Snap a whale: all in the name of science
June 13, 2012
Whale watch operators and tourists are providing valuable information on the migration of humpback whales along Australia’s east coast through an innovative project run by Southern Cross University researchers.
Funding announced through the Australian Government Initiative – Inspiring Australia – will help extend the East Coast Whale Watch Catalogue project along the length of Australia’s east coast.
Father and son charged after police officer allegedly assaulted – Brunswick Heads
May 18, 2012
A man is due to appear in Byron Bay Local Court today charged after a police officer was treated for facial and hand injuries allegedly sustained in a confrontation at Brunswick Heads yesterday.
Police will allege a 38-year-old man and his 68-year-old father were involved in a scuffle with the officer on Fingal Street, Brunswick Heads, about 9.30am yesterday (17 May), after he stopped to speak with the men following a minor traffic incident.
It’s alleged the younger man, who was a passenger in a Toyota Lexcen sedan, got out of the car and assaulted the officer.
It will be further alleged the driver also became involved in a scuffle during which the officer sustained cuts to his mouth, bruising to his left eye and cheek, grazing on his neck, and cuts to his left hand.
Shorebirds under the spotlight
December 14, 2011
Northern Rivers shorebirds will be under the spotlight as National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) rangers and volunteers take to the beaches and estuaries as part of a statewide survey.
NPWS Pest Management Officer, Lisa Wellman, said that the survey is being undertaken from until December 16 as part of the Fox Threat Abatement Plan and will provide important data on shorebird numbers and movements to assist with management.
Discussion paper on residential parks
November 9, 2011
Member for Ballina Don Page has welcomed the release of a discussion paper on ways to improve the governance of residential parks by the Minister for Fair Trading Anthony Roberts.
Mr Page said that residential parks provide an affordable housing choice for many people, who develop strong, valuable networks of support within their park.
“It is vital that effective laws are in place setting out clear and balanced rights and obligations for residents and park operators,” said Mr Page.
“The discussion paper honours our election commitment to residential park residents to carry out a full review of the Residential Parks Act 1998 and improve the governance of the residential parks industry”.
The paper looks at several ways to help strengthen and grow the residential parks sector, including options for licensing park operators, education for new operators and better ways to resolve disputes about rent increases.
Brunswick SLSC gears up for triathlon
September 9, 2011
The 7th annual Brunswick SLSC Triathlon is fast approaching.
As the athletes work on training regimes of varying intensity, the volunteers from the surf lifesaving club are working hard to ensure that this year’s triathlon will be better than ever.
Brunswick SLSC prides itself on keeping the event community and family friendly and many people have cut their teeth in this event and gained the confidence to have a go at larger and more physically demanding events.
Others are happy to participate in the Brunswick SLSC Triathlon as the pinnacle of their sporting career.
Participants can look forward to a 400m flat-water river swim followed by a 10km circuit around Brunswick Heads on their bicycle and finally a 4km run out to the sports oval and back, both without a hill in sight.
Far North Coast people asked to nominate their favourite lifesaver
August 24, 2011
As we prepare for summer and those lazy weekends spent at the beach with friends and family, spare a thought for those who make it all possible – the surf lifesavers who give up their time, and sometimes even risk their lives, to make our beaches safer, happier, family-friendly places.
Nikon Australia and Surf Life Saving are urging people on the Far North Coast to nominate a local surf lifesaver for a chance to be named the first ever Nikon Clubbie of the Year.
Vincent Quigley named Country rugby junior Player of the Year
August 13, 2011
On completion of the Under 17s City Country game, the NSW Country Junior Rugby Union 2011 Junior Cockatoo Player of the Year was announced. This year’s Player of the Year was awarded to Vincent Quigley.
Vincent (Vinnie) is from Far North Coast Junior Rugby Union and plays for his local club Brunswick Valley JRUFC.
Vincent has a had a great year this year representing the Junior Cockatoos, playing some fantastic rugby in Queensland at the Gold Coast Carnival and was a standout player in the City Country clash.
City Country Championships results:
SES members respond to requests from communities
June 13, 2011
As rain continues to fall in northern NSW, the SES has so far responded to more than 250 requests for assistance.
Most of the calls have been for leaking roofs and roof damage but there have been five flood rescues completed.
“With more weather on the way, it is really important that people stay out of floodwater.” Incident Controller Scott Hanckel said.
“If people come across a flooded road, we are urging that they turn around and find another route. It just isn’t worth the risk to people and their families.”
The Bureau of Meteorology has advised that further rain is predicted in the area and there are still four Flood Warnings, a Severe Weather Warning and a Flood Watch in place.
Bitou bush winter control program commences soon
June 1, 2011
To help restore native coastal vegetation, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is continuing control efforts to bring one of Australia’s worst coastal weeds, bitou bush, under control.
NPWS Pest Management Officer, Lisa Wellman, said bitou bush control is undertaken in accordance with the Bitou Bush Threat Abatement Plan, which outlines Statewide priorities, based on protecting endangered species and ecological communities such as grassy headlands and littoral rainforests.
B triples won’t travel Pacific Highway: Page
March 2, 2011
Ballina MP and Shadow Minister for North Coast Don Page says people who have concerns about B triples being allowed to travel the Pacific Highway should stop worrying.
“The Pacific Highway, with so much of it still single-lane each way, is in no way fit for B triples,” Mr Page said.
“The Liberal/National Coalition will simply not allow B triples on the Pacific Highway if we win government on 26th March 2011.
“We also have an assurance from Infrastructure Australia CEO Micheal Deegan that B triples will not be permitted on the Pacific Highway.
“Even when the highway is fully dual carriageway, there would still have to be a review to see whether the road meets the appropriate standards.
“More freight needs to go on rail. The Pacific Ocean could also be used as a freight corridor for faster, smaller ships carrying containers up and down the east coast of Australia.
“These other modes of transport can help ease the road freight task in a situation where the total freight requirement is forecast to double in the next decade or so.”
