A teenager has been charged and another remains in hospital following an alleged pursuit in yesterday.Between 1am and 3.30am yesterday (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 yesterday police attempted to stop the hatchback in Casino.When it failed to stop 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 and the passenger – a 13-year-old boy – was airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital where he remains in a serious condition.A crime scene was established and an investigation into the incident commenced.The older boy was charged with police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously, dangerous driving occasioning GBH- drive manner dangerous, negligent driving (occasioning grievous bodily harm), never licensed person drive vehicle on road - first offence, and drive conveyance taken w/o consent of owner.He was refused bail and appeared at a children’s court via AVL today (Sunday, 26 January 2025).

Police are appealing for information after a crash 30km south of Ballina yesterday.Emergency services were called to Broadwater-Evans Heads Road, Broadwater, about 8.50am yesterday (Thursday, 24 January 2025), following reports of a crash.Police arriving on scene found two SUVs – a Mazda CX5 and Toyota RAV4 – had collided head-on before coming to rest in the southbound lanes.The driver of the Mazda, a 26-year-old man, was taken to Lismore Base Hospital for the treatment of serious injuries, while his passenger – a woman aged 26 – suffered minor injuries.The front passenger of the Toyota – a woman aged 43 – and both rear passengers – two teenage girls – were taken to Lismore Base Hospital for the treatment of serious injuries.The driver of the Toyota, a 48-year-old man, suffered minor injuries.Police attached to Richmond Police District established a crime scene, and inquiries into the crash are underway by the Crash Investigation Unit.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.

THE Mid-Richmond Three Villages Cycleway project has received a boost, securing $5,392,000 from the Australian Government’s Road Safety Program and the NSW government.The Road Safety Program aims to improve road safety by minimising the occurrence of severe injuries and fatalities, with a focus on vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists.At a cost of around $20 million, the Three Villages Cycleway project is designed to connect Evans Head, Woodburn and Broadwater, and will be a great boon for tourists and locals alike. Some sections have already been constructed, and designs for the remaining sections are being finalised.This funding will allow the installation of a shared path on Woodburn-Evans Head Road, joining the Ray Jeffrey Memorial Cycleway already in place from the Riverside Retirement Village, Doonbah.Richmond Valley Council’s General Manager, Vaughan Macdonald, said the funding will go towards the construction of 5.8 kilometres of shared pathway, designed for pedestrians and cyclists.“This investment is vital for enhancing community connectivity, encouraging active lifestyles, and is crucial in fostering closer ties between neighbouring communities.“By linking our villages with shared pathways, we are creating stronger connections - not just physically, but socially and environmentally.“We’re excited to see residents of all ages and abilities enjoying these spaces for walking, cycling and connecting with each other,” Mr Macdonald said.The Three Villages Cycleway project aligns with the Mid Richmond place plans and the Community Strategic Plan. Once completed, the pathways will provide vital links to schools, parks, businesses and other community hubs to enhance accessibility for all residents and visitors.The pathway will create a 2.5-metre-wide shared user path and includes pedestrian refuges, kerb, gutters and ramps, property access reconstruction, drainage, culverts, new bridge treatments, safety barriers and landscaping.The project is set to begin soon and should take around 12 months to complete.NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said, “I’m thrilled to see the Three Villages Cycleway moving forward—this is a fantastic project that will connect communities, enhance safety, and promote healthier, more active lifestyles.“This investment in regional NSW infrastructure will help improve road safety, reduce road trauma, and make journeys safer for all who live in and travel through regional NSW."“Our goal is simple: everyone on our roads should return home safely to their loved ones. This investment is a crucial step toward making that a reality.”Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm said, “This almost half a billion dollars’ worth of new funding is all part of our collective commitment to significantly reduce the number of road deaths and serious injuries on our roads, and I thank the NSW Government for their collaboration on this.“It’s critical that we continue to support safety projects in regional and metropolitan areas across the country as Australia’s road toll is far too high.“The wider Road Safety Program forms part of the Albanese Government’s ongoing commitment to work with state and territory governments to fund the priority road safety works they identify.“These projects won’t just improve safety they will also support thousands of construction jobs across the state.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Damaging Winds for Evans Heads and southern parts of the Northern Rivers.An upper trough is combining with a moist and unstable airmass to produce severe thunderstorms through parts of northeast NSW this morning.Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations that may be affected include Evans Head, Ballina, Casino, Kyogle and Murwillumbah.The State Emergency Service advises that people should:* Move your car under cover or away from trees.* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.* Unplug computers and appliances.* Avoid using the phone during the storm.* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.The next warning is due to be issued by 7:55 pm.

Six people have been charged following a pursuit near Potsville yesterday afternoon.About 5.35pm (Monday, 20 January 2025), Far North Sector Highway Patrol allegedly detected a Toyota Corolla travelling at 167km/h on the M1 Pacific Motorway near Pottsville.Subsequent inquiries revealed the vehicle had been stolen from a Queensland address on Sunday, 12 January 2025.When the vehicle allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated continuing to the Clothiers Creek Road interchange, where road spikes were deployed.The vehicle stopped a short time later and the six occupants ran from the vehicle into nearby cane fields.An 18-year-old man and the five passengers – boys aged 14, 15, 16 and 17 – and a 15-year-old girl, were arrested nearby and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station.The man was charged with two counts of drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, two counts of never licensed person drive vehicle on road - prior offence, receive etc property stolen outside NSW, class C motor vehicle exceed speed greater than 45km/h, and police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously.He was refused bail to appear before Tweed Heads Local Court today (Tuesday, 21 January 2025).The five teens were each charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.They were granted strict conditional bail to appear before a Children's Court on Wednesday, 19 March 2025.

Two men have been charged following an investigation of an alleged kidnapping and assault at South Grafton.About 5pm on Saturday, 7 December 2024, three males – aged 36, 21, and 11 – were allegedly kidnapped from a location on Bellevue Street, South Grafton, by persons known to them.The boy was released a short time later; however, the two older men were taken to an address in Tyndale where they were allegedly assaulted before being released.The 36-year-old man attended Grafton Base Hospital later that day for the treatment of bruising and a laceration.The man was discharged on Sunday, 8 December 2024, and police attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District were subsequently notified.On Friday, 17 January 2025, a 35-year-old man was arrested in South Grafton and taken to Grafton Police Station where he was charge with three counts of kidnap in company with intent serious indictable occasion actual bodily harm.He was refused bail to appear before Grafton Local Court on Saturday, 18 January 2025, where he was formally refused bail to appear before the same court on Monday, 17 March 2025.Following further inquiries, a 32-year-old man was arrested at South Grafton about 10am yesterday (Monday, 20 January 2025).He was taken to Grafton Police Station where he was charged with three counts of kidnap in company with intent serious indictable occasion actual bodily harm, two counts of assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm, assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm, and hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.He was refused bail to appear before Grafton Local Court yesterday (Monday, 20 January 2025), where he was formally refused bail to appear before the same court on Monday, 17 March 2025.

Young people aged 12 to 25 in Ballina are set to benefit from increased access to mental health support with the opening of a new headspace service.Northern Rivers-based not-for-profit organisation Social Futures was selected to operate the new headspace service, which provides a safe, welcoming space where young people can access free or low-cost, youth-friendly supports, including mental health, alcohol and other drug services and vocational and educational services.Located centrally in Ballina, the service is designed to help address the growing need for mental health support in the region.Staff at the new service include health workers and mental health professionals who can help with issues such as stress, anxiety, managing relationships with family and friends, alcohol and other drugs, questions about romantic relationships, sex and gender, bullying, anger, finding a job or getting into study, and more.The headspace Ballina service is part of a national network of 167 centres working to provide early intervention mental health services to young Australians. This new service was made possible through funding from Healthy North Coast through the Australian Government’s Primary Health Network program.The service is now open to the community. Young people and families are encouraged to visit and learn more about the range of services available. For more information, visit headspace.org.au.Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Emma McBride MP said, “The Albanese Labor Government is investing in the headspace network so young people can access free mental health care close to home.“There are now 91 headspaces in regional Australia showing our commitment to supporting young people outside the major centres.“Natural disasters can have long lasting effects on people’s mental health. The opening of headspace Ballina makes sure young people affected by the floods, or experiencing any mental health concerns, have access to the support they need.”Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot MP said, “Establishing a permanent headspace in Ballina will reduce the burden of mental ill-health in our community and help our young people to thrive.“This is the second headspace for Richmond after headspace Tweed Heads. Both headspaces are examples of the Australian Government supporting the health and wellbeing of regional Australians.“I would like to recognise headspace Lismore for the crucial outreach services they have provided over the past few years to support young people in Ballina following the floods.”Healthy North Coast CEO, Monika Wheeler said, “The North Coast region has a higher level of mental health, suicidality and substance use challenges in comparison with the rest of NSW. Locally, we have a third more mental health-related emergency department presentations than the rest of NSW. The new Ballina headspace will improve access to mental health and wellbeing services for young people across the Ballina Shire so that help is available before young people reach crisis point.“The new headspace Ballina service will provide a vital resource for young people, to build early and positive help-seeking behaviours that will support wellbeing management for later years. Healthy North Coast is proud to support this service in partnership with Social Futures and the Australian Government.”Acting CEO headspace, Julia Smith said, “We’re extremely pleased to see mental health services for young people on the North Coast strengthened with headspace Ballina now offering services to the local community, supported by strong headspace partners in Social Futures.From our perspective the most important thing in opening a service like this is that the community of Ballina know the service is now here for you – so if you, or a young person you care about needs support with their mental health, please know that’s what headspace is here for.”

Six local projects have been successful in securing Events and Festival Sponsorship funding from Byron Shire Council for 2025, giving the local community some great events and festivals to look forward to. Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said there was a significant rise in applications for the 2025 fund, signalling that community events were well and truly back on the calendar.“I think you’ll find there’s a community event for everyone this year and in many different and new locations around the Shire,” the Mayor said. “In addition to entertaining attendees, many of the scheduled activities will raise money that will be donated to local organisations and charities, which is wonderful to see,” she said. A total pool of $26,000 was distributed by Council to the following successful recipients: Old and Gold - $3,000 The much-loved annual community event has been running for the past 20 years. The event educates the community about the benefits of recycling and promotes sustainable habits, whilst encouraging community gathering and aligns with Council’s new Single-use policy. Byron Coastal Charity Walk - $4,500 The event unites the community to raise funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, a critical life-saving service for the region.Kaleido Mullumbimby - $5,500 This event will support youth and community engagement, and fosters involvement in the arts. It will provide mentorship programs to promote skill-sharing, inclusivity and community connection. Byron Bay International Film Festival - $5,500 This is an acclaimed festival supporting NSW Filmmakers. 2025 will see the return of the Youth Schools Program, which introduces young people to screen culture and supports career pathways in film and innovation. This event contributes to youth engagement and community education.Disco Ball - $5,000 This unique event celebrates disability pride and community connection and provides a positive and safe platform for expression. The event aligns with Council’s community strategic plan, promoting inclusivity and accessibility. Heaps Good Open Mic - $2,500 This is an emerging event that celebrates and supports Mullumbimby’s thriving artistic community. The event will be free and open to all ages, showcasing local talent and providing an accessible platform for diverse performers and audiences. Council’s Events and Festival Sponsorship Fund aims to support local events and festivals to have more positive environmental, social and economic outcomes.  Find out more about the fund and future applications from Council’s website.

A body has been located in the search for a man missing in floodwaters near Muwillumbah.About 9.30pm on Saturday, 18 January 2025, emergency services were called to a property on Youngs Road, Limpinwood (21kms west of Murwillumbah), following reports of a vehicle in the water.Officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District attended and found a white utility had been swept away in flood water.A multi-agency search for the missing man was conducted that night and continued during daylight hours yesterday (Sunday, 19 January 2025) and today (Monday, 20 January 2025).The multiagency search had comprised officers from the Tweed/Byron Police District – assisted by PolAir, Police Rescue, NSW SES, NSW Ambulance, VRA, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.Shortly after 1pm today (Monday, 20 January 2025), the body of a man was located.The body has since been identified as that of the missing 53-year-old man.A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

A new piece of play equipment at Heritage Park in Mullumbimby is being put to the test by local children.The ‘spider web’, designed to test the climbing skills of older children, was installed as part of the $850,000 upgrade of Heritage Park, along with other smaller features designed to encourage imaginative and nature-based play.The project also included additional seating and a new pathway and boardwalk through the park and along the river, linking the entrance at Brunswick Terrace to the playground at Mill Street.“We closed off a section of the park on Mill Street and turned this into an off-lead dog area,” Jim Roberts, Coordinator Open Space, said.“The work was identified in the Heritage Park Landscape Masterplan and was based on feedback from residents about the improvements they told us they wanted.“We took the fences around the new play equipment down on Friday and before we had finished kids were climbing all over it so it looks like it will be well used,” Mr Roberts said.

Tweed residents are about to enjoy better access to the road network with flood restoration repairs complete on Kyogle Road and Mount Warning Road.The Australian and NSW Governments jointly funded almost $47 million through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to repair three slip sites on Kyogle Road and one at Mount Warning.(Mt Warning Road has been fully restored after the devastating floods of 2022. Photo: supplied)Work included slip remediation and road reconstruction works on three major landslips along Kyogle Road between Byangum and Uki, and another major landslip on Mount Warning Road.The community is thanked for its patience while work to restore these roads was carried out for Tweed Shire Council by Civil Mining and Construction from October 2023.The completion of these restoration projects follows the recent reopening of Tweed Valley Way between Burringbar and Stokers Siding, a $1.2 million project that was also DRFA funded.NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “These are vital local roads that also bring many tourists to our region, so it is great to have them fully restored.“The landslips were of a kind we have never had before and the preparatory work, let alone the works themselves, presented those charged with fixing them very difficult challenges, and I thank them as well as locals for their forbearance and many suggestions.”Richmond MP Justine Elliot said, “The Tweed region was badly affected by the flood event in 2022, so it’s great to see this work to restore roads to their pre-flood condition continues to be completed.“It’s vital we restore transport links when they have been damaged in natural disasters, with three levels of government working together to ensure residents, businesses and visitors are all able to drive safely on these roads once more.”NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said, “Northern NSW continues to build back its essential infrastructure following the devasting flood events that caused billions of dollars in damage across the region.“This is a great example of state, federal, and local governments working together to assist the Northern Rivers communities as they continue to rebuild.”

Byron Shire Council has said a much-needed upgrade of a section of Booyong Road is set to start in the last week of January.The work will be along 2.9km of the road, starting near the intersection of Bangalow Road at Clunes.With a project cost of around $1 million, Council will be reconstructing the road and doing some drainage improvements.“I know that people who use Booyong Road every day will be very pleased to hear that we are able to do this work because the section we will be improving is in very poor shape,” Sam Frumpui, Manager Works, said.The project is expected to take approximately seven weeks, and while the road will remain open to local traffic, there could be significant delays at different times.Information about the Booyong Road reconstruction is on Council’s website.This project is funded by the NSW Government’s Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund.

It has carried millions of tonnes of freight and vehicles, provided a vital link for communities on the Clarence River and an essential service for the sugar industry, and now the old Harwood Bridge is in for a bit of TLC.From Tuesday 28 January, workers will replace thousands of bolts, repair gusset plates that connect different elements of the bridge and carry out repainting of tired sections to make the bridge fit for service for generations to come.The original Harwood Bridge opened to traffic on 20 August 1966 by the then Governor of NSW, Sir Roden Cutler, and replaced vehicular ferries that once took all Pacific Highway traffic from one side of the Clarence River to the other.They were the last vehicular ferries on the Pacific Highway.(The Harwood Bridge under construction in 1966, with the ferries operating in the background)That highway traffic has now moved onto the towering dual-lane structure beside it, but the old bridge still provides valuable service to Harwood residents and the Clarence sugar industry.Transport for NSW Regional Director North Anna Zycki said that to keep the 58-year-old structure in top condition, some essential maintenance needed to be carried out.“We’re aware how important this bridge is during the cane harvest season, so we’re aiming to have work complete by the time that gets under way later this year,” Ms Zycki said.“The work will take about five months, weather permitting, and we’ll get this work completed as quickly as possible to minimise disruptions to the industry, road and maritime users.“For the safety of workers and motorists, traffic will be reduced to one lane for the duration of the work.“There will also be some disruptions while we work on the lift span and vessel owners need to ensure they can pass under the bridge safely with the span in its closed position.“If they are in doubt they should plan around the lift span closure.“Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience while this work is carried out.”

UPDATE: the person involved was taken to hospital for treatment.NSW Police are asking the community to avoid Manly Street, East Ballina.A police operation is underway.Localised traffic diversions are in place, and the community is urged to avoid the area.No further information is available at this time. 

A man has been charged with 26 offences following an extensive investigation into property crime in the Northern Rivers.Between Tuesday, 26 November 2024, and Monday, 2 December 2024, the Northern Rivers Region Enforcement Squad (RES) investigated several property and traffic offences they believe were linked.The incidents are alleged to have occurred along the north coast from Woolgoolga to Kingscliff.Following extensive inquiries by Northern Rivers RES – assisted by Richmond Police District, Coffs Harbour RES, North Coast DVHROT, Dog Unit and Police Rescue – officers attended a home on Oak Avenue, Casino, about 9.40am yesterday (Tuesday, 14 January 2024).A 20-year-old man was arrested at the home and was served a Firearms Prohibition Order and a Digital Evidence Access Order.A search warrant was also executed at the property, with police allegedly locating and seizing items, including a machete, hammer, mobile phone, cannabis, and keys to a stolen vehicle.The man was taken to Casino Police Station where he was charged with 26 offences;Aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence-armed (four counts)Drive conveyance taken without consent (three counts)Unlicensed for Class, Class C, R, LR or MR (three counts)Be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner (two counts)Attempt aggravated break and enter with intent - armed (two counts)Armed with intent to commit indictable offence (two counts)Aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence - people thereAggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company stealBreak and enter house etc stealAssault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other(s)Stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harmPolice pursuit - not stop - drive at speedPolice pursuit - not stop - drive dangerouslyPossess prohibited drugGoods in personal custody suspected being stolen, andRecruit child to carry out/assist criminal activity.He was refused bail to appear before Lismore Local Court today (Wednesday, 15 January 2025), where he was formally refused bail to appear before Coffs Harbour Local Court on Tuesday, 11 March 2025.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a minor flood watch for the Orara River (in the south of the Clarence Valley) as a strong cold front makes its way across the state today.The cold front and its associated trough are forecast to move offshore early on Thursday morning. Following the passage of the trough, a low-pressure system is expected to develop offshore along the central coast, resulting in increased rainfall about parts of the Hunter, Mid-North Coast and Northern rivers.Catchments in the flood watch are moderately wet.The Flood Watch area affected by rainfall, as well as rainfall totals, will be highly sensitive to the position and strength of any developing low-pressure system.This weather system is expected to cause flooding in the Flood Watch areas starting from Thursday evening into the weekend. The Bureau is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updated advice as required. Catchment-specific warnings will be issued if and when required.Catchments likely to be affected include:Orara River - minor floodingThe Orara River is the only western flowing river in the region as it makes its way from the Coffs Harbour region through the villages of Glenreagh, Coutts Crossing until it meets the Clarence River near Eatonsville.Coffs CoastBellinger and Kalang Rivers - minor floodingManning and Gloucester Rivers - minor floodingMyall River - minor floodingKaruah RiverWollombi Brook and Lower Hunter River - minor floodingPaterson and Williams Rivers - minor floodingFor the latest flood and weather warnings, see www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/For the latest rainfall and weather forecasts, see www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/For the latest rainfall and river level information, see www.bom.gov.au/nsw/floodFlood Safety Advice:This Flood Watch means that people living or working along rivers and streams must monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings and be ready to move to higher ground should flooding develop.Flood Warnings will be issued if Minor Flood Level is expected to be exceeded at key sites along the main rivers for which the Bureau of Meteorology provides a flood warning service.Severe Weather Warnings will be issued or updated if very heavy rain is forecast or observed.For more information on the Flood Watch Service: http://www.bom.gov.au/water/floods/floodWarningServices.shtmlFloodSafe advice is available at www.ses.nsw.gov.auFor emergency assistance call the SES on telephone number 132 500For life threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately

The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Executive Board has welcomed the recent announcement by the NSW Government that they intend to remove some of the red tape that has prevented farmers from using their water to fight fires on their property and adjacent land.It’s understood the legislative improvements include the provision that a landholder can now use surface water and groundwater sources without a water licence or water use approval to fight fires. This includes streams, creeks and rivers joining the relevant boundary.Water can also be used for training, controlled burning, and testing equipment, but only when it is carried out under the authority of a firefighting agency such as the NSW Rural Fire Service. Landholders can also prepare for the threat of bushfires by taking water to store in a tank or dam for future firefighting purposes. The maximum volume for each property is 100,000 litres per annum.CMA Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM, hailed the changes as a victory for common sense. “The CMA Board and our 92 Members warmly welcome this decision made by NSW Emergency Services Minister, the Hon. Jihad Dib MP and our NSW Government – common sense has prevailed!”.Mayor Firman said the cutting of red tape that impedes rural and regional fire fighting is all the more important at this time, when the devastating extended USA fire season overlaps Australia’s, limiting large-scale aerial resources.‘It is especially pleasing to see the Minister ensuring the amendments have been made ready for the summer fire period, via the amendments to the Water Management (General) Regulation 2018. These amendments are overdue; however, credit when it is earned. CMA warmly thanks Minister Dib and our State Government for implementing this common-sense approach”, Mayor Firman added.

Kyogle Council released a statement today, saying it continued to improve and maintain its bridge and road networks throughout 2024, replacing 33 timber bridges, grading/re-sheeting almost 410km of rural roads and upgrading 16.5km of sealed roads.On top of that, Council continued to deliver flood recovery works in the wake of the 2022 catastrophic flood event and completed an annual capital works program of $80.5 million, the second largest in Council’s history.“2024 was a year of major achievements for Council,” Mayor Cr Danielle Mulholland said.“We replaced more bridges than any other local government agency in Australia and started the $47 million Clarence Way renewal project.“But we know there is much more to do, and councillors and staff will be working collectively to ensure we embrace every opportunity we get in the coming year to deliver improved services and infrastructure for our communities.”Other achievements during the 2023-2024 year, as outlined in Council’s annual report included:40,921 potholes patched1285.41 tonnes of materials recycledCompletion of the Ettrick Road upgradeRepairs to 29 landslips completedCompleted upgrades of the Kyogle Memorial Institute Hall including supper room and main stage improvementsMet all renewable energy targets, seven years ahead of schedule by improving energy efficiency at Council-operated facilities, installation of 355kW of on-site photovoltaic systems, LED streetlighting and the purchase of 100% green grid energy for electricity suppliers. Started development of a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan with the aim of identifying how climate change will impact the local economy, lifestyle and environment and what needs to be done to adapt Secured funding to restore 15 hectares of koala habitat on six properties within the local government area. Provided $100,398 in one-off community assistance grants and annual donations to local sporting, cultural and community organisations and events.“Kyogle Council has a long-held reputation of punching well above its weight and we will be working with our State and Federal Government funding partners throughout 2025 so we can continue to invest in our towns, villages, and rural communities,” Cr Mulholland said.“We will seize every occasion presented to us to benefit the Kyogle LGA and we will be actively working to create opportunities for the betterment of all.”

A 45-year-old man has been transferred to Lismore Base Hospital after being assaulted with a machete in Casino.Around 6.50pm yesterday (13 January 2025), the male victim, aged 45, was at his home in Casino with several other occupants when a male known to him attended the residence.A verbal altercation has occurred between the victim and this male. The verbal altercation became physical in the front yard of the residence, during which time the male produced a machete and assaulted the victim.As a result of the assault, the victim sustained a deep laceration to his left upper leg as well as a smaller laceration to his left arm. The male suspect ran from the location following the assault.Police and Paramedics were called and attended a short time later. A crime scene was established. The victim was transported to Lismore Base Hospital for further treatment for injuries sustained.Detectives attended and an investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Currently, the victim's injuries are considered serious but not life-threatening,Investigations and enquiries to locate the male suspect are ongoing.