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Lismore News

MAZDA BT-50 XTR 4X4 DUAL-CAB UTE

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MAZDA BT-50 XTR 4X4 DUAL-CAB UTE
Mazda BT-50 . . . it’s a good thing but the real question is: Has Mazda done enough?
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MAZDA BT-50 XTR 4X4 DUAL-CAB UTE

Mazda BT-50 . . . it’s a good thing but the real question is: Has Mazda done enough?

By CHRIS RILEY

For ute watchers, Mazda’s BT-50 has more in common with the Isuzu D-Max than it does the Ford Ranger these days.
After they parted ways, Mazda did a deal with Isuzu while Volkswagen went looking for something to turn into the next Amarok.
For its part Mazda reportedly had little input into the design process and as a result BT-50 is simply a re-skinned version of D-Max, although that’s probably a little harsh.
To put this in perspective, Isuzu has enjoyed meteoric success with the latest D-Max, which has stormed the top sellers list, providing a solid launching pad for Mazda — the real question is whether it has done enough?

STYLING
The new BT-50 looks more refined and car-like — a bit like the last Falcon in fact.
From the rear however the look is generic ute, with vertical tail lights replacing the stylised triangular of the previous model.
The ‘ruggedly stylish’ XTR 4×2 with an auto is $49,470, XTR 4×4 with a manual is $54,710 and the 4×4 auto is $57,210 — all prices before on-road costs.
Standard kit includes 17-inch alloys, cloth trim and manual air, carpeted floors, power windows, power adjust mirrors, LED headlights, auto lights and wipers, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam and traffic sign recognition and walk away automatic locking.
The XTR adds 18-inch alloys, side steps, power fold mirrors, advanced keyless entry and push-button start, LED fog lights, LED headlights with auto levelling, LED daytime running lights, dual-zone climate air with rear vents, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, auto-dimming rear view mirror and centre armrest for the rear seat.

INTERIOR

MAZDA BT-50 XTR 4X4 DUAL-CAB UTE

MAZDA BT-50 XTR 4X4 DUAL-CAB UTE

The cabin is trimmed in cloth with dual zone climate air conditioning, rear air vents for back seat passengers and a splash of leather for the wheel and transmission lever.
Style-wise the main difference between BT-50 and the D-Max is the centre console which has higher sides in the Mazda to prevent items from falling out.
The wheel is reach and height adjustable, while the seats have manual adjustment for rake, slide, height and lumbar support.
The screen, unlike other Mazdas, is touch sensitive, with no central control knob (but no volume control knob either).
Analogue instrument gauges flank a central info screen where speed can be displayed digitally, and traffic sign recognition keeps the driver informed of the current speed limit.

INFOTAINMENT
The infotainment system comprises a 7.0-inch touchscreen and two-speaker audio with Bluetooth streaming, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, Android Auto and Wireless Apple CarPlay — plus single USB and 12V outlets.
In the XTR this is upped to a 9.0-inch touchscreen with eight speakers and satellite navigation.
A new speaker is mounted in the headlining, while a 6×9-inch woofer delivers powerful bass response and two-way dome tweeters emit clear mid- to high-range sounds.
Dash-mounted and rear door ‘balanced dome’ tweeters use a voice coil and dome-shaped diaphragm to create impressive depth.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The BT-50 is powered by a turbo-diesel 3.0-litre, four-cylinder engine that generates 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque, the latter between 1600 and 2600 rpm.
The new power plant features an aluminium-alloy head and cast-iron engine block, chain-driven double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, drive-by-wire throttle control and a Variable Geometry System turbocharger.
Two-wheel drive models all get a six-speed auto, while the 4×4 version is offered with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic.
You can change gears manually using the shifter with the auto, but steering wheel mounted change paddles are not provided.

SAFETY
An extensive, five-star safety package includes eight airbags, reverse camera and Autonomous Emergency Braking.
There’s also Attention Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist – Overtaking, Emergency Stop Signal, Automatic High Beam, Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane-keep Assist System (automatic models), Locking Rear Differential (4×4 models), Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Roll Over Protection, Secondary Collision Reduction, Speed Assist System, Traction Control System and Turn Assist.

DRIVING

MAZDA BT-50 XTR 4X4 DUAL-CAB UTE

MAZDA BT-50 XTR 4X4 DUAL-CAB UTE

The drive experience is slow, heavy and truck-like overall. Depending on what you’re looking for, this may not be as bad as it sounds.
On a more positive note, it’s a relaxed, easy vehicle to drive that cruises effortlessly and uses hardly any fuel for a vehicle this size. You’ve gotta like that.
New BT-50 weighs up to 50kg less than the previous Ford-based models.
With a 76-litre tank, we were getting 7.8 litres per hundred kilometres over more than 500 kilometres of testing in various conditions.
Front suspension is independent via upper and lower wishbones with coil springs, gas-filled telescopic dampers and a stabiliser bar.
For the rear a semi-elliptic leaf with alloy-steel spring leaves and gas-filled telescopic dampers ensure maximum reliability and car-like ride and handling qualities.
Speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack and pinion steering is standard across the range, with 3.84 turns to lock
The switch to 4×4 is via a rotary knob located in the lower part of the console, with high and low range available — as well as a locking rear differential with the auto.
This model has excellent t ground clearance of 240mm and can handle an impressive 800mm of water, but we worry about the side steps which are almost guaranteed to be dented off road.
All grades and body types are fitted with under-body protection to guard against damage off-road or in rural areas.
The XTR can carry a 1090kg payload and pull a 3500kg braked trailer.
The cargo box is 1571mm long, 1530mm wide and 490mm deep, with 1120mm between the wheel arches and four tie-down points.
Our test vehicle had a tray liner, but the liner is optional.
There are two IsoFix and two top tether child seat anchor points.
Servicing intervals are 12 months or 15,000km and it comes with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty.

SUMMING UP
BT-50 ticks all the right boxes. It’s a fine ute and certainly fit for purpose.
But still looks too refined and car-like. Too much like a Falcon in fact and look what happened to it.
Ranger on the other has delivered incredible sales results largely on the back of its blunt, chiseled macho styling and carefully crafted ‘tough as nails’ image.
Plenty of black trim helps too. That’s, demonstrably, is what buyers want and that’s what Mazda needs to provide — it’s not rocket science guys.

AT A GLANCE

XTR Dual Cab Pickup (auto) $57,210
Note: This price does not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Mazda dealer for drive-away prices.

SPECIFICATIONS (Mazda BT-50 XTR 3.0L Turbo 4-cylinder diesel 6sp automatic 4×4 Dual Cab Pickup)

ENGINE:
Capacity: 3.0 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 140 kW @ 3600 rpm
Maximum Torque: 450 Nm @ 1600-2600 rpm
Fuel Type: Diesel
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 8.0 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: Euro 5

DRIVELINE: Six-speed automatic, 4×4

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 5280 mm
Wheelbase: 3125 mm
Width: 1870 mm
Height: 1785 mm
Turning Circle: 12.5 metres
Kerb Mass: 2030 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 76 litres

BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Drum

STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres

RATINGS:
Looks: 7.5/10
Performance: 7.5/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 8/10
Practicality: 7.5/10
Comfort: 7.5/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Overall: 7.75/10

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Lismore News

New Trial for Safe Disposal of Embedded Batteries, Including Vapes, Launches in Lismore

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The Lismore Community Recycling Centre is participating in a new NSW Government trial designed to help households safely dispose of embedded batteries
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New Trial for Safe Disposal of Embedded Batteries, Including Vapes, Launches in Lismore

The Lismore Community Recycling Centre is participating in a new NSW Government trial designed to help households safely dispose of embedded batteries commonly found in wireless products such as light-up toys, single-use vapes, and other electronics. The initiative, led by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in collaboration with Lismore City Council, aims to reduce the number of these problematic products ending up in landfills and mitigate fire hazards caused by battery disposal in household bins.

As part of the trial, the Lismore Community Recycling Centre on Wyrallah Road is now accepting embedded battery products from households and small businesses free of charge. This new service will help the community safely dispose of products with built-in batteries that cannot be easily removed, such as:

  • Single-use vapes
  • Electric toothbrushes
  • E-bikes
  • Smart watches
  • Portable speakers
  • Vacuums

Embedded batteries, often made of lithium-ion, pose unique challenges for waste management due to their difficulty to recycle and their potential to cause fires. In 2023, the number of lithium-ion battery-related fires in NSW surged to 285, more than double the previous year.

Dedicated Bins Now Available

Lismore is one of 21 community recycling centres across NSW taking part in this EPA-led trial, which includes dedicated bins specifically for embedded battery products. E-waste items such as laptops, gaming controllers, and tablets should still be directed to Lismore Council’s e-waste collection service.

The trial is active and will run until September 2026. More information can be found on the NSW EPA website at: NSW EPA Embedded Batteries.

Community and Environmental Benefits

Janelle Saffin MP, Member for Lismore, praised the initiative, saying: “This trial is a much-needed initiative that will help protect our local community and environment by reducing the number of embedded-battery products that are mistakenly disposed of in yellow and red kerbside bins. We hope Lismore residents will learn more about these products, the risks they pose, and the importance of correct disposal.”

Penny Sharpe, Minister for the Environment, also highlighted the importance of the trial: “We want to make it easier for people to do the right thing with embedded batteries, to help prevent fires in bins, rubbish trucks, and waste facilities, while reducing what goes to landfill. The majority of embedded battery products, including disposable vapes, end up in rubbish bins where they pose significant risks. This trial will help mitigate those hazards and increase recycling efforts.”

The trial represents a significant step towards a safer and more sustainable approach to managing hazardous materials in NSW.

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Lismore News

Saffin urges residents to prepare for storm season

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Saffin urges residents to prepare for storm season

 

Member for Lismore, and Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Janelle Saffin is urging residents of the Lismore electorate to prepare for the increased risk of storms as the storm season officially begins.

“The period between September and April is when storms, strong winds and heavy rain tend to be more frequent and the Bureau of Meteorology has indicated an increased risk of extreme storms, at least for the start of the season.

“Over recent weeks NSW has already been battered by windy conditions with 1200 volunteers responding to more than 2000 events.

“Storm activity can be checked using the Hazards Near Me app, alongside existing flood and fire alerts.

To prepare for storms, residents are advised to:

  • Secure loose items outside, trim trees and branches away from properties, clean your gutters and move your cars from underneath trees.
  • If you are caught out in a storm, seek shelter indoors. Do not shelter under trees and stay away from powerlines.
  • Prepare an emergency plan for storms and floods.
  • Download the Hazards Near Me app and set your watch zones.
  • If you need assistance from the NSW SES, call 132 500. If it’s an emergency, call Triple 0.

For more information on how to get ready ahead of this year’s storm season, visit here.

“This is the time of year when we keep a watch on weather warnings to see when and where the storm activity is happening, and doing what we need to stay safe like deciding when it is safe to drive home from work.

“I would like to thank our hardworking SES volunteers for all they do to support our communities over the course of the storm season.

“We can help them by having our homes prepared for storms and staying informed of the severe weather warnings.”

 

For more local Lismore news, click here.

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Lismore News

New Koala Fence to Reduce Road Deaths in Lismore Area

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Koala Fence Lismore on the corner of Tatham Road and the Bruxner Highway at Tatham.
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New Koala Fence to Reduce Road Deaths in Lismore Area

 

Robert  Heyward

Lismore City Council has appointed Ecoteam to manage the installation of a koala exclusion fence on the corner of Tatham Road and the Bruxner Highway at Tatham. This project aims to reduce the number of koala deaths and injuries in a known roadkill hotspot, approximately 12 km west of Lismore.

The key components of the project include:

  • 1.5km of fencing along both sides of the Bruxner Highway, starting at Pelican Creek Bridge and extending 120m along Tatham Road.
  • A safe crossing point under Pelican Creek Bridge and the installation of fauna escape structures.
  • Koala grids (similar to cattle grids) across three driveways to prevent koalas from entering roads.

Jack Herington, Council’s Environmental Strategies Officer, explained that the fencing will guide koalas away from dangerous traffic areas towards safe crossing points, and the installation of one-way escape poles will help any koalas that may accidentally enter the road area.

The project, which faced delays due to the 2022 natural disaster and logistical challenges, was strongly supported by the community during public consultation and is expected to be completed in the second half of next year, pending weather conditions.

The initiative is a collaboration between Lismore City Council, Friends of the Koala, Transport for NSW, and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), with funding from DCCEEW to help protect the local koala population.

 

For more local Lismore news, click here.

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