LISMORE MAYOR ELECTED NEW CHAIR OF REGIONAL CITIES NSW

Regional Cities New South Wales (RCNSW) has elected a new Chair and Deputy Chair for a two-year term.

Lismore City Council Mayor, Cr Steve Krieg was elected as Chair and Cr Russell Webb, Mayor of Tamworth Regional Council, was re-elected Deputy Chair at a board meeting in Sydney yesterday.

Steve Krieg the new Chair of NSW Regional Cities

The new leadership will lead the organisation post-NSW local government elections, which took place in September.

Cr Krieg said he was proud to lead Regional Cities New South Wales as it advocated for a fair share of investment and population growth to ensure regional cities continued to thrive.

“Regional Cities New South Wales is an important advocate for its members and has a proven track record as a valuable partner for the State Government,” Cr Krieg said.

“I am passionate about the work of Regional Cities NSW. Our members are a similar size and are facing similar issues. Together, we are stronger.

“We have much work to do as we are on the frontline of change in New South Wales. This includes growing populations, energy transition and climate impacts.

“Our cities are also highly liveable and we know regional living is on the minds of many Sydneysiders. We want our cities to retain their liveability as new residents continue to make the move.

“As chair, I will be a strong voice for our member cities as we meet these opportunities.”

Cr Webb retained his position as Deputy Chair.

“I’m very happy to be reappointed as Deputy Chair,” Cr Webb said. “It has been fantastic working with Mayors, General Managers and CEOs of Regional Cities New South Wales.”

“Cr Krieg will lead us in the right direction and I am looking forward to working in partnership as we continue to build our strong network of relationships in Macquarie Street,” Cr Webb said.

Cr Krieg also noted the work of Cr Mathew Dickerson, who stepped down as Chair after the New South Wales local government elections.

“Cr Dickerson has left a great legacy as I take the reins of Regional Cities NSW,” Cr Krieg said.

“Cr Dickerson has led us through the many challenges we have encountered over the past few years, particularly as our members faced natural disasters, housing availability and growing skills shortages.

“Regional cities have received key support in these areas due to his leadership and advocacy. There is still much to do, but the impacts in these areas have been meaningful for our communities,” Cr Krieg concluded.

Detectives release CCTV appeal following ram raids and arsons of Northern NSW tobacconists

PLEASE NOTE: CCTV vision of the ram raids vehicle of interest is available via Hightail – https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/RhBnymtkWg

© State of NSW (NSW Police Force). For editorial use only. No sublicensing of any NSW Police Force supplied image or footage allowed on a standalone basis without the express written consent of NSW Police Force. NSW Police Force attribution notice and logo to be retained on all copies of supplied images or footage with the moral rights to no false attribution and of integrity in all its images and footage asserted.

Financial Crime Squad detectives have released CCTV as they appeal for information following the ram raid and arson of two tobacconists in Northern NSW.

About 4.30am on Sunday 22 September 2024, police were called to a tobacconist on Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District arrived to find a Toyota Corolla sedan, believed to have been stolen from Queensland, driven into a tobacconist, before two unknown males entered the business destroying several displays and stealing large amounts of cigarettes.

A crime scene was established, and police commenced an investigation into the incident.

A month later, about 2.40am on Tuesday 22 October, police were called to the same tobacconist, following reports a car had driven into a neighbouring business.

Police arrived to find a MG SUV had driven into the store – as bollards had been placed in front of the tobacconist – before two unknown men poured fuel inside the business and fled without setting it alight.

A crime scene was established, and police commenced an investigation into the incident.

About 3.30am the next day (Wednesday 23 October 2024), emergency services were called to River Street in Ballina, following reports of a building fire.

On arrival, officers attached to Richmond Police District located a silver Mercedes sedan inside the shopfront of a tobacconist, well alight.

Police were told the sedan drove into the business before the vehicle caught fire, with the occupants of the vehicle leaving the scene prior to police arrival.

Fire and Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the blaze; however, the building was extensively damaged.

Surrounding units were evacuated and two other vehicles were damaged by the blaze.

No injuries have been reported as a result of the incident.

A crime scene has been established and an investigation into the incident has commenced.

Following initial investigations linking all three incidents, detectives attached to State Crime Command’s Financial Crime Squad’s Arson Unit commenced Strike Force Albany to investigate the incidents.

As part of investigations, strike force detectives have released CCTV of the two ram raids at the Tweed Heads South tobacconist.

Detectives are also hoping to speak to the driver and passengers of a dark coloured sedan seen leaving the scene of the second ram raid.

Anyone with information about any of the incidents are urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

NSW SES Reflects on Storm Response and Urges Preparedness

As the recent storms impacting the Northern Rivers, Clarence Valley, and Coffs Coast regions briefly subside, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is taking a moment to acknowledge the tireless efforts of its volunteers who have responded to over 159 storm-related incidents since Sunday.

The severe weather, which struck on Sunday through Wednesday evenings, left widespread damage across communities including Federal, Tweed Heads, Grafton, Coorabell, Richmond Hill, and Lismore. The majority of incidents involved fallen trees, blocked roads, and property damage, creating significant safety hazards.

Proactive Storm Preparation Urged

With clear weather providing a temporary reprieve, Superintendent Scott McLennan encourages residents to use this time to prepare for further storms expected today and next week.

“Check your gutters and drains for leaves, branches, or debris that could block water flow and exacerbate flooding during the next storm,” Superintendent McLennan advised.

He stressed the importance of vigilance, noting that saturated catchments could lead to flash flooding even with light rain.

“We are still in a volatile weather pattern, and taking precautions now can significantly reduce risks to homes and properties,” he added.

Motorist Warnings

The SES also issued a stern warning to drivers about the dangers of navigating flooded roads.

“We’ve seen vehicles speeding through flooded causeways, which is not only dangerous but also risks becoming stranded or causing further damage to roads,” Superintendent McLennan said.

Motorists are urged to exercise caution and avoid flooded areas entirely to protect themselves and others.

Stay Prepared

Residents and visitors are reminded to:

• Clear gutters and drains of debris.
• Secure outdoor items that could become projectiles in strong winds.
• Monitor local weather updates and SES warnings.
• Avoid driving through floodwaters under any circumstances.

The NSW SES remains on alert and ready to assist communities as the region navigates this challenging weather period. For emergency help in floods and storms, call 132 500.