Tweed Valley Weekly, November 21, 2024 by Tweed Valley Weekly

By Jonathon Howard

GRADUATING IN STYLE

Tweed’s weather outlook bleak for summer

By Jonathon Howard

THE LONG-RANGE forecast for the Tweed Shire is a mixed bag, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), who are warning residents to expect increased frequency and intensity of shortterm heavy rainfall which could lead to potential flooding.

It has been a wet year for the Tweed with weather stations recording above average rainfall across the region. Murwillumbah has already received 1706mm, almost 200mm above its average rainfall of 1520mm, while Kingscliff has received 1918mm (average 1779mm).

The Weekly put a range of questions to BOM to determine whether residents can expect another flood-prone summer.

Predicting a flood is not easy and a BOM spokesperson said it’s a mixed forecast for the Tweed Shire this summer with preparedness high on the agenda.

“While Northern NSW is expected to see above-average rainfall, the Tweed region is showing no clear signal for whether rainfall will be above or below average for the period from December 2024 to February 2025,” the spokesperson said.

“Typical for this time of year, the Tweed Shire can expect thunderstorms and intense localised rainfall. The average summer rainfall for the region is around 600mm, but during wetter years, this figure can surge past 1,200mm.”

The spokesperson said given current

conditions, soil moisture and streamflow levels are expected to be “above average in the November to January period”.

“As a result, the risk of flooding is likely to increase with heavy rainfall, especially in flood-prone areas,” the spokesperson said.

Be prepared

Residents in flood-prone areas being are urged to remain vigilant.

“Severe weather can develop quickly, and heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding,” the spokesperson told The Weekly.

“Now is the time to prepare your homes, review emergency plans, and create emergency kits.”

BOM issues flood watches up to four days in advance of expected flooding and more specific flood warnings as conditions become clearer.

For those living near rivers or coastal areas, BOM recommends creating a flood plan. Residents can find information on how to do this on the NSW SES website.

Climate change and flood risks

Looking further ahead, the Bureau’s State of the Climate 2024 report highlight ed a concerning trend: climate change is expected to increase the frequency and in tensity of short-term heavy rainfall events, heightening flood risks across the region.

Local flood risk information can be ac cessed through Tweed Shire Council’s flood reports and maps.

Stay informed

Residents are encouraged to regularly check the BOM website or download the BOM Weather app for updates on the lat est forecasts and warnings. The Bureau’s three-month long-range outlook is updated regularly and provides key guidance for temperature and rainfall expectations.

For detailed flood information, residents can also visit the NSW SES website and check out local flood maps from Tweed Shire Council.

Last store sale for 2024

By Brent Casey

IT WAS the last store sale for the year on Saturday, November 16, with approximately 350 head of cattle yarded mainly consisting of weaners once again, The market was stronger on the better-quality cattle with the plainer quality cattle still tougher to find markets. Few grower steers to quote but what was there sold from $3 per kilogram (/kg) to $3.42/kg to avgerage $3.20/kg.

Medium to light weight weaner steers sold from $3.20/kg to $4.30/kg to average $3.65/kg with plainer quality more from $2.50/kg to $3/kg

Medium to heavy weight steers were well

supplied with them selling from $2.90/kg to $4.38/kg to average $3.70/kg.

Heifer market remained a little patchy with the better quality selling quite well but unfortunately the plainer quality still pretty tough to move.

Medium to light weaner heifers sold from $2.50/kg to $3.20 to average $2.65/ kg.

The plainer quality heifers were back as low as $1.10/kg to $2/kg.

Medium to heavy heifers once again the better quality sold from $$2.52/kg to $3.15/kg to average $2.94/kg

Not enough cows and calves or PTIC cows to report on.

Our next sale will be held on Monday

the

For any inquiries or information please do not hesitate to contact

Council's 12 flood monitoring cameras are a great way to check roads and crossings

Flooding in Murwillumbah's main street

December 9 and that will be the last sale for Murwillumbah for the year.

myself Brent Casey on 0428 530 422.

Cattle prices have been strong in 2024

Disgraceful behaviour

Does your correspondent John Lee of You Have a Friend have any homeless people living with or near him?

As a disabled 74-year-old I recently had a homeless male threatening to “smash my f - - - ing teeth in” after I remonstrated with him for urinating in our fire escape exit at midday, just another example of the antisocial behaviour taking place.

Can he find any reason to justify this conduct?

David Nelson, Tweed Heads

Illegal camping and excessive campervans

Over the last couple of months, there has been a huge increase in illegal camping on Mooball Creek between Black Rocks bridge and Pottsville town.

Numerous campervans have set up camp, several have literally been in the same location for weeks at a time, taking the access points to the creek away from anyone else and taking limited car parking spaces for the public who would like to use the beach.

The number of campervans has steadily increased over the last few months, I have informed the council in writing but nothing is being done.

The way this is going, soon there will be nowhere for any locals to park to access the creek and beach as everywhere will be full of campervans.

Graham Avery, Pottsville Thoughts on pod village

Thank you for the opportunity to express my feelings about the Kingscliff Pod village at 99 Elrond Avenue.

I did help with flood relief in 2022 and am aware of the trauma that people suffered. I drive past the village daily and see how many of the homes have been made attractive.

Please show some empathy for the people who lost their homes and possessions. Is it considered responsible to see more people homeless?

Parkland — we are talking about a grassed area that was without any facilities where only very few people

walked their dogs.

Think of the huge cost of simply installing electricity, water, plumbing, et cetera, surely we should be looking to get the best value for all that expense. Whether it be for the present occupants, housing to assist health workers, or for others in need of accommodation.

I do understand it is frustrating to think that perhaps your home value is not now rising to the ridiculous prices of some in Kingscliff, but put that against not having a home at all.

Anna Newl, Kingscliff

Join us this Christmas

I recently discovered that the church where I am Minister, St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Murwillumbah, originally started at Tumbulgum 140 years ago. Certainly things have changed over the last 140 years. We are not in Tumbulgum anymore but in Wollumbin Street opposite KFC. The preacher does not travel on a horse but in an air-conditioned ute, praise God, and the sermons are not delivered in a nice tight Scottish accent but in a strong and perhaps not so nice Spanish accent.

So, we can say some things have changed over the last century, but not everything is different.

We are still gathering in our 100-year-old building, playing our 100-year-old remarkable pipe organ and using our nearly 100-year-old wooden pews (although it feels like it), and most importantly we are still preaching the same message: The message of ‘tangible hope.’

Murwillumbah Presbyterian Church preaches the good news of ‘tangible hope.’ If you want to know more about it, we are inviting you to our ‘Carols Under the Tree Night’ which will be held on Sunday, December 8, at 6pm on the church grounds. We will have kids craft, free sausage sizzle and obviously Christian carols. Come, join us, sing along, and know more about our unchangeable message of ‘tangible hope.’

Check The Weekly for more updates.

Diego Herrera, Murwillumbah, St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Minister

Murwillumbah Sporting Car Club Christmas party

Don’t forget MSCC Christmas party is on Friday, December 6, from 6pm at Condong Bowling Club.

All are welcome, family and friends, for a night of fun and laughter to be had, barefoot bowls are $5 per person, buy your own food and drinks, see you all there. Our last club meeting for the year will be Thursday, December 12, at 6pm at Condong Bowling Club.

Thank you

Jodie Campbell, Murwillumbah, MSCC secretary

Trump listened to the people

I would like to correct T Sharples in his letter contribution to The Weekly on November 14.

It was the Democrats (Harris and Biden) who recently enacted ‘deploying the US military against anyone who protests against the will of president’ and not the Trump administration. The Democrats have been ranting about what they are going to do for the past three-and-a-half years and painting the world a rainbow, they could simply have actioned their pre-election promises.

The timeline has been realigned with the assassination attempts on Trump. DT (Donald Trump) listened to the people and their concerns regarding the current state of the world. It was a simple victory for him and he didn’t need the endorsements of celebrities, actors, pop stars and sportspeople. It was a very easy win in my opinion.

I am really looking forward to the January 20 inauguration as Trump will be releasing the 9/11, JFK files and also the names on the Epstein and P Diddy guest lists.

Something that also needs to be done here in Australia regarding

the 28 names that were mentioned and suppressed at the Woods royal commission. I’m all for freedom of speech, clearing out the closet, having the rats leave the sinking ship they created and the taxpayer to deal with the repercussions. Common sense is prevailing.

Adrian Sisaric, Smiths Creek Public schools essential Murwillumbah Public School was established 150 years ago, the beginning of public education in the town.

In the 19th century our forebears realised the importance of ensuring that children became educated so that they could contribute more to society and improve their well being.

Schools like Murwillumbah Public School were free and secular so that children both rich or poor, religious or non religious could attend.

Now in the 21st century it is even more important that all our children receive the best education possible given the complexities of today’s world. The possibility of receiving a good education should not be dependent on the wealth of the children’s parents but must be available to all no matter their circumstances. That’s why public education is so important.

Public schools enroll the majority of students from low socio economic backgrounds, from non English speaking backgrounds, from first nations people backgrounds and children who have a disability. Public Schools also enroll the majority of children from rural and regional areas. Therefore governments have the responsibility to ensure that all our public schools are properly funded and staffed in order to cater for such a wide range of student needs.

Christiaan Goudkamp, Murwillumbah

Beef industry in crisis

Over the last decade beef producers in the Tweed and Byron areas have been faced with a number of significant bio security issues simultaneously, challenging the viability of even

the biggest and best producers on the far north coast. A noticeable escalation in cattle tick infestations and tick fever deaths, along with the rapid spread of giant devils fig, pasture die back, giant parramatta grass, buffalo fly pressure have most operations very challenged to remain viable. Some local beef industry leaders are reporting cattle tick infestations as high as one in every four properties. With these challenges controlling pests and being good and active custodians of land and livestock is paramount, regardless of the size of the property or number of livestock. One land holder, even small, who does not manage ticks or weeds well can bring down the whole district, then possibly the whole local industry. While horses aren’t susceptible, they are known to carry cattle ticks. Horse owners need to be diligent especially when returning from SE QLD.

Wild deer are also hosts and carriers, with reports of increasing local numbers. Small land holders are required to follow the animal husbandry and tick management protocols set by DPI NSW. Checking stock thoroughly for ticks before transport between farms is critical. Information on ticks is available from NSW DPI web page. It is important livestock owners know what to look for, and the protocols set for tick control. Local leaders in the beef industry say they have never seen cattle tick infestations at current levels. Please spread the word and help each other help the industry.

Craig Huf, Chair of Far North Coast Branch NSW Farmers

Please note the views on the letters page are those of the letter writer and not of the Tweed V alley Weekly. Letters must include a suburb and contact number for verification. Letters may be edited for length or legal reasons. Send your letters to editor@theweekly.net.au or phone: ( 02) 6672 4443

Three petitions to council

By Jonathon Howard

COUNCILLORS ARE set to discuss three petitions during their monthly meeting on Thursday, November 21, with passionate locals voicing strong concerns on a variety of pressing issues.

The three petitions cover a range of topics, from the burial of a whale on the Tweed coast, to the future of the Norries Headland car park, and safety issues at Hastings Point.

Whale burial at Pottsville Beach petition

A petition with 21 valid signatures was received by council on November 4 and is calling for an urgent investigation into the decision-making process surrounding the burial of a juvenile humpback whale at Pottsville Beach, approximately 900 meters south of Black Rocks.

The petitioners, citing environmental and safety concerns, demand answers from both Tweed Shire Council and National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS).

The petition questions why the deceased whale, which was moved 200 meters from its initial location, could not have been transported a further 700 meters to a more suitable disposal site at South Black Rocks, an area accessible by heavy equipment.

Additionally, the petitioners highlight the NSW Department of Environment & Heritage’s position statement, which discourages the burial of whales in urban or high-traffic areas like Pottsville Beach. The petitioners are calling for a new council policy to permanently remove and dispose of dead whales off the beach, ensuring that future incidents are handled more effectively.

It is interesting to note that Mayor

Chris Cherry will raise a motion during council’s monthly meeting this week to discuss the burial of deceased marine animals with a view to developing a policy in consultation with the Tweed Shire community.

Save Norries Headland petition

In the largest petition this month with 1,699 signatories (1,014 valid), some residents are pushing back against Tweed Shire Council’s proposed Norries Headland Masterplan, which includes plans to close the popular headland car park.

The petition argues that the car park is crucial for providing access to the area, particularly for seniors, parents with young children, and anyone seeking the mental health benefits of the stunning coastal views known as “blue space”.

The petitioners claim that the proposed changes would destroy the character of the headland and waste taxpayers’ money.

They are urging council to scrap the current plan and preserve the accessible car park, advocating for a solution that maintains the blue space and ensures Norries Headland remains accessible

for future generations.

They specifically call on Tweed Shire councillors to support Councillor Reece Byrnes, who has expressed opposition to the masterplan.

Hastings Point residents petition for action on Creek Street Reserve safety

A third petition, received on October 31, has garnered 46 signatories (45 valid), with residents of Hastings Point calling for the reinstatement of a barrier at the end of Creek Street to prevent illegal vehicle access to the Creek Street Reserve.

The petitioners highlight safety concerns, including incidents of illegal camping, hooning, and aggressive behavior by individuals accessing the reserve. They also note the damage caused to the track, including large potholes, which pose a hazard to vehicles and contribute to further erosion. Residents are concerned about fire risks, health hazards from stagnant water and mosquitoes, and general safety issues related to the illegal activities.

The petitioners are requesting that Tweed Shire Council restore the barrier to prevent unauthorised access, allowing only council, fire, and police vehicles to enter the reserve area. The safety and security of residents in the nearby North Star Resort community, who have expressed concerns over the escalating issues, are a key point of emphasis in the petition.

The three petitions are now under review by Tweed Shire councillors, who will discuss them at this week’s council meeting.

As the petitions continue to gather attention, The Weekly would like to hear your thoughts on these matters. Please send your thoughts and letters via email: editor@theweekly.net.au

Axed arts degrees outrage

By Jo Kennett

STUDENTS AT Southern Cross University (SCU) have launched a petition after staff and students were left stunned by a decision to axe all creative arts degrees, with ten teachers set to lose their jobs.

Students received an email on October 29 saying due to declining demand, “the University has made the difficult decision to stop new student intakes into this course from 2025 onwards,” adding students could complete their courses “targeting a completion of teach-out by the end of 2028.”

SCU will no longer offer a standalone Bachelor of Arts, or degrees in contemporary music, art and design, or digital media.

SCU Vice Chancellor Tyrone Carlin cited declining demand for creative arts courses, something students who launched the petition to ‘Save our BAD’ don’t believe.

Online creative arts degrees are also being axed, and from 2025, the university will only offer a Bachelor of Arts as a double degree with a Bachelor of Education.

Kingscliff’s Rebecca Lavery is a final year student of a Bachelor of Art and Design and says she is devastated by the decision. She is part of Save our BAD, and has petitioned SCU to reverse the decision and Education Minister Jason Clare and Arts Minister Tony Burke to increase funding and protection for the arts.

“As a teen mum in 1996, my dreams of becoming a graphic designer were put on hold, and now, at this point in my life, I finally have the opportunity to pursue them,” she said.

“Travelling to Brisbane or Sydney isn’t a realistic option for me and my family,

and I truly love living here — I don’t want to leave.

“With this qualification, I aim to pursue postgraduate studies, specifically a higher degree by research that focuses on creative practice-based research methods.”

Ms Lavery was hoping to undertake her Masters degree at SCU and was also looking forward to taking part in international exchange programs. Many say the axing will lead to skills shortages across the sector.

Board member of the Australian Council of University Art & Design Schools, Associate Professor Charles Robb, said the closure signalled “a national crisis in arts education.”

“This isn’t about natural market forces — it’s the direct result of misguided policies

that fail to recognise how the arts enrich our society through cultural, social and personal contributions — as well as their economic ones,” Associate Professor Robb said.

ABC journalist, presenter of The Art Show, and First Nations Writer-in-Residence at the University of Cambridge, Daniel Browning, said the decision to axe the degree was “short-sighted and mean-spirited, and will have a mortifying effect on the vibrant arts ecology of the Northern Rivers.”

“I personally deplore this decision, which has stunned staff, students, and the public,” the former Fingal Head resident said.

“Just because you can’t measure the change-making and culture-shifting the arts delivers to our communities in a spreadsheet does not mean it is not fulfilling its purpose, stimulating human creativity and the collective imagination in ways that are fundamental to who we are.”

Vice Chancellor Carlin, chair of the Regional Universities Network, warned in June the international student cap had seen international student numbers plummet, affecting funding. While Deputy Vice Chancellor at Sydney University, Professor Carlin was also briefly president of the scandal-plagued CPA Australia (Certified Practising Accountants), resigning after members wrote to the university concerned about the lack of transparency over finances and remuneration of CPA board members. He was then demoted to lecturer for exceeding secondary employment earnings limits against university policy, before being hired by SCU. www.change.org/p/save-our-bachelor-ofart-and-design-southern-cross-universitylismore-from-being-axed

Plaque thief jailed

By Jo Kennett

A MAN who pleaded guilty to stealing more than 100 copper memorial plaques from a cemetery in Tweed Heads South has been sentenced to 16 months in prison.

Michael Bennett Gardner was charged with stealing 103 plaques from gravestones at a cemetery on Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads South, on August 20, malicious damage and possessing a prohibited drug after his arrest in Murwillumbah on August 30.

A groundsman at the Tweed Heads Lawn and General Cemetery found the plaques piled up and hidden behind concrete barriers on the outer perimeter of the grounds, however many were damaged.

The theft caused outrage across the community with Tweed-Byron Police District Crime Manager, Acting Inspector Russell Ewing, saying they had hurt local families still grieving loved ones.

“Stealing from a cemetery is not only a deeply disrespectful act, but is also incredibly hurtful to the families and friends who have lost loved ones,” A/ Insp Ewing said.

“These plaques represent the memories of those who have passed, and their theft is a callous violation of a sacred space.”

Tweed Shire Council hopes to have all 103 memorial plaques repaired and replaced before Christmas, at a cost of about $20,000.

Southern Cross University Vice Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin

103 plaques were stolen from the Tweed Heads Lawn and General Cemetery

Justine Elliot and Anthony Albanese

CHILDCARE CHEAPER

A 15% pay rise for early learning educators

$641,000 to help three local childcare services stay open

Support for early childhood teaching students to go on prac

Justine and the Goodstart Early Learning Tweed Heads workers giving a thumbs up for the 15% pay rise for child care workers. AND LABOR IS ALSO DELIVERING:

Authorised J. Elliot, ALP, Tweed Heads South

Leaving school and looking for an apprenticeship or traineeship?

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Find out more

Kickstart your career with a local council

Want to do something valuable for your community while being paid to learn?

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Don’t wait! Take the first step and learn more at olg.nsw.gov.au/apprentice-trainee

By Jonathon Howard

AN ALL-NEW ticketing system for on-the-spot parking fines is expected to be introduced across the Tweed Shire in the first quarter of 2025.

The new system will remove ticketless parking fines following the Minns Labor Government’s successful reform of the system which now requires on-the-spot notifications.

The changes bring to an end the ticketless system introduced by the previous Liberal-National government in 2020.

Under the ticketless system, instead of having the infringement notice left on the vehicle, the fine was sent by post, sometimes not being received until weeks after the incident.

Tweed Shire Council’s Director Sustainable Communities And Environment Naomi Searle said council is continuing work on plans to introduce a new ticketing system to enable a return to on-the-spot issue of parking fines in accordance with the NSW Government’s recent mandate to ban ticketless fines.

“Our IT team is currently working with a new provider on their proposed solution to ensure integration with council’s existing systems,” she told The Weekly.

“The new system is expected to be implemented and operational in the first quarter of 2025.”

Ms Searle noted the Minns government’s media release around the Fines Amendment (Parking Fines) Bill 2024, which was passed by the NSW Parliament on Wednesday, November 13.

“The bill still needs to be ratified and then councils will be given some time to comply with the implementation,” she said.

Once ratified, the Fines Amendment (Parking Fines) Bill 2024 required councils to attach an on-the-spot notification to the vehicle, requires councils to take photos of offences and make them available for Revenue NSW to provide to drivers.

The new bill also provides limited exceptions where an on-the-spot notification is not required, for example where it may be unsafe or hazardous for a ranger to do so, invalidating ‘repeat’ ticketless parking fines, where drivers can be fined multiple times for the same offence before they even become aware of the first infringement and finally introducing data reporting rules to evaluate if further reforms are necessary.

NSW Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said the community feedback on this issue has been clear, and dates all the way back to when ticketless parking was first introduced in 2020.

“No one likes getting a parking fine. Finding out about it two weeks later stings even more,” Ms Houssos said.

“I want to thank the councils which have already started issuing on-the-spot notifications again. There is nothing stopping other councils from joining them. It is clearly in the interest of drivers and the community.”

According to data from the NSW Government, Tweed Shire Council issued 473 parking fines in 2023 at a cost to motorists of $67,351. YOUR THOUGHTS: Have you received parking fines recently? Would you welcome the return of a printed parking fine? Send your thoughts and letters via email: editor@theweekly.net.au

Calls for weekly red bin

By Jonathon Howard

WOULD YOU welcome a weekly red bin collection at your property in time for the summer and Christmas season?

That’s exactly what Tweed Shire councillor Kimberly Hone is calling for in her latest motion set for a vote during council’s monthly meeting on Thursday, November 21.

The new councillor may hit a few roadblocks as council officers have instead recommended residents purchase a larger red bin to cope with increasing waste at an extra $63.30 per year.

“I don’t think that certain residents should be paying for services that other residents are already receiving, that being red bin collections every week,” Cr Hone told The Weekly.

Cr Hone highlighted that some Tweed suburbs are already receiving a weekly red bin collection, whilst other were fortnightly.

Several residents told The Weekly their red bin is “overflowing” with waste every fortnight and many would “welcome a weekly red bin

“Therefore, these bins are filling up quickly and I’m seeking a council report on how to address this issue as we are coming into the summer months and flies and other pests are contaminating the red bins,” she said.

Cr Hone’s recommendation is that council presents a report on opportunities to have the red bins picked up on a weekly basis for all suburbs.

“This will ultimately reduce the number of unrecyclable materials ending up in the green organics bin,” she said.

Under the current model, many Tweed residents have their red and yellow bins collected fortnightly while the green bin for organic waste is weekly.

In response, council officers said they do not believe a red bin report is required to switch to a weekly red bin collection, citing several concerns.

Staff said the current waste contract, expiring in eight years, does not include such a review due to financial and environmental impacts.

Cr Hone said because of mental regulations more waste materials need to go in the red bin each

They said increasing the red bin collection would also conflict with council’s goal to divert waste from landfill and meet state government targets under the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act (2001), potentially harming the environment.

Costs were also flagged as a major hindrance, with a weekly red bin collection likely to raise costs by $90 per household annually and require a contract amendment.

“Council’s zero-waste policy aligns better with maintaining the current system,” the report stated.

Instead, council officers recommended aiming for a 70 per cent waste diversion rate by 2030 and notes that residents can upgrade to a larger bin for $63.30 annually.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Would you welcome a weekly red bin collection? Send us your thoughts and letters via email: editor@theweekly.net.au

Hone

‘Lives at stake’ in tobacco wars

By Jo Kennett

NSW POLICE say ram raids in Tweed Heads and Ballina, where assailants allegedly drove at a witness and ran over his foot after setting a building alight, were linked and part of a na tion-wide illicit tobacco turf war by organised crime gangs.

Police believe Queensland crime gangs were involved in two attacks on a Tweed Heads to bacconist, and one at Ballina, using “traditional standover tactics” to try to get shop owners to either sell their illegal tobacco, pay up, or suffer the consequences.

NSW Police Financial Crime Squad Detec tive Superintendent Gordon Abinja said at a Sydney press conference last week that “lives are at stake.”

Early on September 22, a Toyota Corolla se dan, allegedly stolen from Queensland, reversed through the front window of a tobacco store on Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads.

Police have released CCTV footage in the hope that the public can help out which shows two men entering the shop. One starts smashing all the glass display cabinets with a hammer, while the other grabs a handful of products, before they flee.

A month later, on October 22, they returned and tried to set fire to the store.

“Police allege the same people returned to that shop however there were bollards installed in front of that shop and they targeted a neighbouring business,” Supt Abinja said.

“An MG SUV was driven into that neighbouring business. There was an accelerant used; however it failed to ignite simply because the lighter didn’t work.”

The following day, October 23, police allege the same people used a Mercedes sedan and drove into a tobacconist in Ballina completely destroying that business by setting fire to the vehicle”

“The residential premises above were completely destroyed as were commercial properties next to the tobacconists,” Supt Abinja said.

Supt Abinja said police initiated Strike Force Albany because they believe all three incidents are linked and are searching for a black BMW sedan in relation to the crimes.

“Police believe that these arson attacks are in relation to organised crime groups targeting other businesses and standing over them in relation to the sale of illicit tobacco,” he said.

“Police believe the illicit tobacco is being manufactured overseas. The sale of illicit tobacco is very lucrative because they are avoiding excise tax” adding it was “very cheap for consumers.”

Supt Abinja said a witness was taking photos of the car in the Ballina arson attack when “he was targeted.”

“We allege the driver of that BMW tried to run over that person and when he made evasive

action it still ran over his foot,” he said.

“So far in NSW we have had 14 arson attacks (related to tobacconists), Queensland has had 30, Victoria has had 130, Western Australia has had eight and South Australia has had 12, so it’s an extensive problem nationally.

“I take this very seriously, especially when people’s properties and lives are at stake. At the moment we are working closely with Queensland Police because this sort of activity seems to have no borders.”

Supt Abinja said if anyone witnesses similar incidents they should contact police.

Anyone with information about any of the incidents here are urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

Police are searching for this black BMW

THE FAMILY of League, formerly known as The Men of League, is holding their major fundraising lunch for charity with a cavalcade of sporting and music greats with stories to tell, and plenty of fantastic entertainment at the Coolangatta Hotel on Friday, November 29.

Now in its 20th Year, The Tweed Committee of the Family of League lunch features special guests including rugby league’s 14th Immortal, the great Ron Coote AM and NRL Hall of Famer, Bob McCarthy MBE. Bob McCarthy was the Tweed Seagulls’ first coach when they entered the NSW Competition in the mid-1980s.

They also have a great list of guest speakers, including two times Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Peter Cook, former champion player and radio announcer Scott Sattler, former world top five golfer Rodger Davis, Preston Campbell and one of Australia’s best stand-up comedians, Paul Martell.

Also in the room will be a cavalcade of former players, internationals, coaches and music legends including Ken Arthurson AM, John Brass, Fred Teasdell, Mark Wakefield, Keith

Family of League charity gala

Harris, Nik Kosef, Brent Kite, Matt Seers, John ‘Pogo’ Morgan, former Australian coaches Frank Stanton and Chris Anderson, Digger Revell and Jane Scali and others, while the MCs will be Steve ‘Chimes’ Gillis and Neale Pringle.

The Family of League is a not-for-profit registered charity, mainly run by volunteers, which provides financial and emotional support for men, women and children involved in the game of rugby league, who may have fallen on hard times.

More than 70 per cent of all monies disbursed by the charity goes to women and children.

Tickets to this not-to-be-missed event are $150 each or $1,400 for a table of 10 and includes and two course lunch and a three-hour drinks package and can be purchased via the QR Code or at www.thecoolyhotel.com.au (look under Live Music)

The Family of League Lunch: The Band Room, Coolangatta Hotel on Friday, November 29.

Enquiries can be made with the Tweed committee’s president Stephen Sim on 0419 275 275.

Sacred Heart Catholic Parish Murwillumbah invites you to our

CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL & NATIVITY TABLEAU

- the story of the birth of JesusSaturday 30 November 2024

From 4.00 pm

Mt St Patrick School Grounds & Gilbey Centre

- Parking available on grounds

- enter from Mooball Street -

• Well stocked traditional fete stalls

• Chocolate Wheels

• Children’s activities and games

• Food and refreshments

At 7:00 pm

The story of Jesus’ birth enacted on stage in Tableau form with narration, choir, band, glow candles and carols.

FREE ADMISSION

All welcome to this memorable Christmas celebration for all the family.

SERVICES:

• Medical Services

• Women’s Health

• Allied Health

• Skin Check

• Travel Vaccines

• Senior’s Care

• On-Site Chemist

• On-Site Pathology

Sporting legends coming to the Coolangatta Hotel: Ron Coote, Rodger Davis and Preston Campbell

Tweed Link

Jack Evans Boat Harbour is crowned a winner

Tweed Shire Council has been crowned winner of the NSW Government Council Crown Land Management Excellence Award for its upgrade of Jack Evans Boat Harbour at Tweed Heads.

The revitalised facilities were officially opened earlier this year with improved swimming access and youth recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to the Tweed’s premier public park.

Council was congratulated at the 2024 Community Achievement Awards for NSW and the ACT on Friday 1 November for creating an inclusive urban parkland that serves as a gathering place for families, fostering fun and promoting opportunities for people to be active and healthy.

Council was further praised for its commitment to community engagement in designing a space that

Tweed residents can enjoy now and into the future.

The recognition reflects the collaborative spirit of all those involved in the design, construction and management of the revitalised park, which has become a popular spot for swimming and relaxed recreation.

Over the past 2 years, the precinct has seen several important revitalisation projects including a regional inclusive playspace known as Goorimahbah Place of Stories, dedicated youth recreation area including a half-basketball court and skate area, upgraded swimming area including shade structures and accessible picnic facilities, improved landscaping and public art.

Find out more about the project at yoursaytweed.com.au/goorimahbah

Funding for regenerative farming program

In a win for Tweed’s agricultural community, a tailored agribusiness training program will be rolled out for farmers in 2025.

Council was awarded $60,000 last month to deliver the training as part of the NSW Environmental Trust’s Environmental Education Program.

The project aims to empower farmers with business skills which help them adopt more regenerative farming practices such as managed grazing, agroforestry, cover cropping and the use of organic amendments like compost.

Council’s Program Leader Sustainable Agriculture Eli Szandala said the grant presents a great opportunity for Tweed’s agricultural community.

“We often hear the old adage – it’s hard to be green when you’re in the red, meaning it’s hard to invest

in environmental improvements when you’re not generating much revenue,” Mr Szandala said.

“This project will improve profitability and nature outcomes on farms by filling gaps in business training needs.”

Local farmers and agribusinesses are invited to a launch event at Earth Beer Brewery at Cudgen on Friday 6 December 2024, from 10 am to 1 pm to help tailor the training program to suit your farming needs.

Registration is essential.Book your spot at events. humanitix.com/profitable-regenerative-farming or contact Council’s Program Leader Sustainable Agriculture on 02 6670 2400.

For more information visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/agriculture-farming

In brief ...

Last week, we each used

183 L a day

Vote for Tweed's favourite urban tree

Tweed residents are invited to cast their votes in the Favourite Tree of the Tweed photo competition.

Stunning photos of trees from across the Tweed have been submitted to Council as part of the competition, highlighting the beauty, health and wellbeing benefits of the Tweed’s urban landscapes. Explore all the images on Council’s Your Say Tweed platform and click the heart symbol to cast your vote - it’s that easy! Just remember, you can’t vote for your own submission.

This competition is part of Council’s Cool Towns Urban Forest Program. which highlights the importance of trees for providing shade and cooling in areas where concrete and asphalt absorb heat.

Cast your vote before midnight on Sunday 8 December at yoursaytweed.com.au/cool-towns

Young people – help shape the future Council is seeking feedback from young people in the Tweed on the proposed Youth Outdoor Recreation Action Plan which aims to improve outdoor recreation facilities across the Tweed. Young people aged between 12 and 24 years are invited to complete a quick survey to confirm if Council is on the right track.

The action plan highlights 4 areas for improvement, including youth-friendly spaces, skate facilities (and scooter areas), bike facilities (including an urban bike park, pump track, BMX track) and outdoor events and activities.

Not aged between 12-24 years but want to have your say? The broader community is also welcome to complete the survey.

Visit yoursaytweed.com.au/youth-voice and fill out the survey by 4 pm on Wednesday 27 November.

Flood restoration underway at Vic Bianchetti Sports Clubhouse

Things are looking up at Uki’s Vic Bianchetti Sports Clubhouse flood restoration project, literally.

The clubhouse restoration, funded by the NSW Government’s Office of Sport’s Priority Needs Program and Essential Community Sport Assets, is incorporating several flood resilience measures into the rebuild, including a second story meeting room and storage area.

The project, worth more than $1.1 million, is being carried out by Desire Contractors Pty Ltd.

Work completed so far includes all structural works,

lower-level roof sheeting, installation of all lower-level doors and windows, external ceiling sheeting and hydraulic works.

Upcoming work will include rendering of the walls and upper-level roof installation, wall cladding, remaining facia, gutters and flashings, insulation and internal ceiling sheets along with epoxy floor coatings. The project will be finished off with the installation of bar and canteen servery shutters, veranda lighting. Follow Council’s flood recovery works at tweed.nsw.gov.au/flood-recovery-update

at Uki

Tweed Shire Council wishes to acknowledge the Ngandowal and Minyungbal speaking people of the Bundjalung Country, in particular the Goodjinburra, Tul-gi-gin and Moorung – Moobah clans, as

The new Places to Swim area at Jack Evans Boat Harbour, Tweed Heads, is part of a significant upgrade to the popular park.

The upstairs meeting room is taking shape at Vic Bianchetti Sports Clubhouse at Uki.

Look after what makes the Tweed the tweed. Our water.

Last year’s runner up by Jonny C.’s ‘When 2 Become 1’ was a crowd favourite.

Get involved and sign up to our Tweed Seniors Festival 2025!

The Tweed Seniors Festival is returning from Monday 3 to Sunday 16 March 2025, celebrating the contributions of older residents across the community.

Council is inviting local groups and businesses to register events by Friday 13 December 2024 to be featured in the festival program for 2025.

From workshops to morning teas, to concerts, and exercise group showcases, the festival offers plenty of ways to connect and celebrate.

Residents are also encouraged to nominate inspiring seniors for the Tweed Local Achievement Awards, which will be presented at the festival’s opening ceremony on Monday 3 March.

Tweed Local Achievement Awards celebrate seniors doing great things for their local community. Past honourees include Veronese Burgess, recognised for her work with local elders, and Judy and Mark Eglington, who were honoured for their almost 65 years of volunteer service with the NSW Rural Fire Service.

To get involved, register your event or nominate a local senior by visiting tweed.nsw.gov.au/seniors-festival

Expression of interest sought for new Community Climate Action Group Council is looking for people interested in joining a Community Climate Action Group to lead, motivate and support local climate change solutions.

This group will agree on its own Terms of Reference and provide input to Council’s climate change program and related activities, including:

• to support the Climate Futures: Engaging Community event in February 2025 to identify projects and actions that can be driven at a community level

• to document community projects and actions into a Community Climate Action Plan

• to lead, engage and motivate the Tweed community’s active response to climate change

• to lead and support delivery of community emissions reduction actions and projects

• to provide input into Tweed Shire Council’s climate change work program

Have your say

If you are interested, you can submit an expression of interest by close of business on 10 January 2025. Find more information about what we are looking for and how to apply at yoursaytweed.com.au/ community-climate-action-group

Get Tweed Link early

Be one of the first to see all the latest news from Tweed Shire Council each week.

Subscribers to Tweed Link receive it by email each week on Wednesday mornings, in addition to it appearing in print in the Tweed Valley Weekly on Thursdays.

But that’s not all – you can also subscribe to Council job alerts, media releases and a range of e-newsletters and Council facility program alerts.

Public notice - presentation of financial statements

General purpose financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2024

Presentation of financial statements as per Section 418 (3) of the Local Government Act 1993. In accordance with Section 418 (3) of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), Tweed Shire Council advises that the ordinary Council meeting to be held on 21 November will include the presentation of the audited Financial Statements and the Auditor’s Reports for the year ending 30 June 2024.

A summary of the Financial Statements is provided below:

result before grants and contributions provided for capital

In accordance with Section 420 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), any person may make a submission in writing to Council with respect to the Council’s Audited Financial Statements or the Auditor’s Reports.

Copies of the Audited Financial Statements can be viewed at yoursaytweed.com.au/financial-statements-2023-2024

Submissions close Thursday 28 November 2024.