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.
Shark bites surfer’s board – Yamba
December 12, 2011
A surfer had a close encounter with a shark at a beach off the Far North Coast on Sunday morning, December 11.
Police have been told that about 6am, two surfers were 150m off Back Beach at Angourie, 6km from Yamba, when one felt a bump on his board.
The 50-year-old man and his 33-year-old friend immediately returned to shore and found a large piece bitten out of the rear right side of the older man’s surfboard.
The man also suffered minor lacerations to his right thigh, which he treated himself at home.
National Parks and Wildlife, the Department of Primary Industry (Fisheries) and local life savers were advised of the incident and signs have been placed at entry to the beach.
Man charged over violent assault on toddler – Harwood Island
December 7, 2011
A man has been charged with assaulting a three-year-old boy near Maclean, on the state’s North Coast.
The 30-year-old man dropped the toddler off at his mother’s workplace on Harwood Island about 2pm yesterday (Tuesday 6 December 2011).
She immediately noticed bruising to her son’s head, face and neck area.
An ambulance was called to the scene when the child’s condition deteriorated.
He was taken by paramedics to Grafton Hospital for emergency treatment.
A Click in Time – Celebrating the Centenary of Australian Surfing Photography 1911 – 2011
November 28, 2011
With names like Blood and Guts, Shipsterns, Spooky’s and Pipeline, you would think these names are more associated with horror movies rather than four spectacular Australian surf breaks that are featured in the Centenary of Australian Surfing Photography Exhibition when it opens in Yamba next Saturday night.
After 18 months planning and research for the exhibition, 100 professional and amateur surfing photographs from every state and decade from 1911 showcase a diverse range of skill, content and creativity while at all times showing some technical merit.
Police investigate fatal crash – Chatsworth
November 11, 2011
Police are investigating a double fatal crash on the Far North Coast.
About 10.15am today (Friday 11 November 2011), a north-bound Range Rover was involved in an incident with a semi-trailer, and as a result spun around and ended up in the southbound lanes of the Pacific Highway, Chatsworth.
Pacific Highway closed near Yamba
November 11, 2011
An accident has closed the Pacific Highway at Chatsworth Road, near Yamba, and motorists are advised to expect significant delays.
Motorists are being advised by the RTA to detour through the Bruxner Highway and the Summerland Way.
The highway is closed in both directions.
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.
Police appeal for information after car fires – South Grafton
November 6, 2011
Police are appealing for information after two cars caught fire while parked at a club in the state’s north overnight
About 7.15pm yesterday (Saturday 5 November 2011), a green Ford Territory was parked at a club on Wharf Street at South Grafton.
Emergency services were called to the club about 9pm after reports of a vehicle on fire.
The fire spread to a Holden Cruze that was parked next to the Territory.
Jacaranda Festival shut down following brawl – Grafton
October 30, 2011
Police have arrested five youths following a large brawl which forced the closure of a street festival in Grafton last night.
About 9pm (Saturday 30 October), a brawl broke out between approximately 100 youths in Market Square and on Pound Street during the Jacaranda Festival.
The officers patrolling the area were able to break up the brawl without being injured, despite being faced with extremely violent behaviour.
Police will allege most of those involved in the brawl were intoxicated.
Fuel reduction burn in Bundjalung National Park
October 24, 2011
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is putting the final preparations in place for a fuel reduction burn to increase fire protection adjacent to Bundjalung National Park, between Evans Head and Iluka.
NPWS Richmond River Area Manager Mark Pittavino said that the burn, which is planned for Tuesday and Wednesday this week, will help to reduce risk to property and protect the natural and cultural values of the national park.
“The purpose of the burn is to provide fuel-reduced areas which will help to prevent the spread of wildfire,” Mr Pittavino said.
The burn will be in Bundjalung National Park (West) adjacent to the Pacific Highway, fifteen kilometres south of New Italy, to help reduce the spread of wildfire.
