!!!February 22, 2024
Locally owned and independent
The Northern Rivers Times
NEWS 41
Nature NSW applauds the protection of our oceans from offshore fossil fuel extraction The closure of the Flood Recovery Centre at Carrington Street on February 8 marks a significant milestone in Lismore’s recovery journey, following nearly two years of dedicated service in assisting the community after the devastating floods of February 2022. As the Recovery Centre concludes its operations, the NSW Reconstruction Authority will step in to provide ongoing flood-related assistance from the same location at 14 Carrington Street. Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg expressed gratitude for the Centre’s role in supporting floodaffected residents and
businesses throughout the Lismore LGA, emphasizing that its closure signifies progress towards recovery. Mayor Krieg acknowledged the invaluable contributions of staff, volunteers, and community members who supported the Centre’s operations, particularly during the challenging initial period following the disaster. The Centre offered essential services such as grant support, recovery assistance, emergency accommodation, and mental health services, playing a crucial role in aiding the community’s recovery process. With declining visitation rates
in recent months, it is evident that the Centre has fulfilled its mission of supporting Lismore residents and businesses. Initially located at Southern Cross University’s V Block, the Centre was relocated multiple times before settling at 14 Carrington Street within the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s offices in November 2023. Lismore City Council General Manager Jon Gibbons emphasized the collaborative effort between agencies and the dedication of staff and volunteers as key to the Centre’s success. One notable achievement of
the Centre was the distribution of over 1,729 GIVIT vouchers to address various community needs, including beds, white goods, and essential supplies like petrol and groceries. To further support residents, essential services are available, including the Disaster Response Legal Service, Uniting Recovery Support, Social Futures: Recovery Connect, Lismore and District Financial Counselling Service, and Head to Health, providing assistance and resources for ongoing recovery efforts.
RESILIENT LANDS PROGRAM TOO SLOW TOO SLOW
Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan (pictured) has said the Resilient Lands Program announcement today is “to slow for our community. Most families who were flooded have already made their decisions. They have sold and moved from the area. Or they have sold and bought another house, sometimes back in the flood area. Or they have renovated and are staying in their home.” “It will be 4 years post the disaster before
anyone is relocated and living on the land announced today. Releasing 400 blocks of land should be a yearly goal of councils and a normal course of business. Today’s announcement that 400 homes will be available 4 years after the event is not something we should be self-congratulating ourselves for. This is too slow for the families who were flooded 2 years ago,” said Mr Hogan.
Multiple Marine Rescue NSW Units Collaborate for Successful Rescue Mission off Cape Byron In a testament to the spirit of collaboration and professionalism, volunteers from Marine Rescue Brunswick, Point Danger, and the Port Macquarie radio hub joined forces overnight to execute a successful rescue operation. The mission involved aiding an 18-meter disabled motor cruiser carrying three individuals off Cape Byron. The sequence of events unfolded when Marine Rescue NSW radio operators at Port Macquarie received a distress call from the vessel, reporting mechanical issues and a complete loss of power. The incident occurred approximately three kilometres off Cape Byron around 7:15
Tuesday, February 6, 2024. Upon receiving the call for assistance, Marine Rescue Brunswick promptly mobilized a volunteer crew aboard Brunswick 30 to respond to the situation. BR 30 swiftly reached the distressed vessel, which was en route from Sydney to Queensland when it encountered mechanical failure. The crew of Brunswick 30 took the initiative to secure the disabled vessel and initiated a tow operation. However, due to the considerable size of the motor cruiser, Marine Rescue Point Danger Unit Commander Keith Smith explained that PD 31 was subsequently tasked to complete the mission.
“The vessel was too
Point Danger 31,
large to navigate into
manned by a dedicated
the Brunswick River,
crew of six volunteers,
necessitating a tow into
embarked on a journey
the Tweed River,” Unit
spanning approximately
Commander Smith
55 kilometres with
stated.
the disabled vessel in
tow. The operation commenced around 8 o’clock in the evening and concluded at approximately 5:30 in the morning, underscoring the unwavering commitment of the Marine Rescue team. “While the residents of Tweed and Gold Coast were sound asleep, our dedicated crew was out on the water, tirelessly ensuring the safety of fellow seafarers,” remarked Unit Commander Smith. He also acknowledged the vital support provided by watch officers from the Point Danger unit and radio operators at the Port Macquarie hub, emphasizing the seamless coordination and teamwork displayed
throughout the mission. Point Danger 31 not only executed the rescue operation with precision but also utilized the opportunity to engage in training activities. Two trainees were onboard, gaining invaluable reallife experience in marine rescue operations. Marine Rescue NSW, as a volunteer-based non-profit organization, remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard boaters and uphold the safety of coastal communities. The successful outcome of this collaborative effort serves as a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the organization’s volunteers.
