About 11.30pm yesterday (Friday 3 September) an elderly lady was inside a caravan at the park in Ross Street when a male entered through a sliding door.

The male approached the woman who was sitting in a chair and indecently assaulted her.

She screamed and struggled and as a result the male ran from the scene. Nearby neighbours who were alerted by the woman’s screams immediately came to her aid.

Police attached to Richmond Local Area Command attended the scene and established a crime scene.

The woman was taken to Ballina Hospital suffering shock, however, she has since been released.

Police would like to speak to a male who may be able to assist with their inquiries. He was seen entering the caravan park via its boom gate entrance around 11.30pm yesterday wearing shorts and a light-coloured hooded jumper.

Anyone with any information about the incident or who witnessed anyone behaving suspiciously in the vicinity of Ross Street overnight is urged to contact Ballina detectives via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Officers attached to the Richmond LAC Drug Unit attended a home in Goonellabah at 6.30am and arrested a 44-year-old man. Police later returned to the house and also arrested the man’s 31-year-old female partner.

They were taken to Lismore Police Station and charged with drug-related offences, including knowingly take part in the supply of a prohibited drug and supply prohibited drug.

Officers also attended two homes in Casino and arrested a 32-year-old man and 50-year-old woman.

They were taken to Casino Police Station where they were charged with offences including supply prohibited drug and knowingly take part in the supply of a prohibited drug.

All four people will face court next month.

Today’s arrests are the culmination of a seven-month investigation codenamed Operation Redmahogany, which targeted amphetamine supply in the Richmond LAC.

In May this year Operation Redmahogany investigators arrested a 51-year-old Alstonville woman, a 48-year-old Rosebank man and a 29-year-old Alstonville man.

All three were charged with several drug-related offences including conspiracy to manufacture prohibited drug, supply and possess prohibited drug.

During the course of Operation Redmahogany officers seized a quantity of amphetamines and cannabis, including two kilograms of cannabis and cannabis plants.

Chemicals were also located at a Rosebank property and seized for further forensic analysis.

Operation Redmahogany is the latest of several investigations into drug trafficking conducted by Richmond LAC officers.

In June this year, drug investigation officers established Strike Force Jill to investigate the large commercial supply of cocaine and other prohibited drugs.

On July 21 this year, officers arrested a 28-year-old Israeli national at a Lennox Head Motel and, as a result of a search warrant, located a quantity of cash and 458grams of MDMA which has an estimated street value of $100,000.

Yesterday a 22-year-old Ballina woman was also arrested in connection with Strike Force Jill.

She was charged with 10 counts of knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime after she allegedly transferred almost $74,000 into overseas bank accounts.

On July 25 this year, investigators attached to Strike Force Tonkie arrested a 48-year-old man who had been wanted for failing to appear before Lismore Local Court on charges of supply and possess 4.6 kilograms of cannabis and 90 grams of amphetamine.

Strike Force Tonkie commenced in August 2007 and has resulted in the arrest of 27 people for a total of 65 charges, including 18 offences relating to the supply of large commercial quantities of prohibited drugs.

Richmond LAC Crime Manager Detective Inspector Greg Moore said police will continue to target anyone involved in the illicit drug trade.

“Police will not waver in their efforts to protect the community and rid our streets of drug dealers,” Det Insp Moore said.

“Those who continue to peddle drugs should be on notice that their activities will be detected; they will be arrested and will be put before the courts.

“The community and the police will continue to work together in this endeavour.”

Anyone with information on drug trafficking should contact Crime Stoppers on1800 333 000.

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The proposed name of the tourist drive is The Hinterland Way and early plans show it will take the route of what will be the old Pacific Highway when the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale upgrade of the Pacific Motorway is completed.

“I think this is an exciting tourism concept that will make the most of existing infrastructure when the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale upgrade of the highway is completed,” Mr Page said.

“Much of that stretch of what will be the old highway has spectacular views of the coast and hinterland and this lends itself to being promoted as a tourist drive.

“The Hinterland Way project will include a number of signs and information points promoting regional attractions including the villages of Newrybar and Bangalow.

“The Hinterland Way project will enhance existing tourism infrastructure and I am confident will become a stand-alone, low-cost, minimal impact tourist attraction.

“Importantly, much of the necessary infrastructure is already in place, so the cost of implementing The Hinterland Way will be negligible.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for tourism on the Far North Coast and it is supported by State and Federal politicians as well as the Ballina and Byron Shire Councils, chambers of commerce, tourist groups and Southern Cross University.

“I believe The Hinterland Way has the potential to become one of the great tourism drives in New South Wales and possibly Australia.

“This is a perfect opportunity for the NSW Government and the Roads and Traffic Authority to support a cost-effective tourism project on the Far North Coast.”

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Mr Griffin said Fair Trading was investigating reports of itinerant traders attempting to scam locals at Bangalow and possibly Lennox Head with cheap bitumen laying offers.

“Fair Trading has operational people in the field tracking the movements of these shonks,” he said.

“Bitumen bandits generally target older, vulnerable people in rural and regional areas and have been subject to ongoing Fair Trading investigations.”

Fair Trading issued warnings on bitumen bandits on four occasions last year and twice this year when they appeared on the South Coast and on the outskirts of south-western Sydney.

A group was caught operating in Taree, Old Bar and Tinonee in February last year. Three penalty notices worth $2250 were issued.

The bandits use a seemingly plausible reason to gain people’s confidence and in the worst cases, lie in wait for people to leave their homes.

They will often say they have leftover material from a local council job or Roads and Traffic Authority job and can do a good price.

They also ask for cash in hand and are known to keep a watch on homeowners to see when they leave their property. When they do, the bandits will turn up with a large group and start laying bitumen without consent.

Mr Griffin said bitumen bandits often attempted to bully residents into paying for substandard work.

“After completing the work, the bandits quickly leave the area and consumers are unable to contact them or obtain refunds or warranties,” he said.

Mr Griffin urged residents to contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20 if they have been approached by bitumen bandits.

“Wherever possible, get the car rego of the bandits and any other identifying information, such as contact details, including mobile phone numbers,” he said.

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Not only were many homes damaged, but some home owners had asbestos hazardous material blown into their properties from the tornado that ripped through parts of Lennox Head last Thursday morning, 3 June.

Mayor Phillip Silver said today: “We have received advice that the NSW State Government is going to offer assistance in the handling and disposal of the asbestos for properties that did not receive building damage but have been affected by asbestos being blown into their properties.”

Broadly, affected properties fall into one of three categories, and the handling and disposal of hazardous material will be dealt with as follows:

• Residents with insurance should contact their insurance company in the first instance to determine if their policy covers the removal and disposal of asbestos debris.
• Where insurance does not cover the removal and disposal of asbestos debris, residents should contact Ballina Shire Council on 6686 4444. Council will be reimbursed under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements for this cost.
• Uninsured residents with asbestos debris on their property should contact Ballina Shire Council on 6686 4444. Council will be reimbursed under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements for this cost.

“Asbestos debris should only be handled by licensed contractors who are equipped to handle and dispose of the material,” Cr Silver said.

“The Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements do not cover the removal of general debris, such as other building material and fallen branches and trees on private properties.

“However, council is waiving tip fees for affected residents. Residents needing this service must first show ID when disposing of storm debris at the Waste Management Centre.

“The full effects of the disaster are starting to be realised in the Lennox community, and a number of agencies are available to provide assistance and advice where needed. If you need help I urge you to contact these agencies.”

Lennox Head residents seeking support or advice on other services available can contact the following agencies:

• If requiring maintenance on tarps or other protection provided by SES phone 132 500.
• If uninsured and experiencing financial hardship, contact the Department of Community Services on 1800 018 144.
• If seeking emotional support and guidance, contact Mental Health on 1300 369 968.
• For general information and referral to other agencies, call into the drop-in centre at the Lennox Bowling Club in Stewart Street.

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Commonwealth assistance is being provided to New South Wales through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) and will apply to the natural disaster declared areas of Ballina and Byron shires.

Funding will include assistance for the restoration of essential public infrastructure and relief operations, including:

• Personal hardship and distress (PHD) grants to low-income earners whose principal residence has been damaged. Enquiries should be directed to the NSW Department of Community Services on 1800 018 444.
• Concessional loans of up to $130,000 for affected small businesses and primary producers. Enquiries should be directed to the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593;
• Concessional loans of up to $25,000 for voluntary and non-profit organisations. Enquiries should be directed to NSW Treasury on (02) 9228 5198;
• Road and rail freight subsidies of up to $15,000 to assist primary producers for the carriage of livestock and fodder. Enquiries should be directed to the NSW Industry and Investment office on 1800 814 647.

Mr McClelland said the Commonwealth, through Emergency Management Australia, will continue to work closely with New South Wales authorities, local government and community organisations to ensure that affected communities have all the support they need during this difficult period.

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The clean-up of the debris on public property will be undertaken by Ballina Council in the morning.

Any resident who has material on their property should contact their household insurer to arrange its safe removal.

Residents should remain mindful of the issues associated with asbestos.

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The SES said the tornado has cut a swathe of damage through parts of Lennox Head close to the beach with streets affected including Pacific Pde, Stewart St, Gibbon St and Ian Ave.

The SES has received in total 78 requests for assistance from Lennox Head of which most remain outstanding. Assistance is being provided to the SES by the Rural Fire Service and the NSW Fire Brigades and the NSW Police.

Approximately 12 properties have suffered very significant damage. These properties may be uninhabitable and may require engineering assessments.

An evacuation centre has been established by Community Services. This is located at the Bowling and Sports Club in Stewart Street.

The NSW Ambulance Service has advised that two persons were transported to hospital with minor injuries. There were earlier reports of one person missing, this person has since been located safe and well. The Ambulance Service has had three ambulances on standby.

Elsewhere, heavy rain in the hinterland behind Mullumbimby has resulted in some water across roads. The school at The Pocket is closed due to flooding of access roads. Heavy rain is expected to move slowly southwards today.

The SES has placed volunteers and staff on standby. Volunteers are ensuring that they are in full operational readiness for the forecast rain and possible flooding.

According to the Bureau of Meteorololgy, a trough lying off the New South Wales North Coast 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. 

A Severe Weather Warning has been issued for very heavy rain that is expected to cause flash flooding along the area of coast and adjacent ranges between about Yamba and Kempsey.

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There have been a number of persons injured and they are being treated by NSW Ambulance personnel.

Police ask all residents to stay away from the area as it is considered dangerous due to loose debris and power lines across roadways.

Police ask residents in northern NSW to take precautions and follow all storm warnings in the region.

Residents are asked 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).

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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.

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