Byron mayor Michael Lyon and Ballina MP Tamara Smith criticise Covid test debacle

With thousands of new cases on the North Coast in recent weeks, community leaders have criticised the availability of both varieties of Covid-19 tests.

A queue of people waiting to be tested for Covid-19 at the Lismore Base Hospital testing clinic.

Rapid antigen tests remain rare as hens teeth and PCR sites are fewer, with greater delays, as Covid-19 cases continue to increase in Northern NSW.

Community leaders have expressed concerns about the availability of Covid tests.

The Northern NSW Local Health District has recorded more than 4000 new cases of the virus in the four weeks to 8pm Wednesday.

Byron Shire mayor Michael Lyon has voiced concerns about the state government’s approach, as his community grapples with the loss of renowned local artist Craig Ruddy.

“There’s no doubt that from a planning perspective NSW has been found wanting in our preparation for the reopening last month,” Mr Lyon said.

“It’s a very stressful and emotional time for people who are not only frustrated by the lack of access to tests but they are concerned for their health and that of loved ones and friends.”

Cars queue at the Cavanbah Centre testing clinic in Byron Bay. Picture: Liana Walker

While some Northern Rivers testing clinics have closed for the time being, including 4Cyte Pathology drive-through clinics in Ballina, Lismore, Casino and Murwillumbah, there has also been a lack of rapid antigen tests available in chemists and other local retailers.

Where they have been available, prices have increased.

The federal cabinet has however announced a plan to make free rapid tests available to concession card holders.

Mr Lyon said this was a “positive move”.

He believes the tests should be freely available to all, but acknowledged supply is also a challenge.

“It shouldn’t be something that disproportionately disadvantages people in certain area or on a certain income,” he said.

“I think this situation we’re in with the need for testing was entirely predictable.

“Hindsight’s a wonderful thing but I’d say it’s disappointing to be where we are now.”

He said there had also been confusion around testing and isolation rules.

Mr Lyon said he was pleased by the “high vaccination rates” in the Byron Shire, although those rates have been behind most of NSW throughout the pandemic.

As of January 3, 85.8 per cent of people in the Byron Shire had received two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine.

The Tweed Shire is at 90.3 per cent, Lismore is at 93.7 per cent and Kyogle Shire is at 93.6 per cent.

The Ballina, the Richmond Valley, the Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour local government areas have more than 95 per cent double-vaccination.

“We will get through this as individuals and as a community,” Mr Lyon said.

“I encourage people who have been vaccinated to book in for their booster shot and to all the people in our health system who have been working so hard – thank you.

“Covid is a part of our lives and there is no changing this so we need to be prepared because it is likely to get worse before it gets better.

“The very harsh reality is that some of us will lose loved ones so now, more than ever, it’s time to support each other, look out for each other and be kind to each other.”

Ballina MP Tamara Smith said she had written to NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet asking for “accessible health services” for the community.

She described the situation as a “debacle”.

“Anyone that needs a test should be able to get a test,” Ms Smith said.

“Why didn’t they see this coming?

“We were going to have the private pathologies close down over Christmas which is fair enough, they’ve worked their guts out … and (we’ve had) a massive influx of visitors.

“What I’m seeing is people have Covid and they’re not getting tested.”

She said the death of an elderly man in aged care in Ballina, as well as prominent Byron artist Craig Ruddy, who were both Covid positive, was “very, very sad”.

“It’s very sad and my heart goes out to the families,” she said.

“I guess it’s just getting very real because of the high numbers, we’re seeing greater hospitalisation and we’re seeing people lose their lives.”