NRJO welcomes its new board

The new board of the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation (NRJO) met for the first time today, 8 November 2024, following the Local Government elections in New South Wales.

At the meeting, Tweed Shire Council Mayor, Cr Chris Cherry, was elected as Chair, and Ballina Shire Council Mayor, Cr Sharon Cadwallader, as Deputy Chair of the NRJO for a two-year term.

Cr Chris Cherry said they are looking forward to seeing what the joint organisation can achieve for the region this term.

“I am proud to have been elected as Chair of the NRJO by the fellow mayors,” Cr Cherry said.

“Our purposeful collaboration through the NRJO is important now more than ever.

“While we were recovering from waves of covid-19, lockdowns and border closures, our region faced the biggest flood in modern Australian history – the impacts have been devastating.

“Through the NRJO, we aim to access the programs and incentives on offer by the government that will provide our community in the Northern Rivers with the best possible opportunities to thrive.

“The Northern Rivers is our home. I know that, collectively, we will do all that we can to advocate for our community as we overcome adversity while continuing to develop a long-term shared vision for our region.”

The NRJO board membership is the mayors of the seven Local Government Areas of Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed in the Northern Rivers region of Northern NSW.

They are Cr Sharon Cadwallader, Cr Sarah Ndiaye, Cr Ray Smith, Cr Danielle Mulholland, Cr Steve Krieg, Cr Robert Mustow and Cr Chris Cherry.

The role of the NRJO is to facilitate and lead advocacy, political representation and cooperative action on matters of regional significance.

“Through our strategic partnership, we can continue to focus on what matters for our Northern Rivers community as a whole,” Cr Cherry said.

The NRJO has five priorities identified for the Northern Rivers.

They are:

• biodiverse natural environments
• improved community wellbeing
• a connected region
• sustainable energy, water and waste
• a diverse regional economy

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Nominate Lismore’s Unsung Heroes for the 2025 Australia Day Awards

By Ian Rogers

Nominations are now open for Lismore City Council’s 2025 Australia Day Awards, honouring community members who make a positive impact through volunteering, community service, or excellence in sports, arts, and other fields.

2024 Lismore Citizen of the Year, Mieke Bell, received the award for her 33 years of dedicated service at The Winsome and Lismore Soup Kitchen. Reflecting on the recognition, Ms. Bell shared, “The award was a wonderful surprise that highlighted the work of our volunteers at the Soup Kitchen. We serve up to 100 meals daily and provide holistic support to those in need. Seeing the community rally behind us has been incredible.”

Mayor Steve Krieg emphasised the importance of acknowledging Lismore’s unsung heroes: “Our community is filled with individuals who give tirelessly, without seeking recognition. The Australia Day Awards are a meaningful way to celebrate those who strengthen our community through their selflessness and dedication.”

He encouraged everyone to consider nominating a friend, neighbour, or community member who stands out. “If you know someone who contributes to our community, nominate them. The process takes just a few minutes, but the impact of this recognition is immense.”

Ms. Bell echoed this sentiment, urging the community to submit nominations: “These awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and groups who often go unrecognized but do extraordinary things. Make a nomination in any category—you’ll be honouring their hard work and inspiring others.”

Award Categories:

• Citizen of the Year
• Young Citizen of the Year
• Aboriginal Citizen of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year
• Services in the Community (Individual)
• Services in the Community (Group)
• Sportsperson/Team (Junior)
• Sportsperson/Team (Senior)
• Environment
• Arts/Culture

To nominate, visit the Lismore City Council website.

Nominations close on Friday, 13 December 2024. Take a few minutes to recognise those who make Lismore a better place to live, work, and thrive.

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Major Milestone Reached for Coffs Harbour Bypass Project

By Jeff Gibbs

The transformative Coffs Harbour Bypass project has reached a significant milestone with the completion of the first phase of tunnelling. On 28 October, construction teams successfully broke through the northbound tube of the 410-metre Gatelys Road Tunnel, followed by the southbound tube soon after.

This achievement marks the initial stage of building three tunnels that are integral to the bypass, each featuring dual tubes designed to accommodate two lanes of traffic, along with provisions for cyclists.

Project Highlights:

• Investment: $1.76 billion from the Australian Government, with an additional $440 million from the NSW Government.
• Completion Date: The bypass is on track to open to traffic by late 2026.
• Shephards Lane Tunnel: Progress continues, with breakthrough expected by mid-April 2025.

Next Steps:

• Excavating tunnel floors.
• Installing permanent linings, drainage, and pavement.
• Fit-out of mechanical, electrical, fire, safety, and intelligent transport systems.
• Comprehensive testing and commissioning prior to public opening.

Economic and Community Benefits

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, emphasised the bypass’s impact:

“This project has created 600 jobs and will remove 12,000 vehicles from the CBD, reducing travel times and improving safety.”

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King noted the project’s alignment with community desires:

“The people of Coffs Harbour made it clear they wanted tunnels, not cuttings, and it’s great to see progress in delivering what they envisioned.”

Transforming the Region

NSW Labor spokesperson for Coffs Harbour, Cameron Murphy, highlighted the bypass’s future benefits:

“The bypass will make Coffs Harbour an even better place to live, work, and visit.”

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