Weather bureau issues storm warning for northern NSW
A severe storm warning has been issued for an area from Tweed Heads to south of Kempsey. They are expected to bring heavy rain, damaging winds and large hail.
Lismore
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The State Emergency Service says its members are bracing for severe storm impacts across a large area of northern NSW already ravaged by floods.
Incident controller Ashley Sullivan said the impact could be “considerable”.
“With the saturation level in the soils at the moment it will not take much for run-off from that heavy to potentially cause some concerns for the State Emergency Service and the communities we are up here to look after,” Mr Sullivan said.
A warning from the weather bureau predicted heavy rain, strong winds and large hail to impact the Northern Rivers, Northern Tablelands and parts of Mid North Coast and North West Slopes and Plains Forecast Districts.
North Coast communities struggle without phone reception
A number of Telstra customers remain without reception as the operator works to restore flood-damaged sites.
A Telstra spokesman said the communities of The Channon, Mullumbimby, Koonorigan, Ocean Shores, Pillar Valley, Jiggi, Stokers Siding, Uki, Modanville, Ulmarra, Tucabia, Wooli, Duranbah, Kingscliff, Whian Whian, Main Arm, Woodburn, Tyalgum may be isolated.
There are still 26 Telstra sites still down, however the number has decreased from 39 on Saturday.
“Many areas are however still inaccessible due to flood waters and road infrastructure damage or are without power and we need both to assess whether there has been any damage to our network,” the spokesman said.
“Unfortunately, we have found significant damage to some of our network, which will take time to fix.”
About 9625 fixed line phone/ADSL across northern NSW and southeast Queensland remain affected.
Roads reopening
A number of key roads in NSW’s north have reopened after floods cut them off for days.
The Pacific Highway has reopened between Glenugie, near South Grafton, and New Italy.
Tweed Valley Way has also reopened between Tumbulgum and the Pacific Highway.
Here are the latest road closures:
Fresh storm threat looms over Northern Rivers
More storms could get to the Northern Rivers as a weather system hovered south of Grafton on Sunday morning.
Weather bureau meteorologist Grace Legge said the storm could disappear before it hit the North Coast – but even if it did there was chance another could form in its place.
Ms Legge said storms caused by an upper low moving through northern parts of NSW would bring thunderstorms throughout most of the day.
She said many of those storms had started in the south on Saturday night and had travelled north.
“We could see it moving more into the north east or it could decay,” Ms Legge said.
“Unfortunately it could impact the Northern Rivers today.”
She said the storms were more intense, isolated falls, as opposed the widespread falls seen earlier in the week.
However she said there was potential it could once again raise river levels in the region.
Ms Leggee said there was a chance the showers and thunderstorms would continue into the beginning of next week.
Up to 5000 troops bound for flood ravaged communities
The Australian Defence Force will deploy an extra 900 personnel in the Northern Rivers from Sunday to reinforce a massive flood clean up across the region.
NSW Premier Dom Perrottet made the announcement on Saturday after visiting Lismore’s CBD with Emergency Services and Resilience Minister Steph Cooke.
Ms Cooke said the federal government had offered on Saturday to send 5000 personnel overall and she hoped they would arrive in the region “really quickly”.
“When you see the task at hand in the streets of Lismore, we need every one of them,” Ms Cooke said.
She said there had been 1448 rapid damage assessments since flood water receded and of those, 946 premises had been deemed uninhabitable.
“So the task around accommodation and housing is absolutely enormous,” she said.
Mr Perrottet said the state government would not spare a dollar in rebuilding Lismore to be greater than it was before much of it was destroyed by flooding on Monday.
“We will not just rebuild it, we will make Lismore better,” Mr Perrottet said.
He said funding was not going to be an issue in the rebuild of Lismore but stopped short of saying he would ensure the town was declared a disaster zone.
“Whatever declarations need to be made will be made, but from my perspective … in terms of state funding we will do whatever we can, invest whatever we can, to get communities through.
He said smaller flood-ravaged communities where there had been anger about a lack of emergency support had not been forgotten.
“We have been getting as much support there as possible,” Mr Perrottet said.
“I think when we go back through all of this … in terms of preparation there needs to be that greater support for whatever catastrophic event occurs.
“You have to prepare for the worst.”
He said the flooding had been a completely devastating and unpredicted event.
Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said the town and region would get through the disaster.
She said people were saying they would not rebuild in Lismore.
“We assured them that we will, that we will do this and we will be here and this is our home and that is what we will do.”
Byron Shire faces $100m rebuild
The clean up and recovery phase has begun in the Byron Shire.
The council is anticipating an infrastructure damage repair bill of up to $100,000,000 with Infrastructure Services Director Phil Holloway describing inspections as “grim.”
“Some of the roads in the hinterland have been totally destroyed,” he said.
“The already wet landscapes and extreme rainfall volumes have caused damage that we have not experienced before.
“We are seeing hundreds of meters of road simply washed away, gaping holes where causeways and bridges used to be and landslips covering roads.”
Catastrophic road infrastructure impacts have occurred in the following areas:
- Englishes Bridges at Upper Coopers Creek has a huge landslip, and the bridge is gone. Currently impassable and not accessible.
- Wilson Creek Road, Wilsons Creek has multiples landslips, causeway failures, pavement damage and trees down. Currently impassable and not accessible.
- Left Bank Road, Mullumbimby Creek – two landslips, two causeways failed and one approach severely damaged. Currently impassable and not accessible.
- Williams Bridge at Main Arm is severely damaged and needs a full replacement. Two causeways are severely damaged and require full replacement including approaches. There are likely more damaged causeways further up the road.
- Palmwoods and Upper Main Arm – large landslips have destroyed access. Hundreds of meters of roads have been washed away.
- At Federal and Goonengerry there are numerous landslips.
Kerbside pick-up has begun in Mullumbimby from March 2 with other parts of the shire scheduled as follows:
Azalea Street will be done early Monday morning (7 March). Residents are asked not to park along the road Monday morning so the rubbish can be picked up quickly and safely. Traffic management will be in place.
Brunswick Heads – Monday 6, Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 March
Billinudgel and The Pocket – Wednesday 9 March onwards
North Ocean Shores (Low lying areas) – Wednesday 9 March onwards
New Brighton- Wednesday 9 March onwards
South Golden Beach – Thursday 10 March, Friday 11 March and into following week.
Water restrictions were imposed at Mullumbimby as the town’s supply runs low, however the council has worked overnight to fill the Azalea Reservoir.
Water tankers have also been used to top up the water supply and will return Saturday.
Residents are still asked to preserve water.
Evacuation order still in place at Maclean
Clarence Valley Council reports that the Maclean levee has been inspected by geotechnical experts. They have consulted with Clarence Valley Council engineers and together identified a number of cracks in the levee. Emergency seals have been applied to support the integrity of the wall and inspections will continue over the weekend. The Maclean evacuation order remains current for all residents.
Fifth death in floods
A man believed to be in his 40s has been found dead on Byrrill Creek Road near Terragon south of Murwillumbah.
This is the fifth death from the Northern NSW floods.
Police found the body of the man south of Murwillumbah shortly after 2pm on Friday.
The man is yet to be formally identified.
Officers from Tweed-Byron Police District have attended and established a crime scene.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Critical landslip on Tweed road
A critical and life-threatening landslip has formed on Tyalgum road in the Tweed Shire.
The road between Bray Park and Tyalgum has been closed as the Tweed Shire Council warns the residents not to travel by vehicle or foot on the road.
The council has warned this is a major unstable land slip that needs significant repair.
Mullumbimby rallies
Residents and loved ones from neighbouring communities have been undertaking the huge task of cleaning up Mullumbimby and surrounds after this week’s flood devastation.
Some homes in the Mullumbimby CBD narrowly avoided being flooded while others have large piles of impacted furniture and belongings piled high on the nature strip.
There has been a constant stream of donations of much-needed goods at Mullumbimby Civic Hall to help those affected by the flood disaster on Friday, March 4, 2022.
Food and water supplies have also been made available to those in need at the hall on Dalley Street, opposite the RSL.
Rubbish collection
Tweed Shire Council will begin bulk waste collection on Sunday dependent on water levels dropping and safe road access.
Mayor Chris Cherry said the clean-up will be enormous and poses a logistic challenge.
“We are still in the response phase of this flood event and getting ready to support our community to recover,” Ms Cherry said.
“While we have successfully restored water supply to the majority of the Tweed and been able to remove level 4 water restrictions, we are also announcing plans to commence the huge task of the flood clean up.
“It’s best to leave your flood-affected items out the front rather than taking them to the tip to avoid congestion – we’ll get to you over the next few weeks.”
From March 6 priority kerbside pick-up areas are Murwillumbah CBD, South Murwillumbah, Condong, Uki, Stokers Siding, Tyalgum, Chillingham, Burringbar, Mooball and Crabbes Creek.
Either later in the week or the week of March 14 the focus will be on Tumbulgum, Bongangar, Cabarita Beach, Pottsville, Chinderah, Fingal Head, Tweed Heads South, Tweed Heads West and Banora Point.
Once the Stotts Creek tip can reopen businesses can off-load flood generated waste for free until March 21.
Normal bin collect will return as access allows.
Weather warning
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is monitoring the prospect of a fresh low pressure system forming on Sunday – with a potential impact from the Mid-North Coast through to the Victorian border.
“As we know here in NSW with any low pressure system they are very dynamic and evolving situations,“ meteorologist Dean Narramore told a press conference on Friday morning.
“We’re looking at widespread shower and thunderstorm activity developing across much of eastern NSW from the Mid-North Coast all the way down to the Victorian border and extending inland on Sunday and Monday.
“Now that is not good news for us here in eastern NSW and for much of the state as we know things are already saturated.“
Mr Narramore had mixed news for the Northern Rivers – with the situation generally easing, but the chance of isolated storms later on Friday.
“Around the Northern Rivers area we’re seeing the water levels drop to minor (flooding) at Lismore and we’re continuing to see them fall very slowly at Ballina as well,“ he said.
But given the large amount of water still moving through the river systems around Ballina, moderate to major flooding will continue there on Friday and ease on Saturday.
“Persistent showers and isolated thunderstorms up there again today but that will be very hit and miss thankfully so most areas should stay dry through today and tomorrow,“ Mr Narramore said.
“But do be aware … the possibility of some severe thunderstorms again up in the Northern Rivers this afternoon and this evening.
Aerial photos of northern NSW’s flooding devastation laid bare
Aerial views of Northern Rivers hubs smashed by swollen Wilsons and Clarence rivers have revealed the scale of flood devastation and the effort that will be required to recover.
Lismore, Southgate and Ulmarra are among the communities deep in clean-up mode as residents from within and outside the impact zone band together to get their lives back on track.
Nearmap captured the following before and after images via the Nearmap proprietary aerial camera system attached to planes.
They show the inundation of the Ballina Street Bridge which connects Lismore with South Lismore.
It was a truly unexpected scene for long time residents who had not before witnessed water over the top of the landmark.
News to donate $1m to flood relief efforts
Northern Star reporters all week have revealed the devastation of the disaster and now they will help direct where $1 million donated by News Corp Australia will be directed to aid the recovery efforts.
Tessa Flemming has kept filing from a Ballina evacuation centre as flood waters lapped at her own front door.
“People were coming in with their dogs, birds in cages. It was the best place to be for the story, but you don’t really want to be part of it yourself,” she said.
Her colleague Catherine Piltz was evacuated from her home in Lismore as the waters inside reached waist height.
“The scariest thing for me was thinking that there are still people that are old and trapped, and how frightening it must be for them,” she said.
News Corp is working with St Vincent de Paul to support The Vinnies Flood Appeal, and gathering information from its staff on the ground to ensure the money gets where it’s needed most.
In Queensland, regional reporters in Hervey Bay, Gympie, the Sunshine Coast, and throughout Brisbane suburbs have provided around the clock coverage.
The flood crisis started in Queensland where more than a metre of rain came down in some parts in just days.
Lismore was hit by the region’s worst flood on record on Monday, with four people so far confirmed dead.
Stuart Cumming, 38, editor of the northern NSW titles, had a 30-second drive from his house on high ground to start covering the floods.
“I watched a guy in a tinny rowing along his street, pulling his neighbours out one after the other,” he said.
“People have their belongings outside their homes as they try to clean up. It is a stinking mess and I have spoken to quite a few people who don’t have any insurance cover.”
News’ announcement of a $1 million donation for flood affected areas follows another $1 million for fire ravaged communities.
“Our support comes through direct contact between our people and the communities they live in and cover,’’ News Corp’s Community Ambassador Penny Fowler said.
Troops arrive for Lismore clean up
Lismore Mayor Steve Kreig has shared on social media that hundreds of troops where expected to arrive today to assist with clean up, bringing heavy machinery with them.
He said the number of confirmed deaths was 4, however several people are unaccounted for and search and recovery will happen throughout the day.
More police sent to flood regions
NSW Police will send more than 100 new officers to flood-ravaged Northern NSW to help with the rescue and recovery operation.
The additional officers, from multiple metropolitan Police Area Commands and specialist units across the state landed in northern NSW late Thursday.
They will be deployed to support local police attached to Richmond Police District and Tweed/Byron Police District, covering the areas of Lismore, Tweed Heads, Ballina and surrounds.
Deputy Premier and Minister Police Paul Toole said the extra police resources will make a significant contribution to the emergency response.
“These communities have faced some of the toughest times imaginable, but the stories of compassion and bravery from police, volunteers and entire communities rolling up their sleeves to pitch in have been incredible,” Mr Toole said.
“Rest assured we are throwing every resource at this evolving situation, and deploying these extra officers will make a huge difference on the ground, not only in the immediate response phase, but also during the long road to recovery.”
State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the NSW Police Force would continue to do whatever was required to assist flood affected communities.
“I want everyone affected by this ongoing emergency to know we will support you in the coming weeks, months, and as long as it takes, to get you and your communities back on your feet,” Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said.
Emergency calls down
A Telstra spokesman has told the ABC there are still many communities where people can’t call Triple 0 through any service.
“We’ve still got a wide area of outages particularly around the mobile network around the Northern Rivers,” he said.
He said crews were now able to get into areas where floodwaters had receded to undertake repairs, and some services have been restored in the Lismore area.
But there are still widespread connectivity issues.
As of Thursday night, areas including Mullumbimby, Uki, Ocean Shores, Koonorigan, The Channon, Modanville, Homeleigh, Pillar Valley and parts of Kingscliff still had outages that meant even emergency calls were impossible, he said.
“I think we account for most issues and contingencies but when you have an unprecedented weather event, as we’ve had, it does put enormous strain on any infrastructure,” he said.
Non-flooded Lismore supermarkets to be restocked
In one of the key overnight updates, Lismore residents are being advised that non-flooded supermarkets will be restocked on Friday morning.
Sam Farraway, the Minister Regional Transport and Roads, acknowledged it had been a very challenging few days for flooded northern NSW communities.
“At an emergency meeting tonight (Thursday) we were advised non-flooded Lismore supermarkets will be restocked tomorrow morning (Friday) which I know will come as a huge relief to the community,’’ he said in an update posted on social media.
Defence Australia would continue to support other supply chain operations to isolated communities.
He said transport crews were continued to work with emergency services to inspect and open key roads.
“Our teams are also working with the NSW SES who have formed Rapid Damage Assessments Teams to help the community clear roads and infrastructure as soon as practical.”
“For those travelling from Sydney/Newcastle to Brisbane, your best route is inland via the New England Hwy.
“If you are travelling from Grafton to Brisbane, Gwydir Hwy, New England Hwy or Summerland Way direct are your best options.”
Key advice for residents returning to their homes
The SES has promoted key advice for residents returning to their homes after a flood.
It includes stocking up on basic items such as non-perishable food (canned or in jars), bottled water, medications, a torch and batteries.
“Fill up your fuel tank and withdraw cash (ATMs) in your area may not be working or banks may be closed).
“Be prepared for a slow journey; road conditions may have changed and there may be detours in place.
Those returning and helping with clean-ups should wear sturdy boots, long pants and long sleeves, eye protection and gloves-and wear a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
“Watch out for potential dangers such as snakes, spiders and other animals.”
There’s more great information here
River levels to keep a watch on
The Wilsons River at Lismore (AHD) was reported to be at 7 metres and falling, with minor flooding.
It’s expected to fall to 4.20m overnight Friday into Saturday.
At Grafton and Maclean, river levels are falling along the Clarence River, but flooding continues.
Major flooding is occurring at Maclean and moderate flooding is occurring at Grafton and Ulmarra.
“River levels are expected to continue to fall, however there is some possibility of renewed river level rises into the weekend,’’ the bureau says.
The situation is being closely monitored and revised forecasts will be issued if necessary.
The Clarence River at Grafton (Prince St) was at 4.66 metres and falling, with moderate flooding.
The river is likely to fall below the moderate flood level (3.60m) during Friday.
At Ulmarra, it was at 4.29 metres and falling, with moderate flooding The river is expected to fall below the moderate flood level (3.40m) during Friday.
The Clarence River at Maclean was at 2.93 metres and falling, with major flooding. The river is likely to fall below the major flood level (2.50m) during Friday.
Major flooding at or near record levels is continues along the Richmond River at Coraki, Bungawalbyn and Woodburn but residents are being reminded to keep an eye on changes if there is rainfall into the weekend.
The Richmond River at Coraki was near 6.73 metres and falling slowly, with major flooding.
At Coraki, the Richmond may fall below the major flood level (5.70m) during Sunday.
At Bungawalbyn it was near 6.33 metres and falling slowly, with major flooding. It may fall below the major flood level (5.00m) during Sunday.
The Richmond River at Woodburn was near 6.04 metres and falling slowly, with major flooding. It may fall below the major flood level (4.20m) during Sunday.
Check updates on river levels here: http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/
Emergency evacuation for Maclean residents
The SES have announced an emergency evacuation order for Maclean residents as concerns for the town levee mount.
Maclean residents have been warned by the SES the levee may wall may “fail”.
If the levee wall is “compromised”, built-up flood water from the Clarence River will enter the town and could cause “inundation”.
NSW SES are currently offloading truckloads of dirt and gravel at the site of the levee wall to contain the potential burst.
NSW SES told residents to “act now and be prepared”.
Maclean residents will be sent an evacuation alert via mobile phone as the town does not have an alarm.
Ulmarra SES Unit Manager Sue Chappell said it was particularly important to ensure the elderly, disabled and sick relatives in the lower laying parts of Maclean are evacuated as soon as possible.
Residents have been warned to “prepare yourselves, animals, livestock and property”.
An evacuation centre is open in Maclean Showground.
The affected streets in Maclean are:
Argyle Street
Bakers Lane
Bank Lane
Basin Street
Cameron Street
Centenary Drive
Central Ave
Church Street
Clyde Street
Diamond Street
Dunoon Crescent
Dwartes Lane
Emerald Street
Houghs Lane
Howard Street
Iona Close
John Street
Jubilee Street
McLachlan Street
McNaughton Place
Morven Street
Rannoch Ave
River Street
Rush Lane
Sapphire Close
Stanley Close
Taloumbi Street
Union Street
Coraki calls for help
The town of Coraki is urgently calling out for help as emergency supplies dry up.
Ballina based resident Madeline Adams said she had been talking to two elderly women trapped out of their homes.
The pair are at the Coraki Uniting Church evacuation centre which is in desperate need of food, water and toiletries.
“There is gastro going through the town and they are running out of basic needs,” Ms Adams said.
However, with floodwaters inundating the town and nearby Broadwater, Ms Adams said how to get supplies in was the issue.
She was asking anyone with a boat or plane who could help to reach out to herself or the Uniting Church.
“They haven’t been back home, they’re wearing other people’s clothes” she said.
“I’m just hoping someone can try and help.”
Airport closed
Ballina Byron Gateway Airport has shared on social media that it will remain closed until at least midday on Friday, March 4.
All commercial flights have been cancelled with emergency services still operational.
Life-saving medications choppered in to Lismore
A chopper filled with life saving drugs has brought desperately-needed relief at a Lismore chemist that has been overrun in the days since flood water destroyed much of the town.
Chemist Warehouse Lismore owner Kate Daniel said she had seen traumatised people who had been through horrendous situations but had somehow managed to keep their spirits up.
“As a community everyone seems to be rallying behind each other and really supporting each other,” Mrs Daniel said.
“It’s certainly been a crazy time.”
She said the store had been swamped with more than twice as many customers as normal who formed a lengthy queue for scripts.
“The volume of scripts is unprecedented and we have run out of a lot of lifesaving medications,” she said. READ MORE
Weather alerts: Flood warnings, heavy rain
Earlier today, fresh flood warnings and severe weather alerts have been issued for most of New South Wales, with more heavy rain preparing to lash already devastated towns.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns a low offshore from the Mid North Coast will deepen and move towards the central New South Wales coast today.
Severe Weather Update: Major flooding and torrential rain continues for #NSW and south-east #Qld. Video current: 10.30am AEST 03 March 2022
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) March 3, 2022
Know your weather, know your risk. For the latest forecasts and warnings, go to our website https://t.co/TbYvasuuLa or the #BOMWeather app. pic.twitter.com/3Wtf6m25aN
The system will bring very heavy surf leading to localised damage and abnormally high tides that may cause sea water flooding of low lying areas.
Water levels could reach or exceed the highest tide of the year by more than 0.2 metres, the Bureau warns, particularly during the morning high tide.
“Abnormally high water levels are occurring along the northern coast due to flooding and tides being near the highest astronomical tide,” the warning states.
There are also moderate to major flood warnings for many rivers including the Wilsons River at Lismore and Clarence River at Grafton.
NSW Police are also warning people not to park under trees with high winds likely to cause trees to be uprooted and fall over.
Ballina Island cut off
Ballina Island remains cut off from surrounding areas after historic flooding hit the town this week.
Frustrations were running high when countless Ballina residents tried to return home to the CBD on Wednesday, only to be turned away.
At the same time major communication network issues were affecting the town along with much of the Northern Rivers.
The full scale of damage to the Ballina CBD is not yet known but on Wednesday police had erected roadblocks to keep people from trying to return to the flood-ravaged streets, many of them still inundated from the swollen Richmond River.
Police roadblocks were erected on the CBD side of Missingham Bridge – heading from East Ballina – on Angels Beach Drive.
The town has also been cut off from the north at Tamarind Drive and from the south and west.
Speaking from a rare pocket of phone reception, Ballina mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the town was in a “desperate situation”.
“I said (earlier) it was a one in 500 year event but it’s actually a one in 1000 year event, I believe, now,” Ms Cadwallader said.
“It’s heartbreaking to see the river topple over like it has and to fill up the main CBD of Ballina.
“It’s absolutely heartbreaking to see the homes flooded.”
250+ schools shut
More than 250 schools across New South Wales have been shut due to the extensive flooding crisis and road closures across the state.
See the list for state and independent schools here and Catholic schools here.
Thousands of calls for help
Since 5am Wednesday, the NSW SES has received 3166 calls for assistance, including 255 flood rescues.
Their busiest units have been Gosford (403 calls), Wyong (223), Penrith (177), Liverpool (167), Blacktown (134), Lismore (118) and Ballina (116).
“The East Coast Low started affecting NSW early this morning with heavy rain and strong winds,” an update from the SES reads.
“Heavy falls have been recorded across the Sydney Metropolitan, Central Coast, Hunter and Illawarra Regions. This is expected to continue and intensify into the day. In the North Coast, wild weather is likely to spread from QLD into Northern Rivers over the coming days.
“The current weather situation remains serious. There are multiple evacuation orders in place across the state. Affected residents are urged to follow the advice provided within these evacuation orders and act immediately if safe.
“Trees are more likely to fall as soil structures are soaked and impacted by strong winds. Localised flash flooding could occur at any time.
“Make safe, smart decisions for you and your family. Avoid unnecessary travel and never drive, ride or walk-through flood water.”
For current Evacuation Orders, Centres and Flood Bulletins visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au.
For emergency assistance in flood and storms, call NSW SES 132 500. If the situation is life-threatening, call triple-0 (000) immediately.
Food supplies needed in flood-hit towns
A much-needed convoy of goods arrived in the flood stricken town of Lismore Wednesday night, as Minister Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway urged residents to stay off the roads.
“Thanks to help from NSW Police Force, drivers took a more time-consuming and indirect route along the Pacific Motorway rather than the more direct Bruxner Highway, which remains closed in several sections,” Mr Farraway said.
“Byron Bay and Alstonville are along the route and will also be resupplied.
“While the Pacific Motorway opened to all traffic between Ballina and the Queensland border earlier (Wednesday) afternoon, all non-essential travel is still discouraged.
“This was an urgent resupply run with the help of authorities, please do not take any risks.”
It comes as the Lismore City Council calls for donations to help residents in evacuation centres.
Aerial photos reveal Ballina’s heartache amid fourth death
A fourth person died in the northern NSW flood disaster with a man in his 70s discovered inside a home in South Lismore on Wednesday.
The man — who is yet to be formally identified — was discovered at a home on Cromer St about 2pm and a crime scene has been established.
Confirmation of the fourth fatality of the floods came just hours after the discovery of Stuart Bock’s body in the Lismore CBD on Wednesday morning, bringing a tragic end to three days of searching by his family and friends.
Resource Hubs developed
Schoolteacher and Yamba resident Danielle Marette has developed resource hubs to centralise information for the flood affected, volunteers and helpers.
Clarence Valley Flood Help Resource Hub 2022
Ballina Flood Help Resource Hub 2022
Essential Energy updates
Essential Energy have received additional crews to help continue restoring power to many flood affected areas managing access issues such as washed out roads and landslips. Aerial patrols are being organised to assess conditions for Coraki, Woodburn and Broadwater. Currently there are 10,300 customers without power in the flood-affected areas.
Thieves steal TVs, items in brazen smash and grab burglary
A North Coast supermarket was targeted in a brazen burglary, leaving the retailer to board up its front door and window.
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Donated medical gear a lifeline for mums and bubs
Clarence Valley mums and bubs have been given a helping hand with the generous donation of essential medical equipment for their local hospital.
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