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Byron Shire
March 28, 2024

Detection in Byron sewage and masks on when outdoors next week

Latest News

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.

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Roller derby rocks the Cavanbah Centre

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‘Smooth stroking’ Rainbow Dragons earn trophies

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Saddle Road group home DA decision this week

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Community grants on offer

Ingrained Foundation is running its fifth annual grants program, with a funding pool of $150,000.

NSW will introduce new rules from 12.01am Monday, 23 August – including mandatory mask wearing when outside your home, except while exercising, until 28 August in rural and regional areas.

Mask wearing will not apply to children.

If you are not wearing a mask the fine will be $1,000

Byron sewage detection

Although the Northern NSW Local Health District announced on social media this morning that fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been detected in the Byron Bay sewage treatment plant, Deputy Premier John Barilaro said he had no knowledge of that information in his daily regional update at 1pm.

Mr Barilaro said that such a detection was not too concerning at this stage. ‘Remembering that you (Byron Bay) had those three people that visited the area, there could be fragments leftover from that.

Mr Barilaro said that a positive sewage test was not enough, on its own, to extend a lockdown, and not enough to stop the area coming out of lockdown next weekend.

‘We’re not that trigger happy. You’d only put any area into lockdown if there is then also a confirmed case. If you lower the benchmark to lockdown off the back of a single detection, we would be locked down forever.

‘If a case has been active in the community and there are exposure sites, then that would lead to a decision for a lockdown.’

Mr Barilaro said that there was a possibility of LGAs within regions being open to each other.

‘I don’t want to keep areas locked down that have no cases, it’s that simple. It just is unfair, and it’s got to be measured against risk versus the mental well being of people being locked down, and the impact it has on long term impacts on businesses.

‘So hopefully we can open up regions, as long as you remain in those regions. Fingers crossed, I’m able to lift all the restrictions in regional rural New South Wales, and only keep those small number of LGAs locked down that are of concern, to give everybody freedom across the rest of the state.’

There were no new cases of COVID-19 reported today in Northern NSW.

NNSWLHD is urging people in the Byron Bay area to get tested if they have even mild symptoms.

 


Recent stories, information and updates regarding COVID-19

Fresh air federal funds for Northern Rivers schools in need

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COVID-19 pandemic has cut life expectancy globally

COVID-19 reversed earlier trends toward longer life expectancies. During the pandemic, life expectancies globally dropped by 1.6 years according to a new study published in the Lancet medical journal.

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COVID-19 update for New South Wales

Let’s not forget that Covid-19 is still a big issue in our community with 31,935 cases reported across Australia in the last week – an average of 4,562 cases per day.

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Five graphs you need to see before the Global Carbon Budget...

The Global Carbon Budget is about to be refreshed, giving the world a critical insight into how efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are (or are not) progressing.

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Public transport mask mandate to end

Masks will no longer be mandatory on public transport from tomorrow, Wednesday 21 September.

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NSW Police: be COVID-vigilant at Splendour in the Grass

SW Police are urging festival-goers at this weekend’s music festival to celebrate in a safe and responsible manner, whilst also being aware of COVID-Safety measures.

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COVID-19 update for the NNSWLHD – May 23

The Northern NSW Local Health District reports that to 4pm yesterday, Sunday May 22, there were 40 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with one of these in ICU.

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AEC says COVID voters can phone from home

The AEC says that voters who have recently tested positive for COVID-19 will be able to phone in their vote in the federal election.

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COVID-19 update: May 16

The Northern NSW Local Health District says that to 4pm yesterday, 15 May, 384 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the District, including 82 positive PCR tests and 302 positive rapid antigen tests.

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It’s National Volunteer Week

Volunteering Australia says volleys are the backbone of the country in times of crisis and emergency.

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Where should affordable housing go in Tweed Shire?

Should affordable and social housing in the Tweed Shire be tucked away in a few discreet corners? Perhaps it should be on the block next to where you live?

Making Lismore Showground accessible to everyone

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Iconic Lennox beach shed upgraded –  not demolished

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Govt cost-shifting ‘erodes financially sustainable local government’

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