About 9:40am on 14 January 2025 the Northern Rivers Region Enforcement Squad assisted by officers from Richmond & Coffs police districts, a Domestic Violence High-Risk Offender Team & the Dog Unit attended a residence in Casino to effect an arrest & search premises

 

NSW Police News

26 charges over alleged property, traffic and drug offences - Casino

Wednesday, 15 January 2025 03:29:00 PM

A man has been charged with 26 offences following an extensive investigation into property crime in the Northern Rivers.

Between Tuesday 26 November 2024 and Monday 2 December 2024, the Northern Rivers Region Enforcement Squad (RES) investigated several property and traffic offences they believe were linked.

The incidents are alleged to have occurred along the north coast from Woolgoolga to Kingscliff.

Following extensive inquiries by Northern Rivers RES – assisted by Richmond Police District, Coffs Harbour RES, North Coast DVHROT, Dog Unit and Police Rescue – officers attended a home on Oak Avenue, Casino, about 9.40am yesterday (Tuesday 14 January 2024).

A 20-year-old man was arrested at the home and was served a Firearms Prohibition Order and a Digital Evidence Access Order.

A search warrant was also executed at the property, with police allegedly locating and seizing items including a machete, hammer, mobile phone, cannabis, and keys to a stolen vehicle.

The man was taken to Casino Police Station where he was charged with 26 offences,

• Aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence-armed (four counts)

• Drive conveyance taken without consent (three counts)

• Unlicensed for Class, Class C, R, LR or MR (three counts)

• Be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner (two counts)

• Attempt aggravated break and enter with intent - armed (two counts)

• Armed with intent to commit indictable offence (two counts)

• Aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence - people there

• Aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal

• Break and enter house etc steal

• Assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other(s)

• Stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm

• Police pursuit - not stop - drive at speed

• Police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously

• Possess prohibited drug

• Goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, and

• Recruit child to carry out/assist criminal activity.

He was refused bail to appear before Lismore Local Court today (Wednesday 15 January 2025), where he was formally refused bail to appear before Coffs Harbour Local Court on Tuesday 11 March 2025.

Hopefully the much promised & long awaited redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital will begin under the NSW Minns Labor Government

Since 2011 successive NSW Coalition Governments had been making promises about upgrading or redeveloping Grafton Base Hospital.

Having received $19 million in 2010-11 from the federal Rudd Labor Government a new emergency department & operating theatres were eventually built largely due to community pressure and effective lobbying by the then NSW Labor Member for Clarence.

However, by 2018 the NSW Berejiklian Coalition Government was only promising to spend $263.8 million to achieve the much needed larger redevelopment.

Half promises to this effect began to appear in December 2018, while the then Nationals MP for Clarence made repetitive promises during the following year 2019 - after which he rather ignored the growing unmet need for public hospital health services in the Clarence Valley unless cornered by local media for comment.

As late as 25 January 2023 the junior partner in the NSW Perrottet Coalition Government was still promising that substantial rebuild in this election promise similar to the one made in 2019:

Regional Health and Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor, Nationals’ Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis, and Nationals’ candidate for Clarence Richie Williamson have announced a major step forward in the $264 million Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment.

So it comes as something of a relief that the redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital appears to have moved on from promises towards concrete build planning.

NSW Health, media release, 8 January 2025:

A healthy future for the Old Grafton Gaol

08 January 2025

The Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment has taken an important step forward, with a portion of the former Grafton Gaol set to be acquired from Property and Development NSW to support the upgrade of the hospital.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $263.8 million in the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment to improve health outcomes and meet the growing needs of Grafton and surrounding communities.

In addition to the site acquisition, a Development Application has been approved by the Northern Regional Planning Panel to refurbish two administration blocks within the former minimum-security portion, on the north-eastern corner of the gaol, to provide contemporary administrative, office and training support facilities.

Clinical services will remain on the existing Grafton Hospital site.

The former Grafton Gaol operated between 1893 and 2020, it was closed following the opening of the new Grafton Correctional Centre in Lavadia. The former Grafton Goal was added to the state’s Heritage Register in 1999.

The adaptive reuse of a portion of the former gaol site aligns with the conservation management plan prepared for the site in 2021, to ensure areas of heritage significance within the site are preserved and activated.

Work is underway on the planning and design for the main works of the $263.8 million Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment, which will deliver a new three-storey acute services building, including a new Emergency Department, Emergency Short Stay, Medical Imaging and MRI, and inpatient unit.

The current Day Surgery and Operating Suite will be expanded to provide two additional operating theatres, increasing overall capacity. Construction timeframes for the full redevelopment will be confirmed once planning has been finalised and a builder has been appointed, with the refurbishment works at the former gaol site expected to start this year.

For more information visit: Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The acquisition of this section of the old Grafton Gaol will provide critical new space to support the redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital.

“This multi-million dollar redevelopment will improve healthcare capacity and ensure the hospital has the best, most up to date models of care for the residents of Grafton and the surrounding communities.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper:

“The transfer of this part of the subdivided site to NSW Health ensures the Old Grafton Goal doesn’t remain an unused relic.

“This great outcome enables new uses for this important community asset, while also providing a major economic benefit for the Grafton community.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong:

“We have delivered another important milestone to revitalise and reuse one of our state’s key former correctional centres.

“Grafton Gaol is an iconic place with a somewhat dark history, so it is wonderful we are delivering a positive new chapter that will ensure this monument serves the local community for years to come.”

Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Clarence, Emily Suvaal MLC:

“This is a fantastic outcome for the Grafton and Clarence communities as it secures the future use of this historic site, which will really benefit the local residents.”

Concept designs unveiled for Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment

"...there’s something special about Yamba"

 

It is said that during the Christmas holiday period the little New South Wales coastal town of Yamba (2023 est. resident population 6,467) easily doubles its population and this year, 2024, appeared to be no different.

December visitor numbers are still manageable, but thankfully for the rest of summer and other holiday periods thoughout the year visitor numbers are a little lower.

Something I suspect one Time Out magazine editor discovered when she visited.

Clarence Valley Independent, 18 December 2024:

Yamba has been named one of the 10 best Australian destinations” Time Out magazine’s editors travelled to in 2024. Image: Rodney Stevens

The accolades keep coming for the paradise we know is Yamba – much to the dismay of some long-term locals – after the town was announced in “The 10 best Australian destinations” Time Out magazine’s editors travelled in 2024.

This is the most recent recognition in a growing list of acknowledgements for Yamba, following the September 2024 announcement Yamba was the fifth most searched hidden gem in Australia in a study by worldwide luggage storage app Bounce.

In 2009, Yamba was named Best Town in Australia by a panel of tourism and travel experts in a survey conducted by Australian Traveller magazine.

And in the 2023 NSW Top Town awards, Yamba was a finalist in the Top Tourism Town greater than 5000 residents’ category.

While some locals dislike the idea of promoting Yamba as beautiful destination we know and love, the economy and businesses of the town, and to a degree, the entire Clarence Valley is reliant on tourism.

Time Out’s Sydney Lifestyle writer, Winnie Stubbs visited Yamba and fell in love with the town, penning this review.

“The NSW coast has no shortage of magical beach towns, but there’s something special about Yamba,” Stubbs wrote.

“Sitting with an unpretentious air on the southern edge of the Northern Rivers, the laid-back beach town is home to just the right amount of everything.

“There are surfing spots for every ability, hidden coves and rockpools for dreamy summer days, a charming old-school cinema for rainy evenings, and a delightfully unintimidating range of must-try eateries and drinking spots.

“A pod of dolphins has made its home below the southern headland, punctuating the sparkling coastline beyond the ocean pool on quiet, sunny mornings, and during whale watching season you’ll see migrating humpbacks stopping to scratch off their barnacles at a rocky outcrop beyond the beaches.

“Now home to two super-luxe hotels, Yamba is on the up – get there before the crowds do.”

It's happiness as usual on Yamba beaches during the holiday season

Pippi Beach, Yamba NSW
IMAGE: Yamba Weddings

Turners Beach, Yamba NSW
IMAGE: Clarence Coast Holiday Parks

Main Beach, Yamba NSW
IMAGE: Londoner in Sydney

The Courier - Mail, 29 December 2024:

If you’re a surf lifesaver and volunteer to patrol on Christmas, you’ll know what a rewarding experience it is.

Apart from the fact that doing a shift at the beach on our most venerated public holiday is virtue-signalling of the highest order, it offers an iron-clad excuse, if you need it, to get out of tricky family gatherings or participation in tedious board games.

It’s also the happiest day of the year to be on the beach. Everyone’s loving being there, and everyone appreciates the lifesavers being there.

Strangers will come up to patrol members and offer genuine thanks and/or some leftover pavlova.

Big tip for future reference: don’t put yourself in a situation that requires rescue after lunch on Christmas Day.

Another benefit of sitting in a chair for hours watching the crowd having fun between the yellow and red flags is that it offers the opportunity to let your mind freewheel, which is good exercise only without sweat.

On Wednesday, on patrol at Yamba, I turned on the TV in my head and skipped from topic to topic: wondering how various couples on the beach met, what do seagulls really think of us, do fish feel fear, using alliteration for amusement, how many prawns get eaten on Christmas Day, the enormous amount of equipment some people bring to the beach … and how lucky we are to be a swimming nation.

There were several families from overseas on the beach that day. They were easy to spot not because of their accents or wacky swimming costumes … it was the fact they wouldn’t go beyond ankle deep into the gentle surf.

Australia would be an entirely different country if we hadn’t embraced the aquatic life. It’s a credit to our culture that we put so much effort into teaching our kids to swim and that as a nation we are so confident in the water.

The OECD last year released a major report on the influence of swimming competence on people’s lives globally. Australia’s relationship with swimming is referenced repeatedly.

It makes for fascinating reading, and as I watched the kids bodysurfing a sentence in the report came to mind.

“The ability to swim, like other life skills such as being able to drive and cycle, broadens the horizon of the possible and empowers individuals.” Happy new year and see you down the beach.

Tweed Shire local government the subject of more corruption allegations?

The Northern Star-Daily Telegraph, 19 December 2024:

Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) probe launched into Tweed Shire Council

A corruption probe has been launched into Tweed Shire Council, it can be revealed.

Multiple sources have told this publication an Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) investigation was recently launched into allegations surrounding council processes.

One source stated that the corruption probe was “common knowledge” in council and that “they have been trying to keep a lid on it”.

Another source said ICAC officers had recently raided council offices to conduct searches and obtain information, and that a number of staff had reportedly been suspended.

When asked about the probe, Tweed Shire Council Mayor Chris Cherry said she was “unsure” whether the investigation was “active” and that “it was likely to come out (in the media) sooner or later”. She then referred enquiries to general manager Troy Green.

In response to questions, a council spokesperson said: “All investigations are a matter for the Commission.”

“Where there is an active and ongoing investigation, it is not appropriate for council to give any response,” the spokesperson said.

“All enquiries should be directed to the ICAC. No further statements will be made about this matter by the council.”

An ICAC spokesperson said it would not “confirm or deny if it is undertaking investigations”.

In 2005, the state government sacked the Tweed Shire Council after allegations of corruption were aired to ICAC before handing responsibilities over to three administrators.

The probe came after an independent report by Commissioner Maurice Daly, who examined how Tweed councillors were elected, finding them to be influenced by a developer-led group called Tweed Directions.

The report claimed candidates who presented as independents were backed by developers who were responsible for a property boom on the Queensland-NSW border.

At the time, Local Government Minister Tony Kelly said the move had “distorted the community’s understanding of their real status and purpose” and council had “effectively lied to the community.”

The current probe has no links to the matters in 2005.

In September 2022 Tweed Shire Council published its Fraud and Corruption Control Policy Version 2.0 which reads in part:

Fraud refers to dishonestly obtaining a benefit, or causing a loss, by deception or other means. Corruption, in broad terms, is deliberate, a serious wrongdoing that involves dishonest or partial conduct, a breach of public trust or the misuse of information or material.....

This Policy affirms Tweed Shire Council’s commitment to supporting an integrity fraud and corruption control framework, communicates our intention and direction to fraud and corruption control and shows clear accountability structures.

Richmond Valley Council decision at odds with community expectations concerning use of Stan Payne Oval

ECHO, 17 December 2024: 

Evans Heads locals have raised concerns over the advertised rodeo ‘Buckin by the Beach’ scheduled for 28 December in Evans Head.

Originally advertised for Paddon Memorial Park next to the Evans River, residents said that the first they knew of it was from an ad offering ticket sales to the event. It has now apparently been moved to Stan Payne Oval. Though it is still being advertised online as at Paddon Park.

‘It is not clear from publicly-available information whether this rodeo has been approved by Richmond Valley Council (RVC) as nothing can be found on the RVC website at time of writing about the event except that a similar event was held in 2023 at the Stan Payne Oval at Evans Head,’ said a spokesperson for Evans Head Residents for Sustainable Development (EHRSDI).

According to one local the RVC the council overrode the Stan Payne Oval Committee to bring the event back to the property under their control leaving the community wondering ‘why bother having a management committee if the council can step in at the last moment and override their concerns without appropriate public consultation with those who will be most affected by the event’.

Inquiries made by EHRSDI reveal that those controlling the Stan Payne Oval area were not happy with the impact the previous event had on the condition of the playing fields and one resident, who contacted EHRSDI, said he had suffered a knee injury because of legacy uneven playing surfaces.

The Stan Payne Oval is subject to a Master Plan which was accepted by Council in June 2023 ( https://richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/SPEH-01-Adopted-Masterplan-2023-.pdf)

‘EHRSDI understands that the committee did not and does not want the rodeo to be held on the Stan Payne Oval because of the effects on the oval’s physical integrity and risk of injury from the legacy effects of that use,’ said the EHRSDI spokesperson.

‘Master Plans are supposed to be about “protecting the local character, heritage and environment” of a site”. It is difficult to reconcile the imposition of an out-of-town, for-profit rodeo with “the core focus” of the site which is “improving the community’s enjoyment within public spaces”.’

Evans Head Residents for Sustainable Development said today it has fielded a number of calls from local residents about the proposed rodeo event covering a range of concerns from the impact the event will have on water quality of the Evans River to the timing of the event in the middle of the busy Christmas period at Evans Head when riverfront usage is at a premium and the space will be lost to the public. Parking and noise problems were also raised.

‘The wider community is also opposed to the event being held at Evans Head because the community is already at capacity from the summer holidays and does not need yet another burden on local infrastructure.’

Animal welfare

Animal welfare issues have also been raised as a concern in relation to the rodeo.

According to research gathered by Dr Anne Gates, ‘Rodeos are a cruel spectator sport, condemned by all animal protection organisations, in which bulls, horses and sometimes other animals are physically provoked into displaying “wild” behaviour by the use of such devices as spurs, electric prods and flank straps. Animals suffer many kinds of injuries and are sometimes killed as a result......

RVC, National Rodeo Association, and the Stan Payne Oval committee have been contacted for comment.

Evans Heads locals have raised concerns over the advertised rodeo ‘Buckin by the Beach’ scheduled for 28 December in Evans Head.

Originally advertised for Paddon Memorial Park next to the Evans River, residents said that the first they knew of it was from an ad offering ticket sales to the event. It has now apparently been moved to Stan Payne Oval. Though it is still being advertised online as at Paddon Park.

‘It is not clear from publicly-available information whether this rodeo has been approved by Richmond Valley Council (RVC) as nothing can be found on the RVC website at time of writing about the event except that a similar event was held in 2023 at the Stan Payne Oval at Evans Head,’ said a spokesperson for Evans Head Residents for Sustainable Development (EHRSDI).

According to one local the RVC the council overrode the Stan Payne Oval Committee to bring the event back to the property under their control leaving the community wondering ‘why bother having a management committee if the council can step in at the last moment and override their concerns without appropriate public consultation with those who will be most affected by the event’.

Inquiries made by EHRSDI reveal that those controlling the Stan Payne Oval area were not happy with the impact the previous event had on the condition of the playing fields and one resident, who contacted EHRSDI, said he had suffered a knee injury because of legacy uneven playing surfaces.

The Stan Payne Oval is subject to a Master Plan which was accepted by Council in June 2023 ( https://richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/SPEH-01-Adopted-Masterplan-2023-.pdf)

‘EHRSDI understands that the committee did not and does not want the rodeo to be held on the Stan Payne Oval because of the effects on the oval’s physical integrity and risk of injury from the legacy effects of that use,’ said the EHRSDI spokesperson.

‘Master Plans are supposed to be about “protecting the local character, heritage and environment” of a site”. It is difficult to reconcile the imposition of an out-of-town, for-profit rodeo with “the core focus” of the site which is “improving the community’s enjoyment within public spaces”.’

Evans Head Residents for Sustainable Development said today it has fielded a number of calls from local residents about the proposed rodeo event covering a range of concerns from the impact the event will have on water quality of the Evans River to the timing of the event in the middle of the busy Christmas period at Evans Head when riverfront usage is at a premium and the space will be lost to the public. Parking and noise problems were also raised.

‘The wider community is also opposed to the event being held at Evans Head because the community is already at capacity from the summer holidays and does not need yet another burden on local infrastructure.’

Animal welfare

Animal welfare issues have also been raised as a concern in relation to the rodeo.

According to research gathered by Dr Anne Gates, ‘Rodeos are a cruel spectator sport, condemned by all animal protection organisations, in which bulls, horses and sometimes other animals are physically provoked into displaying “wild” behaviour by the use of such devices as spurs, electric prods and flank straps. Animals suffer many kinds of injuries and are sometimes killed as a result......

RVC, National Rodeo Association, and the Stan Payne Oval committee have been contacted for comment.

The wilfully blind cast their vote at Lismore City Council's ordinary monthly meeting of 10 December 2024

 

If there is one thing that can be relied on when it comes to Lismore City Council's elected representatives, it is that Cr. Big Rob, formerly known as Robert Bou-Hamdan, will seek to tear down rather than build on past community achievements.

This is yet another case in point.....

ECHO, 13 December 2024:

Lismore councillors Big Rob and Andrew Bing have led the charge to remove all CSG (coal seam gas) and nuclear free area signs from the Lismore local government area (LGA).

Speaking to the motion at the December 10 council meeting Cr Rob made it clear he wasn’t happy with what he sees as the negative messaging that the ‘CSG and nuclear free’ statement on the welcome to Lismore signage.

‘I even don’t like the signs on the bins, it has like 20 different things you cannot do,’ said Cr Rob emphasising his point.

Supporting the motion Cr Electra Jensen told the meeting that while she had supported the ‘No CSG’ campaign at the time but ‘we don’t want to rehash history [we want to] look to the future… it is time to move on.’....

Councillors voted six to four in favour of removing the CSG signs with Crs Gordon, Battista, Rob, Bing, Jensen and Krieg in favour and Crs Dalton-Earls, Knight-Smith, Guise and Waters opposed.

Following the meeting a rescission motion has been lodged by Crs Knight-Smith, Guise and Waters.

‘The fact that 87 per cent of LGA voted to be CSG free means the Krieg team would have their own constituents who would have supported the referendum,’ Cr Guise told The Echo.

‘I’d like them to listen to the sentiment of the community and recognise that they should proudly display those signs as a symbol of community pride and what we have gained from being gasfield free.

‘We’ve got a united, powerful community, we have protected our farmland, we have clean air and water. These signs are something that a farming and a food growing region should be proud of as it is essential to a food growing and agricultural region to have clean farmland and water,’ he said.

‘CSG is still a clear-a-present danger. You have communities fighting against gas fields across NSW and Australia right now. CSG is a dirty fossil fuel on par or worse than coal.’.....

Crs Gordon, Battista, Rob, Bing, Jensen and Krieg have chosen to ignore the long history of exploration and mining in north-east New South Wales from the 19th century to the present 21st century - gold, silver, copper, tin, antimony, coal, asbestos, mineral sands & coal seam gas being the principal commodities sought by the mining industry.

These councillors turn their eyes and minds from those maps showing current mining titles and exploration leases, as well as from maps pockmarked with coal seam gas drilling holes that Northern Rivers communities fought hard to stop proliferating ahead of then proposed gas fields.

Mining industry history across Australia clearly shows that mining titles can endure across many lifetimes, often changing hands down the years as long-term investments. History also shows us that state governments can and do grant new exploration licenses in areas where mining leases have lapsed or been dissolved by previous governments.

There is no binding 'never ever' promise on the part of governments when it comes to minerals, ores & metals that can still be found in the ground.

BACKGROUND

All current north-east NSW mining titles & applications for mineral and energy resource exploration, assessment and production, where a company or individual has the right to explore for or extract resources including petroleum, minerals and coal. All current titles for mineral and energy resource exploration, assessment and production.

MinView Geoscience Planning Portal mapping

All current & past north-east NSW exploratory drilling sites. Past coal seam gas drilling sites marked in yellow.

MinView Geoscience Planning Portal mapping

3.GEOLOGICAL SETTING, excerpt from Assessment of Mineral Resources in the Upper North East CRA Study Area:

The Upper North East Region (UNER) has a complex geological history extending from about 600 million years ago to the present. Rocks in the region have been brought together from sites of deposition as far away as sub-Antarctic areas. The region has undergone massive upheavals and some rock sequences which now abut were formed in different parts of the globe in settings ranging from volcanic island arcs to swampy basins. The area has been relatively stable as part of the Australian continent since about 200 million years ago but there have been periods of considerable volcanic activity most recently about 40-15 million years ago. Large parts of the region are now in an active erosional cycle but deposition of new sediments is occurring in many coastal lake and river systems. 

The UNER covers rocks of the New England Orogen (or New England fold belt), the Clarence-Moreton Basin and associated sub-basins, and younger rocks of Tertiary and Quaternary age which overlie these major provinces. The New England Orogen is a major geological zone which extends from the Newcastle area north to Far North Queensland. The Orogen comprises many rocks which formed in highly active geological regions where sediments from the deep ocean were being subducted and thrust into the Australian land mass at that time. They were mixing with sediments formed from the eroding mountains and volcanoes which existed on the margins of the continent. The Orogen has a complex structural history and the sedimentary rocks are generally folded and regionally metamorphosed. The Orogen includes a major plutonic province and there are numerous intrusive units, generally felsic in character, as well as extrusive volcanic rocks of similar age and composition.

In the north eastern part of the UNER the Orogen rocks are overlain by relatively flat-lying sediments of the Clarence-Moreton Basin (C-MB) and underlying sub-basins. This major basin formed after the crust had stabilised. This basin covers the New England Orogen rocks completely just north of the Region and sedimentary units can be traced across to the west to join with units comprising the vast sedimentary basins of central Australia.

During the Tertiary Epoch basaltic volcanism occurred along eastern Australia and was related to the formation of the Tasman Sea. Remnants of very large continental basaltic shield volcanoes are present in the Region, the major one being the Tweed volcano centred at Mount Warning. There has been substantial erosion throughout the region since these volcanoes formed.

Erosion has produced a major escarpment which extends through the UNER. Huge gorge systems have developed and the material removed has been deposited in coastal regions in rivers and lakes and out to sea.

[Assessment of Mineral Resources in the Upper North East CRA Study Area: A project undertaken as part of the NSW Comprehensive Regional Assessments, November 1999, p.4]

It was a busy 9 days for police in Northern Rivers police districts - real gun, toy gun, bungled bank robbery, stabbing death, two-state police pursuit, domestic violence, police shooting, vehicle crashes whist fleeing, tourist lost in bushland

 

NSW Police News

Critical incident declared following pursuit and crash - Coffs/Clarence PD

Thursday, 12 December 2024 12:30:09 PM

A critical incident investigation has been declared following a police pursuit and crash near Coffs Harbour today.

About 7.45am (Thursday 12 December 2024), police were patrolling the Pacific Highway at Tucabia – about 15km east of Grafton – when they attempted to stop a vehicle due to its alleged speed.

When the vehicle allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated; however, was soon terminated due to the manner of driving.

A second pursuit was initiated a short time later, before the car allegedly conducted a U-turn at Dirty Creek into the path of an oncoming truck, resulting in a collision.

The driver of the vehicle, a 19-year-old man, was treated at the scene by police and NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Coffs Harbour Hospital in a critical condition.

The driver of the truck, a 50-year-old man, was not injured; however, was taken to Grafton Hospital for mandatory testing.

A crime scene has been established and the scene will be forensically examined by the Crash Investigation Unit.

A critical incident team from Mid North Coast Police District will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation is also subject to an independent review.

As inquiries continue, anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The Pacific Highway at Dirty Creek is expected to remain closed northbound for some time.

Diversions are in place and delays are expected. For traffic updates visit: www.livetraffic.com

Missing hiker located safe - Tweed/Byron PD

Wednesday, 11 December 2024 03:05:35 PM

A missing hiker has been located safe on the state's far north coast.

The 54-year-old was believed to have been hiking at Wollumbin when he was last heard from about 9.30pm on Saturday 7 December 2024.

Police were told that the man spoke with a friend that night, indicating he was lost in the Wollumbin National Park.

When he was unable to be contacted on Sunday (8 December 2024), police attached to Tweed/Byron Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Officers, with assistance from NSW and Qld PolAir, NSW Police Rescue, NSW Ambulance, Westpac Rescue Helicopter, NSW SES, RFS and VRA conducted an extensive search.

Following inquiries, about 12:35pm today (Wednesday 11 December 2024, the man was located on Tyalgum Road, Tyalgum, after walking out of bushland.

He was taken to Murwillumbah Hospital for assessment and treatment for minor lacerations.

Police would like to thank the public and media for their assistance.

Critical incident declared after man shot - Grafton

Wednesday, 11 December 2024 10:56:02 AM

A critical incident investigation is underway after a man was shot by police in the states far north coast this morning.

About 6.30am (Wednesday 11 December 2024), officers attached to the Coffs/ Clarence Police District were called to a park on Ryan Street, Grafton, responding to reports of a concern for welfare.

On arrival, police located and attempted to engage with a man.

The man allegedly approached police and threatened them with a knife before he was shot by police.

The officers immediately rendered first aid until the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics.

The man was airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable but serious condition.

The police officers were not physically injured.

A critical incident team from Richmond Police District will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation is also subject to an independent review.

Anyone with information about this incident 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.

Man charged over alleged stabbing and pursuit - Northern Rivers

Sunday, 08 December 2024 08:18:59 AM

A man will appear in court today via audio visual link after being charged following an alleged stabbing and pursuit in the Northern Rivers.

Emergency services were called to Ballanda Crescent, Iulka, about 4.30pm yesterday (Saturday 7 December 2024), following reports a man armed with a knife had allegedly forced his way into a home and attacked the resident.

Officers attached to Coffs-Clarence Police District attended along with NSW Ambulance paramedics, but the 58-year-old man died at the scene.

A crime scene was established and inquiries commenced into the circumstances surrounding his death.

A short time later, police attempted to stop a man driving a 4WD ute north along the Pacific Highway.

When the driver allegedly ignored police directions, a pursuit was initiated and continued north from Iluka to Woodburn, where road spikes were successfully deployed by officers attached to Coffs Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.

The ute continued to Uralba Street, Woodburn, where a 41-year-old man was arrested.

He was taken to Lismore Hospital for assessment, before being taken to Lismore Police Station and charged with murder, predatory driving and police pursuit-not stop-drive dangerously.

He was refused bail and will appear via audio visual link today in Parramatta Local Court.

Man charged over alleged DV and pursuits in Northern NSW

Saturday, 07 December 2024 07:18:56 AM

A man will appear in court today after being charged over an alleged domestic violence incident and a number of police pursuits in the state’s Northern Rivers.

On Sunday 17 November 2024, Richmond Police District commenced an investigation following an alleged domestic violence incident.

An arrest warrant was issued for a 22-year-old man.

Officers will allege in court the man engaged in pursuits on Monday 18 November 2024, Monday 2 December 2024 and Wednesday 4 December 2024 in a bid to avoid arrest.

About 5:45pm yesterday (Friday 6 December 2024), the 22-year-old was located traveling south on the M1 Motorway, Tweed Heads in a four wheel drive.

When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, a pursuit was initiated, before being terminated due to safety concerns.

A short time later, the four wheel drive exited the motorway at Minjungbal Drive, Banora Point and allegedly collided with a sedan which was stopped at traffic lights, pushing the stationary vehicle into a marked police car travelling in the opposite direction.

The 22-year-old man allegedly abandoned the four wheel drive and forcibly removed a male rider from a moped, before driving off.

The man allegedly drove at police vehicles on the M1, before falling off the bike and attempting to run from the scene.

He was arrested by officers and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station and charged with:

• Reckless grievous bodily harm (DV);

• Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous;

• Negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm);

• Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period;

• Drive conveyance taken wihtout consent of owner;

• Use class A vehicle with unauthorised number plate affixed;

• Police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously;

• Destroy or damage property;

• Not give particulars to other driver;

• Assault with intent to take/drive motor vehicle - Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous;

• Police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously;

• Hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty

He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court today (Saturday 7 December 2024).

Appeal to locate men wanted on warrants - Coffs-Clarence Police District

Friday, 06 December 2024 06:03:46 PM

Please note: Images of the wanted men are available on Coffs-Clarence Police District’s Eyewatch social media site.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate two men wanted on outstanding arrest warrants by Coffs-Clarence Police District.

Richard Carey, aged 37, and Dray Riley, aged 26, are wanted on outstanding warrants for domestic violence offences.

Officers attached to Coffs-Clarence Police District are conducting inquiries into their whereabouts.

Richard is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm-180cm tall, of solid build, with black hair and facial hair, and blue eyes.

Dray is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm-180cm tall, of thin build, with black hair and facial hair, and brown eyes.

Anyone who sees the men is urged not to approach them but to call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

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.

Man charged after allegedly pointing gun at officer - Tabulam

Friday, 06 December 2024 10:40:33 AM

A man will face court today after he allegedly pointed a loaded gun at a police officer following a pursuit in the state’s far north east.

Officers attached to Richmond Police District attempted to stop a car due the alleged manner of driving in Tabulam about 3.30pm yesterday (Thursday 5 December 2024).

When the male driver allegedly failed to stop, police initiated a pursuit.

The driver stopped in Alice and when an officer attempted to arrest the man, he allegedly pointed a loaded pistol at the officer.

The officer discharged his Taser and the man was arrested.

During a search of the vehicle, police allegedly located and seized drugs, cash, ammunition and magazines, a balaclava, large machete and other drug paraphernalia.

The 24-year-old man was taken to Casino Police Station and charged with 17 offences:

> Police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly

> Possess unauthorised pistol

> Possess unauthorised firearm

> Possess loaded firearm public place

> Use, supply, acquire, possess stolen firearm or part

> Use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention

> Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority

> Assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm

> Intimidate police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm

> Hinder or resist police officer in execution of duty

> Supply prohibited drug

> Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period

> Drive while licence cancelled

> Custody of knife in public place

> Two counts of knowingly deal with proceeds of crime

> Two counts of goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not motor vehicle).

He was refused bail to appear at Casino Local Court today (Friday 6 December 2024).

Police will allege in court the pistol was stolen from a business in Armidale in September 2024.

Man charged after allegedly threatening staff with toy gun - Ballina

Friday, 06 December 2024 08:42:09 AM

A man has been charged after allegedly threatening bank employees on the states far north coast yesterday.

Police were told about 11am (Thursday 5 December 2024), a man entered a financial institution on River Street, Ballina, and allegedly threatened staff before showing an employee what appeared to be a firearm.

The man left and walked across the road to another financial institution where it is alleged he again threatened staff before showing the employees what was believed to be a firearm.

There were no reports of injuries.

Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended and arrested a 36-year-old man a short distance away on River Street, Ballina.

Police searched the man when they located a toy gun.

The man was taken to Ballina Police Station and charged with two counts stalk / intimidate intend fear physical harm.

He was refused bail and appeared before Ballina Local Court yesterday (Thursday 5 December 2024) and is now bail refused, to appear before the same court on Thursday 23 January 2025.

Man charged over alleged pursuit - Far North Coast

Wednesday, 04 December 2024 12:51:03 PM

A man will face court today charged over an alleged pursuit on the Far North Coast yesterday afternoon.

About 2.10pm yesterday (Tuesday 3 December 2024), officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District were alerted by Queensland Police that an SUV – which was allegedly driving dangerously - had entered NSW near Tweed Heads and was being driven south along the M1.

NSW Police intercepted the SUV a short time later on the M1 at Cudgera Creek and attempted to stop the vehicle.

When the driver allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated, continuing south where road spikes were deployed.

The tyres deflated and the vehicle came to a stop on the M1 at Wardell where a 31-year-old Queensland man was arrested.

He was taken to Lismore Police Station where he was charged with police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously, learner not accompanied by driver/police officer/tester, class A motor vehicle exceed speed greater than 45km/h - estimated, drive vehicle under influence of drugs, refuse or fail to submit to breath test, and refuse or fail to submit to breath analysis.

He was refused bail to appear before Lismore Local Court today (Wednesday 4 December 2024).