Stop building on floodplains chorus growing
Rodney Stevens. The united chorus of ‘Stop building on Floodplains’ from federal and state leaders during the devastating and ongoing flooding in NSW during 2022 could reshape communities and country towns. Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt last week called for new laws to be introduced to stop homes being built on floodplains and other disaster-prone areas.
Visitor numbers to fly high at Clarenza
Emma Pritchard. The Grafton Model Aircraft Club is hosting its annual flying weekend on November 26 and 27, and they are cordially inviting Clarence Valley residents, and visitors in the region, to journey to the Tancreds Lane Flying Field at Clarenza, for two days of spectacular aerobatics and flying demonstrations. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn more about model aircrafts and get up close with some phenomenal displays...
Changing of the guard for NSW Sugar Milling Co-operative
The NSW Sugar Milling Co-operative, which is a 50% stakeholder in the Sunshine Sugar business, held its 44th Annual General Meeting for members last Friday. Good news for cane growers is that the Sunshine Sugar business continues to operate profitably, with the Refinery delivering valuable returns.
Gaol population used IPART rates calculation
Rodney Stevens. Clarence Valley ratepayers will see the third-highest increase in their rates in NSW of 5.4 per cent for the 2023-24 financial year due to the new Clarence Correctional Centre’s population of 1100 being factored into calculations, the Australian Bureau of Statistics has verified. At October’s Clarence Valley Council meeting during a Mayoral Minute by Ian Tiley, council papers stated Australian Bureau of Statistics population growth data, which is lagged by three years, was not an appropriate measure of population growth in the current year.
Yamba Rod Run hopes to be back in CBD
Rodney Stevens. Organisers of the Yamba Rod Run are already working to have their traditional Saturday Show and Shine held in the streets of the Yamba CBD after a misunderstanding with council saw this year’s event moved to Ford Park. Lew Falzon of Borderline Street Rodders said after a two-year Covid enforced hiatus, more than 400 vehicles, their owners and families were in town for the 29th Yamba Rod Run.
Local lifeguard Reece Dobbin best in Australia
Rodney Stevens. When you hit the Clarence Valley beaches this summer you can rest assured you are being watched by the best, after Recce Dobbin was awarded DHL Lifeguard of the Year at the Surf Life Saving Australia National Awards of Excellence ... Having saved the lives of more than 20 people during his life-saving career, Mr Dobbin said this wasn’t the first award he had received.
Council to apply to join NRJO
Rodney Stevens. Clarence Valley Council will reapply to join the region’s peak local government body, the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation ... Joint Organisations have legal powers to enable councils to work together at a regional level and with state agencies and other organisations to achieve better planning, economic development, and service delivery outcomes in regional NSW ... Currently the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation NRJO has the Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed NSW local government areas as full members.
Craig retires after 41 years as a paramedic
Rodney Stevens. Growing up as the son of a policeman, Craig Stalker almost followed in his father’s footsteps, but his decision to join Ambulance NSW as a paramedic saw him serve for 41 years around the state, culminating this week after 36 years stationed at Maclean ... Over four decades Mr Stalker said he attended hundreds of fatalities and serious crashes including the horrific Cowper bus crash in 1989.
