Footage released of attempted West Tweed Heads break-in
September 3, 2010
Police are appealing for public assistance after five men attempted to break into a home at West Tweed Heads last the weekend.
About 9pm last Saturday (28 August), a 49-year-old man was home alone when he responded to a knock at his front door.
Upon opening the door he was confronted by a man pointing a firearm toward his head. The man was wearing white clothing and his face was covered.
Police were told the occupant attempted to close the door but was unable to, as the intruder was kicking the door.
Hardard reduction burn-offs near Evans Head
September 1, 2010
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is putting the final preparations in place for three fuel reduction burns over the next few weeks to increase fire protection for assets adjacent to and within Bundjalung and Broadwater National Parks, near Evans Head.
NPWS Richmond River Area Manager Mark Pittavino said that the burns will help to reduce risk to property and protect the natural and cultural values of the national parks.
“The purpose of the burns is to provide fuel-reduced areas which will help to prevent the spread of wildfire,” Mr Pittavino said.
The burns are as follows:
- Twenty hectares in the Evans Head Defence Air Weapons Range in Bundjalung National Park to help stop the spread of fire from military activities and protect assets.
- Seven hectares in Broadwater National Park off Wallum Drive, near Evans Head to protect properties.
- Five hundred hectares in Bundjalung National Park (West) adjacent to the Pacific Highway, fifteen kilometres south of New Italy, in order to provide a hazard reduced area to reduce the spread of wildfire across the landscape.
Spring wild dog control program to start
September 1, 2010
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is commencing its spring wild dog monitoring and control program across the Northern Rivers Region, conducted in conjunction with the local Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA), NSW Forests and interested private landholders.
NPWS Pest Management Officer Lisa Wellman said that prior to the start of each program, which began in 2006, advertisements are placed in local newspapers to advise people that the baiting is commencing.
“The program is undertaken twice a year in spring and autumn and looks for evidence of wild dogs which can then be controlled,” Ms Wellman said.
“Control programs are based around baiting programs, and monitoring is also undertaken to determine how successful the program has been.
Fluke Matcher uncovers a world of knowledge about whales
August 30, 2010
Southern Cross University has launched a powerful new software program that will enable researchers from around the world to collate humpback whale photographic catalogues and gain new understanding of the marine mammal’s biology, ecology and behaviour.
Fluke Matcher was developed by a team of researchers including Daniel Burns and Professor Peter Harrison, from Southern Cross University’s Marine Ecology Research Centre, and Dr Eric Kniest, from the University of Newcastle and was funded by the Australian Government.
Work on Ballina’s Harvey Norman Homemaker Centre to start soon
August 30, 2010
Construction of the Harvey Norman Homemaker Centre in Ballina is due to begin soon.
Ballina Shire Council said tenders had been called and the successful contractor had been appointed.
“The development has encountered many months of delays due to legal action taken against Ballina Shire Council which has since been settled in council’s favour,” the council said.
“Earthworks on the site and the Boeing Avenue extension are well-advanced and the successful builder is expected to take possession of the site mid-September.
“The tenders, which included submissions from local builders, were very competitive and whilst prices were very close, the time for construction was the determining factor. Harvey Norman has selected Mainbrace Constructions as the successful contractor and they will move on site mid-September.”
Michael Shay, principal of LJ Hooker Ballina, assisting with the local leasing of the project, said: “The Harvey Norman-anchored development will provide for both national and local retailers.
Promoting The Legendary Pacific Coast
August 29, 2010
Tourism industry stakeholders on the NSW North Coast are invited to take part in a new initiative to promote the popular touring drive along and surrounding the Pacific Coast corridor – The Legendary Pacific Coast.
Russell Mills, Deputy Chair of Pacific Coast Touring Route and CEO for Northern Rivers Tourism, said: “Collectively industry and stakeholders are encouraged to be involved in The Legendary Pacific Coast project to strengthen the vibrant brand conceptualised for the road itself and in turn maximise the economic potential for the coastal and hinterland towns and communities along this legendary stretch of road.
“Together, as part of the self-drive campaign, travellers along The Legendary Pacific Coast will be encouraged to travel at their own pace and create personal memories and legendary experiences to increase the prominence of this popular touring route, establishing The Legendary Pacific Coast as a top tourism drive in Australia.
“Partnership workshops, for the tourism industry, will be held in four locations and provide industry the opportunity to learn first-hand the innovative developments secured for this project and also take part in a ‘traveller’s technology’ presentation.”
The workshop for the Northern Rivers will be held at the Ballina Beach Resort on Tuesday, 31st August. Places are still available – call 66870695 or rsvp@northernriverstourism.com.au
Busy morning for lifesavers at Tallow Beach
August 29, 2010
Surf lifesavers from Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club and the Far North Coast Branch were kept busy this morning with two emergency call-outs to Tallow Beach.
The second was a serious incident and resulted in the successful rescue of a body-boarder who was swept around the point and on to rocks.
At around 7.30am surf lifesavers were called to respond to two swimmers in trouble at the northern end of Tallow Beach.
Rescue craft were dispatched to the scene but were stood down before they arrived after a boardrider managed to assist the swimmers back to shore.
Joshua lands the dream job bringing junior cricket to PNG
August 29, 2010
Joshua Mapstone is living the dream to which many young men aspire – getting a great education and leaping into an early career opportunity that combines business with adventure and travel.
The Goonellabah-based Southern Cross University Bachelor of Business in Sport Tourism student has won a prestigious internship with the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) program. The 12-month internship has taken him to Papua New Guinea to help establish junior cricket as a sport.
A weekend of celebrating diversity in Australia’s Green Cauldron
August 29, 2010
The UNITY festival and the Caldera Artfest may share the same weekend – and a common goal of celebrating the amazing diversity within Australia’s Green Cauldron – but organisers say that each provides an exceptional insight into the uniqueness and complexity of region.
The UNITY festival on 2 October at the Murwillumbah Showground is all about celebrating the dance, music, cuisine and culture of the Tweed’s diverse heritage.
Ballina Byron Airport welcomes five more weekly Jetstar services
August 29, 2010
Jetstar has added an extra five weekly flights from Sydney to the Ballina-Byron route.
Neil Weatherson, Ballina Byron Airport manager, was delighted to receive a phone call from Jetstar last Friday afternoon announcing the five additional weekly services.
“What a great way to end the week. We’re elated to have even more flights to offer our passengers and it also demonstrates Jetstar’s future confidence in the growth of the Sydney to Ballina-Byron route,” Mr Weatherson said.
“These additional flights coupled with the recently installed self check-in kiosks offer more flexibility and convenience for our customers.”
