Bonalbo Oval update

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Council has been refurbishing the Bonalbo Oval over a number of months to provide better drainage (via subsurface drainage lines) and level out the surface.

Unfortunately, the project has encountered a number of challenges, including hot and dry weather, followed by weeks of soaking rain and then a major weed issue.

While the current state of the oval is not ideal, the project is not finished and the site remains a work in progress.

Council applied a selective herbicide to address the weed problem last month and will progressively mow the oval over coming weeks to get the grass under control.

Following this, a final surface levelling exercise will be undertaken which is expected to substantially complete the project.

There may be a couple of bare patches where the weeds were thick, but these are expected to be minor and will revegetate over coming months, into the next grass growing season.

 

Kyogle sewerage upgrade moving forward

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Kyogle is on the path to improved sewerage infrastructure and better protection for the environment, with the next stage of investigative works for a new high-tech wastewater treatment plant underway.

This next stage of development will help lay the groundwork for future upgrades, delivering concept designs and detailed site investigations by the end of this year. This has been funded thanks to $379,500 from the NSW Government and $125,500 from Kyogle Council.

The existing Kyogle Sewage Treatment Plant was constructed in 1957, with only minor upgrades in the 1990s and 2000s. The ageing infrastructure is struggling to treat wastewater efficiently in line with environmental standards for effluent discharge needed to protect this iconic region.

This is why the NSW Government and Council have joined forces to progress the next stage of investigative works that will enable the new plant to be shovel ready when funding is secured at a later date.

It builds on $225,000 funding from the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Program and $75,000 from Kyogle Council for the early development phase of the project in 2022.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“Kyogle is a gateway to the Border Ranges and Toonumbar National Parks so it’s crucial we have the best possible environmental protections in place including ensuring local sewerage infrastructure, which services over 2500 people, is up to scratch.

“While this upgrade is still in the design phase it’s important that we dot the ‘I’s and cross the ‘T’s to enable the most informed investment decision down the track and get the best outcome for the community.

“The NSW Government will continue working closely with Council to get these concept designs and detailed specifications done which will give us a clearer idea of what a new sewage treatment plant could look like and how much it would cost.”

Mayor of Kyogle Council Cr Danielle Mulholland said:

“Treated effluent is already recycled into our region through agricultural irrigation, and some of that also makes its way to the Richmond River which is why it’s vital that our wastewater treatment process remains at a really high standard.

“We know the sewage plant will eventually need to be replaced which is why we’re busy preparing and doing our homework now so we’re ready to hit go on construction when the time comes.”

To learn more about the Safe and Secure Water Program, please visit: https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/water-infrastructure-nsw/grants-and-funding/safe-and-secure-water-program

Voting at KMI Supper Room

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Due to a prior booking in the main hall of the Kyogle Memorial Institute (KMI), voting at Kyogle in the 3 May Federal Election will take place in the KMI Supper Room.

The Supper Room is wheelchair and wheelie walker friendly. To ensure it is easily accessible for all on election day, Council will:

  • establish dedicated disability parking bays immediately outside the Supper Room in Roxy Lane
  • direct voters requiring disabled parking to enter and exit Roxy Lane via Geneva Street
  • close Roxy Lane to through traffic at the Stratheden Street intersection (with parking available on Stratheden Street, Roxy Lane, Bloore Street, and Summerland Way)
  • provide pedestrian access from Stratheden Street, Roxy Lane and Bloore Street.

Please note voting will also be available at Kyogle High School.

Draft budget sets the groundwork for growth/prosperity

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A responsible budget that sets the groundwork for growth, improvement and prosperity.

That’s how Kyogle Council Mayor Danielle Mulholland has described the $61.3 million draft budget which Council voted on Monday night (14 April) to put on display for public comment.

It provides $2.68 million for regional road projects, $4.1 million for rural local roads, $5.4 million for bridges, and $17 million (over two years) to build a new sewerage treatment plant for Kyogle.

A further $6 million has also been provided in the forward estimates to sewer the villages of Wiangaree, Tabulam and Mallanganee and $2.5 million for a Tabulam water supply.

“Council is investing in the future of our communities,” Cr Mulholland said.

“We are providing the essential infrastructure and connectivity needed to ensure the Kyogle LGA continues to be a great place to live and work while also having the capacity to grow sustainably.

“With this budget, Council is planning for the future – a future where the LGA’s infrastructure meets the needs of a growing, more prosperous community and Kyogle LGA is the place where people move to for lifestyle and opportunity.”

The draft budget also sets aside:

  • $783,674 for urban streets,
  • $141,500 for the Roxy Gallery
  • $614,490 for the library and mobile library
  • $725,213 on Council’s three public swimming pools
  • $1.48 million on parks, gardens and village maintenance
  • $166,620 in financial assistance and community donations

The budget provides for a general rate increase of the rate pegged limit of 4.1 per cent.

Meanwhile, a proposed 10 per cent increase in sewerage rates will help raise $4.25 million needed to secure a $12.75 million State Government grant to build the new sewerage treatment plant.

“The old sewerage treatment plant (STP) is classified as high risk and no longer meets environmental standards,” Cr Mulholland said.

“Building the new STP will ensure critical environmental standards are met and sets Kyogle up for the future, with the town having increased capacity to grow and thrive.”

The draft budget is on display for public comment until 16 May 2025. Copies of the budget can be found at Council’s administration centre at 1 Stratheden Street, Kyogle, on Council’s website here, or at Wadeville store, Woodenbong Post Office, Tabulam Post Office, Cawongla store, Mallanganee Post Office, Wiangaree Post Office, and Bonalbo Post Office.

Written submissions will be accepted up to 4pm on 16 May 2025 and should be sent to the General Manager, PO Box 11, Kyogle, NSW 2474 or to council@kyogle.nsw.gov.au

Kyogle Council gets behind Youth Week 2025

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Supporting and encouraging young people is at the heart of this year’s Youth Week activities hosted by Kyogle Council.

Council is working with other local organisations to deliver a host of events specifically for young people.

The events range from a free trip to Rollerworld in Lismore to mountain biking and a Zine Fair.

Kyogle Mayor Danielle Mulholland said Council was committed to supporting the area’s young people and giving them a chance to shine.

“Our Youth Week events are about giving our young people from across the LGA the opportunity to have a bit of fun, while they simultaneously build support networks and friendships,”  Cr Mulholland said.

“Our young people are our future and by investing in them, we are investing in the future of the LGA.”

Events held so far have included a free “Zine”  making workshop (Zines are self-published magazine-like publications) that included live music and a Mocktail workshop aimed at raising awareness of alcohol and drinking responsibly.

Other events include a free trip to Rollerworld in Lismore with buses running from Kyogle and Bonalbo (Thursday, 10 April from 4-7pm), and mountain biking (a free shuttle service to the Kyogle Mountain Bike Trail will run from 9-11am on Saturday, 12 April and Tuesday 15 April).

There will also be Zine Fair featuring live music and run by Wild West Productions at the Kyogle Memorial Institute Hall on Saturday, 12 April from 12.30-5pm.

For further details about all the events including how to register, see Council’s Community newsletter or the event calendar on Council’s website here. 

New Supercheap Auto Ad Campaign to be filmed in Kyogle

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Leading automotive retailer Supercheap Auto is set to film a major new advertising campaign in Kyogle across a four day window between Thursday 22 May to Tuesday 27 May.

This is the second time the brand has shot in the region, having previously filmed here in 2018.

This year’s production will necessitate some temporary road closures in and around the town centre, however Supercheap Auto is working closely with the Kyogle Council to ensure that
any disruption is minimised.

Kyogle Mayor Danielle Mulholland says the production will bring economic benefits to the Kyogle region.

“We are aiming to promote Kyogle as a film-friendly location, so when a large, national company like Supercheap Auto chooses our town for a huge commercial shoot, it sends a positive message to the wider production industry,” Cr Mulholland said.

Supercheap Auto Content Manager Reece Moger said that Kyogle’s picturesque buildings and pro-film attitude is a big reason why the company is returning to Kyogle.

“We had such a great experience working with Kyogle Council to produce our previous campaign. So when we were scouting for a location for this year’s production, Kyogle’s picture perfect streets and amazing buildings made it the ideal choice,” Moger said.

The commercial is produced by TAXI Film, one of Australia’s leading production companies.

It is anticipated the production will bring over 100 cast and crew to the region, bringing economic benefits to local accommodation and hospitality providers as well as other businesses.

“We’re also hoping to employ locals as background extras, as well as work with local auto clubs to source vehicles,” Moger said.

Locals interested in being a background extra in the production are asked to email photos of themselves and a brief description, including name, age and contact details to production@taxifilm.tv or if you have any questions relating to the production please email
shoot@taxifilm.tv

Lions Road Update – closure ongoing

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Council engaged an accredited geotechnical provider to review damage on the Lions Road post Cyclone Alfred and undertake a risk assessment that included landslips south of the Queensland border.  The geotechnical review process was undertaken in accordance with the Transport for NSW standard assessment of risk at landslip sites.

The review identified five different hazards including downslope landslides, rockfalls from above and upslope landslides. The most consequential risk is a downslope landslide which presents a high risk to users for several reasons including:-

  • Unstable state of exposed fill and collapsed roadway including further cracking
  • The potential for a rapid failure without warning
  • The depth of void below the road meaning road users are particularly vulnerable to serious injury or worse should a vehicle impact the hazard.
  • Any traffic loading on the remaining roadway would be bearing directly on the “zone of influence” of the downslope

The recommendation of the review is for a continued full road closure.

Council had hoped to open the Lions Road for the Easter school holidays, unfortunately the damage sustained as a result of Cyclone Alfred, exacerbated by recent rainfall, means that is now not possible.

The closure will be required for some time and the road is unlikely to be reopened this year.

Council will provide further updates as they come to hand.

Community conversations rescheduled

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Council has restarted a series of community conversations as part of a review of its Community Strategic Plan (CSP) and will head to Cawongla, Bonalbo and Kyogle this week.
The community conversations were put on hold during Cyclone Alfred and the subsequent flooding that occurred.
The upcoming community conversations will be held at:
👉 Cawongla Community Centre, on Monday 24 March from 6-7pm;
👉 Bonalbo District Memorial Hall on Tuesday, 25 March from 6-7pm.
👉 Kyogle Memorial Institute Hall (KMI) on Wednesday 26 March from 8:30-11:30pm and 1-4pm
No appointment is necessary, just drop in.
The CSP is a 10-year plan for the future of the Kyogle Local Government Area (LGA) that reflects the aims and aspirations of the community.
Council will be asking people to share what’s important to them and their hopes for the future of Kyogle and the villages as it looks to update the long-term plan for the LGA.
Can’t make it? Complete the Online Survey here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WFFCDB8
For further details about the CSP Review and how you can provide feedback go to https://www.kyogle.nsw.gov.au/…/community-strategic-plan/

Lions Road Update

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Cyclone Alfred has caused further damage to landslips on Lions Road.

In one particular spot, half the road has fallen away leaving loose material for some 30metres down to the creek below — see photo.

The remaining road is about a car width and it’s stability is as yet unknown, and possibly unreliable. There is a batter (a side slope that connects the road to the surrounding contours) that rises very steeply into National Park. Council currently has no confidence that the weight and vibration of traffic on the remaining road width wouldn’t cause it to collapse too.

Council has a duty of care to the travelling public and to any work crews deployed to repair the damage, and may need to close the road for some time.

As a result of Cyclone Alfred Council is currently assessing damage across our local government area, including the Lions Road, to determine what damage has been done, what grant funding we will require to repair it and how long that will take.

Council will be providing local residents and motorists with more detailed information about Lions Road as soon as it becomes available.

 

Landfill to re-open Monday with limited capacity

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Kyogle landfill will re-open on Monday (24 March), but will only accept small quantities of general waste for the coming weeks.

The landfill cell that holds general waste was seriously damaged in the Cyclone Alfred weather event and will take some time to repair. In the meantime, Council will truck its household waste out of the area for disposal.

As a result, Council is only able to accept small quantities of household waste (bins and bags of rubbish) at the landfill facility.  Please note the landfill will not accept bulky household waste, commercial or industrial waste during this time.

All other waste including co-mingled recyclables, green waste, scrap metal, tyres, fridges, and Community Recycling Centre items can be dropped off as per usual

Council thanks the community for their patience while the work to repair the cell is undertaken.

 

Community consultation on playgrounds – rescheduled drop-in session

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The Parks and Playgrounds Drop-In Session for Council’s Community Strategic Plan (CSP) review will now take place on Wednesday, 19 March 2025,  at the Kyogle Memorial Institute Hall Supper Room.
It will start at 4pm and run until 5.40pm.
Sally Joyce will give a presentation titled “The Power of Play and Why it is Important” at the start of the community consultation in session.
And remember, if you can’t come along, you can still have a say – simply complete the online CSP Review Community Survey by following this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WFFCDB8

Cyclone/flood recovery outreach in Kyogle

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The NSW Reconstruction Authority is rolling out mobile recovery outreach across areas impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred, and will be in Kyogle on Thursday, 13 March.
The recovery outreach team will be at the Kyogle Memorial Institute Supper Room from 2pm to 6pm​.
Everyone impacted by the cyclone and flooding are encouraged to come along for practical recovery advice and support.

Kyogle Landfill still closed

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The Kyogle Landfill Facility has sustained serious damage and flooding as a result of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. As the Kyogle Landfill Facility is a licensed facility under environmental protection legislation, Council is unable to put in place temporary waste disposal arrangements without the approval of relevant state agencies.
State agencies have been advised of the damage to the facility and are developing solutions for Council. As soon as alternative arrangements are in place, Council will advise the community.
Mallanganee and Woodenbong Transfer stations are operating as normal. Bonalbo Transfer Station will also open tomorrow if flooding on the Clarence Way has subsided.
The Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre, the Nammoona (Casino) Waste and Resource Recovery Facility and the Nimbin Transfer Station are also open should people need to dispose of general waste or recyclable materials in the interim.
Council apologises for the inconvenience and we ask for your patience as we work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Flood recovery notices

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Notices in relation to the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred:

Monday, 10 March

Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline

Flood affected landholders on the North Coast requiring assistance with stock or animal-welfare issues, including livestock assessment, veterinary advice, emergency fodder or euthanasia and burial should contact the Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647.
Recovery Assistance
For the latest information on recovery support in areas that have been impacted by floods and storms caused by Cyclone Alfred, follow this link to NSW Government’s Recovery website..
Community consultation sessions

In the wake of the floods caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred, Council has postponed all the community consultation sessions planned for this week on the review of the Community Strategic Plan.

The community consultation sessions will be rescheduled once Council is able to determine venue and staff availability.

Council has also decided to postpone the Mallanganee Observatory Information Session which was to be held on Wednesday (12 March). It will now be held on Wednesday, 19 March 2025.

Pools re-open

The Bonalbo and Woodenbong pools will re-open to the public today (Monday, 10 March)  at the usual times, 2-6pm.

Kyogle Memorial Pool will re-open at 6am tomorrow (Tuesday, 11 March) to allow staff to clean up storm debris and properly adjust the water chemistry.

Waste facilities and operations

Kerbside bin collection services will operate as normal this week, pending any further deterioration in weather conditions.

Householders are asked to put out their red-lid and green-lid bins on the usual day of service.

If you have green waste (leaves, tree branches, palm fronds etc.) on your property as a result of Cyclone Alfred, please place as much of the waste in your green-lid bin as possible. Remember small branches and palm fronds up to 60cm long and 10 cm in diameter can be placed into your green-lid bin.

The Kyogle Landfill Facility and Kyogle Reuse Shed will remain closed until further notice as the facility has sustained damage and flooding as a result of Cyclone Alfred.

The Woodenbong Transfer Station will be open tomorrow (Tuesday, 11 March), however, the access road has sustained moderate damage and people are advised to exercise caution when driving up the road.

Council staff are assessing Bonalbo and Mallanganee transfer stations for damage today. Council will advise whether they will be open on Wednesday and Thursday respectively, once these assessments have been completed.

Council would like to thank the community for their patience as we work through safety issues caused by the Cyclone Alfred weather event.

Kyogle library and mobile library services

Kyogle Library will open as normal today (Monday 10 March) at 2pm.
However, the Mobile Library will not be operating to Bonalbo and Old Bonalbo today. The other Mobile Library scheduled stops for the Kyogle Local Government Area this week will be assessed on a day-by-day basis and advised as required.

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8pm Sunday, 9 March

The community meeting planned for Cawongla tomorrow (Monday, 10 March) as part of the review of Council’s Community Strategic Plan has been postponed to date to be confirmed.

This will allow Council staff to focus on immediate recovery efforts following flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Similarly, the Council meeting set down for tomorrow afternoon has been postponed to Monday, 17 March at 2pm.

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4pm Friday, 7 March

For all information about evacuation centres and where they are located, please go to the SES website by following this link.

 

4.30pm Thursday, 6 March
Due to the severe weather associated with approaching Tropical Cyclone Alfred, all of Council’s facilities, including the administration centre, will be closed on Friday, 7 March.
While our doors will be closed, we’ll be answering our phones, if possible, and essential work crews will be on call. If you can’t get through on our regular number 6632 1611, call the after-hours number 6626 6800.
  • In an emergency call 000
  • For SES assistance call 132 500
To stay up to date with deteriorating conditions associated with Cyclone Alfred:
Thursday, 6 March
  • Road closures – We are starting to see the closure of some local roads and low-lying bridges due to the wet weather associated with Tropical Cyclone Alfred.  All road and bridge closures are tracked on LiveTraffic NSW – https://www.livetraffic.com/. People are encouraged to minimise all travel during this extreme weather event, but if you do have to be on the road, please check LiveTraffic – https://www.livetraffic.com/ – before you head out. And remember do not cross floodwaters under any circumstances. Remember, if its flooded forget it.
  • Waste collection – Residents who have their bins collected on Fridays are advised to have BOTH bins out by 6am tomorrow (Friday, 7 March). This is to enable the contractor to run two trucks close together so staff can finish work before the worst of the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred arrive.

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Wednesday, 5 March
  • The Kyogle Evacuation Centre at the Kyogle Memorial Hall will open at midday Wednesday, 5 March.
  • The Kyogle Landfill Facility and Kyogle Reuse Shed will be closed Thursday, 6 March and Friday, 7 March. The Mallanganee Transfer Station also will be closed on Thursday, 6 March.  At this stage Thursday and Friday’s kerbside collection services will continue as normal, but Council will advise if this changes.  Council will provide an update on Friday, 6 March on whether waste facilities will open on the weekend.
  • Community meetings which were to be held in Kyogle and Wiangaree on Thursday, 6 March have been postponed. Revised times and dates for the Kyogle meeting on the review of the Community Strategic Plan and the Wiangaree meeting on Council and Landcare’s rehabilitation projects will be advised.
  • Council’s public swimming pools in Kyogle, Bonalbo and Woodenbong will close on Thursday, 6 March until further notice.
  • Kyogle library will also be closed from Thursday, 6 March to Saturday 8 March and there will be no visit to Woodenbong from the Mobile Library on Friday, 7 March.

Clarence Way flood immunity works – traffic impacts

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Work will start later this month (March) on two flood immunity projects on the Clarence Way at Tunglebung and Culmaran Creek that will impact motorists potentially until the end of October.

The work will involve the installation of several large culverts, the raising of the road height at both sites, and the construction of new bridge decks.

Council will construct single-lane side tracks around the two construction sites, with the sidetracks operating under traffic lights for the duration of the work.

Culmuran Creek Road also will be closed to through traffic while the work is undertaken.

As both sites are subject to flooding, Council will implement a temporary detour via Tabulam Road to the Bruxner Highway in the event the sidetracks are inundated while the work is being carried out. As the water goes up and down relatively quickly at the two sites, Council is hopeful that it will be able to re-open the sidetracks within three days of any flood water receding.

 

 

We want your views on our parks and playgrounds

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Passionate about the future of our parks and playgrounds? Do you have views about what they should look like in the future?
We went your feedback and are inviting everyone with a view to provide input at a special parks and playgrounds consultation session as part of the review of the Community Strategic Plan.
When? Wednesday, 12 March, 2025 from 3pm – 4:30pm
Where? KMI Supper Room, Roxy Lane, Kyogle
What? Informal session where you and your children can share your views with Council staff.
And if you can’t come along, you can still have a say – simply complete the online CSP Review Community Survey by following this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WFFCDB8

Caravan park works update

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When completed, the upgraded Kyogle caravan park will have new sealed internal roads, improved drainage, 25 powered caravan sites complete with water and power outlets, 10 unpowered camping sites, new electrical and potable water services, and a new amenities block.

The site also will be landscaped, with a corridor of native flora planted from the park exit, along the boundary with the recreation grounds and down to Fawcett Creek.  The green corridor will feature Flame trees, Coolamon trees, small acacias, melaleucas, Callistemons and native ground covers.

Work completed/underway:

  • Work to widen entrance and exit of caravan park and increase visibility for traffic exiting recreation ground carpark and caravan park (completed)
  • Extensive civil works to improve drainage, and prepare van sites (completed)
  • Installation of secure 2.1m spear top fence (completed)
  • Installation of water and electricity services – each powered site will have access to a power head and water (underway)

Upcoming works include:

  • Preparations for internal roads – this will start once installation of water and electricity services is complete.
  • Topsoil brought back from storage area to top dress the entire caravan park – topsoil to be seeded and watered in preparation for park re-opening scheduled for July
  • Planting of corridor of native fauna
  • Installation of the new amenities block
  • Sealing of internal roads and carpark.

Caravan Park Community Update

Business Beyond Disasters information session

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There will be a Business Beyond Disasters information session next week – Wednesday 5 March from 8.30-10am – at the Kyogle Memorial Institute Hall.

This free online learning program has been designed to strengthen business resilience. The information session will cover everything you need to know about Business Beyond Disasters – why it’s important, how it works and when you can get started.

This is a great chance to connect with your local business community over light refreshments to hear about this new approach for business resilience. Representatives from key agencies and emergency services will be there, as will the Reconstruction Authority to share updates on adaptation planning.

For further information follow this link.

Roxy Lane- Geneva Street intersection closure

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Road closure
Council will close the Roxy Lane intersection with Geneva Street for two weeks starting Monday, 10 March to upgrade the access for heavy vehicles.
The closure will run from 7am 10 March to 4.30pm 21 March.
Local business have been advised and access for residents will be maintained.

Safer Internet Day

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Today is Safer Internet Day – a global day of action bringing communities, schools, organisations and families from more than 180 countries together to raise awareness of online safety issues and work towards a safer internet.
Whether you’re working, learning, playing or scrolling – the internet is a huge part of life. It opens a world of opportunities, but also comes with risks.
Let’s all join together to make the internet a safer, more positive place – one conversation, one click and one day at a time.

Landfill closed Tuesday, 11 February

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The Kyogle landfill will be closed Tuesday 11, February due to an Essential Energy power outage.
Council was only advised of the power outage at the weekend and apologises for any inconvenience caused by the closure.

Lions Road temporarily closed from 17 February

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Lions Road between Standfields Bridge and the Queensland border crossing will be closed to through traffic  from Monday 17 February to mid-June while Council replaces six culverts damaged in the February 2022 floods.

However, it’s likely the road closure will be extended to the end of the year so five major landslips can also be repaired. A decision on if, and when, the road closure will be extended will be made within the next month.

Meanwhile, Council will attempt to re-open Lions Road for holiday makers and travellers for two weeks over the NSW Easter school holidays from Friday, 11 April to Sunday, 27 April. The temporary re-opening will be dependent on weather conditions and the progress of the work.

Kyogle Council Mayor Danielle Mulholland said the closure while inconvenient would result in a safer, more flood resilient road for all motorists.

“Unfortunately, the section of Lions Road between Standfields Bridge and the border crossing where both lots of work is to be done is narrow and winding and it simply would not be safe to keep it open while the works are carried out,” Cr Mulholland said.

“There will be large earth moving equipment in place and lots of heavy vehicles travelling the road, and there are very few places on the road you can construct by-passes.

“I understand this is not ideal and it will be inconvenient for both locals and travellers alike. However, it will allow Council to safely deliver a better, safer road that is more secure during intense rain periods.”

The Lions Road closure between Standfields Bridge and the border crossing will not affect Gradys Creek Road which will remain open. However, motorists are urged to use caution as there will be increased heavy vehicle traffic using the road during the hours of 6.30am and 5pm while the work is undertaken.

Roadside slashing strategy revised

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Excellent growing conditions are not just causing problems for householders trying to keep up with the lawn mowing!
Fast growing Setaria (grass) is causing issues for motorists, particularly in the eastern half of the Council area.
To combat the problem, Council is changing its roadside slashing strategy for the next month or so — instead of doing a full roadside cut (normally cutting up to three car widths), Council is reverting to a ‘Safety Cut’ along the edge of the road only (about one car width).
Normally, each of Council’s slashers would complete about 5km of road a day. The ‘Safety Cut’ will allow each slasher to get 10km of road slashed in a day.
Slashing West of the Range will remain as normal for now.
Please note it is Council’s policy to only slash along sealed roads.

Professional development opportunities for artists and creatives

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Kick off 2025 with a series of professional development workshops, webinars and talks designed for artists and creative practitioners looking for support and the skills to thrive in their creative business.

While the Art Northern Rivers (ANR) Practice 101 series launches early autumn, the ANR team has handpicked some industry favourites to help artists and creatives get started right away.

Sound NSW Advisory Board 2025

An exciting opportunity to help lead music development and make a significant impact to artists, businesses, audiences and music communities across NSW.  Applications closing: Jan 28, 10am

Mentoring Sessions for Aboriginal Artists/Arts Workers

2 Rivers is offering 20 free mentoring sessions designed to provide personalised guidance, deep insights into the arts landscape, and strategic advice to help you grow. Spots are limited!

Regional Arts Australia Assessor Pool 2025

Paid opportunity for people with the skills and know-how to fairly and thoughtfully assess applications to Regional Arts Australia programs. Applications closing: Feb 28

Byron School of Art’s Individual Mentorship

This (ongoing) series of four one-hour sessions is suitable for artists with a focused practice who are working towards producing a cohesive body of work. Course fee $525

Create NSW

Create NSW launched Create Exchange, a program which features artists and leading industry experts who will provide you with the tools to navigate the business fundamentals of contracts, copyrights, grant application writing and more. The series will provide essential skills to establish a successful, sustainable and thriving creative practice.

Term 1 runs from February to April, with 6 webinar episodes.

Episode 1:  The Business of Creativity

Set yourself up as a freelancer and avoid the most common pitfalls.  Mon 3 Feb 2025, 5.30 – 7pm  Book Now

Episode 2:  Learn From Success

Some of our successful Arts and Cultural Funding Program grant recipients share their tips for writing a great application.  Monday 17 February 2025, 5.30 – 7pm

Episode 3:  Sign on the Dotted Line

Understanding arts contracts and being contracted as a creative worker. Monday 3 March 2025, 5.30 – 7pm

Episode 4:  Your Rights in Copyright

The basics of copyright law and how it applies to creative works. Monday 17 March 2025, 5.30 – 7pm

Episode 5:  Find a Mentor

How connecting to creative knowledge, wisdom and experience can benefit your creative practice. Monday 31 March 2025, 5.30 – 7pm

Episode 6:  Advocate for Yourself

Finding your voice in negotiating as a creative worker.  Monday 14 April 2025, 5.30 – 7pm

Creative PLUS BUSINESS

Creative PLUS BUSINESS headed up by Monica Davidson has a series of online workshops and webinars running through February and March, focusing on practical advice for creatives to improve their small business skills for a successful and sustainable future.

How to Start a Creative Business

Ever wondered how to turn your creative practice, hobby, or passion into a business? This fun and friendly online workshop for beginners, is a safe space where every question is a good question, and the mysteries of business become a bit clearer. February 18, 6- 8pm

Pricing for Creatives

A practical online workshop that covers the basics of figuring out the price point for creative work, including calculating costs and understanding the marketplace when charging for creative products and services. February 20, 6- 8pm

Time Management for Creatives

An online workshop that discusses practical time management strategies specifically designed for creatives to help keep all juggling balls in the air and find better ways of monitoring and managing capacity. February 25, 6- 8pm

All About Auspicing

Auspicing is a wonderful but sometimes mystifying process where one organisation provides support, sponsorship, or guidance to another, often in the context of funding. This free webinar is the perfect entry point for anyone interested in learning how auspicing could benefit their practice. February 26, 6- 7 pm

Future Planning for Creatives

An online workshop that reframes and explains the business and strategic planning process, made specifically for creative practitioners and arts businesses. March 4, 6– 8pm

Creative’s Guide to Branding

A practical online workshop that helps creative practitioners understand, and build, a compelling brand for their business or practice to help them stand out from the crowd. March 6, 12 – 2pm

Cashflow for Creatives

An online workshop that explores the most practical ways to manage the rollercoaster of income and expenses that comes with working in the creative industries. March 18, 6-8pm

Guide to Selling Online

A beginners online workshop for artists who are ready to sell their work online, and don’t know where to begin, including business basics, eCommerce models, legal matters and more. March 20, 12– 2pm

Diversify Your Creative Income

An online workshop to help creative professionals think laterally and collaboratively about the best ways to diversify income and make more money from their skills. March 25 , 6- 8pm

This professional development series is free, you will need to register for each workshop via Service NSW using your log in details.

Service NSW also have free online business resources for you to refer to.

Kyogle Council appoints a new General Manager

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Kyogle Council has a new general manager.

Marcus Schintler, Council’s Manager Corporate Services and Acting General Manager for the past three months, has been appointed to the top job.

Mayor Danielle Mulholland announced the selection saying Mr Schintler had extensive experience in government at state and local levels.

“The entire elected body was involved in this decision making process.  It was an open and transparent process and was a merit based selection,”  Cr Mulholland said.

“The community can be assured that due process has been followed and the best candidate for the job has been appointed unanimously by the Council.”

Mr Schintler, who served as an Executive Director in the NSW Government before joining Council in 2016, said he was honoured to be selected to serve as Kyogle Council’s General Manager.

“Public service is a privilege I take seriously. We provide services to enhance people’s lives, and to best serve our community we have to be good listeners.  I’m looking forward to hearing from our community in the coming months as we develop a Community Strategic Plan,”  Mr Schintler said.

“The primary role of a General Manager is to best deliver the strategies of our Councillors, the Community Strategic Plan of our residents, and the health, wellbeing, skill progression, and career interests of our staff.

“I thank Councillors for their support and for trusting me to lead the Council and allowing me the chance to deliver for the Kyogle LGA.”