Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads.Where possible, motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists should avoid affected roadways. Salt water may affect maintenance of vehicle and bodywork.The king tides will be occurring at night from Sunday, 25 May to Friday, 30 May 2025 and will reach up to 1.99m.Roads likely to be affected by king tides and salt water flooding include:Tamar Street, Ballina Riverside Drive, West BallinaRiver Street, West Ballina Burns Point Ferry Road, West BallinaNorth Creek Road, North BallinaSouthern Cross Drive, North BallinaUralba Road, Uralba Old Bangalow Road, TintenbarTamarind Drive, Cumbalum For road information, visit livetraffic.com or phone Ballina Shire Council on 1300 864 444.

Ballina Shire Council has announced that work has officially commenced on a new pump track in the heart of Ballina. The pump track will transform the southern area of Kingsford Smith Reserve into a vibrant recreational precinct, offering a competition-quality track for riders and spectators.This project has been funded through Ballina Shire Council and $733,345 from the NSW Government.Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said it's fantastic to see construction underway on the new pump track at Ballina."The new pump track will provide a fun, active space for people of all ages to enjoy where riders can test out their new skills and get outside in nature," Minister Moriarty said."The NSW Government is committed to upgrading local infrastructure that improves community health and wellbeing."Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader expressed her excitement about the project and emphasised its positive impact on the community.“I’m thrilled to announce this fantastic project, and I know our community will be just as excited to see it come to life. The new pump track will be an incredible addition, offering a safe and vibrant space for young people and families to come together, stay active, and have fun,” said Cr Cadwallader. “This project reflects our commitment to enhancing community wellbeing and encouraging healthy, active lifestyles throughout Ballina Shire. It’s not just a space for local riders; it’s a community hub where people of all ages can gather, ride, watch, and enjoy,” Cr Cadwallader added.(The new Ballina Pump Track concept design)The new pump track will be built to national qualifier event standards, making it eligible to host events as part of the pump track world championship series. In addition to the main competition level pump track, there will be a junior pump track, alternate advanced line and a surrounding precinct featuring trackside hardstand for spectators and participants, with shelters, seating, bike stands, drinking fountains, a workstation, and landscaped areas and shade trees.This project aligns with Council’s objective to provide young people with a range of leisure activities and was a key element in the Kingsford Smith Reserve Master Plan, which was adopted in 2021 following extensive community consultation.A pump track is a specially designed circuit for bikes, scooters, and skateboards, where riders maintain momentum by using a pumping motion rather than pedalling or pushing. The facility is expected to open by October 2025, subject to weather and site conditions.Project Highlights:•             Pump track (built to national qualifier standards, making it eligible to host events as part of the pump track world championship series)•             Trackside hardstand for spectators and participants, including shelters, seating, bike stands, drinking fountains, and a workstation•             Landscaping and shade trees for a welcoming environment•             Stormwater management to enhance sustainabilityFor more information or to view the concept plans, visit Council’s project page ballina.nsw.gov.au/Ballina-pump-track.

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for people wanting to operate surf schools and kayak tours in the Byron Shire.The closing date for EOIs is 1 July 2025.In a change from previous years, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is now managing the EOI process rather than the Byron Shire Council.Council will, however, be on the assessment panel reviewing the licence applications.NPWS and Council are offering six licences for surf schools of varying sizes, and two licences for kayak tours.The number of licences is strictly controlled, so the beaches and ocean remain shared spaces for everyone.Malcolm Robertson, Council’s Manager Open Spaces and Facilities, said the licence system also ensures that all operators have appropriate first-aid skills and safety procedures in place.Information about how to submit an EOI for surf schools and kakak tours is on Council’s website. 

Ballina Shire Council will close the Ballina War Memorial Pool for the month of June and the Alstonville Aquatic Centre for the month of July for essential annual maintenance.Ballina War Memorial Swimming Pool will be closed from Sunday, 1 June to Monday, 30 June 2025. Alstonville Aquatic Centre will remain open during this period.The Alstonville Aquatic Centre will be closed from Tuesday, 1 July to Thursday, 31 July 2025. The Ballina War Memorial Swimming Pool will remain open during this period.Pass holders are reminded that they can access both the Alstonville and Ballina pool facilities.For the latest information visit: ballina.nsw.gov.au/community-swimming-pools

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for heavy, locally intense rainfall from Evans Head/Yamba down the east coast. A coastal trough situated to the north of Coffs Harbour will remain stationary for the rest of today (Wednesday). A persistent and very moist onshore flow to the south of the trough continues to cause widespread areas of rain across the region, with embedded heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms. Areas of heavy rainfall are expected to persist into Thursday as a low-pressure system develops within the trough as it slowly moves southwards.Prolonged moderate rainfall with isolated areas of HEAVY RAINFALL, which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to continue over northeastern parts of the state for the remainder of today and during Thursday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 60 and 100 mm are likely. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 100 and 150 mm are likely.Locally INTENSE RAINFALL, which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible for parts of the Mid North Coast district and adjacent Northern Tablelands later this evening and during Thursday. This includes Kempsey, and coastal areas around Coffs Harbour and Nambucca Heads. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 100 and 150 mm are possible. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 200 and 300 mm are possible.HEAVY RAINFALL is likely to slowly contract south, clearing the Northern Rivers during Thursday morning, and the Mid North Coast and Hunter districts later Thursday and during Friday.A Flood Watch and various Flood Warnings are current for multiple catchments. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/.Locations which may be affected include Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Kempsey, Yamba, Maclean, Woolgoolga, Sawtell, Dorrigo, Wingham and Yarrowitch.Significant rainfall observations between 9am and 4pm on Wednesday include:140.0 mm recorded at Moparrabah (Parrabel Creek)109.0 mm recorded at Bellingen97.5 mm recorded a Kookaburra School Hut90.0 mm recorded at Mt SeaviewThe State Emergency Service advises that people should:* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.* 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.* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 pm AEST on Wednesday.

The Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration Byron Shire (ERSCBS) was one of 50 finalists selected from more than 200 applicants nationwide to take part in a National Community Roadshow and Listening Tour by PLACE (Partnerships for Local Action and Community Empowerment), last month. The Collaboration, established in 2020, is proudly supported by Byron Shire Council, where a small team of staff convene local work to end homelessness. “We were thrilled to be selected for the PLACE Listening Tour, and it was an invaluable experience that helped the local work we do here in the Byron Shire become recognised and supported at a national level - along with other place-based initiatives happening around Australia,” Council’s Backbone Lead for the Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration, Anna Lockwood said.As part of the Listening Tour, members of the Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration Byron Shire, including people with lived experience of homelessness, local homelessness services, and community and philanthropic organisations, shared the wins they've seen the Collaboration achieve over time.“Collective action has seen the establishment of a local Assertive Outreach team and a Homeless Health Outreach Team, the re-establishment of Fletcher Street Cottage and ongoing resourcing for Council’s Public Space Liaison Officers.“Local services have also worked hard to overcome system barriers together, like information and eligibility challenges, to make sure that support for local people is better coordinated.“The work of the Collaboration is often invisible work, such as continuing to advocate for systems improvements that better support local people, and for much needed local social housing, because everyone deserves the right to a home,” Ms Lockwood said.“What we’ve learned through working together is that, with support from a backbone organisation like Council, community-led, place-based initiatives can help to solve homelessness – and our community needs to be trusted and resourced to make it happen,” Ms Lockwood said.As part of the tour, PLACE also made a site visit to members of the collaboration at Fletcher Street Cottage and Liberation Larder in Byron Bay, who provide crucial services to local people sleeping rough. PLACE is a national organisation that supports the adoption and impact of place-based approaches in local communities across Australia.Find out more about the Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration Byron Shire (ERSCBS) see Council’s website or contact the team at roughsleeping@byron.nsw.gov.au.

The walk from Byron Bay’s town centre to the Cape Byron lighthouse is done by thousands of people every month, but if you ask a local, the stretch from The Pass turnoff on Lighthouse Road is in desperate need of an upgrade.The State Government agrees, this week announcing $1.25 million for a new footpath from Brooke Drive towards the lighthouse as part of its Get NSW Active program, which aims to improve active transport infrastructure in cities and country areas.“This news that we are getting a new, safe, formalised path will be well received by everyone who does this walk to the lighthouse,” Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said.“The existing gravel walking track is narrow and there’s a constant stream of traffic going past which makes if feel quite unsafe at times.“Over the years, Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service have invested a lot of money improving infrastructure in the area for pedestrians, and this stretch of the walk is the missing link, so we’re very grateful to receive funding,” Mayor Ndiaye said.“As well as the safety improvements, this funding is intended to improve pathway designs with educational signage, additional seating and other placemaking features that enhance walkers’ appreciation of our beautiful environment.”“We will also be adding traffic calming measures to slow everyone down and this will make it safer for wildlife as well as people.“While locals often do the walk every day or weekly as part of their exercise regime, it’s also on the ‘must-do’ list of many visitors.“Council is all about getting people to leave their cars at home and walk, roll or ride, so this project aligns perfectly with this,” she said.Staff are in the process of finalising the design for the path, with construction expected to start in the second half of 2026.

A man has died following a single-vehicle crash at Mullumbimby last night.About 7.10pm yesterday (Sunday, 18 May 2025), emergency services were called to Left Bank Road, Mullumbimby, following reports of a crash.Police attached to Tweed/Byron Police District have been told a vehicle had left the roadway and crashed into a tree.The driver was assisted by community members who commenced CPR prior to the arrival of emergency services.NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived and treated the driver; however, he was unable to be revived.While yet to be formally identified, the driver is believed to be a 19-year-old man.A crime scene was established, and officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District commenced inquiries into the incident.A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Australia Post is expanding its footprint in regional Australia with a major infrastructure investment across New South Wales, announcing the development of six new greenfield sites in Byron Bay, Casino, Tumut, Leeton, Deniliquin and Forbes. The sites will bolster capacity to support parcel volume growth and improve service across rural and regional communities.These purpose-built facilities are designed to boost parcel processing capability – handling between 900 parcels to 2,200 parcels per day – and enhance service across rural and regional communities as well as improving operational safety and efficiency.Sustainability is a key focus of the expansion, with all sites featuring 50kW rooftop solar power generation, and a number also investing in rainwater harvesting and EV charging capability.Australia Post General Manager Network Development & Support Services, Shane Plant said the investment reflects Australia Post’s commitment to improving services for regional communities across Australia.“In New South Wales, we’ve seen online purchases increase by 2.8% year-on-year, with data indicating that 82% of NSW households are now shopping online1 . As regional areas increasingly depend on eCommerce due to fewer physical retail offerings, these purpose-built sites will enable Australia Post to meet the growing parcel demand in these regions.“Beyond speed and efficiency, we’re focused on providing safer workplaces for our team members and building environmentally responsible infrastructure that can serve communities well unto the future,” Mr. Plant said.The details and timelines for each of these new sites are as follows:Byron Bay: Construction on the 3,072m² site will begin in mid-2026, with the site expected to open by mid-2027.Tumut: Construction has commenced on the 600m² site, with plans to open in late 2025.Casino: Construction on the 1,350m² site will begin in early 2026, with an expected opening towards the end of that year.Leeton: Construction on the 1,105m² site will begin in early 2026, with an expected opening towards the end of that year.Deniliquin: Construction on the 1,335m² site will begin in early 2026, with an expected opening towards the end of that year.Forbes: Construction on the 1,796m² site will begin in early 2026, with an expected opening towards the end of that year.As part of this regional expansion, a brownfield site has also been secured in Narrandera. Further brownfield sites in Cooma and Ballina are in lease negotiations.This investment in regional NSW is part of a broader commitment to support growth in regional Australia, with additional sites to be rolled out across all regional Australian States & Territories.

If you know an individual, business or group who has made an exceptional contribution to community life, it’s time to nominate them for the prestigious Byron Shire Community Awards 2025.Nominations are now open until 16 June at www.byron.nsw.gov.au/communityawards.“Byron Shire is blessed with a rich and colourful community spirit, and we all know people who go above and beyond to make a difference to the lives of others,” Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye said.“It is these talents and efforts that we want to shine a light on at the 2025 Awards, and I urge everyone to have a think about who you think deserves an award – and nominate them today.“Let’s take this opportunity to recognise these people and groups and the important contribution they make – and give them a very big and public thank you!” the Mayor said.The eight categories open for nominations are:Community Member of the YearYoung Community Member of the YearCommunity Initiative of the YearIn Business for GoodCaring for Country AwardContributions to Health and Wellbeing AwardCreativity AwardAccess and Inclusion Award. The Byron Shire Community Awards are in their third year and the awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday 5 August - to align with Local Government Week.To make a nomination for the 2025 Byron Shire Community Awards, go to Council’s website and complete the online form: www.byron.nsw.gov.au/communityawards.

A man has been charged after police allegedly located and seized drugs inside a home in Kingscliff yesterday.About 11.40am (Thursday 15 May 2025) officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District attended a home on Cylinders Drive, Kingscliff, to serve a Firearms Prohibition Order and Weapons Prohibition Order. Following inquiries, police executed a search warrant at the same location about 2.30pm. During the search, police allegedly located an amount of drugs, including more than 1000 diazepamtablets, 92g of methylamphetamine, 300g of GBL, 2g of cannabis seeds and three vials of testosterone. The drugs were seized by police and will be forensically examined. A 29-year-old man was arrested and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station. He was charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug, two counts of possess prohibited drug, possess/attempt to, prescribed restricted substance, possess/attempt to, anabolic or androgenic steroidal agent goods suspected stolen in/on premises (not motor vehicle) and fail to comply digital evidence access order direction. He was refused bail to appear before Tweed Heads Local Court today (Friday, 16 May 2025).

The NSW Government has approved a large-scale solar farm in the Richmond Valley that will power more than 36,000 homes and create 200 local jobs in construction. The $312 million Summerville Solar Farm is located at Rapville, 57 kilometres southwest of Lismore or 28 kilometres south of Casino, and will have a generating capacity of 90 megawatt (MW). It will also boast a 360-megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system, which will allow the farm to capture and release solar energy to the grid during peak times and outside daylight hours.  Clean energy produced from the solar farm will save more than 139,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. The proponent will also provide approximately $3.1 million to Richmond Valley Council to deliver infrastructure and community benefits. The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) responded to key issues raised during the community consultation period, including biodiversity and fire safety.   The project has been approved, subject to strict conditions including a 10-metre perimeter for fire safety and others to manage or mitigate any impacts on traffic and the environment. The Summerville Solar Farm requires approval from the Commonwealth Government before construction can begin.   Since March 2023, the NSW Government has delivered 34 renewable energy State Significant Development assessments, including five wind farms, 12 solar farms and 15 large-scale energy storage systems.  The projects have the combined capacity to generate 6 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy, and store 7.8 GW / 21.5 GWh of energy.This could save an estimated 10.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year and power 2.78 million homes while boosting the state’s energy security. For more information visit https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/summerville-solar-farm.Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “The Minns Labor Government is committed to diversifying energy production and reducing carbon emissions while providing energy security and reliability. “Summerville Solar Farm will produce clean energy and bolster the Northern Rivers economy by creating jobs during construction and operational phases.  “The renewable project will also help renew the community with Richmond Valley Council to receive about $3.12 million to spend on community projects for locals to enjoy. “NSW is leading a once-in-a-generation upgrade of the electricity network, to deliver even more clean, affordable and reliable energy for everyone in NSW.” Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said, “This is a big win for our community. Renewable energy projects are the cheapest form of energy to build. They mean more jobs, cleaner energy, and reliable power as more projects like Summerville get built. “I’m also happy to see that the successful tenderer will be delivering some funds to Richmond Valley Council to build local infrastructure and support our local community groups. This project won’t just create jobs, it’ll help deliver some much-needed support for our community too.”  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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