A driver has now been charged following a fatal single-vehicle crash near South Grafton last August.About 12.30am on Friday, 29 August 2025, emergency services were called to Bent Street, South Grafton, following reports of a crash.Officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District attended and located a vehicle that had crashed into a tree.The front passenger of the car, a 19-year-old man, was found deceased at the scene.The driver, a 39-year-old man, was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to Gold Coast Hospital in a critical condition.A crime scene was established by police attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District, and an investigation into the crash commenced.Following an extensive investigation by the Mid North Coast Crash Investigation Unit, police have charged a 39-year-old man with three offences – dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous, negligent driving occasioning death and drive whilst disqualified.The man is expected to appear at Grafton Local Court on 20 April 2026.

Work on Council’s new Developer Contributions Plan has started, and workshops will be held around the Byron Shire to tell people more about the plan and canvas their opinions.Christopher Soulsby, Council’s Manager Assets and Major Projects, said the Developer Contributions Plan is a complex and important document that underpins the provision of some community facilities, services and infrastructure over the next 15 years in line with Byron Shire’s population growth.Council’s Developer Contributions Plan was developed in 2012 and last refreshed in 2017, and there have been major changes in the Shire since that time. “The Developer Contributions Plan outlines the fees paid by developers through their development applications and identifies the projects that these funds can support,” Mr Soulsby said.“It also details projects like future parks, shared paths, roads and hall upgrades that have been identified by Council via its masterplans, place plans and other strategic documents,“Because this plan is complex, we are holding a series of community workshops to allow staff and consultants to answer questions. This will help us understand how the community’s priorities correlate to what we have identified,” he said.Workshops will be held from 18 to 20 February 2026 at various venues across Byron Shire. “The workshops are for everyone, from developers to community members, and it is important that people attend to provide feedback to the 15-year plan,” Mr Soulsby said.The community can also view an online map of proposed projects and provide their feedback using the online survey. Consultants will consider the information taken from the community workshops and online engagement when writing the new Draft Developer Contributions Plan. Information about the new Developer Contributions Plan, workshops and more opportunities to get involved is on Council’s Your Say Byron Shire website Have your say on the Developer Contributions Plan.

Byron Shire Council today (13 February) closed The Pocket Road due to the risk of a major culvert failure following rapidly rising water levels from the major rain event currently impacting the area.The steel culvert structure is located between 860 and 879 The Pocket Road, approximately 8.1 KM from Billinudgel Road and 2.4km from Main Arm Road. The closure follows an assessment, which determined that the structure faces a high risk of collapse during major rain events where water is passing over the structure at increased speeds. “Overnight, more than 100 mm of rain fell in under three hours (calculated at the Helen Street Bridge gauge). Several causeways and culverts across the shire are now overtopping and already unsafe to cross,” Phil Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said.“The rainfall we’ve had overnight has indicated the risk of collapse is too significant, and if we don’t act early, we can’t guarantee the safety of nearby residents and infrastructure,” Mr Holloway, said.The road will be closed until this rain event passes, which is anticipated to be Monday morning. Council engineers will inspect the site as soon as conditions allow. Barriers and signage are in place, and the community is asked to use alternative routes. Local traffic may access the area, but residents should take the safest available route and avoid the affected structure.“The good news is that this structure will be fixed as soon as a design is finished, with works completed before July this year,” Mr Holloway, said.Unfortunately, this cycle of opening and closing will have to take place until these structural works are completed.“We know the closure of The Pocket Road will be very disruptive to our community, but we cannot open the road again until we know it is safe,” Mr Holloway said.Council urges all road users to avoid the area and never drive through floodwaters.The SES has issued a Flood Watch for parts of Byron Shire. Visit the Byron Shire Emergency Dashboard to keep an eye on alerts form SES, BOM, LiveTraffic and more.

UPDATE: Garry has been located.Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s north.Garry Pulleine, aged 65, was last seen on Cherry Street, Ballina, about 6pm today (Thursday 12 February 2026).Officers attached to Richmond Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.Police hold concerns for Garry’s welfare.Garry is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of medium build, with short grey/brown hair.Police were told he has tattoo on his right arm.He was last seen wearing a blue singlet and denim jeans.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.

Ballina Shire Council has delivered the much-anticipated Sharpes Beach Precinct Accessibility Upgrade, which is now open to the community. Supported by $1.05 million in NSW Government funding and a contribution of $1.3 million from Ballina Shire Council, this revitalised coastal precinct delivers major improvements to one of Ballina Shire’s most iconic beachfront locations. Minister for North Coast, Janelle Saffin, said the works are an exciting development for local residents and visitors. “The North Coast is defined by our world-class coastline, and this project ensures that one of Ballina’s most beautiful beaches is now truly inclusive for people of all ages and abilities. “By investing $1.05 million into these upgrades, the NSW Government is not just improving safety and facilities; we are supporting the local economy and making it easier for everyone, locals and visitors alike, to enjoy this iconic environment.” Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said, “Our community loves Sharpes Beach, which is why Council has made a significant $1.3 million investment in this project. These upgrades make it easier than ever for everyone to enjoy this stunning stretch of coastline.” “With safer access, better facilities, and new inclusive features, we’re supporting active lifestyles while enhancing the experience for surfers, swimmers, walkers, cyclists, families, and visitors,” she said. Mayor Cadwallader added that the upgrades will also benefit surf lifesavers. “The new storage area and facilities help our surf lifesavers continue their vital work keeping our beaches safe.” What’s new at Sharpes Beach? Asphalt car park (including formalised and accessible parking)Accessible toilet and shower facilitiesBeach showersAccessible viewing platformStorage for surf lifesaving equipmentAdditional connecting paths, bicycle racks, drinking fountains and seatsShade trees, landscaping, and drainage improvementsEnhanced natural areas with restored native vegetation These upgrades respond to Sharpes Beach’s growing popularity and significantly improve safety, accessibility, and amenity for all users. The project followed extensive community input, with Council seeking feedback on the draft design in 2023. Councillors then refined the design through the Development Application process, which included a further round of public exhibition. With works now complete, Council invites residents and visitors to explore the refreshed precinct and enjoy the best of our coastline. This project is jointly funded by Ballina Shire Council and the NSW Government.

The Royal Australian Air Force will conduct bombing operations at the Evans Head Air Weapons Range (EVDAWR), south of the Evans Head township, from today until (11 February) Friday, 13 February 2026, between 10am and 5pm.Military fast jet aircraft from Number 82 Wing RAAF Base at Amberley will conduct programmed training on weekdays only.EVDAWR is used for gunnery and bombing practice by F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft based at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland.Access to the range (land areas) remains restricted at all times, due to the possibility of unexploded ordnance.For safety reasons, the Southern DPA (overwater) will be closed from 10am to 5pm during all operations, except where specifically indicated.Defence personnel display red flags to indicate live firing activities and conduct patrols for public safety.Scheduled operations on the range can change due to weather or other operational considerations.The EHAWR Community Advisory Panel has been advised of these activities, and Air Force appreciates the ongoing support from the local community.For further information, please refer to the Air Force Operations website on https://www.airforce.gov.au/operations/flying-operations/flying-activity.A copy of the overwater DPA map and GPS co-ordinates, please refer to the Defence website at Frequent flying schedules | Air Force.

The intersection at Jonson Street and Byron Street in Byron Bay will be closed from late February until late May as part of the next stage of work on the Byron Bay Drainage Upgrade.Christopher Soulsby, Council’s Manager Assets and Major Projects, said the temporary closure would mean that the upgrade can be completed as quickly as possible.“We need to temporarily close the intersection on Jonson Street to install new drainage culverts. This will allow work to be done safely and efficiently. The new culverts will connect to new drainage already installed in the railway corridor and drainage about to be installed in the laneway between Guzman Y Gomez and Byron Hot Bread Kitchen,” said Mr Soulsby.“While we know this will be disruptive, we will try to reduce impacts to the town centre where possible. This includes restoring access to the laneway and Lawson Street South Car Park by the Easter long weekend,” he said.Changes in the Byron Bay town centre from late February until late May (weather permitting) will include:Closure of the intersection at Jonson Street and Byron Street. U-turn bays provided on these streets during the closure.Signage, traffic control and temporary parking restrictions in place. Access restored to the Lawson Street South Car Park by the Easter long weekend.Laneway between Guzman Y Gomez and Byron Hot Bread Kitchen closed. Pedestrian access restored by the Easter long weekend.Pedestrian access will be maintained where possible, but people will need to follow signage/directions from traffic control.In addition, night work is due to occur in the town centre from Monday 16 February for up to two weeks.Drainage upgrade works along Byron Street are now due to occur from June to November 2026. More information about the Byron Drainage Upgrade is on Council’s website.

The final stage of construction on the new roundabout at the entrance to Byron Bay Fair (IGA complex) and the new Byron TAFE access road is set to begin this week, with the project on track for completion by the end of March. To finish the job safely and as quickly as possible, the Bayshore Drive roundabout work site will return to one‑lane, northbound‑only traffic from Friday, 6 February for around four weeks. Council’s Major Projects Coordinator, Euan Rose, said the temporary traffic change will allow crews to install kerbs and gutters on the western (TAFE) side of the road and finish the roundabout. “Access to Byron Bay Fair and Byron TAFE will remain open in the northbound direction,” Mr Rose said. “Anyone travelling in a southbound direction from Sunrise will need to detour via Sunrise Boulevard over the next month.” “We really encourage people to keep supporting the local businesses in the shopping centre and Sunrise area while we complete this last stage,” he said.   Mr Rose said heavy vehicles would not be able to use the roundabout during this time. “Because of recent damage caused by heavy vehicles travelling through the work site, all trucks, buses and other heavy vehicles must use Sunrise Boulevard to enter and exit Byron Bay Fair and the Sunrise precinct,” he said. “We do apologise for the inconvenience to our heavy vehicle drivers, but this will help keep the site safe and avoid project delays,” he said. Summary of traffic changes at the Bayshore Drive work site – February/March 2026:Northbound only, one-lane traffic from Friday, 6 February for approximately 3–4 weeks.Access to Byron Bay Fair will be available via the northbound lane or Sunrise Boulevard.Southbound traffic must detour via Sunrise Boulevard towards Ewingsdale Road.All heavy vehicles, including buses, must use Sunrise Boulevard to access Byron Bay Fair and the Sunrise area until works are complete.Heavy vehicles cannot travel through the roundabout area due to safety risks and restricted turning space.TAFE access will operate northbound only until the end of February. Please follow on‑site signage. For more information, go to Council’s website.

The NSW Government’s Local Land Services is seeking landholders’ and the wider community’s input in planning for the future.Local Land Services has released two draft documents for public feedback that will help shape its core service delivery.These services include animal biosecurity and welfare, pest and weed control, land management and natural resource management.The Draft 10-year Statement of Strategic Intent (2026-2036) sets Local Land Services’ vision, priorities and overarching strategy for the next decade.The Draft 5-year Statement of Strategic Intent Implementation Roadmap (2026-2031) outlines how this vision will be put into action in the short-to-medium term.Together, these documents form the Local Land Services Board’s State Strategic Plan. The 11 local boards will use this plan to develop their Local Strategic Plans in 2026.Those interested can have their say on the draft documents by 27 February 2026.Local Land Services Director Strategy and Performance, Sue-Anne Nicol, welcomed valuable feedback from landholders and members of the public.“The Statement of Strategic Intent and Implementation Roadmap set the direction for Local Land Services into the future,” Ms Nicol said.“These key documents explain what we intend to achieve and how we will do this, acting as a guiding framework for each of Local Land Services’ 11 regions.“This will ensure we are delivering on our priorities across the state to support agriculture, protect the environment and strengthen relationships with landholders and Aboriginal communities.”Those interested can submit their feedback online or email consultation@lls.nsw.gov.au by 27 February 2026.

Byron Shire Council and the NSW Government are boosting the shire’s flood resilience by upgrading communications links between council water and sewer treatment facilities. A new wireless data network will provide high-speed communications between water treatment plants, reservoirs and sewer treatment plants, supporting control of essential services during floods.“The upgrade boosts the flood resilience of water and sewer service communication and control links, which were disrupted during the 2022 floods,” Phillip Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said. “This upgrade delivers the robust and reliable communications needed to keep our water and sewer services safe and functional, providing clean water and protecting our waterways,” Mr Holloway said.The upgrade includes the installation of new communications poles at five Council sites: Ocean Shores Sewage Treatment Plant Brunswick Valley Sewage Treatment Plant Bangalow Reservoir Hayters Hill Radio Repeater Site, Bangalow Rd Bangalow Sewage Treatment Plant.Preliminary surveying and ground testing began in 2025, with construction work beginning in 2026 and due to conclude mid-year.The tapered steel poles are 30m in height and are mounted with low-powered antennas. They provide a line-of-sight wireless link between sites. The poles are not for mobile phone networks and cannot be used for mobile telephone antennas.The upgraded network will link water and sewer assets across Ocean Shores, Mullumbimby and Byron Bay in addition to the locations listed above. Traffic impacts and road closuresThere will be changed traffic conditions on Bangalow Road at Hayters Hill between Monday, 9 February and Wednesday, 25 March 2026 to allow work on the radio mast located beside the road.The following traffic changes will take place:Monday, 9 February - Bangalow Road reduced to one lane at Hayters Hill with stop-slow traffic control.Tuesday, 10 February - Bangalow Road closed between St Helena Rd and Coopers Shoot Road. Detour via Coopers Shoot Road (approx. 11km).Wednesday, 11 February to Tuesday, 24 March - Bangalow Road reduced to one lane at Hayters Hill with stop-slow traffic control.Wednesday, 25 March - Bangalow Road closed between St Helena Rd and Coopers Shoot Road. Detour via Coopers Shoot Road.This project is supported by funding from the Northern Rivers Water and Wastewater Repair and Recovery Program. As a joint project with NSW Public Works, Council paid for the poles and antennas, and Public Works is installing the poles and equipment. For more information, visit Water and sewer communications network upgrade - Byron Shire Council.

A man will face court today after an alleged pursuit near Ballina yesterday.About 10.50am (Tuesday, 3 February 2026), officers attached to the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were patrolling on the Pacific Highway, near Shark Creek, approximately 15km southwest of Ballina, when they located a Holden sedan.Initial checks revealed the Holden was allegedly stolen from a home in Booval, Queensland, on Saturday, 6 December 2025 and involved in a pursuit on Sunday, 18 January 2026 in the Blayney area.Police directed the driver to stop; however, when they allegedly failed to do so, a pursuit was initiated, with assistance from officers attached to the Richmond Police District.The pursuit continued through the Coolgardie area, with road spikes being successfully deployed on Coolgardie Road.A short time later, the sedan stopped on the northbound lane of Pacific Highway and the alleged driver – a 41-year-old man – was arrested.He was taken to Ballina Police Station where he was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously (two counts), drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, part of body outside window or door – driver, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, receive property stolen outside NSW, and refuse to produce Australian Drivers licence/state name/ address.The man was refused bail to appear at Bail Division Court 1 today (Wednesday 4 February 2026).

The Byron Creek Bridge at Bangalow will reopen to two‑way traffic for light vehicles only from late afternoon, Wednesday 4 February, as structural engineering assessments continue following the fire beneath the bridge on 9 January.An enforceable 6.5‑tonne load limit per vehicle will be in place from 4 February, with signage installed at both approaches. Vehicles under 6.5 tonnes typically include most cars, utes, mini-buses and vans.Buses and all heavy vehicles will be required to use alternate routes until further investigations and full repairs can be completed.Council is working closely with local schools and bus operators to identify transport solutions during this period.“Unfortunately, the fire caused significant damage to the bridge, and we understand the resulting lane closures have been very disruptive for the community,” Council’s Manager Works, Samuel Frumpui said.“Safety is our highest priority. Our investigations last week confirmed that vehicles up to 6.5 tonnes can safely use the bridge, but further investigations will be needed before heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks are able to return. “Our engineers require full access to the structure to complete this work, and they are progressing it as quickly as possible within strict safety parameters,” Mr Frumpui said.“We are pleased we can get light traffic flowing again this week while we complete the works,” he said.

A driver has died in Tweed Heads after a single vehicle crash.About 11.35pm yesterday (Sunday, 1 February 2026), emergency services responded to reports that a vehicle had crashed into a tree along Ducat Street, Tweed Heads.NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the driver and sole occupant – a man believed to be aged in his 30’s, but he died at the scene.Officers from Tweed-Byron Police District established a crime scene and have commenced an investigation.A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.As inquiries continue, anyone with information about the crash, or who was in the vicinity at the time with any available dashcam/mobile phone footage, is urged to contact Tweed Heads Police Station 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 managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

The Byron Creek Bridge at Bangalow is to remain closed.Sam Frumpui, Manager Works, said that unfortunately Council is still awaiting a report back from specialist engineers. “We really appreciate everyone’s patience and will open the bridge as soon as we can. Unfortunately, until we get the documentation required and review it, we cannot open the bridge to traffic,” said Mr Frumpui.“We understand people are frustrated, but Council staff are doing all we can to follow up on this report and get the bridge open. We would like to ask that people be patient and do not remove road barriers to cross the bridge until it is open. This could further compromise the bridge and mean that it takes even longer to get it open, and it is a big safety risk,” he said.It is expected that the bridge, once open, will be open to light traffic only. Council have spoken to school bus companies and other essential services about the closure, and they have made alternative arrangements for their routes.The bridge was closed unexpectedly on Friday, 9 January, after a fire underneath the bridge damaged it.

A woman has died in hospital following a crash at Whiteman Creek, about 21km northwest of Grafton, last week.About 2:45pm on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, emergency services were called to Clarence Way following reports of a crash.On arrival, officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District located a Nissan Navara that had crashed into a tree.The driver – a 71-year-old woman – was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being flown to Gold Coast Hospital in a critical condition.Police have since been notified that the woman died in hospital on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.Inquiries into the crash are continuing, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Work will resume on the Byron Bay Drainage Upgrade in the town centre in early February. Construction crews will start in the Lawson Street South Car Park, the laneway between Guzman Y Gomez and Byron Hot Bread Kitchen and on Jonson Street, before moving to Byron Street later this year.Phillip Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said the focus over the next few weeks will be on constructing the new stormwater infrastructure now that the services have been relocated.“Last year we moved services such as the sewer and water main and installed new drains and underground infrastructure,” said Mr Holloway.“To facilitate work, we are reinstating the traffic changes we had in place at the end of last year. People should expect some changes to traffic in the town centre over February and for most of this year,” added Mr Holloway.Changes to traffic in February will include:Re-establishment of the closure of the southern section of Lawson Street Car Park South.Traffic control and temporary parking restrictions re-established.Re-establishment of the closure of the laneway between Guzman Y Gomez and Byron Hot Bread Kitchen.Lane closures on Jonson Street will occur to facilitate works in the laneway when required.Potholing and geotechnical investigation works will occur in Byron Street in early to mid-February. Traffic control will be in place.“The pedestrian footbridge between Butler Street and rail corridor closure also remains in place for now,” said Mr Holloway. “The existing heritage-listed brick culvert in the rail corridor will remain and aid in stormwater management in the future,” he said. Drainage upgrade works along Byron Street will commence later this year.More information about the Byron Drainage Upgrade is on Council’s website.

Police are investigating an assault that occurred in the middle of the road, near the Hi-Craft Motel, River Street, Ballina around 9:30am on Wednesday, the 17th of December 2025.As inquiries continue, police are appealing for anyone with dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage to upload it via the following link: https://nswpf.au.evidence.com/.../ballinaassault171225.Alternatively, if you have any information or would like to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Ballina Police Station on 6681 8699.Please do not report via social media. All information is confidential.Police Ref: C103587768

Police are appealing for public assistance as part of an ongoing investigation into the circumstances of a motor vehicle crash that occurred on Kyogle Road, Little Back Creek, around 10:50am on the 30th of December 2025. The crash involved a black BMW 520D, Victorian registration CPC028.Police would like to speak to anyone who:* Witnessed the crash* Was an occupant of the vehicle at the time of the crash* Observed any of the vehicle occupants at the scene* Provided transport to anyone from the scene*Has CCTV, dashcam, doorbell camera or mobile phone footage from the Kyogle area around that timeIf you have any information in relation to this investigation, please contact Casino Detectives on 66620099, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online report at NSW Crime Stoppers - Information can be provided anonymously.

Helen Cowan has been named as the 2026 Richmond Valley Australia Day Citizen of the Year, in recognition of her longtime work with the Casino East Fire brigade and the Greenridge Hall.Richmond Valley Council Mayor Robert Mustow made the announcement at today’s Richmond Valley Australia Day celebration at the Rappville Hall.Helen Cowan has been a dedicated volunteer with the Casino East Fire Brigade for 20 years. In her early years, she attended fires and emergency callouts alongside brigade members and has continued to support the brigade through fundraising activities. This includes coordinating the brigade’s major annual fundraiser, Santa at the Cecil, securing donations from local and national businesses, and managing more than 250 prizes each year.In addition, she is the manager and caretaker of Greenridge Hall and is well respected throughout the community for her selfless work in keeping the hall a vibrant community meeting place.Connor Shephard was named the Young Citizen of the Year. Connor works proactively in the community in a variety of roles, including a retained firefighter at Casino Fire Station, a volunteer rescue operator and drone pilot with VRA Rescue NSW Casino, and with the Casino Chamber of Commerce.(Connor Shephard. Photo: supplied)The Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Phil Cornish for more than 40 years of volunteer service to the VRA Rescue NSW Casino. The young volunteer of the year was awarded to Isabel de Wit for her selfless work with the Casino Community Kitchen.Tony Curtis was awarded the Sportsperson of the Year for his national and international achievements in fitness events such as HYROX and Spartan championships. Young Sportsperson of the Year was awarded to Crystal Gill for her success in multi-class athletics competition.A new award this year, Community Organisation of the Year, was presented to Frangipani Care. Led by Katie Thompson, the organisation provides holistic care for those who need it, filling in service gaps in the community.Before the awards, Cr Mustow also conducted a citizenship ceremony for three new Australian citizens in the Richmond Valley. A small ceremony and tree planting were also held to honour last year’s Citizen of the Year, Neil Burnett, who has since passed away.