetation efforts will not only enhance the visitor experience but also safeguard this unique ecosystem. This vital project will help protect Lake Ainsworth and ensure it remains a favourite destination for locals and visitors alike.”Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said, “The NSW Government is focused on building better communities and investing in our regions, and this joint project will protect the natural environment of Lake Ainsworth for everyone’s enjoyment.“The erosion mitigation work and beach nourishment plan will not only protect the beautiful lake but make it safer and easier for locals and visitors to access the foreshore.”

Ballina Shire Council is making progress on the major intersection upgrade at Byron Bay Road and Byron Street, Lennox Head.Stage 3 works will begin on Thursday, 24 April 2025, with the intersection transitioning to a roundabout traffic arrangement. This will be the permanent configuration going forward.Traffic control and VMS boards will be in place to guide motorists safely through the area. Please drive with care and follow all signage.This major intersection upgrade includes:A permanent roundaboutConcrete kerbs and mediansAsphalt road pavementShared path for pedestrians and cyclistsPedestrian refugesLinemarking, signage and lightingDespite recent wet weather, works remain on track for completion in June 2025.Council thanks the community for their ongoing patience and cooperation as we deliver this important infrastructure project.This $1.53 million project is proudly funded through the Australian Government Black Spot Program.For more information, visit Council’s project page ballina.nsw.gov.au/Byron-Bay-Road-Lennox-Head-Roundabout.

Kyogle is on the path to improved sewerage infrastructure and better protection for the environment, with the next stage of investigative works for a new high-tech wastewater treatment plant underway.This next stage of development will help lay the groundwork for future upgrades, delivering concept designs and detailed site investigations by the end of this year. This has been funded thanks to $379,500 from the NSW Government and $125,500 from Kyogle Council.The existing Kyogle Sewage Treatment Plant was constructed in 1957, with only minor upgrades in the 1990s and 2000s. The ageing infrastructure is struggling to treat wastewater efficiently in line with environmental standards for effluent discharge needed to protect this iconic region.This is why the NSW Government and Council have joined forces to progress the next stage of investigative works that will enable the new plant to be shovel ready when funding is secured at a later date.It builds on $225,000 funding from the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Program and $75,000 from Kyogle Council for the early development phase of the project in 2022.Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, “Kyogle is a gateway to the Border Ranges and Toonumbar National Parks, so it’s crucial we have the best possible environmental protections in place, including ensuring local sewerage infrastructure, which services over 2500 people, is up to scratch.“While this upgrade is still in the design phase, it’s important that we dot the ‘I’s and cross the ‘T’s to enable the most informed investment decision down the track and get the best outcome for the community.“The NSW Government will continue working closely with Council to get these concept designs and detailed specifications done, which will give us a clearer idea of what a new sewage treatment plant could look like and how much it would cost.”Mayor of Kyogle Council, Cr Danielle Mulholland, said, “Treated effluent is already recycled into our region through agricultural irrigation, and some of that also makes its way to the Richmond River, which is why it’s vital that our wastewater treatment process remains at a really high standard.“We know the sewage plant will eventually need to be replaced which is why we’re busy preparing and doing our homework now so we’re ready to hit go on construction when the time comes.”To learn more about the Safe and Secure Water Program, please visit: https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/water-infrastructure-nsw/grants-and-funding/safe-and-secure-water-program.

Australia’s coastal councils are calling on the incoming Federal Government to establish a national response to coastal climate risks, including rising sea levels, more severe extreme weather events and widespread coastal erosion.Sharon Cadwallader, Chair of the Australian Coastal Councils Association and Mayor of Ballina Shire Council, said the scale of dealing with coastal hazards along Australia’s vast coastline requires a national approach, national leadership and national funding.“We are calling on the Australian, State and Territory Governments to work with local government to develop a coordinated national response to coastal climate risk, recognising that 50% of Australians live within 7kms of the coast,” Sharon Cadwallader said.“Coastal councils are at the forefront of dealing with rising sea levels, more frequent and severe extreme weather events, and widespread coastal erosion, but they are restricted by a lack of resources and coordination at a national level.“Given that Australia’s vast coastline stretches for around 33,000kms, it is beyond the capacity of local councils to deal with these risks.”Sharon Cadwallader said what is needed is for the Australian Government, working with the States and Territories, to develop a National Coastal Adaptation Fund to be administered at a national level.“Coastal councils are ready and keen to work collaboratively with the Australian, State and Territory Governments to respond to coastal risks,” she said.

Byron Bay will become the first regional area to establish a trial Special Entertainment Precinct to promote and preserve its nightlife.As part of the NSW Government’s ongoing rebuild of the state’s night-time economy, Byron’s famous pubs, performance spaces and restaurants will be future-proofed as a nightlife precinct.Special Entertainment Precincts (SEPs) allow councils to change trading hours and sound rules within a designated area to allow shops, businesses and local hospitality and entertainment operators to thrive and protect them against neighbour complaints.The Byron Bay precinct – bounded by beachfront Bay Street, Jonson Street and the rail corridor, with Middleton and Browning Streets – will protect the famous vibrancy of the town centre as the area experiences cost and real estate pressures.Within the precinct are time-honoured live music venues, the Backroom at the Great Northern Hotel, the Beach Hotel and The Rails.The Backroom has hosted The White Stripes, PJ Harvey and Paul Kelly, while Nirvana and Midnight Oil played the Beach Hotel in the past, and The Whitlams and The Cruel Sea have played at The Rails. Byron Bay attracted 2 million visitors in the 12 months to September 2024.Byron Shire Council is one of six regional councils in NSW that have put their hand up to explore establishing a SEP following the recent announcement that Burwood and Fairfield had been given the green light to establish their own precincts in Sydney’s west.Enmore Road became the first permanent SEP in December 2023, boosting night-time foot traffic, visitation and business revenue. The area was soon after named on Timeout’s Top 20 coolest neighbourhoods in the world.Byron Shire Council has received a Special Entertainment Precinct Kickstart Grant of $162,800 from the NSW Government, which supports the local council to consult with operators and the community to determine new opening hours and sound rules.The establishment of a SEP then precludes the need for local businesses within its boundaries to go through the expensive and time-consuming process of submitting new development applications to trade later. Under the ‘eyes wide open’ provision of the vibrancy reforms, which will take effect later this year, councils are also required to notify new property buyers, residents and businesses that they are to make an informed decision to live in a vibrant precinct.SEPs are being established alongside the NSW Government’s vibrancy reforms, which have:Permanently relaxed the rules for outdoor dining, allowing venues to make the most of their outdoor space on private land, including car parks and bowling greens.Increased incentives for live music and live performance, with two hours’ extended trading and an 80% reduction in liquor licence fees for licensed venues offering live music and performance.Ended single noise complaints shutting down pubs and other licensed venues through sound management reform, which established a single noise regulator for licensed venues, raised the number of complainants needed to consider a formal complaint from 3 to 5, and introduced an order of occupancy consideration.Created easier pathways for extended trading hours for licensed venues during major events like the Olympics and World Cups.Amended the Major Events Act so it can be used to cut red tape and support recurring significant events like Vivid Sydney and Sydney Festival.Made it easier for more venue types, including restaurants and small bars, to trade during special events across Sydney and regional NSW through extended event trading.Removed the ‘5km Rule’ for NSW registered clubs by repealing the requirement to become a member of a club to visit if a local resident lives within 5 kilometres of the venue.Stopped placing the standard condition on licensed venues that patrons must be seated while drinking outdoors.Made it easier to activate streets for festivals and events via the Transport for NSW Open Streets program and provided more guidance about traffic and transport management for special events.Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said, “A night out in Byron Bay has been a special part of the lives of so many people, whether they are locals to the area or visitors getting a taste of North Coast NSW.“Byron Shire is an iconic destination, and the establishment of a trial Special Entertainment Precinct will ensure the classic days continue well into the night.“Our commitment to rebuilding nightlife following the era of lockouts and useless red tape that strangled fun is by no means confined to Sydney, and Byron Bay will be one of a number of regional NSW centres to commit to their local nightlife with a Special Entertainment Precinct.“I am delighted by the level of interest from councils across Sydney and NSW, and in response, we have increased the funding pool to over $1.94 million, so more councils can establish SEPs in the coming months.”  24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said, “The Byron Bay business chamber had been interested in the work of our Office for some time now and I am glad that there is a tangible project now on foot being led by the Council.“The Special Entertainment Precinct model is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It allows councils to work with businesses and local communities to put in place the right settings. I’m keen to see how this progresses. “Byron Shire Council Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said, “We’re so happy to receive this kickstart grant for a Special Entertainment Precinct in Byron Bay.“This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with our community — our artists, venues, businesses and residents — to shape a night-time economy that’s vibrant, welcoming and truly reflective of Byron’s creative spirit and coastal lifestyle.“With so much change over the past few years, this funding comes at the right time to support fresh ideas, local jobs and a safe, inclusive after-dark culture.“We want to create a night-time experience that not only supports our local economy but also celebrates the essence of Byron — its people, its stories and its unmistakable energy.”For more information, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/office-of-24-hour-economy-commissioner/vibrancy-reforms/seps. 

Beachgoers are urged to take care this long weekend as lifesavers prepare for hot weather and hazardous surf over what could be the last busy weekend of the season.Warm conditions are forecast across the state, with sunny days and temperatures likely to hit the mid-to-high 20s all Easter weekend.Lifesavers will be on high alert with long weekends and public holidays traditionally bringing heightened risks for swimmers.A Hazardous Surf Warning is also in place across the state, amplifying the importance of taking safety seriously.This Easter long weekend also coincides with the middle of school holidays.Flags will come down across NSW for volunteer lifesavers on Sunday, 27 April at the end of the Anzac Day long weekend.To find your nearest patrolled beach, visit www.beachsafe.org.au or download the Beachsafe app.Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, "We’ve had a busy summer period on our beaches across NSW, and with warm weather forecast for this Easter weekend, we’re anticipating big crowds along the coast.“There are more than 20,000 volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards across the state, and I want to thank them for their contribution this holiday weekend and right across the summer.“Remember – don’t swim at unpatrolled locations, look for the red and yellow flags, and understand your limits when entering the ocean.“Stay vigilant, follow the guidance of our lifesavers and enjoy our stunning NSW beaches safely this Easter.”Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce said, “Our volunteers will be out in force this Easter weekend, and our Rescue Services teams are conducting roving patrols using jetskis and drones. We’re throwing everything we can at keeping people safe.“We strongly advise people to head to a patrolled location and, particularly this long weekend, where a lot of people will be celebrating the Easter holiday, remember that drugs, alcohol, and water do not mix.”

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan has announced a $264,307 election commitment to deliver a full reshape and major trail network upgrades at the Kyogle Mountain Bike Park.The popular mountain bike trails were impacted by the 2022 floods and recent weather, with trail damage making the course unpredictable and difficult for riders.“This funding will completely reshape the existing trails and restore the network to a high standard, so it’s safe and enjoyable for all levels of riders,” Mr Hogan said.“Mountain biking is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, with more people getting on their bikes than ever before.”“The project will include trail realignment, clearing, drainage improvements and re-surfacing - enhancing safety and accessibility for riders and helping the town attract visitors and events.“This will be a massive asset for Kyogle, not just for local families and young people looking for something fun and active, but also for sports tourism.”

The NSW Government is empowering regional and rural women with essential skills in first aid, and mental health and crisis support through free training with St John Ambulance.  Coordinated by the Rural Women’s Network, the government has provided $90,000 in funding to deliver approximately 30 free workshops tailored for women across 15 regional locations, including Ballina, on June 12 and 13, 2025.The ‘Rural Women’s Network Skills Roadshow’ program will run workshops for up to 450 women across regional New South Wales from May until November 2025.The program aims to be accessible and includes skills to respond effectively in emergency situations, recognise mental health issues, recognise situations where people may be in imminent crisis, provide appropriate interventions and learn where to direct people for further support.Recent St John Ambulance statistics highlight the need to increase first aid and mental health knowledge:In New South Wales, 33% of adults have never trained in first aid (the highest proportion of any state/territory in Australia) and only 37% have done training in the last three years.Women are less likely to be confident providing first aid (44% of women are confident) compared to men (57% of men are confident).87% of Australians would be more willing to provide help to a person with a mental health issue if they were taught how.Workshop participants will receive a nationally accredited certification once they have completed their training.To find out more about the roadshow and register for the Ballina course, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/rwn-events/rural-womens-network-skills-roadshow-2025.Minister for Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarity said, "It’s so important to equip rural and regional women with the first aid skills that they need to be a crucial first responder during an emergency because it can literally be the difference between life and death.“It’s not just about physical injuries either, this program helps develop the skills to identify and respond to someone experiencing a mental health problem or crisis, until professional help is available.”Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said, “For the first time women across regional and rural NSW - from Ballina to Broken Hill to Bega - will have access to free first aid and mental health training thanks to this program.“The New South Wales Government is making it easy for women to access this life-saving training to bridge an important gap, particularly for women who would have otherwise missed out due to cost or travel. We’re not only giving them essential skills but building resilience in regional communities.“Thank you to St Johns Ambulance for partnering with us to deliver this exciting program, which will deliver 30 workshops right across New South Wales.“For women living in regional or rural NSW, I encourage you to register for one or both courses nearest to you to help keep your family, workplace and community safe.”

The NSW Government is expanding support for the families of veterans as part of the NSW Veterans Strategy 2025-2030 released today.The strategy sets out a whole-of-government approach to support the wellbeing of veterans and their families and acknowledge their vital contribution to NSW.Building on the inaugural Veterans Strategy released in 2021, the strategy continues vital support while taking a greater focus on women veterans, along with the spouses and the children of veterans.Key additions to the strategy include:Building on the successful public service Veterans Employment Program by developing peer-support networks for veteran employees. The Veterans Employment program has been adopted by 30 councils and helped more than 1,000 veterans into jobs across NSWDeveloping career resources for veterans’ partners. This digital roadmap will also deliver resources to educate employers, policymakers, and stakeholders about the experience of spouses and partners.Supporting the children of veterans by promoting resources for schools and teachers of defence force-connected students, such as when transitioning between schools.Providing greater flexibility of school enrolment requirements for the children of veterans until a family has secured housing.The NSW Office of Veterans Affairs is partnering with RSL NSW and Monash University on an important research project aimed at improving support services for women veterans in NSW.The NSW Government has considered last year’s recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and the Commonwealth Government’s response in finalising this strategy.The Government’s ongoing engagement with veterans, their families and ex-service organisations has ensured lived experience has remained central to the strategy.Its suite of programs and initiatives aims to ease the transition into civilian life for veterans and their families and honour service.Other components of the strategy include:Supporting the continued rollout of Veterans and Families Hubs that provide wellbeing services, support and opportunities for veterans and their families, with 5 hubs open and more to be announced soonResources to help veterans into employment and to establish or grow their careers such as conducting ‘jobs ready’ workshops for veterans and promote veteran-friendly employment opportunitiesDelivering a new memorial to acknowledge our contemporary veterans and their families.Support for veterans affected by problem gambling.Key actions of the current strategy are available in its 2023-2024 Final Report here: https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/assets/veterans-affairs/NSW-Veterans-Strategy-Final-Report-web.PDFTo download a copy of the NSW Veterans Strategy 2025-2030, go here: https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/assets/veterans-affairs/NSW-Veterans-Strategy-2025-2030-web.PDFMinister for Veterans David Harris said, “I am pleased to announce the second Veterans Strategy, which will allow the NSW Government to better recognise, inform and support the almost 130,000 veterans and their families who call NSW home.“This strategy is focussed on the experiences of veterans and their families and the issues that matter most to them.The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering outcomes to support veterans and their families and recognise them for the sacrifices they have made.“The Strategy continues the great work of the first NSW Veterans Strategy and includes a number of new programs, initiatives and partnerships.”

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.