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.
Whale watchers’ photographs can help research project
July 21, 2010
Whale watch tour operators and passengers will have the chance to contribute to a Southern Cross University research project which aims to provide valuable new data on the migration of humpback whales along Australia’s east coast.
Peta Beeman, who is completing a Master of Marine Science and Management and is part of the University’s Marine Ecology Research Centre, is aiming to bring together photographs of individual whales from Victoria north to the Whitsunday Islands.
Major storm hits Lennox Head this morning
June 3, 2010
A major storm has hit Lennox Head this morning.
A number of homes have been destroyed, power lines are down and a number of caravans have been overturned at the Lennox Head Caravan Park.
The storm hit the township of Lennox Head around 7.30am today (Thursday 3 June).
Police urge all local residents to stay inside their homes and to contact the State Emergency Service should they require assistance on 132 500. In the case of emergencies call Triple Zero (000).
Pacific Parade, Lennox Head, has been closed to traffic and residents are asked to stay away from this area as power lines are down and are considered dangerous.
Further details with respect to evacuation centres will be supplied in due course.
The SES reports that, according to the Bureau of Meteorololgy, a trough lying off the New South Wales North Coast has deepened overnight, leading to the development off a low pressure centre off the coast.
Widespread showers and rain are expected over the north-east of the state during this time, with the chance of local thunderstorms.
Later today and on Friday the low is forecast to move slowly south, before moving away to the Tasman Sea on Saturday.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones, very heavy rainfall and flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Intense waterspouts near these thunderstorms may also produce destructives winds. Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Lennox Head, Byron Bay, Ballina, Brunswick Heads, and Evans Head.
New brand for Pacific Coast Touring Route
June 1, 2010
The Pacific Coast Touring Route has been rebranded The Legendary Pacific Coast through a new tourism initiative to promote the popular touring route along the Pacific Highway, between Sydney to Brisbane.
Collaboration between the tourism industry and four NSW regional tourism organisations, including Northern Rivers Tourism, along with $500,000 received through the Australian Government’s TQUAL Grants program, has provided the opportunity to develop the new brand and create new marketing opportunities.
“The brand repositions the section of the Pacific Highway between Sydney and Brisbane as a place where personal memories and legendary experiences are waiting to be created by today’s travellers. The Legendary Pacific Coast represents a touring destination that embraces the open road, the freedom and both the magnificent beaches and hinterland that lie to either side,” said the CEO of Northern Rivers Tourism, Russell Mills.
Reserves to be closed for Bitou Bush spraying
May 12, 2010
In a bid to bring one of Australia’s worst coastal weeds under control, Bitou Bush infestations in Brunswick Heads and Billinudgel nature reserves and Bundjalung National Park will be targeted this May and June.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Pest Management Officer Lisa Wellman said that this is the second year Brunswick and Billinudgel nature reserves have been targeted with aerial spraying, and the seventh year for Bundjalung National Park.
Wanted: Dolphin watchers for university project
May 2, 2010
People living along the coast between Coffs Harbour and the Gold Coast, and visitors to the coast, are being encouraged to report sightings of dolphins as part of an ongoing research project led by Southern Cross University.
A new online community Dolphin Sighting Network to monitor dolphin behaviour in the region stretching from Coffs Harbour to the Gold Coast has been set up as part of the University’s Dolphin Ecology and Acoustic Project.
A major response to Myna problem
April 24, 2010
Residents of Tweed and Byron shires have trapped more than 2000 feral Indian Myna birds in the past 20 months.
Myna Control Project Officer for the two councils, Pamela Gray, said the result was testament to the increasing trapping skills and dedication of the community.
Indian cycling squad based at Brunswick Heads in Commonwealth Games lead-up
March 19, 2010
The Indian Commonwealth Games cycling team is preparing for this year’s Games in Delhi by training from their base at Brunswick Head.
Ballina MP Don Page welcomed the Indian Commonwealth Games Cycling Team to the local area, saying”: “I have had the pleasure of meeting the Indian cycling team and coaching staff who are here to train in our beautiful region.
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New website lists road closure information
February 24, 2010
Motorists travelling in the Northern Rivers area now have ready, reliable access to roads information with the launch of a new website called RoadInfo www.myroadinfo.com.au
“This is especially important in times of emergency,” said Cr Jenny Dowell, president of the Northern Rivers Regional Organisation of Councils (NOROC).
“Although the new system will show roadworks and scheduled road closures on an everyday basis, it will come into its own during a flood or in other emergency event.
“It is the experience of most councils that the information people request most is ‘what roads are closed?’ and ‘how can I travel from A to B?’
Murwillumbah Street shows the way in Sustainable Street program
February 10, 2010
The Mayor of Tweed Shire Council has congratulated residents of a Murwillumbah street who have broken down barriers and improved community life through a groundbreaking project to improve sustainability at the grassroots level.
“The Sustainable Street program is a joint initiative of Tweed and Byron shire councils which aims to bring neighbours together for local environmental improvements,” Councillor Warren Polglase said.
“This project has been so successful that Tweed and Byron shire councils are now seeking more streets to take part.
“Tweed and Byron councils are pleased to announce that we have secured State Government funding through the Tweed-Byron Bush Futures Program to deliver the Sustainable Streets package to two streets in each shire in 2010.”
