Council staff are continuing to work on the clean-up and recovery phase which remains challenging due to limited mobile phone and internet service.
Tune in to ABC radio (94.5FM) for emergency broadcasts
Byron Shire's Emergency Dashboard also has links to the SES, BOM and road closure information.
Roads
To report road damage, use the Report It tab on our website.
Many roads remain inaccessible and extreme caution is to be used when driving around the Shire. People should check MyRoadInfo or the map on Council's emergency dashboard.
Roads closed include:
- Left Bank Road
- Wanganui Road
- Whian Road at Lismore Shire Border
- Mill Road at Wilsons Creek
- Wilsons Creek Road
- Huonbrook Road
- Federal Drive
- Main Arm Road
- Johnsons Road
- Upper Coopers Creek Road
- Palmwoods Road
- Englishes Road
- Upper Main Arm Road
- Upper Wilsons Creek Road
- Blindmouth Road.
Council is particularly concerned about road networks in areas including Main Arm, Wilsons Creek and Huonbrook and there are reports of people taking matters into their own hands to clear land slips or create alternative routes.
Huonbrook Road is one of our top priorites and staff are already working on the logistics to do a full assessment of the damage. We know people are keen to help but these areas are very unstable.
Support
We are getting additional support from the Australian Defence Force and personnel were on the ground in Mullumbimby today and will be seen around the Shire in coming days.
They are initially working on the clean-up and then most likely look at how to help with things like infrastructure repairs.
This is still a work in progress and we will pass on information when we know more.
Sewer Update
Council is aware that some residents in New Brighton and Billinudgel have experienced issues with their low pressure sewer systems/pumps due to lack of power.
Council staff are working to restore pumps area by area.
Please be patient as this will take several days to resolve. External assistance has been engaged to expedite this process, and many pumps may require a full rebuild.
Water Update
Mullumbimby water reservoir is filling up, and other water reservoirs in the Shire are full.
Rous County Council has confirmed that there is now sufficient water supply for Byron Shire Council residents to clean their properties, and treated water is being supplied by the Nightcap Water Treatment Plant.
There is no need to boil water in the Byron Shire area.
Byron Resource Recovery Centre (Tip)
The Byron Resource Recovery Centre will open tomorrow, Sunday 6 March, for disaster waste drop off for major flood affected residents only.
Residents may be asked for proof of where they live, as some people who have not been flood affected are attempting to deliver waste.
Waste will only be accepted from residents of:
- Mullumbimby
- Main Arm
- Wilsons' Creek
- Brunswick Heads
- New Brighton
- South Golden Beach
- North Ocean Shores
- Ocean Shores
- Billinudgel
- The Pocket.
If possible, residents of the above areas should put their flood-affected waste at the front of their properties for kerbside collection rather than taking it to the Resource Recovery Centre.
If you have been flood-affected and live in an area not listed above, please contact Council's Resource Recovery Team on Monday, 7 March.
Kerbside Waste Collection
Contract crews are continuing to clear flood-damaged waste only (waste that includes large items that have been affected by water and mud) from the kerbs. It is not for unwanted items.
***Please do not put asbestos out for kerbside collection – it is a health hazard***
Residents are asked to go via their insurers to engage specialised contractors to remove asbestos waste wherever possible. Council is also attempting to engage contractors but this may take some time.
The schedule for kerbside collection is currently:
- Mullumbimby – started 2 March, with back streets being cleared first. The collection will continue the week of 7 March.
- Argyle Street (inbound side)is expected to occur Tuesday morning, 8 March. Traffic management will be in place, and residents are asked not to park along the street (help with moving cars can be obtained from Mullum Civic Hall).
- Grevillea Avenue will start on Monday, 7 March. Residents are asked not to park on the street to help with waste truck access.
- Brunswick Heads – has started and will continue to until mid-next week
- Billinudgel – Tuesday 8 March and Wednesday 9 March
- Ocean Shores (Balemo Drive) will start as soon as possible, likely to be mid next week
- New Brighton - Tuesday 8 March onwards
- South Golden Beach – as soon as possible, likely to be mid next week
To help us please:
- Do not put hazardous waste (e.g. chemical drums, paint, asbestos) out on kerbside because they won't be collected.
- Tyres are not flood waste and won't be collected.
- White goods like fridges and large metal items should be separated and they will collected separately and recycled. Take the food out of the fridge please.
- Rotting waste should be put in red bins - not on kerbside with bulk waste.
- If possible - park cars off road so clean ups can occur safely and quickly.
Skip bins
Skip bins are now in place at:
- Intersection of Brunswick Valley Way and Orana Road (salad bowl) to help Ocean Shores residents until collection in the area starts.
- Car park at Mullumbimby Netball Courts.
- Intersection of Alidenes Road and Wilson's Creek Road.
Please do not overfill the skips, and do not place gas bottles, asbestos, paint or chemicals in these skips.
Hot showers at the Cavanbah Centre
The Cavanbah Centre on Ewingsdale Road will be open from 1pm to 6pm today (Saturday), and then daily from 8am to 6pm.
There are hot showers available for anyone whose home has been damaged by the flood or for people who have been working on the clean-up and need to wash.
Please bring your own towel and toiletries (Council is attempting to source hire towels and toiletries).
Open Spaces and Playgrounds
Playgrounds across Byron Shire have been impacted and should be avoided until safety checks have been completed over the coming week.
Sportsfields across the Shire are saturated and remain closed.
Recovery Centre
Council, in conjunction with Resilience NSW and a range of national, state and local services and organisations are in the process of establishing the Civic Hall in Mullumbimby as a formal Recovery Centre.
From Monday, the community will be able to access the services at the local hall. A full list of services will be available as soon as possible.
Grants and Government financial assistance
For the Australian Government Disaster Relief Payment and the Disaster Recovery Payment and to find out what you are eligible for:
- Call Services Australia on 180 22 66.
- Services Australia website
- myGov website.
- Service NSW website
Mullumbimby Pool and Byron Bay Pool
The Petria Thomas Mullumbimby Pool is closed until further notice, however the Byron Bay Pool remains open.
Council offices and how to contact us
Like many residents Council continues to experience limited communication services with very limited internet and phone services (this may extend to the ability to process electronic payments).
This presents a challenge to get information and share information with the community.
- The customer service counter in Byron Shire Council's administration office in Mullumbimby will reopen with reduced hours from Monday, 7 March. Opening hours will be 12pm – 4pm. .
- Our after-hours service is available to take limited calls on 02 6622 7022 across the weekend.
