Make up of new council decided

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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 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.

Council decides popularly elected mayor referendum question

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Kyogle Council electors will be asked in a referendum whether or not they want a popularly elected mayor (a popularly elected mayor is elected by voters at the same time as they elect councillors).

The referendum will be held in conjunction with State-wide Local Government elections in September.

Council resolved in April 2022 to conduct a referendum on having a popularly elected mayor, with Councillors indicating at the time they wanted to maintain a system of wards and the current number of Councillors (nine).

With the election to be held this year, the Council at its 11 March 2024 meeting decided the question voters will be asked at the referendum. It  will be:

Do you favour the election of the Mayor by electors for a four-year term with the number of wards reduced from three to two, each ward comprising of four councillors, plus a popularly elected Mayor?

Currently, Council has three wards, with three Councillors in each ward and the mayor elected by Councillors from among themselves — making a total of nine councillors.

However, if the council is to have a popularly elected mayor and still have a total of nine councillors, voters will have to elect a mayor and eight councillors (making a total of nine).

As there must be an even representation of Councillors in each ward, Council is proposing to reduce the number of wards to two and have four councillors elected from each ward.

As well as deciding on the referendum question, the Council at the March meeting endorsed an information pamphlet to be made available to voters which outlines the pros and cons of a popularly elected Mayor.

The arguments for and against a popularly elected mayor as outlined on the information pamphlet are:

The YES case

  • Popular election of the Mayor excludes internal politics from the Mayoral Election.
  • A popularly elected Mayor can lead Council with considerable independence.
  • A popularly elected Mayor is elected by the people and as such is seen as the community’s elected leader.
  • Popular election of the Mayor enables the residents an opportunity to consider the candidates’ policies and vote accordingly thus providing the Mayor with an election mandate.
  • The possibility of the Mayor being elected “out of the hat” is avoided in the event that two or more Councillors receive equal votes.
  • A reduction in Wards will help to better manage any imbalance of elector numbers between Wards.

The NO case

  • The elected Council should not have a leader imposed upon them with whom they may not be able to work cooperatively or constructively.
  • A change in leadership cannot occur during the term unless the Mayor resigns or dies and then a by-election is required.
  • Councillors are closest to their fellow Councillors and therefore have a greater appreciation of their capabilities and credentials to fulfil the role of Mayor.
  • Having a popularly elected Mayor increases the administrative costs of elections and by-elections.
  • A further Constitutional Referendum would be required if Council wished to return to the current system of election of Mayor.
  • Councillors will have larger ward areas, with greater population to represent

To view the full information pamphlet, click here.

You can also pick up a hard copy of the pamphlet from Council’s administration centre.

 

 

 

Works update – 29 February 2024

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In great news for motorists, the bridge over Back Creek on Kyogle Road was opened to traffic this week, as was the new bridge on Rodgers Road.
The new Needhams and Gambley Road bridges were completed earlier this month, while construction of new bridges on Hansen, Yabbra and Ryans Creek roads is continuing.
Work to remediate the Forest Road landslip was completed last week, and work on the Clarence Way landslip should be finished today.
The recent wet weather has delayed work on the Gabal Road landslip repairs, and that work is now not expected to be completed until 8 March.
Council has also repaired a landslip on the MacQueens Road. Council has so far repaired 54 of the 99 major landslips which occurred after the 2022 flood event.
Flood damage repairs on the Clarence Way south of the Bruxner Highway are now complete. Council has four crews working on the upgrade of the Clarence Way between Bonalbo and Urbenville.
Work on the rehabilitation of a 3.5km section of Ettrick Road, and the Transport for NSW project on the Bruxner Highway at Mallanganee Range is continuing.
Council is undertaking maintenance grading in the Cawongla catchment and the Duck Creek area. Pothole crews are working in the Afterlee area.

Works update – 7 February 2024

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Remediation work on the Gabal Road, Forest Road and Clarence Way landslips is continuing with all three jobs expected to be completed by late February.  Council has so far repaired 51 of the 99 major landslips which occurred after the 2022 flood event.
The new Askews Bridge on Askews Dip Road is finished and the bridge is now open to traffic.  Construction work is continuing on new bridges on Rodgers Road, Needhams Road, and Gambleys Road, while work has started on the new Hansen Road Bridge.
The Kyogle Road bridge near Back Creek is nearing completion, with the deck poured and road works in progress. In good news for motorists, it is expected to be open to traffic this month.
Road crews are doing flood damage repairs on the Clarence Way south of the Bruxner Highway, while Council now has four crews working on the upgrade of the Clarence Way between Bonalbo and Urbenville.
Work on the rehabilitation of a 3.5km section of Ettrick Road, and the Transport for NSW project on the Bruxner Highway at Mallanganee Range is continuing. The Bruxner Highway project is due for completion in April.
Council is undertaking maintenance grading in the Cawongla catchment and the Hootons Road area.  Pothole crews are working on Clarence Way, Gradys Creek Road, and Kyogle Road, while roadside slashing crews are on Clarence Way and Kyogle Road.

Works update – 18 January 2024

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Most of Council’s work crews are back on deck after the Christmas break and work has re-started on the upgrade of Clarence Way, and the Bruxner Highway project at Mallanganee Range.

Work has also commenced on the rehabilitation of a 3.5km section of Ettrick Road.

Council is undertaking maintenance grading on Old Cob ‘O Corn and Duck Creek roads. The grading crews will move to Capeen Creek Road and into the Cawongla catchment once that is complete.

Pothole crews are, and will be working on, Gradys Creek and Kyogle roads and Clarence Way over the next few weeks. Roadside slashing is scheduled for Clarence Way, Kyogle Road and Fawcetts Plain Road.

Flood damage repairs on the Clarence Way south of the Bruxner Highway have commenced and will continue through February.

Remediation work on the Gabal Road landslip is continuing and is expected to be completed last this month.

Work has started on the new bridge on Rodgers Road while construction continues on Askews Bridge on Askews Dip Road, Gambleys Bridge on Gambleys Road, and the new Back Creek Bridge on Kyogle Road.

Blue-green algae alert for Toonumbar Dam

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WaterNSW has issued a blue-green algae alert for Toonumbar Dam — see below.
Please note the dam is controlled by WaterNSW and anyone wanting further information about the blue-green algae alert should contact WaterNSW on 1800 999 457 or by visiting – www.waternsw.com.au/algae

Works update- 20 December 2023

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The first two sections of the upgrade of the Clarence Way have been completed and work is underway on three more sections.
Work on these sections has stopped for the Christmas break and will recommence mid-January.
Drainage works as part of the Bruxner Highway project at Mallanganee Range are continuing. Traffic control measures will be in place over the Christmas break.
The initial seal of an 800-metre section of Findon Creek Road was completed this week, while work to reseal Short Street, Kyogle, which includes new kerb and guttering, is continuing.
Roadside slashing crews have been working on Clarence Way and Bentley Road and grading crews have been working on Forest and Mills roads.
The viaduct repair on Lynches Creek Road at Wiangaree is underway and is expected to take to the end of January to complete.
Works on Brindle Creek Road Bridge and Eight Day Creek Bridge on Needhams Road are complete and both bridges are now open to traffic .
Construction work continues on Askews Bridge on Askews Dip Road and Gambleys Bridge on Gambleys Road, and the new Back Creek Bridge on Kyogle Road.
Remediation work on a landslip on Dugans Road is now complete, while work continues on the Gabal Road landslip.
All of Council’s work crews have now shut down for the Christmas break and will progressively return to work during January.

Works update – 6 December 2023

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The first 1.2km section of the Clarence Way to be upgraded as part of the major Clarence Way Upgrade Project was sealed last week. This section of the Clarence Way is at Sandy Creek.
The second section of the road to be sealed, a 1.1km section of the Clarence Way at Bean Creek, is scheduled to be completed next week.
Both crews will then move on to adjoining sections of the Clarence Way.
Construction crews are still completing drainage works on the Bruxner Highway at Mallanganee Range in preparation for the pavement works.
Work to reseal Short Street, Kyogle, is continuing, while line-marking will soon be carried out on Kyogle Road.
Council will start work tomorrow (Thursday) on the initial seal of an 800 metre section of Findon Creek Road from the intersection with Long Creek Road.
Meanwhile, a grading crew is working in the Roseberry Creek catchment.
Work on Brindle Creek Road Bridge is on schedule to be completed before Christmas, while girders are expected to be installed on the Eight Day Creek Bridge on Needhams Road next week. It too is expected to be open by mid-December.
Construction work continues on Askews Bridge on Askews Dip Road and Gambleys Bridge on Gambleys Road, and the new Back Creek Bridge on Kyogle Road.
Pilling work has started on the new bridge planned for Rodgers Road.
Remediation of the three major landslips on Lions Road has been completed, while work is still in progress on landslips on Gabal and Dugans roads. Work on the Gabal Road landslip is scheduled to be completed by late January.
Work has finished on repairs to the Edwards Lane landslip.
Council has now repaired 41 of the 106 major landslips which occurred as a result of the 2022 flooding.

Public Meeting on Fire Ants

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Last week fire ants were detected in South Murwillumbah, the first confirmed detection in NSW. This follows the discovery of other nests at Innisplain, just 13.5km north of the Queensland border with Kyogle.
As fire ants have now been detected in two local government areas bordering Kyogle, it is now more important than ever for residents and businesses to be on alert for fire ants. Fire ants cause serious social, economic and environmental harm and it is important to keep the Kyogle local government area free from this aggressive pest.
The Department of Primary Industries, in conjunction with Kyogle Council, will be holding a public meeting about fire ants, next Wednesday 13 December, 5pm-6pm in the KMI Hall. At the meeting DPI staff will talk about:
  • the impact of fire ants and how they are spreading
  • how to identify a fire ant nest
  • what to do if you think you have fire ants on your property
  • new biosecurity rules affecting movement of heavy machinery, hay, soil, landscaping material etc.
Council encourages all residents to come along to the meeting to learn more about this highly invasive pest and what you can do to make sure the Kyogle local government area remains free from fire ants.
If you would like further information about fire ants visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/fire-ants or call DPI on 1800 680 244.

Are you getting your community newsletter?

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If you live in the Kyogle local government area (LGA) and DO NOT receive Council’s Community Newsletter in the mail, Council wants to hear from you.
Council has received advice that some people are not receiving their newsletters which Council pays to have delivered via Australia Post’s Unaddressed Mail Service.
To initiate an investigation by Australia Post, Council requires the addresses of at least five residents in the Kyogle Local Government Area who did not receive the LAST newsletter which was delivered the week beginning 30 October 2023.
PLEASE NOTE that Australia Post does not deliver newsletters to people who request No Junk Mail. Rural addresses on the boundary with neighbouring local government areas also may not receive the newsletter because of issues relating to residents that live on mail routes that cross LGA boundaries.
If you did not receive the October/November newsletter in the mail, and neither of the above scenarios apply to you, please send an email, including your name and address, to council@kyogle.nsw.gov.au or call Council on 6632 1611.

 

Works update – 23 November 2023

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Three road and two culvert construction crews are working on the Clarence Way project between Bonalbo and Urbenville.

The culvert crews are working ahead of the road crews replacing culverts before the road construction begins.

This multi-million dollar project is expected to take until mid-2025 to complete.

Crews continue to undertake drainage works on the Bruxner Highway at Mallanganee Range in preparation for the pavement works, while work on Kyogle Road has been completed.

Resealing works on Short Street, Kyogle, is continuing.

Maintenance grading is occurring in the Paddys Flat and Dyraaba catchments.

Council’s Jetpatcher is patching potholes on Clarence Way, while another pothole crew is working on Fawcetts Plain Road.

Construction work continues on the new Back Creek Bridge on Kyogle Road, Askews Bridge on Askews Dip Road, Eight Day Creek Bridge on Needhams Road and Gambleys Bridge on Gambleys Road.

Station Road No 2 Bridge was completed this week and is now open to traffic. Work has paused on the new bridge planned for Rodgers Road.

Repairs to landslips on Gabal and Dugans roads are ongoing, while remediation of the three major landslips on Lions Road is expected to be completed by the end of this month.

Contractors have completed Stage 2 of repairs to the landslip under Geneva Bridge and are currently demobilising the site.

Council is slashing verges on Gradys Creek Road and Bruxner Highway and will then head to Findon Creek Road.

Richmond River and Wilsons River Flood Warning Improvement Project

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The region’s flood warning service is being reviewed, and the community is invited to have its say on what improvements should be made.

The Richmond and Wilsons Rivers Flood Warning Improvement Project will make recommendations and fast-track improvements to our existing flood warning service to improve scope and reliability.

The primary objectives include the improvement of flood warning by upgrading existing gauges, installing new gauges, and setting up new flood forecast locations. It will also support community awareness of any changes to the existing flood warning service and will support the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) and NSW State Emergency Service (SES) in providing accurate and timely flood warnings to the community.
The project is being led by NSW Department Planning and Environment – Environment and Heritage Group in consultation with the BOM, SES and local councils.
Full project details and initial draft recommendations can be found at https://mhl.nsw.gov.au/floodstudies/DPEEHG/. You can provide feedback, questions or suggestions regarding improving the existing flood warning network in the Richmond and Wilsons rivers catchment up until 21 November 2023.

Assistance for bushfire-affected communities

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Disaster assistance is now available for people, small businesses and primary produces in the Kyogle and Tenterfield local government areas who have been impacted by the recent bushfires.
Jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the assistance may include:
➡️ Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply)
➡️ Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets
➡️ Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations, and
➡️ Freight subsidies for primary producers.
For information relating to financial assistance, replacing lost documents, location of your nearest recovery centre and more, please contact Service NSW on 137 788 or visit nsw.gov.au
To apply for a concessional loan or primary producer grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au
Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Senator the Hon Murray Watt and NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the two governments were supporting impacted communities with early assistance, so recovery could begin as soon as possible for those directly affected.

Inquiry into insurers’ responses to 2022 flood claims

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If you were impacted by last year’s floods and had dealings with an insurer, Federal Parliament’s House Standing Committee on Economics wants to hear from you.
The Standing Committee is conducting an inquiry into insurers’ responses to flood claims and wants to give all those affected by the 2022 floods a chance to tell their story and share with the committee their experiences of dealing with their insurer.
In recognition of the difficulties many people are still facing in getting their lives back on track, the committee has compiled a survey as a simple and effective way for people to engage with the inquiry.
The survey is anonymous, takes about 10 minutes to complete and, depending on your circumstances, it will ask a series of questions about:
  • which flood you were affected by
  • how your insurer has communicated with you
  • the outcome of your claim
  • any complaints or disputes with insurers
  • time frames for claim resolutions
  • access to hydrology reports
  • flood mitigation measures, and
  • your ability to obtain/renew insurance policies after flooding.