Williamson Demands NSW Government Support Following Major Power Outage In Lower Richmond Valley

Nationals MP for Clarence, Richie Williamson, is demanding the NSW Premier extend support to businesses and residents in Coraki, Broadwater, Evans Head, Woodburn, and surrounding areas following a major power outage caused by a thunderstorm on Sunday, November 10.

Mr Williamson explained that the storm caused a lightning strike that severely damaged a critical 66kV power pole on Riverbank Road at Pimlico, leading to a blackout lasting over 24 hours and impacting approximately 3,900 customers.

“Essential Energy crews worked around the clock to restore power, and I commend their dedication in quickly addressing the damage and restoring electricity,”

Mr Williamson said.

“While Essential Energy has done an incredible job, this unplanned outage has hit local businesses hard, with many losing valuable trading days and stock—a setback they can ill afford as they continue recovering from the 2022 foods.”

In addition to writing to the Premier, Mr Williamson today tabled a Notice of Motion in the NSW Parliament formally calling on the government to provide fnancial assistance for the affected residents and businesses, similar to the recent support provided to those impacted by the Broken Hill outage.

“This situation is very similar to the outage in Broken Hill, and while the duration here was thankfully shorter, the impact on our local economy is signifcant,” Mr Williamson said.

“I urge the Premier to recognise the unique challenges facing these regional communities in my electorate and to provide the targeted assistance needed to help them get back on track.”

Handling Bats to Protect Yourself from Lyssavirus

ROBERT HEYWARD

Residents of Northern NSW are being urged to avoid handling or touching fying foxes and microbats to protect themselves against serious infections, including the Australian bat lyssavirus, which poses a signifcant health risk to humans.

What is Australian Bat Lyssavirus?

Australian bat lyssavirus can only be transmitted to humans through contact with the saliva of an infected fying fox or microbat.

Transmission occurs when saliva enters through:

• An open wound

• The eyes or mouth

Increased Risk in Spring and Summer

Robin Auld, Acting Director of North Coast Population and Public Health, cautioned residents to stay vigilant during spring and summer when fying foxes and microbats are most active.

“We often see an increase in people being scratched by bats during late spring,” Mr. Auld said. “If you encounter an injured or distressed bat, do not attempt to handle it yourself.”

What to Do if You’re Bitten or Scratched

If you are bitten or scratched by a fying fox or microbat:

1. Wash the wound immediately and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.

2. Apply an antisetic with antiviral properties.

3. Seek urgent medical attention to determine your risk and, if necessary, begin rabies post-exposure treatment. Early treatment is critical, as there is no effective treatment once symptoms of lyssavirus appear, and the disease is almost always fatal. Symptoms of Lyssavirus

Initial symptoms are fu-like and may include:

• Headache

• Fever

• Fatigue

The illness progresses rapidly to:

• Paralysis

• Delirium

• Convulsions

• Death

What to Do if You See a Bat

• Injured or distressed bats: Contact wildlife rescue organizations such as: o WIRES: 1300 094

737

• Dead bats in public areas: Notify your local council for proper disposal.

Protecting Yourself from Lyssavirus Overseas

Lyssaviruses, including rabies, are also present in some of Australia’s closest neighbours like Bali and Thailand. To protect yourself when traveling:

• Consult your doctor at least 1 month before departure about pretravel rabies vaccination.

• Avoid all contact with wild and domestic animals.

For More Information

• Contact North Coast Population and Public Health at 1300 066 055.

• Visit the NSW Health website for additional resources.

By staying vigilant and taking these precautions, you can help protect yourself and others from this serious health threat.

Leemo has views on just about anything”

SPEAKING with no THINKING.. Hmmm?

‘Leemo, I want you here NOW..gottit? I have a question for you that won’t wait.’ ( e old woman screech was ‘Mum Jane’.) It’s ‘Leemo Cat’ back. I steeled my psyche with my manly feline persona, & silkily slithered in (Rosary Beads in paw) to confront whatever was ahead of me from the silly old woman this time? Crikey, the VOICE started pronto. ‘Leemo, why did you assume the identity of a ‘thug-cat-bully’ and try to maul & scratch gentle ‘Dalmatian like’ oppy eared cross-eyed puppy called ‘Zenny’; you chased him all the way home 3 houses up whilst howling like a Banshee; he yelped & cried due to your ‘hot on his heels’ claws out pursuit?

OMG! Leemo, ‘Zenny’ simply came to our yard to say gidday, as he has done before with your AOK? So, please explain your behaviour. I’m embarrassed.’ Hmmm?

Pondering & deep thoughts urgently needed before I reply. Much later: ‘OK Mum, ‘YOU’ have a sign on the screen door of our house that says ‘ anks for calling but if my YELLOW door is closed, PLEASE DON’T DISTURB.’ So, in truth, I was having a ni y kitty heavenly dream and simply did NOT, like you, wish to be disturbed either. SO..when cross eyed ‘Zenny’ puppy gambolled in to our yard I did what YOU do! I indicated with a fur-raise, DO NOT DISTURB; but he just licked me anyhow. Aaargh! In the end, to convince him I was serious, I had to chase him home. GOTTIT?’

She spluttered noisily but a er a cup of tea calmed down. ‘Well, Leems, I respect you’ve made a point BUT you’ve missed the reality of this scenario. Firstly, ‘I’ do not sleep in our front yard. If I DID, I expect anyone calling in might be a tri e alarmed and call 000. YOU have many places to sleep; I suggest you nd another spot in future & you won’t be bothered. AND, Leems, you CAN respond in a nicer way to unexpected visitors arriving, be they puppies, kitties, bees, birdies, cows, snakes or humans. It’s called ‘Polite Tolerance’ Leems; go look it up, & we’ll talk.’ Ooooh, she is sooo vexatious. I slunk o for input from my buddies. ‘Pascalie’ reckons Mum Jane is a mega polite tolerant human ‘cos she puts up with YOU Leems.’ (‘Pascalie’ got a swi bi from meesie & told to shut-up.) ‘Brutus’ reckons Mum is an intolerant old woman and said ‘I’ deserve a bravery medal for living with HER! Brutus got a high-5!! Hmmm! is is NOT helping. I’ll address her with my renowned directness. ‘Right Mum, YOU tell me what I COULD have done when ‘Zenny’ puppy interrupted my reverie on the grass?’ I noted her confused visage. She spoke. ‘Hmmm, errr, ummm, well, I suggest Leems, you could have said this: ‘Purrsie & a hearty welcome you cross-eyed oppy eared huge puppy. Would you like a cup of tea with scones, jam & cream (CWA recipe) or would you, per chance, like to LICK my ears & annoy me?’ Good Lord. I was totally taken aback by her ridiculous advice. I have said before, Mum can talk a load of codswallop. ‘Mum, had I spoken those dumb words to ‘Zenny’ he probably would have run o in shock anyhow & I would not have had to chase him. So there!!’ Oooh, she glared angrily. Mum & myself are kinda not agreeing on stu right now but not to worry. All it takes is for me to stare at her adoringly, look pathetic, purr & suck-up a bit & all is back to normal. Nitey with smuggie purrsies. Leemo.