Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions on the Pacific Motorway at the Tugun Bypass Tunnel from Monday to carry out essential maintenance work.To minimise the impact to motorists, work will be carried out at night. The tunnel will be closed to all traffic from 8pm to 5am AEDT each night from Monday, 17 November to Thursday, 20 February 2025, reopening at 5am Friday, 21 February 2025, weather permitting.On the nights of Monday 17 and Thursday 20 February, northbound traffic will be diverted at the Gold Coast Highway (Tugun exit) onto Tugun Currumbin Road, rejoining the Pacific Motorway at Currumbin. Southbound traffic will be diverted at Tugun Currumbin Road (exit 95) onto Gold Coast Highway, rejoining the Pacific Motorway at Tweed Heads West (Gold Coast Highway on-ramp).On the nights of Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 February, northbound traffic will detour via Kennedy Drive (Tweed Heads exit), Sugarwood Drive/Gold Coast Highway and Tugun Currumbin Road, re-joining the Pacific Motorway at Currumbin. Southbound traffic will be diverted via Tugun Currumbin Road (exit 95), Gold Coast Highway and Cordyline Drive, re-joining the Pacific Motorway at Tweed Heads West (Kennedy Drive on-ramp).The traffic diversions are suitable for all vehicle types. Motorists are advised to allow up to five minutes’ additional travel time, drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control.Routine maintenance of the tunnel is carried out every three months and involves a range of measures such as inspecting the various operating and safety systems.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience while this essential maintenance work is carried out.Download the Live Traffic NSW app for up-to-date information. To receive notifications, go to Live Traffic NSW | Incident Details in your app and click Follow.

The body of a man has been recovered from the surf at a beach at Iluka, an hour south of Lismore.Shortly before 6pm yesterday (Friday, 14 February 2025), emergency services were contacted when a 68-year-old man failed to return to shore after entering the surf at Bluff Beach, Iluka, about 70km north of Grafton.Officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District – with the assistance of the Marine Area Command, PolAir, Police Rescue and Surf Lifesaving – commenced a large-scale search for the man.About 7.30am today (Saturday, 15 February 2025), officers located the man’s body.A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.

Flooding and bad weather last November and December caused significant damage to around 40 roads across the Byron Shire. Council and contractors will be out in force fixing them over the next several months after the NSW Government retrospectively declared the event a natural disaster (AGRN1172). Council is expected to receive almost $3.8 million for repairs. Samuel Frumpui, Council’s Manager of Works, said that Council staff and contractors are already busy repairing roads.“Council staff and contractors have already begun repairing roads that were damaged by flash flooding late last year. This will be the key focus for us until early March,” Mr Frumpui said.“Due to guidelines, we need to get work completed as soon as possible, this may mean our other maintenance work is delayed for a short period of time, but we will be working our way through everything as quickly as we can.“We have completed Burnetts Road, Beacoms Road (east) and Dry Creek Road, and are currently working on Huonbrook Road and Main Arm Road,” he said.Other roads to be repaired include: Beech LaneBlackbean RoadBlindmouth RoadBuckleys RoadCampbell StreetCedar RoadCharltons RoadChinamans Hills RoadClays RoadCoopers Lane (west and south)Coopers Creek Road Coral Avenue Dudgeons RoadDurrumbul RoadEnglishes RoadHarkness LaneHollingsworth LaneMarri AvenueMcphails RoadMill RoadMontecollum RoadMotts RoadMyocum RoadRichards LaneRiley LaneSettlement RoadSt Helena RoadStudal LaneSynotts RoadThe Saddle RoadWaltons RoadWanganui RoadWard LaneYankee Creek Road.“It is expected that repairs to additional roads will be approved shortly. It’s a massive amount of work, and I want to thank all staff and contractors involved in the repairs. I also want to thank residents for their patience while we fix the roads,” Mr Frumpui said.

The Tweed Heads community will soon enjoy an enhanced customer experience while completing NSW Government transactions when the new Tweed Heads Service NSW Centre opens. The Centre is relocating to a larger site, still within the Tweed Mall shopping centre, providing a larger space and an improved layout for customers.  Due to open mid-2025, the new centre will be located opposite the current site, ensuring a modern, purpose-built facility for people to complete the 1300 NSW Government services and transactions available at Service NSW.  The new centre will include a dedicated space for one-on-one appointments where customers can receive cost of living support in-person or over the phone with a Service NSW team member.  The team will also be able to connect business owners with the Service NSW Business Bureau for free, ongoing and personalised support for every stage of their business.  There were more than 77,000 customer visits to Tweed Heads Service Centre last year with people appreciating the efforts of the team, giving them a 97 per cent satisfaction rating.  Tweed Heads Service NSW Centre is open Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5pm and Saturdays 8:30am – 12:30pm. For more information, visit the Service NSW website.  Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib said, “Service NSW is a vital part of our lives whether transacting individually or as a business, so we want the people of Tweed Heads to have an enhanced experience when requiring NSW Government services. “This move ensures Service NSW can support the customer demand in Tweed Heads and provide people with a welcoming space to complete government transactions. “Whether applying for a Seniors Card, renewing a driver licence or looking for cost of living support, Service NSW is a one-stop-shop for NSW Government services and transactions.” Duty MLC for Tweed, Emily Suvaal said, “The Minns Labor Government is focused on delivering essential services like the Tweed Heads Service NSW Centre. “This new site will better serve the community, the location within Tweed Mall is bigger and better and only steps away from the current location. “The new centre makes life easier for locals now and will cater to their needs into the future.” 

Those who use Hinterland Way at St Helena will experience changed traffic conditions next week when Transport for NSW carry out slope stabilisation work just east of the intersection with St Helena Road. Work starting Monday, 17 March will be carried out weekdays from 6am to 6pm with some work possible between 6am and 6pm Saturdays.Work is expected to be complete by July, weather permitting.Single lane, alternating traffic flow arrangements and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place during work hours for the safety of workers and road users. A speed limit of 60km/h will be in place outside work hours.Motorists are advised to allow up to five minutes extra travel time, drive to traffic conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.For the latest traffic updates, download the Live Traffic NSW app, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Byron Shire Council has announced that the first Council meeting of 2025 will be held tomorrow (Thursday, 13 February).Byron council watchers take note…the starting times of Council’s Planning and Ordinary meetings have changed to 3pm.The change comes after a decision made by Council in November last year.Council decided to trial afternoon/evening meetings until July in recognition of the work commitments of some councillors.Previously, Council’s Planning meetings started at 11am with the Ordinary meetings starting at 9am.All meetings will now begin at 3pm, starting with public access and finish by 9pm.Esmeralda Davis, Director Corporate and Community Services, said members of the public are most welcome.“We are very fortunate that we have a community who is interested in and engaged in not only Council activities but our meetings as well and we look forward to seeing lots of people in our Mullumbimby Chambers at 3pm this Thursday,” Ms Davis said.The agenda for this week’s Planning meeting is on Council’s website.

Byron Shire Council has added four new Electric Vehicle chargers to its carparks in Mullumbimby and Byron Bay thanks to over $18k funding from the NSW Government EV Destination Charging Grants program. The carpark adjoining Council’s Mullumbimby offices and library, currently home to one EV charging station split over two car parking spaces, now has two new 22kW AC chargers. This brings the total number of charging stations available to the public in the Council carpark to four. The Mullumbimby EV charging stations are connected to a 99kW solar array. In Byron Bay, there is one EV charging station split over two parking spaces in the Byron Library carpark, and now two new 7kW charging units have been installed in the Lawson Street North carpark, behind the Byron Bay Pool. “We see the shift to electric vehicles playing an important role in reducing transport emissions in the Byron Shire, into the future, and we were thrilled to receive funding for these additional charging stations,” Council’s Sustainability Officer, Rachel Thatcher said. “We know that the Byron Shire has the highest EV ownership in the Northern Rivers and the second highest EV ownership in regional NSW next to Queanbeyan-Palerang. “We have around 517 EV registrations in Byron Shire alone, and this number is expected to continue to grow,” Ms Thatcher said. “As a tourist destination, we also need to be ready for the needs of our visitors – to help decrease the ‘range anxiety’ that is a common barrier to people buying EVs in the first place,” she said. “Increasing EV infrastructure in the Shire is key to supporting continued uptake and aligns with our Net Zero Emissions Action Plan and Power Up Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Strategy,” Ms Thatcher said. For more information see Council’s website.

Three people have been charged as a high-visibility police operation focused on preventing and disrupting crime in the state’s north continues.Strike Force Imperium formed on Monday, 3 February 2025, and is a proactive policing strategy involving police resources from Tweed/Byron PD, Richmond PD, Coffs/Clarence PD and Specialist Commands, targeting serious property-related crime.As a result of the operation, strike force detectives have so far made three arrests, with investigations ongoing into several other offences and inquiries continuing to locate outstanding offenders.Incidents of note include:About 12.30pm on Tuesday, 4 February 2025, police were patrolling Tweed Heads South when they attempted to stop a vehicle reported stolen from Queensland. When the driver allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated; however, was terminated a short time later when it entered Queensland. Following extensive inquiries police attended a home on William Street, Tweed Heads South, about 8am on Wednesday, 5 February 2025. A 25-year-old man was located and arrested in the garage of the property. A search of the man allegedly revealed stolen credit cards, a woman's bag and sunglasses. He was taken to Tweed Heads Police Station where he was charged with two counts of goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, receive etc property stolen outside NSW, larceny, police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously, and drive while licence cancelled. He was refused bail to appear before Tweed Heads Local Court on Wednesday, 5 February 2025, where he was formally refused bail to appear before the same court on Monday 24 March 2025.About 1.30am on Wednesday, 5 February 2025, police were called to a home on Wollongbar Drive, Wollongbar, following reports of an aggravated break and enter. At the scene, police were told that four persons entered the property before stealing a bag and keys. Following inquiries, officers executed a search warrant at a home in Casino about 9am on Friday, 7 February 2025. A 15-year-old boy was arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station where he was charged with aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence-armed, and break and enter house etc steal. In relation to other matters, he was also charged with drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, never licensed person drive vehicle on road, possess prohibited drug, and shoplifting. He was refused bail to appear before a children's court on Saturday 8 February 2025, where he was granted conditional bail to appear before a children's court on Friday 28 February 2025.Between 1am and 3.30am on Saturday, 25 January 2025, a unit on Barker Street, Casino, was allegedly broken into and a Honda hatchback was taken from the home. About 4.10am on Saturday, 25 January 2025, police attempted to stop the hatchback in Casino. When the driver allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated and continued to West Street where the hatchback crashed into a motorhome. The driver – a 16-year-old boy – was taken to Lismore Base Hospital, while the passenger – a 13-year-old boy – was airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital where he remains in a serious condition. The driver was charged with five offences and remains before the courts. About 10am on Friday 7 February 2025, following further inquiries into the alleged break and enter, police arrested the 16-year-old boy at a home in Casino. He was taken to Lismore Police Station where he was charged with aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence-people there, aggravated break and enter with intent, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, and never licensed person drive vehicle on road. He was refused bail to appear before a children's court on Friday, 7 February 2025, where he was formally refused bail to appear before a children’s court on Tuesday, 25 February 2025.Three search warrants were also executed in relation to ongoing police investigations.Investigations under Strike Force Imperium continue.

Renters in NSW now have a dedicated Rental Taskforce to hold landlords and real estate agents to account and will address rental law violations following the Government’s most significant rental reforms in more than a decade. With an $8.4 million investment, NSW Fair Trading’s Rental Taskforce will analyse activities and trends within the rental market and conduct compliance activities such as inspections, audits, and blitzes to prevent and act on breaches of the law. The new taskforce is a multi-disciplinary team with new and existing resources drawn from across NSW Fair Trading and led by a newly appointed Rental Taskforce Manager reporting to the NSW Rental Commissioner, Trina Jones. The Rental Taskforce will focus on three key priorities:Ending solicited rent bidding Implementing renting reforms to prevent no-ground evictionsEnsuring improved responses to repairs and maintenance in the rental marketThe NSW Government is also working to deliver cost of living relief to renters by delivering a Portable Rental Bond Scheme, which is due to go live in the second half of this year.For more information on changes to NSW rental laws, please visit the NSW Fair Trading website at: https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said, “The Minns Labor Government understands that more people are renting, and they are renting for longer.“That’s why we have established the Rental Taskforce to help create a more equitable market for the 2.3 million renters in this state.“Our inspectors will be out in full force to ensure real estate agents and landlords are complying with new and existing rental laws to ease the stress placed on renters by things like no grounds evictions and rent bidding.“While the majority of agents and landlords are doing the right thing, this $8.4m investment targets bad actors who make life tougher for renters.“With these resources, NSW renters can be assured we’re working hard on a fairer rental market for tenants.”Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said, “The Rental Taskforce is here to protect the rights of renters and hold bad actors to account.“It’s critical to provide renters and property providers with assurance that bad actors will not be permitted to cause harm in the market.“The Rental Taskforce is a dedicated and skilled team made up of new and existing roles focused on preventing and responding to breaches of rental laws.“This will support a fair and safe marketplace for rented homes in NSW and contribute to improved confidence in the rental market.”Leo Patterson Ross, NSW Tenants Union CEO said, "For too long, renters have been carrying the burden of dodgy behaviour. It is vital that such an important essential service as renting your home has an active and visible regulator to hold people to account for failing to deliver a fair renting experience.“We and the Tenants' Advice and Advocacy Services have long supported renters with services to support them in resolving issues, but without a responsive regulator there have often been limited options to truly hold dodgy operators to account.“We welcome the investment and the impact it will have, and we look forward to seeing further investment as needed in both regulatory activities and support services for renters into the future.”

Police are appealing for information as an investigation continues into a home invasion and assault on the state’s north coast last month.About 6am on Wednesday 8 January 2025, police were called to a home on Roderick Street, Maclean, about 45km north of Grafton, following reports of a break and enter.Police have been told that up to five people forced entry to the home and confronted the occupant, a 48-year-old man, demanding the keys to a Mercedes parked in the driveway.The man was then assaulted by the group - who were armed with a machete and a knife - resulting in facial and hand injuries.The house was ransacked with a 73-year-old woman also threatened by the group, demanding keys.The group then left the home, taking two wallets and cash.Police from Coffs/Clarence Police District were notified and attended. A crime scene was established and forensically examined.As inquiries into the incident continue, police are appealing for anyone with information to contact Coffs Harbour 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.

Two new pieces of equipment will significantly enhance care and support for patients at Grafton Base Hospital's Children's Ward and Women's Care Unit, thanks to the generous contribution of Westlawn Finance.The donation was recently presented by the Grafton-based financial services company to Our Kids, allowing the children’s health fund to purchase the new equipment for the hospital.The equipment includes a portable Nitrous Oxygen Unit for the Children's Ward, which helps to sedate children and babies when undergoing procedures, and a Radical-7 Pulse CO-Oximeter, a high-tech monitoring system that assists medical teams in monitoring the respiration and oxygen levels of pre-term babies admitted to the hospital’s Special Care Nursery.(Westlawn Finance Business Development Manager Damien Rouse and Executive Director Geoff Scofield examine the new equipment purchased by Our Kids with funds raised at their recent Golf Day. Photo: supplied)Westlawn Finance's donation to Our Kids was made possible through funds raised during the annual Westlawn Charity Golf Day, an event that brings community and business partners together to support this worthy cause.Westlawn Finance Executive Director Geoff Scofield said he was thrilled to continue the company’s partnership with Our Kids."The amazing work Our Kids does to raise funds for much-needed equipment in the maternity and children's wards at Grafton Hospital is truly inspiring,” he said.“Our commitment to supporting local initiatives aligns perfectly with Our Kids’ mission to keep kids and families in our region, reducing the need for them to travel too far away from home."Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator Rebekka Battista thanked Westlawn Finance for their continuing support for community care in the region."A massive thanks to the Westlawn Finance team, their customers and supporters of the Westlawn Charity Golf Day – it is always a great day and the results impact so many families in the Clarence region. Thank you to all involved," she said.Our Kids hosts signature events like the Westlawn Charity Golf Day, the up-and-coming Lismore Samson Fitness Challenge, and Our Kids Day Out, along with contributions from donors and local businesses to help raise funds to purchase paediatric equipment for our local hospitals.To date, Our Kids has purchased more than $2.7 million in paediatric equipment for the Grafton, Lismore and Tweed hospitals. To find out more about Our Kids, or to become a financial or in-kind partner with Our Kids, please contact the Our Kids team on 0438 417 085 or email info@ourkids.org.au.

Lions Road between Standfields Bridge and the Queensland border crossing will be closed to through traffic from Monday, 17 February to mid-June, while Council replaces six culverts damaged in the February 2022 floods.However, it’s likely the road closure will be extended to the end of the year so five major landslips can also be repaired. A decision on if, and when, the road closure will be extended will be made within the next month.Meanwhile, Council will attempt to re-open Lions Road for holidaymakers and travellers for two weeks over the NSW Easter school holidays from Friday, 11 April to Sunday, 27 April. The temporary re-opening will be dependent on weather conditions and the progress of the work.Kyogle Council Mayor Danielle Mulholland said the closure, while inconvenient, would result in a safer, more flood-resilient road for all motorists.“Unfortunately, the section of Lions Road between Standfields Bridge and the border crossing where both lots of work is to be done is narrow and winding and it simply would not be safe to keep it open while the works are carried out,” Cr Mulholland said.“There will be large earth moving equipment in place and lots of heavy vehicles travelling the road, and there are very few places on the road you can construct by-passes.“I understand this is not ideal, and it will be inconvenient for both locals and travellers alike. However, it will allow Council to safely deliver a better, safer road that is more secure during intense rain periods.”The Lions Road closure between Standfields Bridge and the border crossing will not affect Gradys Creek Road which will remain open. However, motorists are urged to use caution as there will be increased heavy vehicle traffic using the road during the hours of 6.30am and 5pm while the work is undertaken.

Healthcare students and graduates living or seeking employment in rural, regional and remote NSW can now apply for nine types of scholarships designed to support their studies and boost the state’s regional health workforce.Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park today opened the first round of the NSW Government’s $5 million Rural and Regional Health Career Scholarships Program for 2025, which supports Students of Nursing, Midwifery, Medicine, Dentistry and Allied Health. Applications are now open for the Diploma of Nursing Rural Travel Support Incentive, which provides financial travel assistance for Diploma of Nursing students from a rural area (Modified Monash Model locations 3 or above) and live more than 100km (one way) from the Registered Training Organisation. Eligible students can apply for a travel incentive of $5,000 to go towards the cost of travel and accommodation related to their Diploma of Nursing studies.Applications are also open for the New Graduate Nursing and Midwifery Rural Support Incentive, which provides a one-off payment of $1,000 to support relocation costs for non-local graduate registered nurses and midwives seeking employment in identified rural or remote LHD locations.These scholarships are expected to support more than 1,100 healthcare workers.The full list of scholarships include:·                Diploma of Nursing Rural Travel Support Incentive·                New Graduate Nursing and Midwifery Rural Support Incentive·                Allied Health Rural Generalist Program (Level 1) Scholarship·                Allied Health Rural Generalist Diploma Rural Practice (Level 2) Scholarship·                Rural Allied Health Assistant Scholarship·                Aboriginal Rural Allied Health University Student Scholarship·                Supporting Entry into University Medicine or Dentistry Scholarship (GAMSAT)·                Supporting Entry into University Medicine or Dentistry Scholarship (UCAT)·                Getting Started in Medicine Scholarship for First Year StudentsFor more information on the $5 million Rural and Regional Health Career Scholarships Program, including eligibility criteria and opening dates, visit the NSW Health website.These scholarships build on a series of measures The Minns Labor Government has introduced to strengthen the state’s health workforce including:·                Implementing the Safe Staffing Levels initiative in our emergency departments·                Providing permanent funding for 1,112 FTE nurses and midwives on an ongoing basis·                Abolishing the wages cap and delivering the highest pay increase in more than a decade for nurses and other health workers·                Investing an additional $200.1 million in key worker accommodation·                Beginning to roll out 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities·                Boosting subsidies for regional health workers.Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said, “Staffing our regional, rural and remote healthcare facilities is a major challenge.“This year the program is expected to support 150 nursing and midwifery students, 100 medical and dentistry and 35 allied health students from regional, rural and remote locations while they undertake their healthcare studies. “This Program is helping to strengthen our regional, rural and remote health workforce in NSW, which will result in improved experiences for patients living in these locations.”Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said, “Ensuring rural and regional communities have access to the best healthcare is a key priority for the Minns Government and also a significant challenge.“These scholarships are not just a great opportunity for regional and rural students looking for a career in healthcare, but they will also play a part in helping recruit and retain healthcare workers in our regional communities

A highly successful regional, rural and remote deployment program for key healthcare roles is set to be expanded over the next three years, with NSW Health recruiting nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals to be posted to short-term placements across NSW.The NSW Health Deployment Program was first established in May 2023 to create a pipeline of skilled health professionals for short-term roles.The short-term positions of between two and 13 weeks offer healthcare professionals the opportunity to travel and work in regional, rural and remote parts of NSW they may never have visited, with accommodation and travel costs covered.  The NSW Government is currently seeking healthcare workers from more than 20 professions, including nurses, midwives and allied health professionals for a range of short-term positions in hospitals and health facilities across NSW. The initial success of the program so far has seen 90 staff undertake hundreds of deployments across the state in priority roles such as nursing, midwifery, occupational therapy, podiatry, speech pathology and physiotherapy. NSW Health will now increase the team to around 400 to further strengthen its support to regional, rural and remote areasHealthcare workers seeking a role with NSW Health, or current staff, are encouraged to register their interest via the NSW Health website. The Minns Labor Government has introduced a series of measures to strengthen the state’s health workforce including:Implementing the Safe Staffing Levels initiative in our emergency departmentsProviding permanent funding for 1,112 FTE nurses and midwives on an ongoing basisAbolishing the wages cap and delivering the highest pay increase in more than a decade for nurses and other health workersInvesting an additional $200.1 million in key worker accommodationBeginning to roll out 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communitiesBoosting subsidies for regional health workers.Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park said, “Recruitment and retention of healthcare staff in rural, regional and remote hospitals is one of our biggest, if not the biggest issue we face.“This is a fantastic and unique opportunity for staff to expand their skills and also immerse themselves into a new community.“This innovative program is not only attracting health workers to regional, rural and remote communities but also strengthening these areas by maintaining essential health services.“These deployments give health workers the chance to explore and immerse themselves in new communities, and pleasingly, I’ve heard stories of many health professionals who have found the experience so rewarding they’ve chosen to stay, providing lasting benefits for patients, the community, and the health system.”NSW Health Deputy Secretary for Rural and Regional Health Luke Sloane said, “The deployment program offers a fantastic career opportunity for a range of healthcare staff who are seeking new experiences and a career reset as well as a great lifestyle change.“It’s also an incredibly rewarding personal experience, with many who take part forming new friendships in close-knit communities who welcome them with open arms.”NSW Health Deployment Program participant, Speech Pathologist Saffron Foy said, “I joined the NSW Health Deployment program because I wanted a bit of a change, and I loved the experience of working in unique and supportive rural communities.“At first, it was a little nerve-wracking, but the teams I was deployed to were so welcoming and inclusive that the nerves were shaken pretty quickly.“I really recommend giving it a go and experiencing something new because it lets you experience a different lifestyle and allows you to improve and expand your skills.”

Police have charged a driver over a fatal crash in the state’s far north last year.About 3.30pm on Monday, 4 November 2024, emergency services were called to Teven Road, near Shawns Lane, Teven, about 10km northwest of Ballina, following reports of a two-vehicle crash.Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended to find a Hyundai SUV and a Nissan SUV had collided head-on.The driver of the Hyundai – a 60-year-old woman – and front passenger – an 87-year-old woman- both suffered minor injuries.The back passenger – an 87-year-old man – suffered a cardiac arrest and died in Lismore Base Hospital on Monday, 11 November 2024.The driver of the Nissan – a 62-year-old woman – suffered minor injuries.On Monday, 3 November 2025, police attached to the Far North Coast Crash Investigation Unit, charged the 60-year-old driver of the Hyundai with dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death, and not keep left of dividing line.The woman’s licence has also been suspended.The matter is listed for Ballina Local Court Thursday, 1 May 2025.

The $2.7m upgrade of South Beach Road in Brunswick Heads gets into full swing today (Monday, 3 February) and Byron Shire Council is asking the community to avoid the work site as much as possible and seek alternative parking in town.“We are excited to get this upgrade underway for the Bruns community, and we’ll be delivering a complete reconstruction of the road, including some critical drainage improvements, new kerbs and gutters, and line marking,” Byron Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway said.The first stage of construction includes drainage works across Torakina car park and South Beach Lane, and both of these areas will be fenced off to the public under traffic control arrangements. A traffic bypass will be in place so that South Beach Lane residents can access their properties.“While a limited number of parking spaces may be available on South Beach Road at various stages of these works, the whole of South Beach Road will be under traffic control on weekdays and we’re asking beachgoers and anyone wanting to access the river, foreshore parks and beaches to seek an alternative car park in Brunswick Heads and walk over one of the bridges.“Pedestrian access to the parks, foreshore areas, beaches and dog beach will remain open to the community, and the tennis club and community centre will be open as usual.“Of course, all residents of South Beach Road, businesses, service providers and other key stakeholders who we’ve been in contact with will be able to gain access to their properties via the traffic controllers.“Traffic controllers can also help anyone with disability access requirements.“Fortunately, we’ve been able to start this project after the school holidays in what is a quieter time, and with the community’s support, we’re aiming to get this major reconstruction done as safely and as quickly as possible.“We’re working closely with the surf club and have arrangements in place to ensure the quality of the road will not be compromised by the club’s renovation,” Mr Holloway said.Regular updates about this project and traffic impacts will be available on Council’s website  Upgrades to South Beach Road Brunswick Heads

Transport for NSW has advised motorists of changed overnight traffic conditions from this weekend on Summerland Way at Kyogle to carry out road surface repairs between the two intersections of Boorabee Street.To reduce the impact on motorists, work starting on Sunday, 2 February, will be carried out from 6pm to 6am, Sundays to Thursdays, and is expected to be completed in eight shifts, weather permitting.Single lane, alternating traffic flow arrangements and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place during work hours, for the safety of motorists and workers.Motorists are advised to allow up to ten minutes’ extra travel time, drive to traffic conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

As we move through another hot summer, Local Land Services is reminding livestock producers of the important steps they should take to ensure stock are well hydrated.“As the weather warms up, livestock will have a harder time maintaining daily functions, just like us,” said Principal Program Manager of Agriculture and Plant Biosecurity Andrew Lieschke. “Livestock drink considerably more water in hotter weather, with beef cattle, depending on their class, consuming up to 100 litres per head per day and sheep and goats up to 10 litres a head per day. However, actual intake will vary based off water quality, environmental and animal factors. “Livestock will also avoid warm water so it’s important to provide shade and shelter for water resources, as well as stock. “It’s vital that producers are aware of the steps they can take and factor these into their livestock and property management to ensure stock are well hydrated and remain in good condition over summer.” If you’re mustering, handling and transporting livestock during the warmer months, it is essential to meet basic animal welfare standards, such as:  • move livestock during early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler • provide sufficient shade and shelter for animals to rest and cool down • ensure you have sufficient feed available during the summer period to maintain animals in a healthy condition  • consider drafting off all animals suitable for sale via saleyards or directly to a processor if required. If you have any questions about your stock and water intake, and managing your local conditions, contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 or via www.lls.nsw.gov.au. 

Construction is forging ahead on flood-resilient school facilities at Broadwater Public School, as the school community looks forward to returning to its permanent home in the coming months. Broadwater Public School was destroyed in the destructive 2022 Northern Rivers floods, with the inundation destroying most of the school’s buildings. Flood repair works are well underway at the school site after kicking off in July, after the Minns Labor Government used enhanced powers under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act to accelerate the school’s planning approval. The new school, due for completion by Day 1, Term 2, was created with a flood-resilient design and includes an elevated building, raised approximately four metres above the ground, supported by a steel structure. The first floor includes three new classrooms, a library, a canteen and administration areas connected by undercover walkways, and a ground floor area with new bathrooms, an under-croft play space and new landscaping. Works are progressing well, with flood-damaged buildings now demolished, the under croft slab and ceilings installed, and the school's modular buildings delivered and in place. Work has now commenced on the interior fit-out and landscaping. Other works to be completed during Term 1, include the installation of a new playground and the return of cherished items, such as Broadwater Public School’s beloved school bell. Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car and Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin visited the Broadwater Public School work site on Wednesday and met with members of the school community to view progress on the rebuild. The Minns Labor Government is continuing to invest in and rebuild public education in NSW and ensuring flood-impacted schools in the Northern Rivers are being repaired and rebuilt, so communities can get back on their feet. Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said, “It is fantastic to see construction progressing at pace at Broadwater Public School, and the community can look forward to having their school returned to them this year. “After the destruction of the 2022 floods, this community has shown great resilience and patience, and I want to acknowledge the hard work of the local community, who worked hard to ensure this school was returned to the community. “Once completed, teachers, families and young children will have certainty of a high-quality school back in their local area, and I am so pleased a Minns Labor Government will deliver that for this community.” Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “I am so pleased that works are well underway at Broadwater Public School, and students and families can look forward to returning to permanent facilities later this year. “Since the floods, many local families have had to contend with much ongoing disruption, and I am proud to be part of the Minns Labor Government, as we continue to deliver important infrastructure back to our community. Broadwater Public School Relieving Principal Bronwyn Cole said, "I am overjoyed to see the incredible progress on our school’s rebuild. This milestone represents a new chapter for our community. “We look forward to moving into a permanent home that is not only flood-resilient but also thoughtfully designed to support the needs of our students, staff, and families. “Our school has always been the heart of this community, and this project is a testament to the strength and resilience of our school community.”