11.5 C
Byron Shire
July 16, 2026

SES post-flood recovery begins across coastal NSW

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

Draft Bangalow Flood Study on public exhibition

A draft study examining flooding Bangalow is on exhibition by Byron Council.

Mullum community calls for car park DA issues to be addressed, not ignored

Residents packed the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club on Monday night to get an understanding of the changes, or lack thereof, to the 57 Station Street, Mullumbimby DA.

Tree lopping accident

Around 2.45pm, on Monday 13 July, a Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked by NSW Ambulance to a tree lopping accident near Grafton.

Byron Shire Rebels men’s XV vs Lismore on Ladies Day

The Rebels men’s XV made the trip to Lismore Rugby Park on Ladies Day and delivered a commanding 38-17 victory.

A hidden gem of culture and fun

With 73 films under their belts the Drill Hall Film Society are inviting you to come and see the next film they are showing – the 1971 classic and hilarious Harold and Maude.

Emergency 000

When I worked for Telecom, I often manned the 000 position when it was still a cord and plug...

While much of the state is still reeling after the recent flooding event, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is proactively working with the NSW Reconstruction Authority to facilitate a phased approach to recovery as clean-up and assessments continue across coastal NSW.

The NSW SES is coordinating the efforts of partner NSW and interstate emergency service agencies, the Australian Defence Force and locally mobilising community volunteers to undertake damage assessments and assist in clean-up activities across the impacted area.

Important to start recovery as soon as possible

NSW SES Assistant Commissioner, Colin Malone, said it is important to start the recovery process as soon as possible, where safe so affected communities get the support they need. ‘We have teams on the ground and are working closely with recovery partners to provide support and assistance through a range of measures over the coming days.

‘We are continuing to resupply isolated communities and we still have a few residual jobs to attend to, but with the assistance of our valued emergency service partners and community members mobilising to help we are working through them as quickly as possible.

Thanks to the volunteers

Assistant Commissioner Malone, said he wanted to thank local SES volunteers, who have left their families and workplaces to assist their communities. ‘Often this is while their own home was at risk of flooding. This event has proved to be a challenging few weeks for many communities across NSW.

‘I’d like to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of all personnel and volunteers involved in the relief and clean-up effort. Their dedication and collaboration spanning local, national, and international support is making a meaningful difference in helping communities recover and rebuild as quickly as possible.’

To date, more than 10,070 damage assessments have been completed covering a range of property types including residential, commercial, industrial, and outbuildings, with more than 1,100 buildings now deemed uninhabitable.

The total incidents across NSW during this weather event: 8,299 
Total flood rescues: 805
Total calls: 16,145
Incidents by zone:
Northern Zone: 6,303
Metro Zone: 1,159
South Eastern Zone: 382
North Eastern Zone: 293
Western Zone: 49
North Western Zone: 48
Southern Zone: 39

For individuals and communities seeking flood recovery information please visit: www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/floods/recover/flood-recovery-updates



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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.