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

Sunlight sparkles on the sea, where lazy swells gather momentum to form perfect waves before playing out onto the deserted shore.

A program called The Welcome Experience, which aims to ensure essential workers who move to the Northern Rivers establish meaningful connections and navigate their new communities has been boosted with a new 'Local Connector' position.

New flood mapping covering much of the Byron Shire could affect future development controls, with a major new study recommending that planning decisions be based on whichever flood source – river flooding or overland flow – produces the highest flood level.

On Sunday 26 July, from 11:30am for both lunch and dinner, Three Blue Ducks will celebrate Christmas in July...