Byron Shire Council has released its Annual Report for 2024 to 2025, showcasing a year of substantial achievements in infrastructure, environmental protection, and community programs.Over the past year, Council has made significant progress in environmental management and sustainability. The Climate Change Adaptation Plan is rolling out 100 targeted actions to cut emissions and build resilience and the Move to Reuse program has saved more than 120,000 single-use items from landfill at markets, events and community activities.Council’s bush regeneration team worked on regenerating 285 hectares of bushland and maintained 147 hectares, alongside ongoing flying fox management, agricultural support, and coastal management initiatives.Council also delivered critical infrastructure improvements, grading 57 roads, resealing and patching 16 roads, and completing major upgrades on Booyong Road and Rife Range Road.Work began on South Beach Road improvements, and the redevelopment of the old Byron Bay hospital was completed, with $5.7 million in grants secured for roads, paths, and renewable energy projects, to name a few."What a year it was for a newly elected Council, and this is just a snapshot of the work that was done with the community always front and centre of our work,” Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, said.“I am so proud of the achievements of the Council in 2024 to 2025.“I hope our community takes the time to look at the Annual Report to see how busy it has been and the breadth of Council’s work," she said.The report also highlights Council’s ongoing support for community-led initiatives, including $653,442 in donations to 130 groups and hosting events like the Furry Friends Festival and the community awards.Housing and social support remain a focus, with programs such as the Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration and Public Space Liaison Officers helping people in need.Council’s Planning team processed 635 development applications valued at $415.6 million, faster than the NSW benchmark.The Annual Report is on Council’s website.

Community members now have more free spaces to meet, study and access services, with the addition of three new multipurpose meeting rooms at the Casino Library.The new meeting rooms were officially opened today by Member for Clarence Richie Williamson and Richmond Valley Council Mayor Robert Mustow. The project was funded with a $173,803 grant through the NSW Government’s Public Library Infrastructure Grants program administered by the State Library of NSW.The rooms provide small, accessible and private spaces for a range of purposes, including telehealth appointments, private study, interviews, and appointments between community members and service organisations.Across the Casino and Evans Head libraries, bookings for existing rooms have grown from 728 in 2023 to 991 in 2024. These new facilities respond to the community’s increasing need and the growing popularity of the Richmond Upper Clarence Regional Library.Member for Clarence Richie Williamson said libraries have always been at the heart of local communities — places where people come together to learn, connect and grow. “These new meeting rooms at the Casino Library are a wonderful example of how modern libraries are evolving to meet local needs,” Mr Williamson said.“I’m proud to see NSW Government funding supporting projects like this one, which make a real difference for people in regional areas. Whether it’s for study, telehealth, or a quiet space to meet, these rooms will make the library even more accessible and welcoming for everyone.”Mayor Robert Mustow paid tribute to the library staff who had helped bring the new facility to fruition and for their work in connecting the community.“Our library staff do exceptional work, and I am sure these new rooms will further enable them to provide an outstanding service,” Cr Mustow said.Richmond Valley Council Manager Regional Library, Ngarie Macqueen, said the Regional Library team was proud to provide new shared spaces to the community.“It is fundamentally important to us that public libraries continue to provide not only access to books, resources, and information, but also accessible and flexible community spaces for all,” Mrs Macqueen said.Each room accommodates between four and six people and includes access to the library’s free Wi-Fi and loan laptops. Use of the rooms is free for community members and available for commercial hire.The rooms can be reserved through Council’s SpacetoCo booking portal at https://www.spacetoco.com/org/richmond-valley-council.

Member for Ballina Tamara Smith MP is calling on locals to nominate an outstanding older person for the NSW Seniors Festival Local Senior of the Year Awards, celebrating the invaluable contributions of seniors across the Ballina electorate. “Our older community members are the quiet heroes who hold so much of our social fabric together,” said Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina.“We are fortunate to have so many seniors in our local community who are generous with their time, energy and commitment. From volunteering in local organisations to mentoring younger generations and supporting neighbours, seniors contribute immeasurably to the strength, kindness and resilience of our region.”“If you know a senior who goes above and beyond, whether through their community service, creativity, innovation, or simple acts of care, now is the time to nominate them for this well-deserved recognition.” Previously known as the NSW Seniors Local Achievement Awards, the Local Senior of the Year Awards highlight the diverse ways older people enrich our communities.Nomination forms are available from all MPs’ offices across NSW and must be submitted by Friday, 16 January 2026.Successful recipients will be recognised during the NSW Seniors Festival 2026, which runs from 2–15 March 2026.For further information, contact Tamara Smith MP’s office on (02) 6686 7522 or email ballina@parliament.nsw.gov.au.

Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a man for allegedly attempting to groom a child online under Strike Force Trawler just north of Ballina.Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.In October 2025, strike force detectives commenced investigations into the online activities of a 64-year-old man.Assuming the online identity of an adult woman with a young daughter, detectives spoke with the man who engaged in sexually explicit conversations about the child.About 7.15am yesterday (Monday, 3 November 2025), strike force detectives executed a search warrant in Cumbalum in the state’s Northern Rivers Region.At the address, police arrested a 64-year-old man.He was taken to Ballina Police Station, where he was charged with use carriage service-groom <16 procure for sender+prior, use carriage service-groom under 16 yrs for sex+prior, use carriage service make available child abuse and fail to comply with reporting obligations.The man was refused bail and appeared in Bail Division Local Court 1 yesterday, where he was formally refused bail to next appear in Ballina Local Court on Thursday 1 January 2026. Anyone with information that may assist investigations into the online grooming of children 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.

A key stretch of Wilsons Creek Road between Upper Wilsons Creek Road and Alidenes Road in the Northern Rivers will become more resilient to future weather events thanks to almost $10.7 million in combined disaster recovery funding.Devastated in the 2022 floods, Wilsons Creek Road is the only evacuation route for the hinterland communities in Wilsons Creek and the adjoining valley areas of Upper Wilsons Creek and Huonbrook/Wanganui, about 65 kilometres north of Lismore.Provided by the Australian and NSW Governments as part of the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package and Essential Public Asset Restoration works under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the funding will help to reduce maintenance and repair costs associated with future natural disasters and also ensure the road will better withstand future extreme weather events.  Road functionality is vital to ensure efficient and timely evacuations and support of emergency responders during a natural disaster or crisis. The project covers work at several locations and includes upgrades to culverts, landslip repairs, shoulder widening, drainage improvements and strengthening the road pavement through pavement stabilisation and resurfacing.Work is being carried out by contractors with road stabilisation activities, including resealing, expected to start mid-November 2025 and be completed by March 2026, weather permitting.Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said, “Accessibility is a key issue for people in regional areas, especially in situations where there is only one way in and out, as is the case for the hinterland communities in Wilsons Creek and the adjoining valley areas of Upper Wilsons Creek and Huonbrook/Wanganui.“That is absolutely vital in emergencies, when people need to evacuate and then return to their homes when it’s safe to do so.“This project, funded through the Australian and NSW Governments, will assist access, helping our rural and regional communities remain connected throughout natural disasters and bounce back quicker.”NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “Wilsons Creek Road is a critical local artery, connecting communities and providing access to essential services in Mullumbimby.“That’s why it’s great to see these roads being built back better and more resilient to future disasters.“Northern Rivers roads and bridges have really copped it from mega floods over the past few years.”Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said, “Flood recovery works at Wilsons Creek have been progressing well and works to improve about eight kilometres of Wilsons Creek Road surface will be underway shortly. “We thank residents for their patience while we get this important work done and are grateful for the funding to improve Wilsons Creek Road.” 

Parking meters are being installed on Broken Head Reserve Road at Broken Head in mid-November.Council will use four machines to manage approximately 33 parking spaces which will operate from 9am to 6pm daily, with a three-hour limit.Byron Shire residents who have pay parking permits will not have to pay the hourly rate of $5, but they will need to heed the three-hour time limit.People can pay with coins, credit/debit cards, pay wave, QR code or the Pay Stay app.Phil Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said the installation of pay parking has been planned for some years, but there first needed to be improvements to the parking layout to improve safety for pedestrians and drivers.“We did that work several years ago and we expect that the parking meters will be operational in December,” Mr Holloway said.Council’s meters are separate to the ones that are currently operated by NPWS in the Broken Head Nature Reserve.Signage has been updated and yellow lines indicating ‘no parking’ areas have been painted on the road.“Broken Head Reserve Road is a narrow road that is used by a lot of people so ‘’no parking’ areas are necessary for the safety of pedestrians, amenity of residents and to make sure traffic can move in and out of the area,” Mr Holloway said.Information about pay parking in the Byron Shire is on Council’s website.

Weed biosecurity officers from NSW, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia will soon take advantage of the latest environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to detect the aquatic weed, Amazon frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum).The NSW Government Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is running free workshops in November in Wollongong, Cessnock, Wollongbar and Innisfail, and in Melbourne and Gingin in early December, to upskill weed managers in the new technology.  The Wollongbar eDNA workshop is on Tuesday, November 11.NSW DPIRD scientist, Karen Bell, said the department’s weed research team used eDNA samples they took from NSW waterways to develop the world’s first laboratory assays for frogbit DNA.  “We now aim to give local weed managers access to the technology with practical training on how to take eDNA samples in the field,” Dr Bell said.  “eDNA sampling can detect unseen or hidden frogbit plants in waterways, allowing weed management teams to target unwanted weeds and eradicate new incursions before they infest our environment and farmland – saving time and money. “The technology can be used to accurately map infestation areas by taking eDNA samples at sites surrounding known infestations.  “Weed managers will learn how we conduct eDNA assays in the laboratory using the samples they have taken.”  The half-day workshops are co-funded by NSW DPIRD and the Australian Government with support from local weed management authorities.  Amazon frogbit is a floating freshwater plant from Central and South America. It can rapidly invade and smother waterways and is a serious biosecurity threat.  In NSW, anyone who becomes aware of or suspects the presence of frogbit must immediately notify DPIRDunder the Biosecurity Act 2015. This plant must not be sold in NSW.  More information about how to identify and manage invasive weeds is available from NSW WeedWise, https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/.  

Major repair work is underway at Lavertys Gap weir in Mullumbimby to repair serious erosion along the creek bank.As part of the repair work, a helicopter will be operating in the area of the weir and Wilsons Creek Road on Thursday, 6 November and Friday, 7 November.The helicopter will be lifting large boulders into place as part of the protections being created on the eroded area.Residents may notice some noise from the helicopter throughout the two days of operation.This work is dependent on weather conditions and may be rescheduled if weather conditions are not suitable.Lavertys Gap weir is an active construction site, and access to the area by land or by water is strictly prohibited.The erosion being repaired, on the bank at the southern end of the weir wall, has been progressing for some time and was worsened during the 2022 floods and Cyclone Alfred earlier this year.Byron Shire Council Acting Manager Utilities Dean Baulch said the work at the 100-year-old weir on Wilsons Creek will protect and preserve one of the Shire’s most important heritage assets.“Without repairs, there is a risk of channels forming in the earth around the weir wall, causing leaking.“NSW Public Works will carry out repairs that will preserve the heritage fabric of Lavertys Gap weir and secure its long-term integrity,” Mr Baulch said.

Saturday, November 15, is a very special day for the Kyogle community. It is when the Memorial Hospital celebrates its 100th anniversary, and everyone is invited to the celebrations at a special Open Day. Now known as Kyogle Multi-Purpose Service (MPS), the hospital will mark its centenary at the community Open Day, highlighting the various services offered today, as well as the fascinating history of the healthcare service over the past century.A highlight of the day will be the display of the bright yellow 1938 Dodge Ambulance – the original ambulance based at Kyogle Memorial Hospital – which has been kindly loaned to the Kyogle Museum by the Tamora Ambulance Museum. The ambulance has been transported back to Kyogle thanks to a community fundraising drive hosted by the Kyogle Museum.(1936 Dodge ambulance will be on display. Photo: displayed)Admitting its first patient on 2 May 1925, Kyogle Memorial Hospital has been a central focus of the Kyogle community for over a century, providing high-quality healthcare to people across the region.Co-located alongside a private General Practioners’ practice, Kyogle MPS today provides emergency, general medical, and aged care services as part of a flexible model of care tailored to the local community. It includes care for 26 aged care residents who live on site.The community Open Day will be held on Saturday, 15 November from 9am to 1pm, with official proceedings to take place at 10am. The event will also include:step back in time with Kyogle Museum displayhealthcare information and checkssign up to be a Healthcare Helper volunteer at the hospitalhealth career informationinteractive wildlife display and snake bite advice from our doctorskids activities including teddy bears’ clinic, pony rides and moreKyogle Hospital Auxiliary standLions Club sausage sizzle and coffee trucklocal community services, including Kyogle Council, SES, sports clubs and moreheaps of fun for the whole family!The Open Day follows a special community luncheon hosted by the Kyogle Hospital Auxiliary in June, to mark the start of the centenary celebrations.

The Lennox Head community will greatly benefit from the official opening of a new rural fire brigade station at Lennox Head and a significant fleet enhancement for local brigades.Commissioner of the RFS, Trent Curtin, joined special guests at an official opening ceremony to mark the occasion and hand over the keys to seven state-of-the-art vehicles.(Photo: Lennox Head RFB)"The Lennox Head Brigade has a proud history of protecting this region, and today’s opening gives them a modern, fit-for-purpose station to continue that vital work for generations to come,” Commissioner Curtin said.“This new state-of-the-art facility is designed to better serve the growing needs of the brigade and provide them with modern and practical facilities in a new location. “The new station features two truck bays, a multipurpose space for training and meetings, change rooms and amenities and a storeroom, most of which the brigade did not have previously,” he said.Commissioner Curtin also handed the keys over to six new firefighting tankers and a logistics vehicle.“I am proud to hand the keys over to members of the Lennox Head, Mullumbimby, Main Arm, Cudgen, Byron Bay, Chillingham and Far North Coast Support Brigades,” said Commissioner Curtin. These new vehicles include the latest crew protection systems and capabilities, which will enable the brigades to strengthen their firefighting efforts in the local area.“Providing RFS members with access to modern firefighting technology helps brigades prepare for and respond to fires and other incidents, no matter where they are across the state,” said Commissioner Curtin.Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said the NSW Government is proud to deliver state-of-the-art facilities and fleet to our RFS volunteers, who are called upon in times of need.“Nearly $2.1 million has been invested into this facility that marks a significant milestone for the brigade’s 52 members and the local community,” said Minister Dib.“Every upgraded station opened and new vehicle handed over is an investment by the NSW Government in the safety of our communities and appreciation for the dedication of our RFS volunteers.“The strength of our emergency services lies in the collaboration between volunteers, local communities and government. This new station and vehicles will play a role in keeping people safe and preparing for whatever challenges mother nature sends our way.”

A woman has died after being hit by a car in the state’s north earlier this week.About 1pm on Friday (31 October 2025), emergency services were called to a home on Dry Dock Road, Tweed Heads, following reports that a pedestrian had been hit by a car.Officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District attended to find a Mazda sedan had collided with an elderly woman, causing her to fall onto the road.The woman, aged 76, was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for serious head injuries before being taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition.The driver – a 67-year-old woman – was taken to Tweed Valley Hospital for mandatory testing.Police have since been told the 76-year-old died yesterday (Saturday, 1 November 2025).Officers have commenced an investigation into the incident, and a report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.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.

Not all seniors have the knowledge, understanding or skills to use technology as part of their daily lives. In fact, some are still scared to adopt the digital world.This year, the NSW Government will continue to deliver the popular Tech Savvy Seniors program that will support over 70 community colleges and libraries across the state to deliver free or low-cost training sessions for seniors. This includes programs in Ballina and Byron Bay.More than 156,000 participants have been involved in Tech Savvy Seniors since the program was launched 12 years ago.The program has a strong track record of supporting seniors to gain confidence with technology in terms of accessing online services, developing scammer awareness, and connecting with loved ones through social media channels. Key objectives of the program include:Improving digital literacy by giving older people the basic tools to use a computer, laptop or smartphone.Closing the digital gap, acknowledging that many people find technology intimidating and require support to become more comfortable usersBringing communities closer together – the digital platform is an essential tool to increase engagement with families, close friends and community groups.Training is available across all skill levels and various languages, including Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, Korean and Ukrainian. This ensures the program is inclusive and responsive to the needs of the state’s diverse ageing population.Tech Savvy Seniors supports a key focus area of the NSW Government’s Ageing Well in NSW Seniors Strategy 2021–2031, which aims to help older people stay informed, safe, and connected in a rapidly changing digital world.The Tech Savvy Seniors program is delivered in partnership with Telstra. For further information on Tech Savvy Seniors and where to access training, please go to nsw.gov.au/community-services/seniors-card/tech-savvy-seniors.Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said, “Seniors grew up in a very different time and can encounter challenges with digital tasks like online banking, appointments and staying in touch with loved ones.“Tech Savvy Seniors empowers older people to overcome the technology gap and become better connected to their social network and community.“The Minns Labor Government is ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in their communities, no matter when or where they were born.”

Byron Shire Council has voted to progress a new water treatment plant at Lavertys Gap for Mullumbimby, while rejecting a proposal for a comprehensive investigation into long-term water supply options.Mullumbimby's water has been sourced from the Lavertys Gap weir on Wilsons Creek since the 1940s, but the system's viability has been under review. During drought, flows in Wilsons Creek are far less than the town's drinking water demand. During flood, the water in Wilsons Creek is dirty and not possible to treat at the existing plant.At last week's council meeting, a motion for an evidence-based investigation comparing multiple supply options, with robust community engagement, was voted down 5-4. The proposed investigation would have examined options including an off-stream storage reservoir, which could capture water from the river when there’s enough, to store for drier periods and also to act as a settling pond to address turbidity issues.Instead, independent councillor Michael Lyon put forward a motion to progress a new water treatment plant for Lavertys Gap – despite his long-term position that Mullumbimby should connect to the Rous County Council regional water supply rather than maintain an independent local source. Debate in the chamber was limited, and it seemed a deal had been struck with independent councillor David Warth, who had previously supported the Greens' push for an options investigation. After the motion for a robust investigation was voted down, the Greens supported Lyon's motion as a better, though not ideal, alternative to having no local supply at all.The decision to progress planning for a new treatment plant leaves several technical questions unresolved:The existing water treatment site at Lavertys Gap faces significant space constraints. Modern water treatment plants must meet stringent health and engineering requirements, and the extremely turbid water from Lavertys Gap during wet weather typically requires substantial settling tanks and pre-treatment facilities.Economic viability is also uncertain. While water from Lavertys Gap has historically been cheaper per kilolitre than Rous water, a new expensive treatment plant with potentially limited capacity could fundamentally alter this cost equation, particularly as an emergency supply from Rous will need to supplement water from Lavertys in dry periods.Environmental considerations were partially addressed through an amendment by Greens Councillor Elia Hauge requiring Council to plan for environmental flows in the Wilsons River during drought conditions. However, questions remain about balancing environmental needs with community water supply, and whether fish passage improvements will be incorporated.In a statement, the Greens councillors said they will work closely with the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee and the community to ensure the next steps of investigation into a new treatment plant at Lavertys Gap are rigorous and transparent, with answers required before committing millions of dollars to infrastructure that may not be fit for purpose.Cr. Elia Hauge, Chair of Water & Sewer Committee, Byron Shire Council said, "As an engineer, I'm frustrated that this decision was made hastily, with no guidance from either the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee or Council staff, and through a deal struck behind closed doors rather than open debate.""While keeping a local supply option on the table is better than losing it entirely, the path we've taken is far from ideal.""The three questions about site constraints, economic viability, and environmental flows are just the starting point – this community deserves answers before we commit millions of dollars to infrastructure that may not be fit for purpose.""Mullumbimby's water future is too important to be decided by backroom deals. It requires rigorous investigation and genuine community consultation."

Students across the Northern Rivers are invited to participate in a unique learning experience that nurtures critical thinking, collective action and creative expression, as part of a region-wide flood preparedness campaign.The Future Feast in Schools, from Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA), embeds disaster awareness through storytelling, fostering curiosity, connection and creativity.The learning experience is underpinned by four key regional preparedness steps:know your river and your riskknow the warningshave a planlook after each other.NORPA is leading the Future Feasts in Schools workshops at Broadwater Public School, Empire Vale Public School, Stoker’s Siding Public School, Main Arm Public School and Palmers Island Public School from October 15 to November 12.Guided by professional artists in Drama, Dance, and Visual & Video Arts, students engage in hands-on workshops that explore themes of disaster, resilience, and renewal. Through movement, storytelling, and collaborative performance-making, they draw on their lived experiences and hopes for the future.The students’ artistic responses will also contribute to a broader regional project, a NORPA major creative work, Dinner Party at the End of the World, a multi-artform work inspired by local responses to natural hazards.  Teachers are also supported throughout with curriculum-aligned resources and opportunities for professional learning alongside experienced artists.Future Feasts received funding from the Australian and NSW Governments through the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program, administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority. It is also presented in partnership with the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Office.Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “We recognise, more than ever, the need to harness the skills and voices of young people to be better prepared for disasters.  “This creative learning experience does just that, by empowering students to know the risks, to have a plan and look out for each other as we prepare for future disasters.“This program shows our young people they have the power to create a more resilient Northern Rivers and build the kind of community they want to live in.     “I thank NORPA for their creative approach to ensuring young people’s voices are heard and for supporting them to be ready for disasters today and in the future.” NORPA Artistic Director Julian Louis said, “Future Feasts is a chance for students to unleash their imagination on a difficult subject for many people in their community. “The idea of climate change is often abstract and hard to understand, but this gives young people the chance to express themselves among friends and peers in a creative endeavour and learning environment about very real events and issues that directly affected them and their school.”Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Reconstruction Graham Kennett said, “Dealing with natural hazards is a fact of everyday life in the Northern Rivers, where knowledge of the region and clear and calm thinking are essentials for navigating these turbulent events.“Future Feasts helps young people to absorb these tools of local life and puts into practice how community can come together to wield them.” 

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions next week on Blackwall Drive at Wardell to carry out routine maintenance on Wardell Bridge.Work starting on Monday, 3 November will be carried out from 6am to 5pm and is expected to take five days to complete, weather permitting.Single lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place during working hours. Motorists should allow extra travel time during this work.There will also be repair work on the advanced warning lights on the southern side of the bridge for one day with a shoulder closure in place during the works hours for safety of workers and motorists. Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.For more information on this work visit https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/253634, download the Live Traffic NSW app or call 132 701.   To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘Wardell’ in your Live Traffic app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’.  

A man has been charged after the alleged serious assault of a man at Byron Bay earlier this year.About 3:30am on Saturday, 21 June 2025, emergency services were called to a car park near the intersection of Johnson Street and Lawson Street, Byron Bay, following reports that a man had allegedly been assaulted by a group of up to six males.Officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District arrived at the location and found a 25-year-old man suffering head injuries.The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene before being taken to hospital with significant facial and head injuries. He has since been released from hospital; however, he lives with ongoing injuries sustained during the assault.Detectives attached to Tweed/Byron Police District commenced an investigation into the incident.Following inquiries and a public appeal, an 18-year-old man was arrested after attending Byron Bay Police Station about 7am today (Thursday, 30 October 2025).He was charged with reckless grievous bodily harm - in company.The Possum Creek man is due to appear at Byron Bay Local Court on Monday, 8 December 2025.

A man has died following a crash in Byron Bay yesterday afternoon. About 2.30pm today (Wednesday, 29 October 2025), emergency services were called to the intersection of Ewingsdale Road and Banksia Drive, Byron Bay, following reports of a crash.Officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District attended and were told a pedestrian had been struck by a white van. A man believed to be aged in his 70s was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for head injuries. He was airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition; however, he died in hospital as a result of his injuries. The man is yet to be formally identified. The driver of the van – a 38-year-old woman – was uninjured and was taken to Byron Central Hospital for mandatory testing. Police declared a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the crash. A report will be prepared for the coroner. 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.

The restoration of the Sandhills Wetlands is nearly finished, and Council is now considering making the area a wildlife protection area, which means it’s a dog-free zone.The Sandhills Restoration project is one of the most significant environmental initiatives ever undertaken by Council, which, when finished, will see the reinstatement of wetlands that were destroyed during sandmining in the 1960s and 1970s.During the construction of the wetlands, ecological surveys identified several threatened species, including:Sooty owlWallum frogletGrey-headed flying foxLittle bent-winged batLarge bent-winged batIt is expected that the biodiversity on the site will increase as it develops into a thriving wetland system.During construction, Council received community requests to make the wetlands a dog-free zone, and they will be banned as part of a wildlife protection area.We are now seeking community feedback on this proposal.People can get more information or make a submission on Council’s website.Feedback closes 2 December 2025.

Works on a new pedestrian path in Torakina Park linking the Brunswick Heads bridge walkway to the South Wall are set to get underway in February 2026.This important upgrade has been made possible thanks to a $400,000 joint investment from Crown Lands through the CRIF program and Byron Shire Council.“We’re very grateful to be moving forward with this project, which builds on the improvements already made along South Beach Road,” Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye said.“This new accessible path will provide a safer, clearer connection for people walking, rolling or riding from the Brunswick Heads Bridge through Torakina Park, and on to the beach, toilets and the South Wall,” she said.The new path will run parallel to South Beach Road and connect to the existing footpath network, improving accessibility and safety for locals and visitors alike.To further enhance pedestrian safety, hardwood bollards will be installed along South Beach Road to manage vehicle access.In addition, Council is planning a reseal of South Beach Lane, which will be completed by the end of November.What’s Next?Council is currently exploring options for a pedestrian crossing or shared zone east of the Brunswick Heads Bridge to complete the pedestrian link and provide a safer crossing point to the new footpath.Future Improvements Under InvestigationPending funding and approvals, Council is also investigating:A pedestrian crossing or other shared zone or safety treatments across South Beach Road.Additional parking.Improved lighting and toilet facilities.“These upgrades are part of a shared vision to make the foreshore area more welcoming and accessible for everyone,” Mayor Ndiaye said.“We know how much this space means to the community, and we’re committed to seeking the support and funding needed to continue this work,” she said.For more information, visit Council’s website.