Kyogle Sewerage Upgrade Moving Forward with Next Stage of Development

Kyogle is one step closer to delivering modern, environmentally sound sewerage infrastructure, with the next phase of planning now underway for a high-tech wastewater treatment plant that will serve the region for decades to come.

The NSW Government has committed $379,500, with Kyogle Council contributing $125,500, to fund concept designs and detailed site investigations—the groundwork needed to ensure the proposed plant is “shovel-ready” when construction funding becomes available. The updated designs and studies are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Originally built in 1957, the current Kyogle Sewage Treatment Plant has seen only minor upgrades since the 1990s. It is increasingly unable to meet modern environmental discharge standards, prompting a shared commitment from the state and local government to begin planning its long-term replacement.

This phase builds on an earlier investment of $300,000, jointly funded in 2022 by the NSW Government and Kyogle Council, under the Safe and Secure Water Program, to begin early scoping work.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin highlighted the environmental importance of the project:

“Kyogle is a gateway to the Border Ranges and Toonumbar National Parks. This upgrade ensures we are protecting these natural treasures and the 2,500 residents who rely on quality infrastructure.”

Kyogle Mayor Danielle Mulholland added:

“Effluent from the existing plant is already used in agricultural irrigation and some flows into the Richmond River, so it’s vital our treatment processes meet the highest standards. We’re preparing now to ensure we’re ready when the time comes to build.”

Once complete, the concept design will provide a clearer picture of the plant’s cost, scale, and environmental outcomes, paving the way for future construction and long-term service improvements.

Learn more about the Safe and Secure Water Program at:
🔗 Safe and Secure Water Program – NSW Government

Kyogle Council Unveils $61.3 Million Budget Focused on Growth, Infrastructure, and Future Prosperity

Kyogle Council has handed down a responsible and forward-focused $61.3 million draft budget, which Mayor Danielle Mulholland says will lay the foundations for sustainable growth and long-term prosperity across the region.

Adopted for public exhibition from Monday, 14 April, the draft budget earmarks major investments in infrastructure, essential services, and community facilities while reinforcing the Council’s vision for Kyogle as a place of lifestyle and opportunity.

“We are investing in the future of our communities,” Mayor Mulholland said. “This budget ensures Kyogle remains a great place to live and work — with the infrastructure needed for a growing and thriving population.”

Major Infrastructure Commitments

• $2.68 million for regional road projects
• $4.1 million for rural local roads
• $5.4 million for bridge upgrades
• $17 million over two years to construct a new sewerage treatment plant (STP) for Kyogle
• $6 million (forward estimates) to sewer the villages of Wiangaree, Tabulam, and Mallanganee
• $2.5 million toward a new water supply for Tabulam

Crucially, a 10% increase in sewerage rates is proposed to help raise $4.25 million, a condition required to secure a $12.75 million State Government grant to fund the new STP.

“The current treatment plant is classified as high risk and no longer meets environmental standards,” Cr Mulholland explained. “A new plant is vital to meet compliance and expand Kyogle’s capacity for growth.”

Community and Cultural Investments

The budget also includes allocations for community infrastructure and services:

• $783,674 for urban street upgrades
• $141,500 for the Roxy Gallery
• $614,490 for library and mobile library services
• $725,213 for maintaining the Council’s three public swimming pools
• $1.48 million for parks, gardens, and village maintenance
• $166,620 in financial assistance and community donations

The budget includes a general rate increase of 4.1%, consistent with the NSW rate peg limit.

Community Consultation Now Open

The draft budget is on public exhibition until 13 May 2025, with Council inviting community feedback. Full budget documents are available at:

• Kyogle Council Administration Centre, 1 Stratheden Street
• Council website: www.kyogle.nsw.gov.au
• Local distribution points including Wadeville store, Woodenbong, Tabulam, Cawongla, Mallanganee, Wiangaree, and Bonalbo Post Offices

Written submissions must be received by 4pm, 13 May 2025, and should be addressed to the General Manager via:

• PO Box 11, Kyogle NSW 2474
• Email: council@kyogle.nsw.gov.au

“With this budget, we are planning for a stronger future. It’s about providing the core services and capacity that make the Kyogle LGA a destination for lifestyle, opportunity, and growth,” said Mayor Mulholland

Lions Road update

Council engaged an accredited geotechnical provider to review damage on the Lions Road post Cyclone Alfred and undertake a risk assessment that included landslips south of the Queensland border. The geotechnical review process was undertaken in accordance with the Transport for NSW standard assessment of risk at landslip sites.

The review identified five different hazards including downslope landslides, rockfalls from above and upslope landslides. The most consequential risk is a downslope landslide which presents a high risk to users for several reasons including:-
Unstable state of exposed fill and collapsed roadway including further cracking
The potential for a rapid failure without warning
The depth of void below the road meaning road users are particularly vulnerable to serious injury or worse should a vehicle impact the hazard.
Any traffic loading on the remaining roadway would be bearing directly on the “zone of influence” of the downslope

The recommendation of the review is for a continued full road closure.

Council had hoped to open the Lions Road for the Easter school holidays, unfortunately the damage sustained as a result of Cyclone Alfred, exacerbated by recent rainfall, means that is now not possible.

The closure will be required for some time and the road is unlikely to be reopened this year.

Council will provide further updates as they come to hand.

New Key Health Worker Housing to Boost Paramedic Recruitment in Kyogle

Jeff Gibbs

The Northern Rivers town of Kyogle is set to benefit from a major investment in health infrastructure, with the announcement of new Key Health Worker Accommodation to help attract and retain paramedics in the region.

The accommodation project is part of the Minns Labor Government’s $10 million commitment to improving housing options for NSW Ambulance personnel in regional areas. Kyogle has been selected as one of the initial locations based on high community need, with more regional sites to be announced soon.

This $10 million funding forms part of the broader $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation program, announced in the 2024/25 State Budget. The initiative aims to ease one of the major barriers to rural health workforce recruitment – access to affordable, nearby accommodation – and will secure approximately 120 new or refurbished dwellings across rural, regional and remote NSW.

The goal is to support the recruitment and retention of over 500 health workers and their families, helping to fill critical healthcare roles in regional communities.

Accommodation options will include a mix of newly built homes, refurbished living quarters, and the purchase of suitable residential properties such as units and houses. Planning is already underway for the Kyogle project, with an emphasis on delivering quality housing close to work.

The program builds on the success of the previous $73.2 million investment in accommodation for key health workers across five regional Local Health Districts, and complements other government measures to support the rural health workforce, including:

• A record pay increase for paramedics delivered in December 2023, making NSW paramedics among the highest paid in Australia.
• A commitment to roll out 500 additional paramedics across regional, rural and remote communities.

Voices of Support

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park, said improving access to housing is a major drawcard in attracting key workers to the bush.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in modern, sustainable accommodation options for key health workers who are the backbone of our regional, rural and remote communities,” he said.

“Providing simple, accessible housing close to work is essential to ensuring we have a strong and stable ambulance workforce in the regions.”

Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin, welcomed the funding for Kyogle, noting the importance of tailored support for remote areas.

“Local people in Kyogle and surrounding towns and villages have a great need for paramedic care due to the simple fact that they live in rural and sometimes isolated locations,” she said.
“I welcome this targeted funding aimed at attracting and retaining more paramedics in Kyogle – and planning for the type of housing needed is already underway.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan, reiterated the value of regional investment.

“Our paramedics are the foundation of emergency health care in regional NSW, delivering lifesaving support wherever it’s needed,” Dr Morgan said.
“NSW Ambulance remains unwavering in its commitment to towns like Kyogle to ensure they receive expert healthcare when it matters most.”

This new initiative represents a practical and much-needed step towards addressing the long-standing challenges of rural healthcare and ensuring regional communities like Kyogle get the support they deserve.

Spreading Happiness Through Dance: Kyogle’s World Record Attempt

Kyogle is preparing for a world record attempt—the largest Happy Dance gathering. The Guinness Book of World Records will verify the event, and Northern Rivers residents and beyond are encouraged to join. Not only will this be a fun event, but it will also support a meaningful cause.

How It All Began

The idea started with Jeanette Foy, who toured the Northern Rivers on her mobility scooter to raise awareness and funds for domestic violence victims. Mayor Danielle Mulholland helped organise the event. During the tour, she made a promise—if she passed her course, she would post a Happy Dance video online.

“I passed my course, so I danced! Then I thought, why not take it further? A mass Happy Dance? A world record? And all for a good cause.”

She shared the idea with Jeanette and community support facilitator Jade, who immediately supported it. As a result, they registered the event with Guinness World Records, turning it into a major community project.

Dancing for a Cause

This event will raise funds for domestic violence victims, continuing Jeanette’s mission from last year. More importantly, it will bring the community together for a day of joy and connection.

• Dress Code: Wear deep purple, the official colour for domestic violence awareness. Creative outfits are welcome!
• Dance Routine: Participants will perform a choreographed routine to Guy Sebastian’s song “I Like It Like That.” A freestyle dance group will lead in the centre.
• Interactive Display: A surprise installation will offer a new perspective on domestic violence awareness. Furthermore, it will encourage conversations about support and prevention.
• Event Coverage: Drones and professional videographers will capture the event, ensuring it is well-documented.

Get Involved

A committee is working on logistics. Meanwhile, organisers are welcoming sponsors, volunteers, and participants to support and grow the event.

“We are creating something unique—celebrating joy, uniting the community, and standing up for a cause. Let’s make history together!” said Mayor Mulholland.

To stay updated on dance rehearsals, registration, and event details, follow our official event page. Join the movement, and let’s dance for joy, community, and change! 💜🎶