Bruxner Highway – Mallanganee slip update – 8 March 2022

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If work to clear the landslip on the Bruxner Highway at the Mallanganee Range continues at its current rate, there is a chance the road will re-open to traffic at the weekend.
If it does not open this weekend, it will re-open by no later than next Friday.
Specialist crews and equipment were on site yesterday (Monday) to deal with the unstable material and large vegetation above the roadway, which was making it unsafe to clean-up of the slip. This crew are now working with Council crews and contractors to remove the slip material and clear the roadway.
The road remains closed until such time as this work is completed. The detour that is suitable for through traffic is along the Summerland Way via Casino and Kyogle, then Mount Lindesay Road to Woodenbong, and then Clarence Way via Bonalbo and through to the Bruxner Highway.
The inconvenience this presents for many residents and local businesses is unfortunate, however Transport for NSW and Council are working together with our contractors to open the road as fast as can possibly be done safely.
There has already been too many lives lost during this disaster, and neither Transports for NSW nor Council will put more lives at risk by allowing road users to access this area when it is not safe, or by undertaking works in a manner that does not adequately protect those workers involved.
There has been much said about the use of Bulmers Road over Hogarth Range as an alternate route to the Bruxner Highway to get vehicles around this slip area, and to allow people to avoid the inconvenience of the identified detour. This road has parts in Kyogle Council area, Richmond Valley Council area, and a section through the Mallanganee National Park. This road is not of a standard that is suitable for it to be used by heavy vehicles or high volumes of traffic. The road is only suitable for use by the local traffic, and it has been signposted as such, and a reduced speed limit imposed, to reinforce this to all road users. National Parks are looking to put in place traffic lights today to control vehicle movements through the narrow section within the Mallanganee National Park.
The promotion and use of this road by other than local traffic is irresponsible and has the potential to place lives in danger. In the interests of public safety, all non-essential travel from one side of the Mallanganee Range to the other should be avoided, and any essential travel needs to be via the identified detour along the Summerland Way and Clarence Way despite the inconvenience that may cause.

Kyogle Council roads update – afternoon 8 March 2022

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Council is continuing to work on flood damaged roads that remain closed with detours in place.

These roads are:

  • Bruxner Highway at the Mallanganee Range (works have begun, may open at the weekend)
  • Kyogle Road at the Cawongla Range (works have begun on a side track)
  • Paddys Flat Road
  • Pines Road (works have begun, expected to be open tomorrow)
  • Dyraaba Road (Council will begin grading the northern end of Dyraaba Road later this week to make the alternate route safer)
  • Lillian Rock Road
  • Tabulam Road (works have begun, expected to be open tomorrow)
  • Hootons Road (works will start this week)
  • Tunglebung Creek Road
  • Geneva Street, Kyogle

Roads (isolating residents) Council opened today are:

  • Lofts Pinnacle Road (works started today)
  • Gabal Road (works start tomorrow)

Roads (isolating residents) Council expects to open this week:

  • The Risk Road (works have begun)
  • Booths Road (works have begun)
  • Sandy Creek Road

Roads (isolating residents) Council expects to open before the end of next week include:

  • Capeen Creek Road (works have begun)

Residents in these areas that need assistance should contact the SES either by phone 132 500 or via the SES website https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/

Council is still assessing its road network and appreciates your help in identifying problems. You can report issues by:

Residents are asked to still avoid all non-essential travel as we work to restore access and keep up to date with information as it comes to hand at https://www.livetraffic.com/

Kyogle Council roads update – morning 8 March 2022

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KYOGLE COUNCIL ROADS UPDATE – MORNING 8 MARCH 2022

Nine roads remained closed with detours in place.

They are:

  • Bruxner Highway at the Mallanganee Range (works have begun)
  • Kyogle Road at the Cawongla Range (works have begun)
  • Paddys Flat Road
  • Pines Road (works have begun)
  • Dyraaba Road (Council will begin grading the northern end of Dyraaba Road later in the week to make the alternate route safer)
  • Lillian Rock Road
  • Tabulam Road (works have begun)
  • Hootons Road
  • Tunglebung Creek Road

These roads will become Council’s priority once we have restored access to the remaining isolated residents.

Transport for NSW are managing the Bruxner Highway landslip on the Mallanganee Range.  A detour is available via Woodenbong.

Work has started on a side track on Kyogle Road at the Cawongla Range.

Please note that The Summerland Way at Burnetts Creek is down to one lane under traffic control lights due to a landslip.

Roads (isolating residents) Council expects to open before the end of this week include:

  • Lofts Pinnacle Road (works started today)
  • Gabal Road (works start tomorrow)
  • The Risk Road (works have begun)

Roads (isolating residents) Council expects to open before the end of next week include:

  • Capeen Creek Road (works have begun)

Residents in these areas that need assistance should contact the SES either by phone 132 500 or via the SES website https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/

Council is still assessing its road network and appreciates your help in identifying problems. You can report issues by:

Residents are asked to still avoid all non-essential travel as we work to restore access and keep up to date with information as it comes to hand at https://www.livetraffic.com/

Kyogle Roads Update – afternoon 7 March 2022

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KYOGLE COUNCIL ROADS UPDATE – AFTERNOON 7 MARCH 2022
There are now just nine road closures with detours in place, with Williams Road re-opened at Barkers Bridge.
They are:
  • Bruxner Highway at the Mallanganee Range (works have begun)
  • Kyogle Road at the Cawongla Range (works have begun)
  • Paddys Flat Road
  • Pines Road (works have begun)
  • Dyraaba Road
  • Lillian Rock Road
  • Tabulam Road (works have begun)
  • Hootons Road
These roads will become Council’s priority once we have restored access to the remaining isolated residents.
Transport for NSW is managing the Bruxner Highway landslip on the Mallanganee Range. A detour is available via Woodenbong.
Work will start on Kyogle Road at the Cawongla Range tomorrow. The detour for Kyogle Road is via Lismore and Stoney Chute.
Please note that The Summerland Way at Burnetts Creek is down to one lane under traffic control lights due to a landslip.
Local roads that were closed, isolating residents, and which were opened today are:
  •  Simpkins Creek Road

Roads (isolating residents) Council expects to open before the end of this week include:

  • Lofts Pinnacle Road (works start tomorrow)
  • Gabal Road (works start tomorrow)
  • The Risk Road (works have begun)
Roads (isolating residents) Council expects to open before the end of next week include:
  • Capeen Creek Road
  • Wynlea Road (works have begun)
Residents in these areas that need assistance should contact the SES either by phone 132 500 or via the SES website https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/
Council is still assessing its road network and appreciates your help in identifying problems. You can report issues by:
Residents are asked to still avoid all non-essential travel as we work to restore access and keep up to date with information as it comes to hand at https://www.livetraffic.com/

Flood disaster assistance – updated 7 March 2022

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For information on all available disaster assistance, please call Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods/financial-assistance
Service NSW customer care specialists can help connect flood-affected customers with services and support information including:
  • access to emergency accommodation
  • relevant charitable services
  • mental health and wellbeing services
  • financial assistance
  • insurance and legal advice
  • replacing lost identification.

Types of Financial Assistance Available

The Disaster Relief Grant helps people to recover from the effects of a disaster and re-establish a basic standard of living. It is not provided to replace insurance or compensate for losses. You may be eligible for financial support if the following apply:

  • your home (primary place of residence) was damaged by a natural disaster
  • you do not have insurance for the damage
  • you are a low-income earner with limited financial resources
  • it has been less than four months since the disaster.

Phone 13 77 88 and ask about the Disaster Relief Grant administered by Resilience NSW.

This is an NSW Government grant, available at any time to eligible individuals or households. It is administered by Resilience NSW. For further details follow this link.

Disaster Recovery Payment: $1,000 for adults and $400 for children
The Disaster Recovery Payment is a one-off, non-means tested payment of $1,000 for adults and $400 for children, who have been seriously injured, lost their homes or whose homes have been directly damaged, or the immediate family members of a person who has lost their life, as a direct result of the storms and floods. This is an Australian Government disaster assistance payment.
Visit Services Australia by following this link to find out if you are eligible or phone 180 22 66.

Disaster recovery funding and business support

The NSW Government and Australian Government are working together to provide flood assistance and support.
Over 70 local government areas (LGAs) have been declared disaster areas since November 2021 and are eligible for support.

The assistance available includes:

  • concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and not-for-profit organisations
  • freight subsidies for primary producers.

Businesses impacted by storms and floods from January to March 2022 can request to be notified when financial support is available from the NSW Government by completing an online form.

For more information and to stay up to date on all available business support, please visit the storms and floods business information hub on the Service NSW website.

Flood affected land managers – stock and infrastructure assistance

Local Land Services teams are on the ground to help connect land managers with the services and support they need right now.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services work together to manage the effects of emergencies on agriculture, livestock and our community as Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area – AASFA.

They offer a dedicated hotline for producers to call to report damage and stock losses, as well as request assistance. The AASFA Hotline is 1800 814 647.

Available help includes:

  • Emergency fodder
  • Veterinary assistance
  • Stock destruction and burial
  • Livestock feeding and management advice.

Primary producers who are now starting to gain access to their paddocks are encouraged to report damage, including stock and fodder losses, as well as damage to farms, fencing and other farm infrastructure.

Animal Welfare

Floodwaters and wet conditions can cause a wide range of livestock health issues, even for some time after the waters have subsided.
Livestock that have been standing in water for some time, or that have been submerged, are most at risk of developing disease issues and should be monitored closely.

Staff will assess animals and euthanise those that are too badly injured for treatment in consultation with the owner. Animals may still require care by a commercial veterinarian rather than government vets once assessed. Any ongoing treatment required by a commercial veterinarian will be at the cost of the owner.

Safe disposal of drowned livestock

Members of the public who encounter a deceased animal can report it to the Agriculture and Animal Services hotline on 1800 814 647.

Fences down / fence repair

Where damaged fencing creates an immediate public safety hazard, landholders should contact the Agricultural and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647.

Primary producers whose fencing has been damaged may be eligible for Special Disaster Grants of up to $75,000 to help with the cost of repairs. Contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority for more details on 1800 678 593.

Funding for landholders – Loans, Grants, Subsidies 

NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) 1800 678 593 is administering the following:

Funding arrangements for declared natural disasters with category explanations are listed here> https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/declarations

SES flood assistance

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Anyone requiring flood assistance (food supplies, medical emergencies), should contact the SES either by phone 132 500 or via the SES website https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/

If your communications are out and all you have is Facebook, the Northern Rivers SES Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NSWSESRichmondTweed is being monitored and you can leave a comment that includes your name, address contact details and assistance required for the SES to action.

Rates Payments

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Concerned ratepayers have been contacting Council regarding the payment of rates which were due yesterday.
Please rest assured, you will not be penalised for not being able to make a payment during this extreme weather event.
Council’s administration building is temporarily closed to the public, but you can make rates payments via Council’s website, at the Post Office or electronically.
Residents are encouraged to report issues by:
* Calling Kyogle Council business hours 02 6632 1611 after hours and emergency number 02 6626 6800
* email at council@kyogle.nsw.gov.au
* on line form that can be found here: https://www.kyogle.nsw.gov.au/council-engagement/jobs-news-community-feedback/contact/

Clarence Way roadworks – community update

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Council has been undertaking a major upgrade of the Clarence Way for the full length between the local government boundary near Urbenville through to Woodenbong since mid 2021.
The project was made possible by $3 million in funding from the NSW Government and $2 million from the Australian Government, with Council contributing up to $2 million to allow the full length to be completed.
Construction works on site have currently been paused due to an issue identified with the final layer of pavement material. Council is working closely with its suppliers and contractors to verify the exact nature of the issue and the treatment required.
There have been delays to this process due to a number of factors including those normally associated with the end of year period, positive cases of Covid affecting key contractors required to complete the necessary testing and sampling, and of course the extended period of wet weather.
Council wishes to reassure the community that it remains focused on rectifying these issues as soon as possible so that the project can be completed as originally planned.
We also take this opportunity to thank the community for their patience and apologise for the extended delays in completing the project, and any inconvenience caused during this period.

Koala friendly carbon farming

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WWF-Australia has partnered with Climate Friendly in a new environmental plantings initiative to support landholders to establish koala-friendly carbon farming projects.
Koala Friendly carbon farming can help to restore thousands of hectares of koala habitat, increasing biodiversity and helping to reverse the decline of koalas and other threatened species.
This is an exciting project which enables a landholder to potentially receive an income from growing trees.
The main requirement is land that is suitable for planting koala habitat, has a reasonable carbon yield and is at least 25 ha.
The WWF is providing the trees, labour and ongoing maintenance for three years and monitoring.
For further information about the program, email WWF Australia Landscape Restoration Project Manager Tanya Pritchard tpritchard@wwf.org.au

Public consultation period for Kyogle CBD Masterplan extended

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In response to strong ongoing community interest, Council is extending the public exhibition period for the revised Kyogle CBD Masterplan until Friday, 18 February 2022.
In addition, during this period, Council will hold a further pop-up consultation event following the success of the last session in December – details and timing of this new session will be provided soon.
In the meantime, Council thanks everyone who has taken the time to share their views on the proposals so far and looks forward to further conversations with the community over coming weeks.

New Council elects Mayor

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Kyogle Council has three new Councillors as well as a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

The new councillors elected at the 4 December local government elections are Robert Cullen (B Ward) and Tom Cooper and James Murray (C Ward).

They will join the six re-elected Councillors: Janet Wilson, Kylie Thomas and Hayden Doolan (A Ward); John Burley and Maggie May (B Ward); and Danielle Mulholland (C Ward).

The new Council met for the first time on 5 January and elected Cr Kylie Thomas as Mayor and Cr Tom Cooper as Deputy Mayor. They will serve in the positions for the next two years.

Cr Thomas replaces Cr Danielle Mulholland as Mayor. Cr Cooper replaces Cr John Burley as Deputy Mayor.

Council to apply for special rate variation

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Kyogle Council will apply for a special rate variation for 2022-2023 to cover a budget shortfall created by the lower than expected rate peg limit.

Council voted unanimously at its 5 January Extraordinary Meeting to seek approval for a rate rise of 2.5 per cent – 1.8 percent above the 0.7 pegged rate.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) sent a shockwave through local government late last year when it announced the rate peg limit of 0.7 percent for 2022-2023. It is the lowest increase in the rate peg in 20 years and was far lower than the majority of councils expected.

Kyogle Council had budgeted for a rate peg rise of 2.5 percent based on IPART’s own recommendations at the time.

In a report to the 5 January 2022 Extraordinary Meeting, General Manager Graham Kennett said a 0.7 percent rate increase would not cover inflationary increases, with fuel costs nearly doubling in the past six months and the cost of building and constructions materials exploding.

“For Kyogle Council this decision (pegging the rate increase to just 0.7 per cent) means a loss of $136,000 from next year’s budget, and a reduction in total income of $2.13 million over the 12 years remaining in the Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP), due to the compounding effect of the loss of the income from next year,” Mr Kennett said.

“This potentially puts jobs and services at risk, and even the economic stimulus projects and programs supported by other levels of government, such as the Fixing Country Bridges Program, for which Council has had to borrow in order to fund its share.”

If the 2.5 percent rate rise is approved, the average ratepayer will pay an extra 50 cents a week or  $26 a year more.

Council is seeking community input on the special rate variation and will accept submissions from the public up until 4pm Monday, 31 January. Submissions can be emailed to council@kyogle.nsw.gov.au or sent to Kyogle Council, PO Box 11, Kyogle, NSW, 2474.

National Covid-19 Test and Isolate Protocols

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In light of the recent escalation of Covid-19 cases, the Australian Government has released its National Test and Isolate Protocols for Covid-19.

Poll declared – elected Councillors announced

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The NSW Electoral Commission has finalised the count for the 4 December poll and has declared the election.
The successful candidates elected to Council were:
A Ward (uncontested)
Hayden Doolan
Kylie Thomas
Janet Wilson
B Ward
Robert Cullen
John Burley
Maggie May
C Ward
Tom Cooper
Danielle Mulholland
James Murray
Congratulations to all new and returning Councillors. The new Council will meet on Wednesday, 5 January to elect a Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
The Council also says farewell to three Councillors —  Earle Grundy and Lindsay Passfield who decided to stand down, and Robert Dwyer who was not re-elected. Thanks to all three for their service and commitment to the community.

Christmas closure

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Council’s administration centre will close at noon on Thursday,  23 December and re-open on Tuesday, 4 January, 2022.

For all urgent matters during this time, please contact Council’s after hours service on 6626 6800.

For operating hours of Council’s waste facilities during the Christmas-New Year holiday period, follow this link.

Waste facilities closed on ALL public holidays during the festive season

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Residents are advised that all of Council’s waste facilities will be closed on all public holidays over the Christmas-New Year festive period.

However, the Woodenbong Transfer Station will open on two extra days to compensate.

Kyogle Council waste facilities Christmas-New Year operating hours

Saturday, 25 December 2021 – Kyogle landfill and Woodenbong and Bonalbo transfer stations CLOSED.

Sunday, 26 December 2021 – Kyogle landfill and Mallanganee transfer station CLOSED.

Monday, 27 December 2021 – Kyogle landfill CLOSED.

Tuesday, 28 December 2021 – Kyogle landfill and Woodenbong transfer station CLOSED.

Wednesday, 29 December 2021 – Kyogle landfill and Woodenbong and Bonalbo transfer stations OPEN.

Thursday, 30 December 2021 – Kyogle landfill and Mallanganee transfer station OPEN.

Friday, 31 December 2021 – Kyogle landfill OPEN.

Saturday 1, January 2022 – Kyogle landfill, Woodenbong and Bonalbo transfer stations CLOSED.

Sunday, 2 January 2022 – Kyogle landfill, Woodenbong and Mallanganee transfer stations OPEN.

Monday, 3 January 2022 – Kyogle landfill CLOSED.

Tuesday 4, January – return to normal operating hours for all waste facilities

 

 

 

Learn more about revised draft Kyogle CBD Master Plan at “drop in” information session

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Want to learn more about the draft revised master plan for the Kyogle CBD?
A ‘drop in’ information session allowing community members to discuss the revised plan with Council officers will be held on Wednesday (15 December) from noon until 6pm in the vacant shop front at 129 Summerland Way.
Council revised the first draft master plan to address key issues raised by the community after it went on public exhibition earlier this year.
The new draft master plan retains the median parking in Summerland Way and proposes the creation of a new, landscaped area around the town clock.
It also includes the introduction of trees within the median strip and the creation of landscaped areas outside commercial and retail premises where visitors and residents can sit, relax and enjoy food and beverages provided by town centre cafes.
In order to accommodate the tree planting and landscape improvements, a total of 24 parking spaces will be lost across the town centre – a significant saving on the original proposals.
Public submissions on the revised plans are invited by Friday, 21 January 2021, and may be made via email to council@kyogle.nsw.gov.au or in writing to PO Box 11, Kyogle, NSW 2474.
NOTE: Community members view the revised draft master plan by following this link or at the Council administration centre.

Successful community grant applicants announced

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Council has announced the successful applicants for its annual Community Assistance Grants and the one-off Resilience and Recovery Grants.

To find out who was successful, click on this link and scroll to page two through eight of the media release.

 

Australia Day Nominations now open

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Nominations have opened for the 2022 Kyogle, Woodenbong and West of the Range Australia Day Awards.

The awards recognise and reward individuals for noteworthy achievements and contribution to the community.

In Kyogle, awards will be presented in seven categories, with the Kyogle Lions Club once again running the Australia Day awards and celebrations.

Nominations close on 15 January 2022.

Award categories are:

  • Citizen of the Year
  • Junior Citizen of the Year
  • Senior Sportsperson of the Year
  • Junior Sportsperson of the Year (under 18)
  • Senior Student of the Year (High School)
  • Junior Student of the Year (Primary)
  • Senior Citizen of the Year

Please note that nominees are required to be notified and to sign the nomination form. A fillable nomination form can be accessed here 

The Woodenbong Australia Day Committee will present awards in six categories:

  • Citizen of the Year
  • Young Citizen of the Year
  • Sportsperson of the Year
  • Community Organisation/Event
  • Business/Service
  • Environmental Citizen/Organisation

Nominations close on 31 December 2021. Note: Nominees are to be notified of nomination.

You can download the Woodenbong nomination form by clicking here.

The West of the Range Australia Day Committee will present awards in five categories:

  • Citizen of the Year
  • Young Citizen of the Year
  • Sportsperson of the Year
  • Community Organisation/Event
  • Business/Service

Nominations close at 4pm on 8 December 2021. You can download the West of the Range nomination form by clicking here.

Hard copy West of the Range nomination forms are also available from the post office at Bonalbo and Tabulam and from Greg Baker in Mallanganee.

 

Click and collect available at Kyogle library

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A click and collect service is available at Kyogle library during the current COVID lockdown.

See below for conditions of operation.

Would you like to work at the December local government elections?

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People who would like to work at the December local government elections can now submit an application through the NSW Electoral Commission ‘expression of interest’ website by following the following link LGE21 expression of interest website

Applicants can work on the day (Saturday, 4 December)  in a polling place, or for longer periods in a returning office or in one of the pre-poll voting centres.

For further information, including a link to lodge an expression of interest, go to the NSW Electoral Commission website here.

 

 

Covid-19 – Community Information

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UPDATED 30 November 2021

The NSW Government has updated the roadmap for easing restrictions after the State reaches the 95 per cent double dose vaccination target, or 15 December, whichever comes first.

Adjustments to previous settings scheduled for this milestone include:

  • Masks will only be required on public transport and planes, at airports, and for indoors front-of-house hospitality staff who are not fully vaccinated (previously all indoors front-of-house hospitality staff regardless of vaccination status). Masks will be strongly encouraged in settings where you cannot social distance;
  • No density limits (previously one person per 2sqm);
  • COVID safety plans will be optional for businesses and will be supported by SafeWork NSW;
  • QR check-ins will only be required at high-risk venues including hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, gyms, places of worship, funerals or memorial services, personal services (e.g. hairdressers and beauty salons), limited hospitality settings (including pubs, small bars, registered clubs and nightclubs), and for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people; and
  • Proof of vaccination will no longer be required by Public Health Order for most activities (businesses can still require proof at their own discretion). Proof of vaccination will still be required for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people.

With more than 92 per cent of people over 16 vaccinated as at 25 November, NSW is continuing to take measured approach to reopening.

To maintain high levels of immunity across the community, NSW Health is rolling out a booster vaccination program at its clinics to individuals aged 18 and older who received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine six months or more ago.

UPDATED 10 November 2021

From Monday 8 November 2021 eased COVID-19 restrictions will allow those who are fully vaccinated to have:

  • no capacity limits for major recreation and entertainment facilities
  • no limits to the number of visitors to your home
  • no booking limits for restaurants and hospitality.

However, COVID-Safe check-ins and proof of vaccination will still be required for staff and customers in most settings.

Density limits of 1 person per 2sqm indoor and outdoor areas apply to a range of activities.

For further information, go to the NSW Government website by clicking here.

UPDATED 7 October 2021

The NSW Government has announced changes to to its roadmap to reopening NSW.
The roadmap will start Monday 11 October now that the State has reached 70% vaccination rate.
In summary, at 70% double vaccination, reopening starts for people who are fully vaccinated.
At 80% double vaccination, there will be further reopening for the fully vaccinated – this is expected to be Monday 25 October .
The State will fully reopened from Wednesday 1 December for everyone.
As restrictions ease, it is even more important than ever to be vaccinated. As people around the State move back to a pre-lockdown lifestyle, and travel to the regions resumes.
So protect yourself, your family and your community and get vaccinated today.

For further information about the Roadmap To Reopening, follow this link to the NSW Government website.

UPDATED 25 August 2021

Kyogle Council will continue to deliver essential services to the community throughout the State-wide COVID-19 lockdown.
Council’s administration centre, the Kyogle landfill and village waste transfer stations will operate as normal, although the Roxy Gallery and the Kyogle Visitor Information Centre will be closed.
While Council will continue to deliver essential services to the community, people are reminded that they should stay at home unless they have a reasonable excuse to leave.
If you have to do business with Council, consider doing  it on-line via our website or over the phone on 02 6632 1611.

Business with Council that you can do on-line

People who do not have access to a computer, can always phone Council (02 6632 1611) and talk to our customer service staff about what they can do to help you.

If you have no option but to come into Council’s administration centre, please remember you MUST wear a mask, you MUST sign in (either using the QR code or sign-in sheet), and you MUST abide by social distancing rules. Customers are asked to use the hand sanitizer, which is available at the front counter, on arrival.

Council services

Most Council services are operating, however, this may change at short notice and there have been some disruptions to a number of non-essential services.

What’s operating and what’s not

  • Kyogle library is open.
  • Kyogle Visitor Information Centre is open.
  • Roxy Gallery is open.
  • The Kyogle Memorial Institute (KMI) Hall is open.
  • The Kyogle Museum is open.
  • Kyogle Youth Centre is open.
  • Council’s three public swimming pools are open.
  • Kyogle Community Centre (formerly known as the Kyogle Seniors Centre) is open.
  • Return and earn collection point at the Kyogle landfill is open.
  • All Council caravan parks and camping grounds are open.
  • All Council playgrounds, including the Kyogle skatepark, are open.
  • All waste facilities are open.
  • Construction and maintenance crews are on the job.

Public toilets

All public toilets are open.

What you need to know about Covid-19

NSW Health says it’s up to all of us to keep healthy and well. There are steps you can take to protect your wellbeing, stay safe and stop the spread of COVID-19.

How to protect yourself and others

For the most up-to-date information on Covid-19 click on the following links:

 

Queensland Border Restrictions

For the most up-to-date information on the Queensland Government’s Border Restrictions with NSW, go to the Queensland Health website and if you require information about curent COVID-19 restrictions in Queensland, go to the Queensland Government website.

A new Richmond River Coastal Management Program is underway

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The Richmond River estuary and catchment is highly valued by the community and previously supported a productive network of natural ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and a range of human land uses and activities. Over time these interactions have had a negative impact on the health of our creeks, our rivers, and the estuary.

To address the impacts of human land uses and activities on the Richmond River estuary, a 10-year Coastal Zone Management Plan for the Richmond River Estuary (CZMP) was developed in 2012 by Ballina Shire, Lismore City, Richmond Valley and Rous County councils.

Through 12 strategies the goal of the CZMP was to restore and maintain the ecological sustainability of the Richmond River estuary as well as the associated recreational and commercial activities.

In early 2021 a new whole-of-catchment Richmond River Coastal Management Program (CMP) commenced. The aim of this program is to update the CZMP for the Richmond River Estuary in line with new legislation and to establish a whole-of-catchment management approach that will capture all issues and activities in the entire Richmond River catchment. Rous County Council, Ballina Shire Council, Lismore City Council and Richmond Valley Council are partnering with the NSW Government to deliver the CMP. The whole-of-catchment approach means this CMP will also include the participation of Kyogle Council, Byron Shire Council and Clarence Valley Council. The CMP will provide long-term strategy and management actions for the Richmond River.

The Stage 1 Scoping Study (the first of the five-stage approach) is underway and community input is a critical part of this stage.

The Richmond River estuary and catchment is important to many people for many different reasons. The area is also culturally significant as it is the traditional home of the Bundjalung Nation.

Community Feedback

There will be a long-term engagement process for the Richmond River Coastal Management Program. If you would like to share your local knowledge, concerns, ideas and photos please visit the Richmond River Coastal Management program webpage  hydrosphere.com.au/richmondrivercmp and complete the feedback form.

 

Face masks required when you come into Council

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In line with the State Government’s updated Covid-19 restrictions, everyone entering Council’s administration centre is required to wear a face mask.
However, the good news is that people can do most of their business with Council either over the phone or on-line.
So unless you absolutely have to come into the office, why not pick up the phone and call our helpful customer service staff first to see if they can assist you.
You can call Council on 6632 1611.

Is your school keen to reduce lunchbox waste?

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North East Waste in collaboration with Council and the NSW Government’s Love Food Hate Waste Program, is seeking
expressions of interest from primary schools to join the Love Your Lunch Program in Term 4, 2021.
The program is based at your school for students aged K-6 operates under a NSW Government Covid-19 Safety Plan and any guidelines set by the school.
The Love your Lunch Program tackles the challenges of reducing lunchbox food and packaging waste, healthy eating, reducing school
waste and also food waste reduction amongst families.
The aim is to provide students with the inspiration and skills needed to make or pack their own lunches, which has been shown through
recent Australian pilot studies to reduce the amount of food left uneaten at school.

For further information about the program, what is involved, and how to lodge an expression of interest, click here.