Ballina, Lismore, Kyogle and Richmond Valley shires are set to benefit from seven weed biosecurity projects, which the NSW government says will support the protection of native vegetation and the enhancement of wildlife habitats at key environmental sites.

A major regional effort to manage a highly invasive weed has been completed across the Far North Coast, says Rous County Council (Rous), "marking an important step forward in protecting local agriculture and the environment".  

Water security in rural and regional NSW is in need of urgent investment of at least $1 billion in water infrastructure, according to the latest report by the state’s Auditor-General.

Mullumbimby will get its water in the future from the Rous regional supply, rather than the local Lavertys Gap Weir it has been using for the past 85 years, under a decision made by Byron councillors last week.

The consultant who advises both Byron Council and water utility Rous has defended accusations that they have a perceived non-pecuniary conflict of interest in undertaking work for multiple clients.

From this week, until the end of June, Byron Shire Council is seeking community input on staff’s proposal to connect Mullumbimby’s water to Rous County Council, which supplies other towns in Byron Shire, as well as three other neighbouring shires. 

WATER Northern Rivers Alliance says despite decades of objection, Rous County Council have just commissioned yet another heritage and biodiversity study in the Rocky Creek valley, between Dunoon and The Channon, in the heart of the Northern Rivers.

WATER Northern Rivers believes that water security for Byron lies in becoming more independent from Rous County Council, not less so.

Ballina shire councillors have agreed to assess potential sites for a natural burial ground, just weeks after Byron shire council staff reported issues with a proposed site.

Rous County Council (RCC) is responsible for our region’s future water security. Its lack of transparency, inability to communicate complex concepts with the community and its penchant for misusing/misrepresenting scientific and expert information make it unfit for that purpose.