With half the Northern Rivers suddenly an expert on how water moves across the landscape, there will be a chance to hear from some real experts at the next Science in the Pub, to be held on Thursday 3 September at the Federal Hotel in Alstonville.

A major town rally for Bangalow is planned for Saturday, 19 September at 2pm as the next phase of action to have the Bowlo reopened and back in community hands.

With the absence of all four of its progressive councillors for various reasons, Ballina Council pushed ahead with its agenda at yesterday's monthly meeting, including a decision which is likely to close Ross Lane for months while the road is upgraded.

A $1 million CCTV network targeting crime hotspots and major roads in Ballina and Lennox Head is finally moving into the installation phase, following years of calls for greater surveillance across the shire.