In the wake of the devastating 2022 floods that engulfed the northern rivers region the state government created the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) to help rebuild communities, offer buybacks of houses in flood impacted areas and provide assistance for house raising and retrofits.

That was 16 months ago, and local communities and individuals across the northern rivers have been waiting in limbo for the NRRC to come forward with the promised funds that were committed a commitment supported by Liberal, National, Labor and Greens parties. 

Tweed Shire Council has lifted its blue-green algae alert for the Tweed River at Uki, yet the amber alert for Clarrie Hall Dam remains.

While all restrictions on recreational activities from the river at Uki have been removed, the restrictions continue at the dam.

Tweed Shire Council Water and Wastewater Operations Manager Brie Jowett said recent testing by the NATA-accredited Tweed Laboratory Centre had not detected algae in the Tweed River at Uki.

Algae continues to be detected in Clarrie Hall Dam and testing has detected potential toxin-producing species in that waterway.

From today, people can use the Tweed River at Uki for recreational purposes, Mrs Jowett said.

However, our restrictions at the dam remain. Do not eat fish including shellfish from the dam and never drink untreated dam or river water at any time.

If you come into contact with the algae, rinse it off with fresh water and seek medical advice if symptoms appear.

Because water in the dam and its upstream tributaries potentiall...

Transport for NSW advises motorists of changed overnight traffic conditions next week on the Pacific Motorway to carry out a control system upgrade at the St Helena Tunnel.

The north and southbound lanes of the tunnel will be closed on from 7pm to 5am on the nights of Monday 19 to Wednesday 21 June, reopening at 5am on Thursday 22 June, weather permitting.

Traffic will be diverted onto the Hinterland Way between the Byron Road interchange at Bangalow and the Ewingsdale Road interchange at Ewingsdale.

Motorists are advised to allow up to 10 minutes additional travel time for the diversions, drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control.

This work is part of the control system upgrade and involves a range of activities, including testing the tunnels traffic and safety systems.

Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.

Previously notifications of upcoming tunnel closures were received by mail. We will now be sending notifications via email.

If you would like to register to receive notifications via email, www.pacifichighway.nsw.gov.au/highway-operation-updates/northern-tunnels.

We will continue to advise of the upcoming tunnel closures via media, our web page and Live Traffic NSW.

For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW app, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

The post Night closures of St Helena Tunnel appeared first on The Echo.

The appeal over the refusal of the Iron Gates development application (DA) at Evans Head that was refused by the Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP), is being heard today by the Land & Environment Court (L&EC). It has now been made open to the public. 

Evans Head Residents for Sustainable Development Inc. (EHRSDI), has received confirmation from the Land & Environment Court that the Iron Gates Case Goldcoral Pty Ltd versus Richmond Valley Council will be livestreamed today Friday June 16 at 1.30pm,; said a spokesperson for EHRSDI.

The confirmation follows widespread public concern that the Hearing would be held behind closed doors out of the public view and follows extensive lobbying to have the matter made available to the public.

Link here

For those interested in following the case here are the details for access to the livestream:

Observers use link: https://avl.justice.nsw.gov.au/invited.sf?id=10197415&secret=4NOh89beTrVpJZKl1dB2qw...

If a noise test takes place in the woods, but nobody knows its happening, does it still make a sound?

The answer, according to Byron Council, is no Well, at least insofar as the recent noise testing undertaken at the Bluesfest site is concerned.

Bluesfest organisers came to Councils meeting last week, asking for permission to run up to 100 small, amplified events per year at the events home in Tyagarah. 

In making the application, the Blues crew said they had jumped over all the required hurdles as set out in their 2014 Development Application (DA).

This included conducting six small, amplified events, which would be used as trials to determine whether the noise levels were disturbing to the surrounding environment and those living nearby.

They provided evidence from the trials to support their argument that amplified music does not have a detrimental impact on the surrounding area. 

Council staff found this to be compelling evidence, and recommended that the small events application be approved.

The only problem was that, with one exception, nobody told the neighbours that the trials were taking place, or how they could provide feedback afterwards.

This is a very clear-cut case of not following procedures, Tyagarah resident, Kath Morgan, told last weeks Council meeting.

Were just a...

Byron Bay Mens Shed had a meeting on Saturday at Red Devils Park, with 14 potential members attending.

All were very enthusiastic regarding a Mens Shed for Byron Bay. This new shed will provide a safe, supportive and friendly environment for men of all ages. It will allow them to gather to volunteer, work, teach, learn and seek fellowship with other like-minded people.

It will also provide mental, physical and emotional wellbeing to all of our members. Mens Sheds also have a suicide prevention information pack for members.

This new shed will make a positive difference to the lives of the members and provide a great service to the community. While Red Devils Park (Byron Rugby League Club) is very happy to have the Mens Shed on the property, there is a problem.

Crown Lands say No

NSW Crown Lands, who manage the property on behalf of the government, have said No (see page 4). 

No shed is allowed to be buil...

NSW Police are appealing for information after a man was assaulted and robbed in the South Lismore area in March.

Police have been told a 48-year-old man was walking along Union Street, South Lismore, about 1.45am on Saturday 18 March 2023, when a group of three males and a female approached him.

The man was assaulted by two of the men and robbed of his backpack, which contained fishing gear.

The man sustained head and facial injuries and was conveyed to Lismore Base hospital for treatment.

Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended and commenced an investigation.

As inquiries continue, investigators have released images of two people who might assist with the investigation.

The male is described as Caucasian appearance, aged in his late teens-early 20s, thin build, with long brown hair. He was wearing a red shirt.

The female is described as Caucasian appearance, aged in her late teens-early 20s, thin build, with long dark hair. She was wearing a white shirt.

Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact Lismore Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The post Appeal for information after man assaulted in Lismore appeared first on The Echo.