Key Milestone to Secure Safe Drinking Water for Tabulam

By Jeff Gibbs

The remote village of Tabulam in the Northern Rivers is on the brink of a transformative milestone, with plans underway for its first-ever drinking water supply network. A $400,000 investment from Kyogle Council and the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund will kickstart early planning for the much-anticipated project.

The co-funded initiative will launch the preliminary business case for a three-stage construction project designed to provide a safe, clean, and reliable water supply to the village’s 500 residents, over a quarter of whom are Aboriginal.

Laying the Groundwork

The new funding builds on a 2021 scoping study, funded by the NSW Government, which explored various infrastructure options to identify the most effective solutions.

The early planning work will deliver detailed analysis and designs for the project, including:

• Stage 1: Hydrogeological investigations, bore construction, and land acquisition for a water treatment plant and reservoir.
• Stage 2: Utilisation of Hall Bore as a raw water source, construction of a new reservoir, and connecting the supply network to village homes.
• Stage 3: Expansion of the water supply source to include Clarence River groundwater and upgrading the treatment plant to accommodate future population growth.

A Lifeline for Tabulam

Currently, Tabulam residents rely entirely on rainwater tanks for drinking and household use, leaving the community vulnerable to water scarcity during droughts. This lack of critical infrastructure has hindered economic growth and driven population decline, with the village losing about 20% of its residents since 2011.

The water supply project, alongside plans for a new town sewerage system, aims to reverse these trends by providing essential services and paving the way for long-term community growth and prosperity.

Voices of Support

NSW DCCEEW Executive Director of Infrastructure Development, Lisa Hingerty, emphasised the significance of the project:

“Every person in NSW deserves clean and reliable drinking water, whether you’re from Sydney or live in one of our most remote communities. This project is a game changer for the hundreds of people who call Tabulam home. Locals have been crying out for this essential infrastructure for decades, and this funding is a significant step toward making that a reality.”

Kyogle Council Mayor Danielle Mulholland hailed the project as a landmark achievement:

“This is a landmark project for our community, over 70 years in the making. These early planning works are a big tick for Tabulam, setting the village on the path to its first secure water supply network. The benefits will be enormous, from improving health and wellbeing to supporting economic growth and development.”

Looking Ahead

The preliminary business case is expected to be completed by mid to late 2025, moving the project closer to construction. Once realized, the water supply network will provide a secure, treated drinking water source to Tabulam residents, meeting the village’s needs for decades to come.

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CASTROL LISMORE SPEEDWAY: MARCUS DUMESNY IS $10,000 RICHER AFTER LIL’ AUSSIE OPEN WIN

By Dennis Newlyn

Marcus Dumesny’s 410 Sprintcar victory in the $10,000-to-win Lil’ Aussie Open at Castrol Lismore Speedway, Wednesday January 8, carried greater significance than just getting to the chequered flag first.

It was a personal triumph over back injuries that stalled his career with a stint on the sidelines which also put his seasonal campaigns on hold for sometime – in fact his last victory was the New South Wales Sprintcar Championship on April 1, 2023 at Sydney’s Eastern Creek Speedway.

Back in Victory Lane for the first time in close to two years, an elated Marcus Dumesny summed it best with just a few words:  “It’s been a long road back.”

Dumesny showed all his familiar speed , typified when he put down the fastest lap of the Lil’ Aussie Open at mid-distance with a time of 11.309 seconds for a speed of 127.332 km/h around the tight confines of the Lismore Showground bull ring.

Harry Stewart filled the runner-up position on the podium, while the drive of the night came from Luke Oldfield who started from the back and charged from position 17 into third position!

Late afternoon – early evening rain delayed the start of the meeting, watched by a big crowd including City of Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg.

Several attempts were made to get the first lap of the main event completed in incidents that took out one of the pre-race favourites Alex Attard.

Lil’ Aussie Open winner Marcus Dumesny (centre) pictured with runner-up Harry Stewart (left) and third-placed Luke Oldfield. Photo: Tony Powell.

When the 25-lap feature settled down, Dumesny commanded the role of pacemaker, chased hard by Stewart, while Mitch Randell was right with Stewart.

Further into the race, Brodie Davis gained ground on Randall. Randall became one of the hard luck stories of the race when he rode a wheel and crashed into the fence with 18 laps remaining.

Oldfield was a man on the move as he threaded his way through the field. American Andy Pake ran in fifth as Oldfield loomed into contention. Oldfield passed Pake, then Mitch Gowland in a superb drive into the top three.

It was not an easy night for Oldfield who had an incident in an earlier heat and finished in the fence. Without a heat result it meant he started at the back in the feature race and what followed from Oldfield was one of the highlights of the night.

The top ten finishing order was Marcus Dumesny, Harry Stewart, Luke Oldfield, Mitch Gowland, Andy Pake, Callum Walker, Nash Morris, Tony Bridge, Daniel Bridge and Bradi Owen.

Heat wins went to Dumesny and Stewart.

The main focus of the pre-meeting publicity and mainstream media coverage was the appearance of Americans Pake and Chase Randall. However Randall was an unfortunate late withdrawal from the fixture.

Other feature race winners on what was a very successful and entertaining night of racing were Jacob Jolley (LS 360 Sprintcars),  Matt O’Neill (Compact Speedcars), Lindsay Clapham (Production Sedans) and Mitchell Haynes (Wingless Sprints).

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Safety Upgrade for Rous Road Roundabout Begins, Temporary Detours in Place

By Jeff Gibbs

Lismore City Council has announced the start of a $1.1 million safety upgrade for the Rous Road and Oliver Avenue roundabout, aiming to improve motorist safety in the area. Funded by Transport for NSW under the Australian Government’s Black Spot program, the project is expected to take eight weeks to complete, weather permitting.

Addressing a History of Accidents

Over the past five years, six accidents have occurred on or near the roundabout, highlighting the need for action. “Something clearly needed to be done,” said Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our community, and this upgrade will deliver that.”

What the Upgrade Involves

The project will be completed in two phases:

1. Initial works: Upgrading existing drainage infrastructure and widening the road pavement to the north of the roundabout.
2. Construction phase: Building a new, larger concrete and asphalt roundabout with a 6m-wide travel lane, improving access from Jubilee Avenue and the Caroona Marima Care Facility.

Temporary Traffic Changes

Starting Monday, 13 January, Jubilee Avenue will be closed to through traffic at the roundabout for the remainder of the works. A detour will redirect traffic via Phillip Street, McDermott Avenue, and Oliver Avenue. Stop/go signs and reduced speed limits will also be in place.

“We all have a role to play in road safety, and I want to thank the community for their cooperation and patience,” Mayor Krieg said.

Safety Upgrade for Rous Road Roundabout

Key Safety Features

The upgrade includes:

• Improved sightlines by removing three trees on the northern side of Rous Road, which will be replaced nearby.
• Modifications to the Caroona Care Facility driveways, changing the current entry/exit to an Exit Only and creating a new Entry Only point off Rous Road, approximately 40m west of the roundabout.
• Enhanced safety for vehicles turning at Jubilee Avenue and Rous Road, addressing confusion caused by their close proximity.

Background on the Black Spot Designation

The roundabout’s inclusion in the Black Spot program was based on:

• Limited sight distance due to large trees and low lighting.
• The crest of the intersection reducing stopping time for motorists exiting Jubilee Avenue.
• Historical accident data, with six recorded incidents between 2018 and 2023.

Future Plans

The Council has confirmed the development of another roundabout at Reserve Street as part of the broader Rous Road design, with timing yet to be finalised.

For residents and motorists, the temporary disruptions during construction will lead to long-term improvements in safety and traffic flow. The Council urges all road users to follow the temporary detours and traffic controls during this period.

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‘Give It Your All’: Future Students Invited to SAE Byron Bay Info Night on January 16

By Robert Heyward

Future creatives, get ready to kick off the new year with inspiration and direction at the SAE Byron Bay Info Night on Thursday, January 16, 2025. This exciting event offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Australia’s top creative tertiary education providers and is set to be a night of discovery, learning, and connection.

From food trucks to student success stories, attendees will explore the vibrant world of creative media and technology at SAE’s six campuses across the country.

Discover Your Creative Path

Whether you’re a budding designer, filmmaker, animator, or aspiring music producer, SAE Info Night is the perfect opportunity to dive into your passion. Explore SAE’s wide range of creative courses, including:

• Design
• Film
• Music
• VFX & Virtual Production
• Animation
• Audio
• Computer Science
• Creative Industries
• Games

Guidance and Insight from Experts

SAE faculty will be on campus to offer one-on-one guidance, helping future students find the right course to match their aspirations and career goals. Attendees will also have the chance to connect with SAE’s student services team, who provide support ranging from academic assistance to career advice.

Bronte Dunning, a 2022 SAE Graduate and owner of Bronte Dunning Creative.

Real Stories, Real Inspiration

One of the highlights of the night will be the student and alumni speakers, sharing their journeys and achievements since studying at SAE. At the Byron Bay campus, guests will hear from Bronte Dunning, a Bachelor of Film Production graduate who has been running her own videography and photography business since graduating in 2022.

“My biggest career highlights are definitely filming Blues Fest Byron Bay for the past three years and working recently with NITV for the Australian Women in Music Awards,” Bronte shared.

“SAE gave me the skills and confidence to start my own business and connected me with a wide network of creatives. My advice for new students? Apply yourself in every class and give it your all. What you put in is what you get out. And most importantly, have fun with it!”

A Night to Explore and Enjoy

Attendees will get to tour the campus, enjoy delicious bites from local food trucks, and connect with faculty, staff, and current students. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the creative environment that SAE is known for and discover how to turn your passion into a career.

Join the Creative Community

Don’t miss this opportunity to step into the world of creative media and technology. SAE Byron Bay Info Night is open to all future students or anyone curious about a creative career.

For more information and to register, visit the SAE website.

Take the first step toward a career that lights you up!

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Rous Drinking Water Passes PFAS Safety Testing, Reaffirming High Standards

By Jeff Gibbs

Independent laboratory testing has confirmed that Rous County Council’s (Rous) drinking water continues to meet the highest safety standards, with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) undetectable at levels set by the Australian Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

Samples collected from across Rous’ water network were recently tested by NSW Health. The results, received in December 2024, showed no detectable PFAS, aligning with Rous’ own routine testing conducted since 2023.

“I am pleased to share that the analysis undertaken by NSW Health has returned excellent results, with PFAS undetectable in all samples,” said Adam Nesbitt, Group Manager Operations at Rous.

“This reaffirms the safety and quality of our drinking water and reflects the robust testing program we’ve maintained for some time. By conducting regular testing and transparent reporting, we ensure our water supply meets — and exceeds — national safety standards.”

Understanding PFAS

PFAS are human-made chemicals used in various products, including non-stick cookware, firefighting foams, water-repellent fabrics, and food packaging, due to their resistance to heat, water, and grease. While useful, their durability means they persist in the environment, leading to strict guidelines for safe levels in drinking water.

Proactive Measures

Rous has taken a proactive approach to PFAS monitoring, conducting routine testing and publishing results in its Annual Water Quality Summary Report, available online.

“Our commitment to maintaining water quality ensures that the residents of the Northern Rivers region receive safe and reliable water,” Nesbitt added.

About Rous County Council

Rous County Council provides bulk water to over 100,000 residents in Lismore, Ballina, Byron, and Richmond Valley, with principal sources at Rocky Creek Dam and Emigrant Creek Dam. The council also oversees weed biosecurity and flood mitigation across a vast area of Northern NSW.

For more information, visit Rous County Council’s website.

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