17.1 C
Byron Shire
July 15, 2026

Burns Point Ferry closes due to cyclone risk

Latest News

Renewables and battery storage stable amid global uncertainty

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, in partnership with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) today released the GenCost 2025–26 Final Report, finding renewable energy supported by storage is helping to protect Australia against global energy shocks and continues to provide the lowest cost pathway for Australia’s electricity system to achieve net zero emissions.

Other News

Gulgan Village meeting

I attended the Brunswick Progress Associations (BPA) meeting on 6/07/2026 at the CWA for a discussion on the impact...

‘All That’s Left of You’ coming to Murwillumbah

The intimate story of eight decades of Palestinian life is explored in the acclaimed new feature by Cherien Dabis, All That’s Left of You, screening at the Regent Cinema in Murwillumbah on Thursday, 16 July at 6pm.

Mammalian meat allergy and my heart valve replacement

Increasingly, people living in bush areas of the Shire are becoming aware of Mammalian Meat Allergy (MMA). Also known as alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), the disease is caused when a tick bites you and transfers a sugar called alpha-gal into your bloodstream.

Myocum Road road patching starts soon

Byron Council say they are about to start a major program of heavy patching on Myocum Road later this month.

Inaugural DINGO Music & Arts Festival to light up Bangalow in October

It is a fusion of local and international art, music, performance, food, and thought that will be coming to you in Bagalow as part of the inaugural DINGO Music & Arts Festival across four days from 8 to 11 October.

A place that has stayed

Byron Bay has always been a place that draws people in. Some come for a weekend, others for a season, and many end up staying for a lifetime.

Burns Point ferry, Ballina. Photo Ballina Council.

Due to the anticipated severe weather impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the Burns Point Ferry ceased operations yesterday (Tuesday), and will remain closed until further notice.

Ballina Shire Council says passenger and staff safety is their utmost priority.

‘It is essential to the close the ferry while this can be done safely before the expected severe winds and intense rainfall arrives. The ferry will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so,’ said a spokesperson.

‘Council appreciates the community’s patience and understanding during this time. As an alternate route, motorists should travel via the Pacific Highway and River Drive, Wardell.

For updates on the ferry status and other road closure information, visit www.livetraffic.com.

More stories about Ballina Shire Council:

Ballina king tide alert for 13–16 July

Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads.

Ballina Council finds savings in chairs

At its last meeting, as part of a long discussion about amendments to Ballina Council's delivery program and operational plan, there was a debate about whether Ballina Richmond Rotary Club should still be paid $8,000 to set up chairs for the RSL Lighthouse Day Club.

Tradie ladies graduate civil construction TAFE program

Twelve Northern Rivers residents are celebrating the completion of a groundbreaking program designed to build essential skills and unlock employment pathways for women in civil construction.

Ballina Council wrap

With local government meeting practice across the state returning to confusion following the NSW Legislative Council's recent decision, Ballina Shire Council's last meeting included a lot of unanimous decisions and an argument about the remnants of the Big Scrub, in which Mayor Cadwallader used her casting vote to squash Cr Simon Chate's motion.

Ballina Shire Council’s special rate variation approved

Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has approved Ballina Shire Council's application to increase its general income through a permanent special variation (SV) of 26.25% [in rates] over four years, from 2026-27 to 2029-30.



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Lismore Boulevard Project announced

Design concept plans for the Lismore Boulevard – Shared User Path project are now available for community consultation, following Lismore City Council securing $2,383,030 in funding through the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active 2025–2026 program, administered by Transport for NSW (TfNSW).

Community responds to detention dams proposal

More than 110 residents gathered at Rock Valley Hall on Sunday 12 July and rejected claims that the recently released CSIRO report on flood mitigation was informed by strong community consultation.

Data shows biggest danger to wildlife is people, not cats

Human-created hazards are responsible for most wildlife rescues in New South Wales, and researchers are calling for more prevention strategies to save threatened species.

Try pickleball and support a great cause

Northern Rivers Pickleball Club are holding a marathon day of pickleball on Sunday, 19 July at the Goonellabah Tennis and Pickleball Club on Reserve Street, Goonellabah.