Council deploys new weapon in war against potholes 

Council has deployed a new state-of-the-art weapon in its war against potholes.
Council’s $691,000 Ausroad Jetmaster can not only patch potholes, it can also repair shoulders and do 2.4 metre wide seals.
Operated from the cabin of the vehicle, the Jetmaster can also blow all water and debris out of the pot holes before they are patched.
Council’s Director of Assets and Infrastructure Wayne Carter believes the addition of the new hardware to Council’s arsenal will be a game changer.
“The enemy of sealed roads is water,” Mr Carter said.
“Council’s new Jetmaster is a high capacity self-contained road repair solution.
“Carrying its own bitumen emulsion and stone, with both front and rear delivery systems, it can provide rapid and efficient road repairs from the safety of the drivers cabin.
“The benefits for residents and road users include faster response when roads become potholed. The benefits for Council include safer working conditions for staff and an efficient and reliable response to residents’ requests for road repairs.”
The Jetmaster will be deployed on roads throughout the local government area and Kyogle Council Mayor Danielle Mulholland is confident residents will soon see how effective it is in Council’s ongoing battle to defeat potholes.
“Everyone has a pothole story, and with the continuing wet weather it’s been almost impossible for Council to stay ahead of the game,” Cr Mulholland said.
“Innovations in technology are happening all the time and it’s great that those innovations are now targeting potholes.
“It’s hoped the Jetmaster will give Council an edge in terms of a quicker and more effective response and ultimately Council can afford to add another one or two to the armoury.”

Funding received for Fawcetts Plain Road works

Relief is on the way for motorists who regularly use Fawcetts Plain Road.
Council has received $2.05 million in funding under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements to repair the full length of the 8.3km road and undertake drainage improvements.
The road was inundated during the 2022 flood event and has deteriorated significantly since then.
Council has been patching the road as best it can while waiting for flood repair funding approval for the remediation project.
Work on the project, which will also incorporate repairs to the Green Pigeon and Horseshoe Creek road, is expected to start in early December and take until March to complete, weather permitting.
Council’s road construction crew will start work on the Green Pigeon and Horseshoe Creek Roads first and then move to Fawcetts Plain Road.
Council has deliberately scheduled the work program this way so that heavy road construction vehicles are not travelling across the newly repaired Fawcetts Plain Road on their way to Green Pigeon and Horseshoe Creek Roads.
Council is expecting to have completed the Green Pigeon and Horseshoe Creek road repairs and have started on the drainage works on Fawcetts Plain Road (including re-instating and cleaning drains, and installing new culverts) before Christmas.
Fawcetts Plain Road will remain open under traffic control while the work is completed.

Wet weather delays playground works

The recent wet weather has pushed back the completion date of improvements to the playground at Anzac Park, Kyogle.

Good weather initially allowed Council to complete upgrade works at Apex Park playground and get a start on the improvements at Anzac Park.

However, rain and storms soon halted work at Anzac Park, and damaged some of the newly installed softfall and sub-base.

While replacing the rain damaged sub-base and softfall at Anzac Park, Council put in additional drainage and is now waiting the installation of an electrical supply and sump pump to support the new drainage catchment. Unfortunately, the weather continues to hamper progress.

In the meantime, Council has taken the opportunity to address some outstanding maintenance issues on the play equipment including swapping out the old swing set and repairing the slide support.

Weather permitting, Council now expects the work at Anzac Park to be completed by the end of November.

Crews will then move back to Apex Park to address issues there caused by recent the storms.

When that is complete, attention will turn to Memorial Park, where Council plans to replace all the play equipment and install rubber softfall.

 

Roads update – 13 November 2024

All roads that were closed yesterday (Tuesday, 12 November)  due to heavy rain and storms have now opened.

However, Council is urging motorists to drive with caution, as the rain and flash flooding may have caused road conditions to deteriorate.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast further storms, possibly severe, today and motorists should be alert for flash flooding and be aware that road conditions could change rapidly.

To keep up-to-date on road conditions throughout the council area, go to Live Traffic NSW at https://www.livetraffic.com/.

Community workshop on feral deer

A free community workshop on feral deer will be held at the Kyogle Memorial Institute Hall on Tuesday, 26 November, from 9am to 12pm.

People attending will learn how to:

  • Look for signs of feral deer in their area
  •  Identify different feral deer species
  •  Understand current Legislation in NSW
  •  Report sightings

Why attend? Feral deer threaten our ecosystems, agricultural land, and local biodiversity. By learning how to recognize and report deer activity, you can help control their spread.

Registrations are essential, please scan the QR code or email tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

UPDATE – Flash flooding – road closures

Road Closure Update – 4.30pm Tuesday, 12 November, 2024
Heavy rain and storms yesterday and today continue to play havoc with our roads across parts of our local government area.
The latest information to hand, is:
❌ Baileys Bridge Road remains closed
❌ Ferndale Road remains closed
❌ Farm Road is now closed
❌ Clarence Way at Culmarren Creek remains closed
❌ Clarence Way at Tunglebung – half road open under caution
With the rain continuing, motorists are advised that conditions can change rapidly and are urged to take care, drive to the conditions, and stay off the roads if possible.
Council keeps all road conditions up to date on Live Traffic NSW. Go to https://www.livetraffic.com/ for all the latest information.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Heavy rain yesterday (11 November) and overnight has impacted road conditions with flash flooding and raised creek and river levels across parts of our local government area.
At this stage we have the following closures:
  • Gradys Creek Road – closed at Grieves Crossing Bridge – staff will inspect the bridge as soon as possible
  • Baileys Bridge Road (Richmond River)
  • Ferndale Road (Richmond River)
  • Clarence Way at Tunglebung
  • Clarence Way at Culmaran Creek
Farm Road remains open but motorists are advised to use caution due to a damaged culvert.
Council staff are out and about assessing the roads, with all road conditions kept up to date on Live Traffic NSW – Live Traffic NSW is where you should be looking for all road conditions https://www.livetraffic.com/
Council appreciates your patience and urges everyone to take care.

Kyogle landfill will be closed on 12 November

Kyogle Landfill will be closed on Tuesday, 12 November, 2024 for staff training, and will re-open as normal on Wednesday, 13 November.

Council apologises for any inconvenience the one-day closure may cause.

 

Nominations for Australia Day Awards Open

Nominations are now being taken for the 2025 Kyogle, Woodenbong and West of the Range Australia Day Awards.

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 Friday, 6 December 2024.

Award categories are:

  • Citizen of the Year
  • Young 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. You can find the nomination form here.

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

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

Nominations close on 31 December 2024. Note: Nominees are to be notified of nomination. Downlond the nomination form here.

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

  • Citizen of the Year
  • Young Citizen of the Year
  • Achievement in Sport or the Creative Arts
  • Community Organisation/Event of the Year
  • Business/Service of the Year

Nominations close on 19 December 2024. Click here for the nomination form.

 

Bonalbo Oval works

Council works to improve the surface and grade of Bonalbo Oval in Norman Johnston Park will start soon.
The condition of the oval has deteriorated badly with an infestation of tunnel ants. The ants will be treated as part of these works, which will also see the oval graded from east to west to improve drainage and direct runoff to a collection pit located on the western side of the field.
Some of the topsoil will be spread around to correct a surface drop off on the eastern side of the oval and its possible extra topsoil may be brought in.
The work is expected to start as soon as the current wet weather pattern improves and is likely to take 5-6 weeks to complete (weather permitting).
Council asks for the community’s understanding and patience while the work is carried out and requests that people remain well clear of the work on the oval.

Pop-up food vans

Council recently allowed mobile food premises to operate after the cancellation of the Kyogle Show, given that operators had already undertaken significant food preparation and would have suffered significant financial loss if they could not sell any product.
However, the event on the weekend involved a business that was not initially registered to operate, in the Kyogle local government area. Under food safety regulations Council is required to ensure that all vendors operating in the Kyogle LGA comply with food safety requirements in the interest of protection public health.
Noting that the event had been publicly advertised and community expectations raised, Council advised that the planned event could go ahead provided all operators were registered with Council and the operators complied.
Council also advised the operators that under State planning legislation development approval would be required before any future events could be held at this site.
Council has also advised the owner of the site that we are happy to work with them to get the necessary approvals in place to allow future events to occur.

Council elects Mayor, Deputy Mayor

Cr Danielle Mulholland has been elected unopposed as Mayor of Kyogle Council for the next two years.

Cr Mulholland, who previously served in the role from September 2013 to December 2021, was elected at this afternoon’s Council meeting.

Cr John Burley was elected unopposed as Deputy Mayor. He will serve in the role for the next two years. He previously served as Deputy Mayor from 2014 to 2021.

Council Closures

Council’s Administration Office, Kyogle Waste Facility and Woodenbong Transfer Station will be closed Monday, 7 October, for the Labour Day public holiday and Tuesday, 8 October, for the annual Union Picnic Day.
Normal hours will resume Wednesday, 9 October.
In case of an emergency during this time, please contact Council’s after hour’s emergency number 02 6626 6800.

2024 Working Dog Rally

Council would like to advise residents of upcoming road closures this Sunday, 6 October 2024 for the ‘2024 Working Dog Rally’.
The event has been endorsed by Kyogle Council and will be conducted in accordance with conditions set out by New South Wales Police and Council. Every effort will be made to run the rally with minimum inconvenience to residents.
To allow for safe conduct of the event, and to ensure the safety of local residents and event attendees, there will be temporary road closures on the day between 7.00am to 7.00pm.
Please see details below:
COMPETITIVE STAGES – ROAD CLOSURE TIMESSunday 6th October 2024
Stage Times Road Names Section Closed
Buccini Blast  O700to

1800

Tunglebung Creek Rd From 5.4km northeast of Clarence Way intersection to Larssons Rd / Tunglebung Creek Rd intersection
O700to

1800

Tunglebung Creek Rd From Tunglebung Creek Rd and intersection of Armstrong Rd intersection.
Larssons Rd From Tunglebung Creek Rd intersection to Armstrong Rd intersection
Larssons Rd From Armstrong Rd intersection to Culmaran Creek Rd intersection
Kickass Quickpass O730to

1830

Old Lawrence Rd From Deep Creek Rd intersection to Clarence Way intersection
Accent Hoot  O800to

1900

Hootons Rd(Kyogle Council section only) From bridge across Clarence River to Clarence Way intersection

 

Make up of new council decided

The make-up of the council to serve the 2024-2028 term has been decided.
The Councillors are (listed in wards in order of sequence of election):
A Ward
Kieran Somerville
Brett McNamara
Janet Wilson
B Ward
Olivia Taylor
John Burley
Robert Cullen
C Ward
Danielle Mulholland
Tom Cooper
Robin Harley
The first meeting of the new council will be held on Monday, 14 October, at 2pm.

Weed trees removed from caravan park

About 20 trees, all of them identified by experts as either being dangerous to the public or invasive weed species, have been removed from the Kyogle Caravan Park as part of an upgrade of the facility.
The trees’ roots were also damaging the park’s internal roads, infiltrating plumbing and cracking and pushing out the concrete pads used by campers and caravaners.
The trees removed included camphor laurels, Chinese rain trees, and liquid ambers, which had started to drop their crowns and large branches, creating a safety risk for campers. No native trees were removed.
As part of the revitalisation of the caravan park, Council will replace all of the trees that have been removed with native species. Other work will include: the construction of a new fit-for-purpose amenities block; road, drainage and electrical works; a new tent camping area on the old croquet court; and new fencing.
The removal of the weed trees will prevent their spread along Fawcetts Creek, and help with the regeneration of this important environmental zone.

Right To Know Week

This week is Right to Know Week, an international campaign that aims to raise awareness of the public’s right to access government-held information. In NSW, the Information and Privacy Commission encourages all NSW public sector agencies to improve their knowledge about their transparency obligations under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act).

Right to Know Week NSW runs from 23 – 29 September 2024, with the UN’s International Day for Universal Access to Information being celebrated on 28 September. This year’s theme is ‘Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector in NSW’.

Transparency is a core pillar for supporting public participation in the public sector. Mandated openness under legislation is one reason the GIPA Act in NSW is a world-leading example of how to mainstream transparency in the public sector.

Legally protected rights to access government information make public participation both possible and meaningful. Successful public participation can help create more responsive and effective policies and increase trust between community and public institutions.

In NSW, members of the public can seek information directly from many public sector agencies such as NSW government departments, councils, universities, state-owned corporations and ministerial offices. Some of this information is proactively available on websites or other publications, while other information needs to be requested.

Accessible information can include records about how a NSW state government agency or other type of public sector institution is operating and making decisions. It can also include an individual’s personal information that is held by a public sector agency. Personal information is information that can identify you, such as your name, address and contact details.

The public has a right to access information from Kyogle Council. You can access information that we have made available on our website as open access information, or you can make an informal request or, in some cases, you may need to make a formal access application. For more information on how to access our information, follow this link to Council access to information page.

Kyogle Council is a proud Champion of Right to Know Week NSW 2024 and is committed to supporting public participation through greater transparency.

The Information and Privacy Commission (IPC) can also help you understand information access laws in NSW and give you information on how to assert your rights. Learn more by visiting the IPC’s Right to Know Week webpage by following this link.

Pools to open sooner than planned

Council has pulled out all stops to re-open its three public swimming pools earlier than originally planned to give residents a reprieve from the unseasonably hot spring weather conditions.
The Kyogle pool will open for the 2024-2025 swimming season on Monday, 9 September at 6am, almost three weeks ahead of schedule. And you won’t have to worry about the water being too cold to enjoy a swim, it’s already 22 degrees!
The Bonalbo and Woodenbong pools will re-open on Friday, 20 September. Recent refurbishment works and essential maintenance have meant they could open only a week sooner than originally planned.
Season tickets for all three pools can be purchased now from Council’s administration centre or at the pools when they open. And in great news for pool users, the cost of season tickets will stay the same as first advertised, even though swimmers will have access to the pools for longer.

Statement – Kyogle Showground

Multiple complaints from Kyogle Showground users, the general public and community groups have been made raising issues of public health and safety, and environmental health, resulting from current camping arrangements on Crown Land at Kyogle Showground.  The Kyogle Showground is administered by the Kyogle Showground Public Land Manager.

Investigations revealed that the Kyogle Showground Public Land Manager did not have approval to operate a camping ground, as required under NSW Government legislation.

The NSW Government Department of Crown Lands is responsible for the management of all Crown Land, including at the Showground.  The NSW Government Department of Crown Lands has advised that use of the Showground for long-term camping is not permitted.  As a result the Kyogle Showground Public Land Manager has advised affected people that they must vacate the site.

The Kyogle Showground Public Land Manager is in the process of preparing an application to obtain the approval required to operate a camping area at the Showground, and Council has been assisting throughout this process.

The approval process will ensure that the public health and safety and environmental concerns raised by members of our community and users of the Showground are appropriately addressed, so that all community members can continue to use the Showground for events and public recreation.

Meet the Candidates – Hosted by Kyogle and District Chamber of Commerce

The Kyogle and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting four “meet the candidates” sessions in the run-up to the Council elections on 14 September. This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to hear directly from those running for Council, ask questions, and discuss the issues that matter most to you.

These sessions not only allow you to get to know the candidates better but also help ensure that your voice is heard in shaping the future of our community.

  • Kyogle – 22 August, 6pm at Kyogle Golf Club
  • Bonalbo – 29 August, 6pm at Bonalbo Bowling Club
  • Kyogle – 5 September, 6pm at Kyogle Golf Club
  • Woodenbong – 6 September, 6pm at Woodenbong Sports Club

Below is the list of candidates standing for election to Kyogle Council

A Ward
Kieran Somerville
Douglas John Layton
Naomi Beth Worrall
Brett Myles McNamara
Janet Wilson

B Ward
Robert Bruce Cullen
John Raymond Burley
Olivia Anne Taylor
Neil James Summerville
Glenn Alwyn Robinson

C Ward
Earle Gregory Grundy
Ian Gordon Murrell
Thomas James Cooper
James Wilfred Murray
Danielle Sandra Mulholland
Charles Frederick Simon Dejoux
Robin William Harley

For more information on the Kyogle Council election, visit the website of the NSW Electoral Commission

Works update – 31 July 2024

Council work crews are currently replacing culverts on Anzac Drive, Omagh Road, Rices Road and Clarence Way.
The walkway along the levee between the amphitheatre car park and McDougall Street in Kyogle will be closed to pedestrians for up to five weeks while the Anzac Drive culvert is replaced.
People are advised to use an alternate route via the railway underpass at the Geneva Street intersection while the work is carried out.
Meanwhile, Council will also close the low bypass road at the Anzac Drive underpass on Saturday (3 August) and possibly Sunday (4 August) as part of this project. During this time, all vehicles 3.3m and taller will need to detour via Wiangaree Back Road and Summerland Way.
Another crew is working on the first of three culverts scheduled to be replaced on Omagh Road. The road is currently closed about 7.3km from the intersection with Afterlee Road. When this culvert is replaced, the crew will move to the next culvert about 5.1km from Afterlee Road.
The culvert on the Clarence Way is one of two within Bonalbo that are being replaced as part of a major project to upgrade Clarence Way.
Flood repair work crews are currently completing batter stability works on Jane Robertson Bridge at Bonalbo and will start work tomorrow (Thursday) on abutment repairs to Lavelles Bridge. Traffic using Lavelles Bridge may experience short delays during work hours.
Council’s bridge crews are working on new bridges on Duck Creek Road and Risk Road.
The old bridge on Duck Creek Road has been removed, and piling works for the new bridge are completed. A side track has been installed around the site.
Work is also continuing on the Risk Road Bridge replacement, while Council’s contractor is building the new Lamonds Bridge on Gradys Creek Road.
Repairs to the Boorabee Creek Road landslip which have been ongoing since mid-June are expected to be completed in late August, while mid-August is the expected completion date for the remediation of the Gabal Road landslip.
Work has started on repairs to the Theresa Creek Road landslip and should be completed by late August.
Work to repair the Lillian Rock Road landslip is expected to start in early August, while work on the Main Creek Road landslip is scheduled to begin on 12 August. Both will take until near the end of the year to complete.
Three grading crews are currently working in different locations around the Council area.
One is in the Roseberry Creek catchment and will move from there to Homeleigh and Sargents roads.
A second crew is in the Horseshoe Creek catchment and will move to Knights Road next week, while the third crew is working in the Dyraaba catchment.

Be on the lookout for koalas on our roads

𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 has officially begun and that means koala activity on our roads has increased, especially between dusk and dawn.
While, koalas could be on the move at any time of day – they are more difficult to see after dark.
What can you do?
✅Be extra careful while driving!
✅𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐤𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐚 you see close to or on a road to the 24/7 Friends of the Koala rescue hotline 02 6622 1233 immediately, whether they appear healthy, injured or dead. This could save their life, or the life of a joey in their pouch.
✅ 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 of Northern Rivers wildlife rescue organisations in your phone, so you are ready to report any sightings or accidents. For koalas across the Northern Rivers, call Friends of the Koala: 02 6622 1233.
Why are koalas more active at this time?
🌿 Male koalas will be moving from tree to tree trying to find a mate, they might travel quite a distance if habitat is fragmented.
🌿 Females might also be on the move away from males.
🌿 Younger koalas – the previous seasons joeys are also dispersing from their mothers and are really vulnerable during this time.
All of this means that koalas are far more at risk from being struck by a vehicle because their habitat is so close to roads and residential properties.
This campaign has been created by the Northern Rivers Regional Koala Partnership, a collaboration between all Northern Rivers councils, the NSW Government and @Friends of the Koala.

Win either a $250 or $500 voucher to help keep your cats safe at home

Council is reminding cat owners they still have time to submit an expression of interest to win a voucher to buy a cat enclosure, cat netting or cat enrichment products from Catnets.

Vouchers to the value of $250 and $500 are up for grabs.

If you own a cat, live in the Kyogle Council area and your cat is registered and microchipped, follow this link to submit an expression of interest.

Applications will remain open until midnight on Sunday, 8 September 2024.

This initiative is part of a statewide Keeping Cats Safe at Home project delivered locally by Kyogle Council in partnership with RSPCA NSW.

You can find the guidelines and terms and conditions of the give-away on the same page as above.

Please note issues that some people were experiencing with the Expression of Interest form on the website have now been resolved.

 

Update – Kyogle water quality

Kyogle’s water is safe to drink.
Council has investigated reports of discoloured water in various locations in Kyogle and has found that it has likely been caused by recent changes in temperature and water flow, particularly with the new section of Mayfield Estate coming on line.
Ongoing tests have shown the water continues to meet all health and safety requirements. While the discolouration is not ideal, Council wants to reassure residents the water is safe to drink and we are working to fix the issue.

Woodenbong Road, Bonalbo, closed to through traffic; Detour in place

Woodenbong Road, Bonalbo, between Peacock Street and Cope Street, will be closed to through traffic for the next two months while Council replaces two box culverts.
However, all local traffic will still be able to access their properties as well as the hospital and service station while the road is closed.
A detour around the works – via Peacock, Sandilands and Cope streets — will be in place for though traffic for the duration of the work.
The culverts are being replaced as part of the multi-million-dollar project to upgrade the Clarence Way from Bonalbo to Urbenville.
The first culvert – a twin cell box culvert – being replaced is located just south of the Hospital Road intersection. The ongoing wet weather has delayed progress on this job, however it is expected to be finished by 28 June.
Once it is complete, crews will move on to the second culvert – a four cell box culvert – which is located about 50 metres north of the Hospital Road intersection. It is expected to take six weeks to complete.
While work on the first culvert is underway, local traffic will be able to access the hospital from the north along Woodenbong Road.
Similarly, when work on the second culvert starts, access to the hospital will be from the south along Woodenbong Road.
Council apologises for any inconvenience caused during the work.

$62.5 million draft budget all about community

 Community is the cornerstone of Kyogle Council’s draft $62.5 million budget, Mayor Cr Kylie Webster said.

The draft budget was adopted by Council on Monday (8 April) night for public comment and will be on display until close of business 10 May.

It provides $21 million for regional road projects including $20 million for the upgrade of the Clarence Way, $3.8 million for rural local roads, and $2.4 million for bridges.

“This budget is all about Council sensibly and sustainably providing facilities and services for our community,” Cr Webster said.

“We are undertaking big projects such as the Clarence Way upgrade, but we’ve also committed to spend an extra $100,000 to ensure our villages are kept tidy and are mown regularly.”

Other expenditure identified in the draft budget includes:

  • $1.69 million for urban streets, including footpaths and kerb and guttering
  • $1.99 million for buildings and community facilities, including parks and gardens, pools and cemeteries
  • $608,879 for library services
  • $111,563 in financial assistance to community groups and organisations
  • $149,661 for the Roxy Gallery
  • $75,231 for pre-schools.

Cr Webster called on the community to view the draft budget while it’s on public display and make a submission to Council.

“We want people to have a say and I’m encouraging everyone to make a submission,” Cr Webster said.

Copies of the draft budget are available to view at Council’s administration centre at 1 Stratheden Street, Kyogle, and on the Public Notices page on Council’s website.

They will also be available at 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 close at 4.30pm on 10 May 2024 and can be sent to the Acting General Manager, 1 Stratheden Street, Kyogle or to council@kyogle.nsw.gov.au.