Lions Road between Standfields Bridge and the Queensland border crossing will be closed to through traffic from Monday 17 February to mid-June while Council replaces six culverts damaged in the February 2022 floods.
However, it’s likely the road closure will be extended to the end of the year so five major landslips can also be repaired. A decision on if, and when, the road closure will be extended will be made within the next month.
Meanwhile, Council will attempt to re-open Lions Road for holiday makers and travellers for two weeks over the NSW Easter school holidays from Friday, 11 April to Sunday, 27 April. The temporary re-opening will be dependent on weather conditions and the progress of the work.
Kyogle Council Mayor Danielle Mulholland said the closure while inconvenient would result in a safer, more flood resilient road for all motorists.
“Unfortunately, the section of Lions Road between Standfields Bridge and the border crossing where both lots of work is to be done is narrow and winding and it simply would not be safe to keep it open while the works are carried out,” Cr Mulholland said.
“There will be large earth moving equipment in place and lots of heavy vehicles travelling the road, and there are very few places on the road you can construct by-passes.
“I understand this is not ideal and it will be inconvenient for both locals and travellers alike. However, it will allow Council to safely deliver a better, safer road that is more secure during intense rain periods.”
The Lions Road closure between Standfields Bridge and the border crossing will not affect Gradys Creek Road which will remain open. However, motorists are urged to use caution as there will be increased heavy vehicle traffic using the road during the hours of 6.30am and 5pm while the work is undertaken.
Kick off 2025 with a series of professional development workshops, webinars and talks designed for artists and creative practitioners looking for support and the skills to thrive in their creative business.
While the Art Northern Rivers (ANR) Practice 101 series launches early autumn, the ANR team has handpicked some industry favourites to help artists and creatives get started right away.
An exciting opportunity to help lead music development and make a significant impact to artists, businesses, audiences and music communities across NSW. Applications closing: Jan 28, 10am
Mentoring Sessions for Aboriginal Artists/Arts Workers
2 Rivers is offering 20 free mentoring sessions designed to provide personalised guidance, deep insights into the arts landscape, and strategic advice to help you grow. Spots are limited!
Regional Arts Australia Assessor Pool 2025
Paid opportunity for people with the skills and know-how to fairly and thoughtfully assess applications to Regional Arts Australia programs. Applications closing: Feb 28
Byron School of Art’s Individual Mentorship
This (ongoing) series of four one-hour sessions is suitable for artists with a focused practice who are working towards producing a cohesive body of work. Course fee $525
Create NSW launched Create Exchange, a program which features artists and leading industry experts who will provide you with the tools to navigate the business fundamentals of contracts, copyrights, grant application writing and more. The series will provide essential skills to establish a successful, sustainable and thriving creative practice.
Term 1 runs from February to April, with 6 webinar episodes.
Episode 1: The Business of Creativity
Set yourself up as a freelancer and avoid the most common pitfalls. Mon 3 Feb 2025, 5.30 – 7pm Book Now
Episode 2: Learn From Success
Some of our successful Arts and Cultural Funding Program grant recipients share their tips for writing a great application. Monday 17 February 2025, 5.30 – 7pm
Episode 3: Sign on the Dotted Line
Understanding arts contracts and being contracted as a creative worker. Monday 3 March 2025, 5.30 – 7pm
Episode 4: Your Rights in Copyright
The basics of copyright law and how it applies to creative works. Monday 17 March 2025, 5.30 – 7pm
Episode 5: Find a Mentor
How connecting to creative knowledge, wisdom and experience can benefit your creative practice. Monday 31 March 2025, 5.30 – 7pm
Episode 6: Advocate for Yourself
Finding your voice in negotiating as a creative worker. Monday 14 April 2025, 5.30 – 7pm
Creative PLUS BUSINESS headed up by Monica Davidson has a series of online workshops and webinars running through February and March, focusing on practical advice for creatives to improve their small business skills for a successful and sustainable future.
How to Start a Creative Business
Ever wondered how to turn your creative practice, hobby, or passion into a business? This fun and friendly online workshop for beginners, is a safe space where every question is a good question, and the mysteries of business become a bit clearer. February 18, 6- 8pm
A practical online workshop that covers the basics of figuring out the price point for creative work, including calculating costs and understanding the marketplace when charging for creative products and services. February 20, 6- 8pm
An online workshop that discusses practical time management strategies specifically designed for creatives to help keep all juggling balls in the air and find better ways of monitoring and managing capacity. February 25, 6- 8pm
Auspicing is a wonderful but sometimes mystifying process where one organisation provides support, sponsorship, or guidance to another, often in the context of funding. This free webinar is the perfect entry point for anyone interested in learning how auspicing could benefit their practice. February 26, 6- 7 pm
An online workshop that reframes and explains the business and strategic planning process, made specifically for creative practitioners and arts businesses. March 4, 6– 8pm
A practical online workshop that helps creative practitioners understand, and build, a compelling brand for their business or practice to help them stand out from the crowd. March 6, 12 – 2pm
An online workshop that explores the most practical ways to manage the rollercoaster of income and expenses that comes with working in the creative industries. March 18, 6-8pm
A beginners online workshop for artists who are ready to sell their work online, and don’t know where to begin, including business basics, eCommerce models, legal matters and more. March 20, 12– 2pm
Diversify Your Creative Income
An online workshop to help creative professionals think laterally and collaboratively about the best ways to diversify income and make more money from their skills. March 25 , 6- 8pm
This professional development series is free, you will need to register for each workshop via Service NSW using your log in details.
Service NSW also have free online business resources for you to refer to.
Kyogle Council has a new general manager.
Marcus Schintler, Council’s Manager Corporate Services and Acting General Manager for the past three months, has been appointed to the top job.
Mayor Danielle Mulholland announced the selection saying Mr Schintler had extensive experience in government at state and local levels.
“The entire elected body was involved in this decision making process. It was an open and transparent process and was a merit based selection,” Cr Mulholland said.
“The community can be assured that due process has been followed and the best candidate for the job has been appointed unanimously by the Council.”
Mr Schintler, who served as an Executive Director in the NSW Government before joining Council in 2016, said he was honoured to be selected to serve as Kyogle Council’s General Manager.
“Public service is a privilege I take seriously. We provide services to enhance people’s lives, and to best serve our community we have to be good listeners. I’m looking forward to hearing from our community in the coming months as we develop a Community Strategic Plan,” Mr Schintler said.
“The primary role of a General Manager is to best deliver the strategies of our Councillors, the Community Strategic Plan of our residents, and the health, wellbeing, skill progression, and career interests of our staff.
“I thank Councillors for their support and for trusting me to lead the Council and allowing me the chance to deliver for the Kyogle LGA.”
Kyogle Council has delivered motorists an early Christmas gift with the reopening of Lions Road and the completion of two new bridges.
Lions Road had been closed since mid-June to allow for the construction of the new Lamonds Bridge.
The upgraded two-lane concrete bridge, built by local contractor Ozwide Bridge Rail and Civil, stands 1.5 metres higher than the old one-lane wooden structure.
The $2 million project, funded under Round 1 of the State Government’s Fixing Country Bridges program, has improved road alignment and increased flood resilience.
Paddys Flat Bridge has also been replaced with a raised, full-concrete structure that is one meter higher and two meters longer than its predecessor.
The $2 million project was completed in just over four months with funding from Round 2 of the Fixing Country Bridges program and a co-contribution from Council.
KYOGLE COUNCIL MAYOR DANIELLE MULHOLLAND SAID:
“The opening of the two bridges and Lions Road is a major win for motorists and the community.”
“The new bridges are safer and more flood resilient and will ultimately lower Council’s annual maintenance spend, meaning that money can be directed to other projects.
“Council has replaced 96 bridges in the last three years, more than any other jurisdiction in Australia, meaning future bridge maintenance costs will be significantly reduced.
“We are grateful for the State Government’s support, and local member, Janelle Saffin’s expert advocacy to secure funding for 83 bridges in one hit, a wonderful outcome that has delivered for the people of Kyogle.”
Cr Mulholland thanked the NSW and Federal Governments for funding its once-in-a-lifetime Bridge Renewal Program and Council staff for their hard work and commitment over the past three years.
MINSTER FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORT AND ROADS JENNY AITCHISON SAID:
“This is a fantastic example of the State Government’s Fixing Country Bridges program in action, delivering safer, more resilient infrastructure for regional communities.
“The collaboration with Kyogle Council ensures these critical upgrades support local industries and provide long-term benefits by providing vital connectivity between regional hubs for work and recreation.
“We are especially proud to support the work to help sustain the vital economic drivers of the region such as the timber, dairy, and livestock industries.
“We congratulate council on their work, which has also already benefitted the community and the tourism sector.”
MEMBER FOR LISMORE JANELLE SAFFIN SAID:
“The Lions Road is a wonderfully scenic route between NSW and Queensland and one of the tourism magnets in our region.
“These works make the road safer and more accessible for our communities and tourists. And replacing timber bridges with durable concrete structures is a key step toward reducing costs and improving sustainability.
“I want to thank Kyogle Council for their exemplary work in fostering local partnerships and sourcing local materials, which has created positive economic growth in the area and better outcomes for residents.”
The NSW Government Department of Planning has advised Council that it currently has “no comments or recommendations”, as they are still working to establish an internal State position on Private Native Forestry (PNF).
A Consultation Report on PNF was submitted to the Department for Planning at the direction of the department for determination of a State position.
However, Council has been advised by the NSW Department of Planning that it has reviewed Kyogle Council’s Consultation Report on PNF, but are yet to take a position. No timeframe has been given by the Department of Planning for when a decision might be expected.
As such, Kyogle Council has taken this matter as far as it can, and will now await a decision from the State Government.
Playgrounds at Kyogle’s Anzac and Apex Parks have re-opened to the community.
The play equipment has been closed while Council upgraded the softfall at the two parks, put in additional drainage, undertook essential maintenance, and installed some new equipment.
Unfortunately, the ongoing wet weather interrupted the work and caused some delays.
While the two parks are now open, there remains some minor works to finish, which council hopes to have completed before Christmas (weather permitting).
Meanwhile, Council will be seeking input from the community early in the New Year about everything from parks and playgrounds to waste and water services as it reviews its Community Strategic Plan (CSP).
Mayor Cr Danielle Mulholland said the CSP was Council’s highest level strategic plan and was a roadmap for the future of the Kyogle local government area over the coming 10 years.
“The community has been raising issues around our playground equipment and the softfall for some time and the delivery of this project reflects what is in our community strategic plan,” she said.
“We are soon reviewing this plan, so if you want to have some input into the future of your community, come along and have your say on what is your vision for the area.”
Cr Olivia Taylor said the review of the CSP presented the perfect opportunity for people wanting to improve children’s play spaces and playgrounds to have their say.
“Council is aware that there’s been quite a lot of discussion within the community about children’s play spaces and playgrounds, and this review will give people the chance to put forward their ideas and views,” she said.
Council will be seeking the views of the community through a range of initiatives in the New Year and encourages everyone to have input on the review of the CSP.
Council’s bridge crews are currently working on three bridges – one on Paddys Flat Road, one on Risk Road and Lamonds Bridge on Gradys Creek Road.
Preparation works for the replacement of Grieves Crossing Bridge on Gradys Creek Road are expected to start next week. This will involve establishing site access and implementing sediment controls.
Work on the new bridge, which is expected to start before the end of the year, will not impact traffic as the old bridge will be retained during construction.
So far, Council has replaced 94 of the 108 timber bridges for which it has received funding.
Landslip repairs were recently completed on Boorabee Creek and Lions roads, and Council is currently working to remediate landslips on Main Creek Road, Lillian Rock Road, Kyogle Road and Dugans Road.
Further works are planned for Tabulam Road, Lions Road, and Kyogle Road.
Works to upgrade two sections of the Clarence Way, and sections of Bentley Road, and Mt Lindesay Road are close to being finished, however the ongoing rain has delayed the bitumen sealing.
Other road works underway include the replacement of a causeway on Farm Road, and heavy patching on Cawongla Road, Oxbow Road, Collins Creek Road, and Stoney Chute Road.
Council also is replacing a culvert on Homeleigh Road – a sidetrack is in place while the work is being undertaken.
Grading crews are currently working on Old Cobb O Corn Road, Webbs Road, and Bulmers Road. Vegetation management works (slashing and cutting back overgrowth near guard rails) is being carried out on Kyogle Road, Omagh Road and Edenville Road.
Council is patching potholes on Omagh and Lynches Creek roads.
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.
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/.
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:
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
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
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 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:
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:
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:
Nominations close on 19 December 2024. Click here for the nomination form.
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.
| 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 |
