Two men rescued after trawler capsizes – Tweed Heads
January 31, 2012
Two men had a lucky escape when their trawler capsized at the entrance of the Tweed River on Monday evening.
Emergency services were called to Duranbah Beach shortly after 5pm responding to reports that five flares had been activated from the 54ft timber trawler.
Police arrived to find two crewmen, aged 29 and 33, still on board but with the boat smashing against the rock wall.
The men jumped into the water and were assisted to shore by local surfers before being checked by NSW Ambulance Paramedics.
The younger man was taken to Tweed Heads Hospital with chest and shoulder injuries.
The vessel was unable to be retrieved.
Water supply restored to Tweed Shire
January 28, 2012
The Tweed’s water supply was restored at 9pm last night (27 January) with one pump now distributing water throughout the system.
While a ban on outdoor water usage has been lifted, Council encourages residents across the Tweed to continue to minimise water use as much as possible today to allow the system to recover.
Fatal crash – Broadwater
January 26, 2012
Police will prepare a report for the Coroner following a fatal single-vehicle crash at Broadwater, in the State’s north.
About 10am (Wednesday 25 January 2012), emergency services were called to the intersection of Evans Head Road and Broadwater Road after a Land Rover 4WD collided with a tree.
A 66-year-old woman, who was the front seat passenger, died at the scene.
The 37-year-old male driver was removed from the wreckage before being taken to Ballina Hospital for treatment. He was later transferred to Lismore Base Hospital where he is currently in a stable condition.
Officers attached to Richmond Local Area Command attended and are attempting to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or the events leading up to it, should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Public Information and Inquiry Centre open as a result of flooding
January 25, 2012
The Public Information and Inquiry Centre has been activated in support of the NSW State Emergency Service following severe weather and flooding on the State’s Far North Coast.
Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch, Deputy State Emergency Operations Controller, said the centre is staffed by emergency service workers and volunteers and is available to provide information to affected communities.
Tweed Shire Council services and roads affected by extreme weather
January 25, 2012
Extreme weather has forced the postponement of Tweed Shire Council’s official Australia Day ceremony at Tyalgum tomorrow, with a second citizenship ceremony planned for Tweed Heads also called off.
The majority of community events at towns and villages across the Tweed have been cancelled or postponed because of the rain and flooded roads.
Mayor of Tweed Councillor Barry Longland said it was unfortunate that events would not go ahead as planned tomorrow, but the safety of residents was paramount.
“It’s a great disappointment for all the volunteers from a variety of community organisations, including the Tweed Shire Australia Day Committee, who have worked tirelessly to organise these events,” Councillor Longland said.
Weather Situation Update for North Coast NSW
January 25, 2012
The State Emergency Service says that heavy rainfall is predicted to continue in the northern half of the Norther Rivers area over the next 24-48 hours.
With rainfalls of up to 200mm overnight, flooding continues across the area. Rainfall averaging 80-100mm is expected, with the potential for very heavy, localised falls up to 250mm in the Tweed area.
There is a high potential for flash flooding in the area and the Bureau of Meteorology has a Severe Weather Warning in place.
There are also eight Flood Warnings, a Flood Watch and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning in place. People in the affected areas are advised to check the Bureau of Meteorology’s website for updates on the warnings.
Opportunities to learn about the value of property and farm planning
January 22, 2012
The value of a farm or property plan will be explained to landowners in the Richmond catchment area at a special seminar coming up in March and in a special TAFE course sponsored by Richmond Landcare Inc (RLI), they will be able to prepare their own.
The Value of a Property Plan Seminar will be held on Tuesday March 27 at Wollongbar Agricultural Institute, and the TAFE course supported by RLI will begin on April 2.
“There are many advantages in having a property plan, whether you have a working farm or a lifestyle property and even if it is only a few hectares,” says Communications Officer for Richmond Landcare Inc, Neville Sloss.
“A property plan can make it more productive, more sustainable and contribute to the biodiversity of your region. The development of a land management or whole farm plan is an ideal way to identify issues, set priorities and plan how to address them on the property.”
Lismore, Grafton regional galleries to host touring exhibitions
January 22, 2012
Page MP Janelle Saffin has welcomed news that the Australian Government’s national touring program, Visions of Australia, and the Contemporary Touring Initiative is supporting exhibitions at Grafton and Lismore regional art galleries.
A tribute to Australia’s first expedition to Antarctica is just one of the arts and cultural exhibitions that will soon tour the Northern Rivers thanks to almost $1.7million in Australian Government funding announced by Arts Minister Simon Crean.
“As we commemorate 100 years since Sir Douglas Mawson’s expedition to Antarctica, we are fortunate that the Grafton Regional Gallery will be one of a select few Australia-wide to host Traversing Antarctica: The Australian Experience,” Ms Saffin said.
The exhibition is a collaboration between the National Archives and the Australian Antarctic Division, exploring 100 years of the Australian experience in Antarctica. The exhibition is scheduled to be presented in Grafton in June 2014.
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Man drowns in Richmond River – Ballina
January 22, 2012
Police from the Richmond Local Area Command are preparing a report for the coroner following the death of a man at Ballina yesterday.
About 4.30pm (Saturday 21 January 2012), a 35-year-old Korean National was swimming with three friends in the Richmond River at an area known as ‘The Spit’, near the Missingham Bridge.
Police were told all four swimmers were in up to their waists when all have come into difficulty.
A local surf instructor noticed the men and went into the river to assist, and managed to get three of the swimmers back to shore.
It was then noted that the 35-year-old man was still missing.
Police were called and a search for the man commenced utilising a jet boat rescue vessel and the Westpac Helicopter.
The man was pulled from the water unconscious and was unable to be revived.
Inquiries are continuing.
Police seize $7.5m worth of cannabis during Eradication Program
January 21, 2012
Police have seized $7.5 million worth of cannabis in Richmond Local Area Command during the second group of raids in the 2011-2012 Cannabis Eradication Program.
Strike Force Hyperion comprises detectives from the Drug Squad’s Cannabis Team, with assistance from the NSW Police Air Wing, Police Dog Unit, Radio Electronics Unit and officers from Richmond Local Area Command.
During the past week, Strike Force Hyperion officers targeted more than 60 cannabis crop sites throughout Richmond Local Area Command, including Kippenduff, Rappville, Clearfield, Busby Flat, Mummulgum, Bulldog, Drake, Nimbin, Blue Knob, Kyogle and Tabulam.
A total of 3734 plants were located and seized by police during the operation.
