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.

Local cafes being asked to give worth to their waste

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Australia’s largest food relief organisation, Foodbank, has partnered with Y Waste, the discounted meals app, to develop a whole new way for businesses to make use of their end-of-day surplus food, while also helping to fight hunger in the local community.

Up to 40% of food purchased by restaurants, cafes and other foodservice businesses ends up in the bin. Through the partnership between Y Waste and Foodbank, businesses can now give worth to their waste and provide meals for people who might otherwise go without.

Using the Y Waste app, businesses can easily offer their unsold food to be collected by people in need. Through Foodbank, local charities connect and identify vulnerable people who live in the area and need assistance. They can then log on and find local offers nearby and claim them with dignity just like any takeaway meal.

Ian Price, the founder of Y Waste says has always been great interest from businesses registered with the Y Waste app to be able to donate their surplus food rather than sell it.

“Ninety percent of the food outlets we’ve spoken to want to donate meals in their communities and the indication is that over half of all the meals being offered through Y Waste will end up with people who can’t afford to buy them.”

After a successful trial of the concept, Foodbank and Y Waste are now turning their attention to the Northern Rivers Region as the place to launch the initiative thanks to a project funded by the NSW Environment Protection Authority and the Fight Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre.

Collaboration and assistance has also been provided by North East Waste and their seven member Councils, including Kyogle.

Foodbank and Y Waste are now seeking support from local restaurants, cafes and takeaways. The registration process takes only a few minutes, and the app takes care of notifications, receipts and is free to use with no contract or minimum term.

When registered, businesses have the opportunity to save on waste disposal, help the environment and help genuine people facing hardship. More information can be found at the website.

Coastal Management Program: Richmond River

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Hydrosphere Consulting has recently started work on the Coastal Management Plan (CMP) Scoping Study for the Richmond River. The CMP will consolidate the previous estuary and coastal management planning for the Richmond River including the certified Coastal Zone Management Plan for the Richmond River Estuary prepared in 2011.

Preparation of the CMP will enable the councils to be eligible for financial assistance from the NSW Government through its Coastal and Estuary Grants Program. The study area for the CMP Scoping Study is defined by the catchment boundary of the Richmond River to the marine extent of the Richmond River and Evans River estuaries but excluding areas that are subject to other coastal management planning documents.

The Richmond River CMP will provide a whole-of-catchment perspective for the coastal management planning process which recognises the influence of the catchment issues and activities on the health of the coastal zone. Rous County Council, Ballina Shire Council, Lismore City Council and Richmond Valley Council are partnering with the NSW Government to deliver the CMP.  Due to the whole-of-catchment approach to the project, participating councils also include Kyogle Council, Byron Shire Council and Clarence Valley Council.

The Scoping Study will involve the review of existing information and relevant management plans to identify key issues/threats to the study area and highlight knowledge gaps impacting effective management of issues. The Scoping Study is Stage 1 of a five-part process for the completion of a CMP. These are:

  • Stage 1 – Identify the scope of the CMP (Scoping Study)
  • Stage 2 – Determine risk, vulnerabilities and opportunities (detailed studies)
  • Stage 3 – Identify and evaluate options
  • Stage 4 – Prepare, exhibit, finalise, certify and adopt the CMP
  • Stage 5 – Implement, monitor, evaluate and report

The Scoping Study is expected to be completed by February 2022, however Stages 2 – 4 may take several years to complete. Implementation of the CMP (Stage 5) will be ongoing.

For further information about the CMP, follow this link to the Richmond River CMP community website.

 

Do our on-line survey about draft town centre revitalisation plan

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Council has extended the closing date for community comment on the draft main street and civic precinct landscaping plan and is now seeking feedback on four different options through an on-line survey.

The draft main street and civic precinct landscaping plan provides a vision for the future revitlisation of the Kyogle town centre that improves road safety, better manages traffic flow, provides more greener spaces and makes existing public spaces more usable.

The starting point for this process was a desire from the community to see investment in the town centre that would support business growth and stimulate community events and activities.

Since releasing the draft, it’s become clear that there is a level of concern about the impact of any redevelopment on parking in the central business district.

Council has now developed four options for the revitalisation of the town centre to gauge the community’s appetite for a safer, more inviting CBD and civic precinct with slightly fewer parking spaces on The Summerland Way.

The four options now being considered are:

  • Option 1 – Draft plans on public display – 40kph zone through town centre, replace centre parking between Stratheden Street and Kyogle Road with angle parking and reversing lane, retain town clock in current location, maximise green space, final design would see reduction in car parking of around 75 spaces or a 27% reduction
  • Option 2 – Draft plans with town clock relocated –  40kph zone through town centre, replace centre parking between Stratheden Street and Kyogle Road with angle parking and reversing lane, town clock moved to Stratheden Street plaza area, final design would see reduction in car parking of around 42 spaces (15% reduction)
  • Option 3 – retain centre parking and improve landscaping – 40kph zone through town centre, retain current parking arrangements, retain town clock in current location, maximise green space, final design would see a reduction in car parking of around 36 spaces (13% reduction)
  • Option 4 – no changes other than 40kph zone – 40kph zone through town centre, retain current parking arrangements, retain town clock in current location, no additional landscaping or seating or gardens, no loss of parking spaces on Summerland Way

For further information about the overriding draft plan, please go to the On Public Exhibition page on Council’s website at www.kyogle.nsw.gov.au.

To complete the survey, please follow this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LB5BKY7

Meanwhile, written submission on the draft plan will now be accepted up until 4pm on Friday, 18 June and can be sent to council@kyogle.nsw.gov.au or PO Box 11, Kyogle, NSW, 2474.

Draft landscaping proposals for Kyogle town centre on public display

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Council is seeking comment and feedback from the community in connection with draft landscaping proposals for the Kyogle town centre.
In addition to the wider precinct concept plan, there are more detailed drawings that provide an overview of the proposed street layout, revised parking, access and traffic management arrangements including the introduction of a 40kph zone throughout the town centre and 45 degree nose-in parking with sufficient space to reverse out without impeding traffic flow (not like in Casino).
The draft plans include the following:
  • Comprehensive landscaping proposals for the town centre, including works to create a new civic ‘plaza’ focused on Stratheden Street.
  • Revised parking, access and traffic management arrangements – including the introduction of a 40kph zone throughout the town centre.
  • Opportunities for new landscaped outdoor dining/rest spaces, street furniture and other features.
  • Proposals to introduce new lighting and public art into the town centre – including a ‘Laneway Strategy’ to better activate Roxy Lane and Crockford Lane.

To view the plans/report please, follow this link.

In addition to the wider precinct concept plan, there are more detailed drawings that provide an overview of the proposed street layout, revised parking, access and traffic management arrangements including the introduction of a 40kph zone throughout the town centre and 45 degree nose-in parking with sufficient space to reverse out without impeding traffic flow (not like in Casino).

To view the more detailed drawings, follow this link.

Submissions will close on Friday 11 June at 4pm. Submissions can be emailed to council@kyogle.nsw.gov.au or sent to PO Box 11, Kyogle, NSW, 2474.

Candidate workshops to be held in June

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Free workshops for people interested in running for council at the September local government elections will be held at Kyogle in June.

The workshops will be conducted by a facilitator from Local Government NSW and are aimed at giving potential candidates a better understanding of the role and responsibilities of an elected member of council.

The same content will be presented at both workshops, with one scheduled to be held from 5-8pm on Tuesday 22 June and the other from 9am-noon on Wednesday 23 June at the Kyogle Memorial Institute Hall.

At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the key requirements for becoming a candidate at the NSW local government election on 4 September;
  • Understand the role of a councillor, and how it fits in with other roles and levels of government;
  • Understand the role as an elected member of the governing body;
  • Understand the expectations and potential challenges in becoming a councillor;
  • Understand the Integrated Planning and Reporting framework, and how councillors work within this;
  • Identify key elements of council meetings, including code of meeting practice, code of conduct and conflict of interest.

If you are interested in attending, just come along to the workshop of your choice on the day.

 

Draft “one in 100 year” budget on display for public comment

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Kyogle Council’s $209.7 million four-year draft budget is a once in a lifetime investment in the future, Kyogle Mayor Cr Danielle Mulholland said.

The record budget, which Council adopted on Monday night (12 April 2021) for public consultation, includes a $50.8 million project to replace 84 aging timber bridges.

“Kyogle has set a new benchmark for renewing essential infrastructure,” Cr Mulholland said.

“No other Council in the State will undertake a bridge replacement program of this size.

“The replacement of 84 bridges ensures vital infrastructure for the next 100 years and beyond. With this investment we secure the future for generations to come.

“But it’s not all about bridges, this budget provides further investment in our villages, roads, preschools, parks, gardens, pools, library services and community.

“I’m happy to announce that 2021/22 budget allocation of $62.7 million includes;

  • $3.7 million for urban streets, including footpaths and kerb and guttering
  • $3.5 million for buildings and community facilities, including parks and gardens, pools and cemeteries
  • $3.4 million for rural local roads
  • $530,000 for library services
  • $100,000 in financial assistance to groups including,
    • three Australia Day Committees,
    • learn to swim/life education,
    • three Show Societies and
    • Reconciliation Day and NAIDOC week.
  • $119,000 for the Roxy Gallery
  • $69,500 for pre-schools.

Cr Mulholland thanked the State and Federal governments for the record grant funding provided, but vowed to continue lobbying for further funding so Council could deliver beyond expectations.

To view the draft budget follow this link. Hard copies are also available to view at Council’s administration centre, Wadeville store, Woodenbong Post Office, Tabulam Post Office, Cawongla store, Mallanganee Post Office, Old Bonalbo Post Office, Kyogle Library, Wiangaree Post Office, Bonalbo Post Office, and the mobile library.

Submissions on teh draft budget and fees and charges should be made in writing by 4pm on 12 May 2021 to the General Manager, 1 Stratheden Street, Kyogle or to council@kyogle.nsw.gov.au.

Workshop aims to equip women to run for local government

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A workshop aimed at equipping more women to run for local government will be held in Lismore on Saturday 24 April.
The six hour workshop will be run by Women for Election Australia (WFEA) with funding from the NSW Government and is open to women from throughout the region.
The training workshops have been designed not only to inform women on how to get elected – addressing the practical challenges – they also detail the roles and benefits of being a councillor.
In NSW, local government elections will be held on Saturday, 4 September.
The Lismore workshop is on of a series to be held in regional centres and metropolitan Sydney over the coming month.
Register ASAP at www.wfea.org.au – spaces are limited.

Upcoming interruptions to traffic – Afterlee Road – April & May 2021

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Commencing Monday, 12 April 2021, Council will be carrying out replacement of six culverts as part of a $2.75 million upgrade to Afterlee Road under the NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads Program and due to difficult terrain around the sites, it will be necessary to close the road periodically while the works are undertaken.

The culverts are located along a 1.5km section of Afterlee Road, west of the Slaters Road intersection. In order to minimise inconvenience to motorists, Council will carry out the work on a rolling program, replacing the culverts one at a time with the road closed for three working days each week.

Works have been brought forward to take advantage of one week of school holidays to minimise disruption to school bus services.

The attached calendar (link here) shows the days on which Afterlee Road will be closed. These dates were chosen to provide a variety of week days to allow as many options as possible for delivery of services to residents and property owners.

During closures, detours can be made via;

  • Brown Knob Road – Cob O Corn Road (20t load limit) – Ettrick Road
  • Eden Creek Road -Wyndham Road (7t load limit) – Applegum Road – Wiangaree Back Road
  • Dam Access Road – Brays Road – Ghinni Ghi Road – Ironpot Creek Road – Ettrick Road

Council apologises for any inconvenience caused by these road works and thanks motorists for their patience.

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact Council on 02 6632 0221 or 02 6632 1611.

Ceremony marks completion of Lions Road Upgrade project

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The completion of the $1 million Lions Road Upgrade Project was celebrated on Tuesday 30 March with a small ceremony at the Lions Shelter.
Mayor Danielle Mulholland thanked the Kyogle Lions Club for its ongoing support in maintaining and upgrading the popular route.
She also thanked the State Government for its contribution to the project of $639,000 through the Fixing Local Roads program and the Federal Government for its $213,000 through Roads to Recovery.
Key elements of the project included:
  •  installation of new drainage culverts;
  •  road widening;
  •  improvements to the road alignment;
  •  pavement rehabilitation and stabilisation; and
  •  the extension of the existing guard rail system.

Free Drought Relief comedy shows at Bonalbo and Mallanganee

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A free dinner and show featuring multi-award-winning comedian, actor, screenwriter and storyteller Damian Callinan will be held at Bonalbo and Mallanganee in April as part of the Drought Recovery Outreach Program.

The Bonalbo Community Hall will host the What A Relief dinner and show on Wednesday 14 April before it moves on to the Mallangangee Memorial Hall on Thursday 15 April.

People from both districts are invited to come along and enjoy dinner and experience Damian’s unique form of stand-up comedy.

Damian is best known to television and film audiences for his roles on Skithouse, Before the Game and Backyard Ashes. He has made regular appearances on Spicks and Specks, The Project and the Melbourne Comedy Festival Gala.

It’s his love for working in rural Australia and his unique ability to capture the eccentricities of individual communities, that brings Damian on this Comic Relief Drought Tour.

For catering purposes, those wanting to attend are asked to RSVP:

  • Bonalbo dinner and show – Karen Webb on 0448 321 550 or email officebonalbohall@gmail.com
  • Mallanganee dinner and show  – Judithe Lovick-Andrews on 0408 643 737 or email secretarymmht@gmail.com

Free composting workshop and DIY beeswax wrap demo

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Join North East Waste and Kyogle Council for a fun-filled morning as part of International Compost Awareness Week.

Learn how to make your own compost at home at this special event to be held on Monday 3 May at Kyogle Community Garden (at Kyogle Family Support Services INC) starting at 10m.

Participants will learn composting basics as well as how to make their own compost container. The North East Waste team will also run a mini DIY beeswax wrapper demo – perfect to ensure everyone’s home-grown veggies can stay fresher for longer!

To register for this event, follow this link to the Eventbrite website.

Mobile blood bank returns to Kyogle

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With COVID-19 restrictions easing, the mobile blood bank is coming back to Kyogle.

It will operate from the Kyogle Public School Hall (192 – 196 Summerland Way) from 10am-2pm on Tuesday 27 April.

If you would like to make a genuine difference in your community, register for an appointment at Kyogle by clicking here or ring 13 14 95.

Every donation helps to save lives.

 

$7.8 million Clarence Way Missing Link Sealing Project officially opened

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Council’s $7.8 million project to seal the finial 14.8km gravel section of the Clarence Way was officially opened today (Thursday 11 March).

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole, Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan, State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, and NSW Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin joined Kyogle Council Mayor Cr Danielle Mulholland in opening the newly sealed road.

The project, which took 18 months to complete, received $4.16 million in funding through the State Government’s Fixing Country Roads Program and $3.55 million from the Federal Government’s Community Development Grant program.

As well as sealing the final gravel section of the Clarence Way south of the Bruxner Highway, the project also involved:

  • Road widening and improvements to road alignment
  • Upgrades to junctions of all intersecting roads along the route – Bruxner Highway, Captains Road, Old Lawrence Road, Colbrans Road, Pagans Flat Road, Wallaby Road
  • Drainage improvements including installation of 3km of rock-lined drains
  • Installation of reflective guideposts, road regulatory signage, and advisory signage

The Clarence Way is an important transport route for local agricultural industries and the upgrade is expected to boost economic growth and business diversification as well as provide for increased tourism, and community and employment connectivity.

 

 

 

NSW council elections to be held on 4 September 2021

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The delayed NSW Local Government elections will be held on Saturday, 4 September 2021.

The elections were originally to be held last year, but were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Voting in local government elections are compulsory.

 

 

New tractor for community volunteers at Woodenbong

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A new four-wheel drive tractor and mulcher were delivered to Woodenbong on Thursday (27 August) much to the delight of the community volunteers who maintain the town’s showground, common area and public spaces.

Funded under the Federal and State Government’s Bushfire Grants Kyogle Council received after last year’s horrific bushfires, the tractor replaces an old ride-on mower which was previously used to keep Woodenbong looking spic and span.

Kyogle Council Mayor Cr Danielle Mulholland described the new tractor as a blessing for the Woodenbong community.

“I am delighted that the Woodenbong community got this tractor,” she said.

“It is well deserved and a smart decision by Council to support local community organisations who do so much for their community.

“The tractor will make life much easier for the volunteers who will be able to finish jobs in half the time.

“I’d also like to thank Kevin Hogan, our Federal MP, who made representations to have Kyogle Council included in the Bushfire Recovery Program which enabled us to fund projects like this one.”

Cr Lindsay Passfield said the new tractor would  strengthen Woodenbong’s already robust volunteer base and enhance efficiency.

Christine Reid, of the Woodenbong Showground Trust, said the tractor would be put to good use.

“The Woodenbong common and the showgrounds have never looked so good and we’re prepared and ready to get going on all of our events as soon as the Covid restrictions are eased,” she said.

Lynne Parker, who is also a member of the Showground Trust, was over the moon that after years of chasing funding for a tractor, it had finally become a reality.

“We’re ecstatic that we got this tractor which will be a big asset to the community and the various local organisations,” she said.

“The time it takes to prepare the grounds for events will be more than halved.”

The tractor was delivered by tractor dealer and fifth generation Woodenbong local Trent Martin.

Mr Martin said the tractor was the heaviest, and biggest engine capacity in its class on the market.

“I think it will perform beyond expectations,” he said.

The mulcher originally ordered with the tractor was nixed because the delivery time was far too long with Covid restrictions in place. Mr Martin replaced that mulcher with a higher quality mulcher at no extra cost.

Kevin Hogan thanked Kyogle Council for the community consultation they have done in allocating the bushfire grant money.

Council officially names four new bridges

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Council has officially named four new bridges that until now were only know by anecdotal names.

Council decided at its August meeting to name:

  • The bridge on Peacock Creek Road over Gorge Creek (16.5km from Clarence Way), Gray Bridge;
  • The bridge on Old Dyraaba Road, 11.9km from Sextonville Road, Magil Bridge (Bundjualung for Easter Water Dragon);
  • The bridge on Walters Road, 593m from Green Pigeon Road, Matthews Bridge
  • The bridge on Hootons Road, over the Clarence River (15km from the Clarence Way), Binging Bridge (Bundjalung for River Turtle).

Council received 25 submissions from the public on the proposed names, with the bridge on Hootons Road over the Clarence River attracting the most submissions.

Two of the submissions wanted the bridge to be named either MacLean Bridge or MacLean crossing in reference to the historical river crossing being known as MacLean’s and seven supported the name Binging to acknowledge the area’s traditional owners.

Nine submissions wanted the bridge named after the Hooton family.

In deciding to go with Binging Bridge, Council noted that the Hooton family already had been recognised in the naming of the road and that only one other bridge in the local government area carried a Bundjalung name.

 

Red benches create awareness of domestic violence

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Two benches at the front of the Kyogle hospital have been painted bright red as a stark reminder that domestic violence dwells in our community.

The red benches also serve as a beacon of hope to domestic violence victims that help is available.

Council painted the benches red at the request of the Kyogle Family and Domestic Violence Working Group which has joined a campaign to have 100 red benches installed across Australia.

The campaign is being driven by the not-for-profit Red Rose Foundation which is working to end domestic violence in Australia.

Kyogle Council Mayor and patron of the Kyogle Family and Domestic Violence Working Group Cr Danielle Mulholland said the red benches movement first came to light during the 16 days of activism last December.

“The CWA organised the 16 days of activism in Kyogle and that included a play on domestic violence and a short presentation on the red benches movement,” Cr Mulholland said.

“The whole thing grew from there, with the idea being that the red benches will get people talking about domestic violence.

“And having them at the front of the hospital reminds people that victims of domestic violence often end up at the hospital, or worse, the morgue.”

Cr Mulholland said raising community awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence and that help is available was crucial in reducing the harm it causes.

“As Mayor, I feel it’s important that the victims of domestic violence, women and men, know that Council cares and that help and support is available.”

Cr Mulholland stressed that domestic violence was not limited to physical violence.

“It can be emotional, psychological, financial and even spiritual abuse whereby a person is prevented from pursuing their own spiritual beliefs because of a family member,” she said.

“If we put a spotlight on domestic violence, then perhaps the victims and perpetrators will get the help they need.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available:

  • Kyogle Family Support Service phone 6632 1044
  • Help to stay safe or leave phone 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
  • The Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service phone 1300 720 606 or 6621 1044
  • The Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre – Family Law and Domestic Violence legal advice phone 6621 1000 or 1800 689 889
  • Call out family and domestic violence in the community phone 000 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000

Federal and NSW Governments will cover the costs of bush fire clean up for residential and commercial residences res

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The Federal and NSW Governments have announced that they will be covering the costs of bush fire clean up for residential and commercial residences impacted by bushfires (see joint media release below).

Impacted owners wanting their property cleared, need to call Service NSW on 13 77 88 to register their details and provide consent for access to their land.

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday 30 January 2020
NSW BUSHFIRE CLEAN-UP CONTRACTOR ANNOUNCED

The Morrison and Berejiklian Governments today announced they will share the costs on a 50:50 basis for the clean-up of residential and commercial properties destroyed by the recent bushfires in NSW.

This follows the successful approach adopted by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments following the Black Saturday bushfires.

The cost of the NSW clean-up is expected to run into the hundreds of millions of dollars, though a definitive number cannot be settled until the fires have ceased and sites are assessed.

As part of recovery efforts the NSW Government has also selected Laing O’Rourke Australia as the lead contractor to undertake the clean-up.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Commonwealth Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, NSW Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro, Commonwealth Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud and NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the funding agreement would give people more certainty as the recovery process continues.

“This is an important step to get the clean-up and rebuilding process moving to help people get back on their feet,” the Prime Minister said.

“We know many people are still battling these blazes but where the fire-front has passed we’re deploying $2 billion through our National Bushfire Recovery Agency to help people rebuild their homes and communities.”

“The destruction caused by these fires is unprecedented and the process of recovery and rebuilding will take time, but I want people to know, we will be with them every step of the way,” the Premier said.

“Government is picking up the bill for the clean-up, at no cost to owners, so if you’re uninsured, this is one less thing to worry about and if you are insured, it means you will be able to use every dollar of your policy to rebuild.”

Treasurer Frydenberg said the speed at which agreement was reached between the Commonwealth and the NSW government was not only a testament to the working relationship between the two levels of government but that of the National Bushfire Recovery Agency.

“An unprecedented joint effort has and is required to assist with the recovery, rebuilding and future resilience of local communities,” Treasurer Frydenberg said.

“The National Bushfire Recovery Agency has played a key role across the board ensuring the Commonwealth’s resources are reaching the communities when and where they are needed.”

The Deputy Premier said the clean-up was a mammoth task but that he was confident the partnership with Laing O’Rourke will see properties cleared and the rebuild begin as soon as possible.

“With 2,399 homes destroyed and more than 10,000 buildings damaged or destroyed all up, we have a long journey ahead of us,” the Deputy Premier said.

“Despite the enormity of the job, Laing O’Rourke has indicated the majority of properties will be substantially cleared by mid-year, with a focus on residential properties.

“The contractor will also be working hand in hand with Public Works Advisory to engage local suppliers and subcontractors, to keep local economies ticking over.

“Our emergency services, volunteers and our farmers have been outstanding in emergency situations these past months, and we need to be as vigilant in recovery as they have been in the face of disaster.”

Minister Littleproud said the Commonwealth would continue to step up to do whatever it takes.

“We will continue to respond to changing conditions while these fires affect communities across the country,” Minister Littleproud said.

“As the rebuilding begins, the Commonwealth will be there to make sure communities are well-resourced.”

Treasurer Perrottet said he expected all savings insurance companies may accrue as a result of the Government funded clean-up to be passed on to policy holders to help assist them in the rebuilding process.

“I know people are anxious to have their properties cleared as soon as possible which is why the NSW Government has hit the ground running with the clean-up effort,” Treasurer Perrottet said.

“Impacted owners wanting their property cleared need to call Service NSW on 13 77 88 to register their details and provide consent for access to their land.

“We are working with the new National Bushfire Recovery Agency to ensure a coordinated response to make clean-up as easy as possible for property owners.”

The NSW Government will provide regular updates to the Commonwealth on the progress of the clean-up.

Bonalbo water restrictions reduced to Level 3

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Due to the recent rainfall increasing flows in Peacock Creek, water restrictions in the village of Bonalbo have been reduced to Level 3, effective immediately.

They were at Level 4.

Level 3 restrictions are as follows:

  • Residential properties and swimming pools; micro-sprays and drippers/sub-surface irrigation can be used for a maximum of 15 minutes and hand held hoses can be used for half an hour every second day, between the hours of 4:00pm and 9:00am. Houses with an even street number can water on even numbered calendar days, and houses with odd street number can water on odd numbered calendar days. Other irrigation and unattended hoses are banned.
  • Commercial premises; as above, exemptions for sprinkler use up to two hours a day allowed for essential business uses, eg nurseries, or where business hours dictate water use eg schools, public gardens, sports grounds.
  • Industrial; no restriction for water usage for essential business activities.
  • Rural; no restriction for stock watering.

 

 

 

Tip Shop opening hours extended

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The Kyogle Tip Shop will be open every week from 16 January 2020 during the following times:
• Thursday: 9am – 12pm
• Friday: 9am – 12pm
• Saturday: 9am – 12pm
• Sunday: 9am – 12pm.

The Kyogle Resource Innovation Collective (KRIC), operators of the Tip Shop, and Kyogle Council would like to thank the community for their support during the first weeks of operation.

More than 100 people visited the Tip Shop before Christmas, with a significant amount of goods and materials finding a new home instead of ending up in landfill.

If you were lucky enough to receive a new household appliance, tools and gardening equipment, toys, bikes and sporting equipment or home decoration items for Christmas and are wondering what to do with your old things, consider donating them to the Tip Shop.

If you are undertaking some home renovations or a project during the holidays also don’t forget to visit the Tip Shop for second hand building and construction materials or to donate used or leftover materials.

Bushfire Recovery Assistance

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Please find below the latest summary of assistance measures available across NSW for bush fire-impacted communities.

Other measures

NSW Land Registry Services is offering landholders affected by the recent bushfires with access to the title searches and plan images of their property free of charge.

Property searches and plans can assist landholders with insurance claims and development applications to council, as well as provide peace of mind regarding land ownership following natural disasters.

Affected landholders can cal the NSW Land Registery Services Contact Centre on 1300 396 076 or (02) 8776 3575 to discuss available assistance. Details of the support available are available by clicking here.

Banking help

If you’re dealing with the impact of the bush fires there are practical ways your bank can help. Australian banks have hardship teams ready to assist homeowners, small business owners and volunteers with financial arrangements, depending on circumstances.

Assistance could include:
• deferred loan payments
• waiving fees and charges
• helping with debt consolidation
• waiving penalties for early withdrawal of a term deposit
• deferring upcoming credit card payments
• increasing emergency credit card limits

Call your bank today or find your bank’s hardship team by clicking here.