Byron Shire Council community update – Monday 10 March

Published on 10 March 2025

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It is with a great sigh of relief that we watch the Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred weather system finally start to ease here in the Byron Shire.

We have two evacuation centres still operating in the Byron Shire. Over coming days, the focus will change from disaster support to recovery.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) is the agency that provides recovery support for communities affected by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.  Information about recovery centres and support available is on the NSW Government website.

Mobile ‘pop-up’ recovery services will be announced for the Byron Shire in coming days, and we will keep the community informed.

A new Disaster Recovery Allowance was announced today by Prime Minister Albanese that residents of the Byron Shire may be eligible for.  Find out about your eligibility from the Services Australia website.

Council offices and facilities open

Council has reopened offices and some facilities today, including our Mullumbimby office, and the Byron Bay Pool. Other facilities will open as follows:

  • Sandhills Early Childhood Centre resumes operation Tuesday 11 March.
  • Petria Thomas Pool, Mullumbimby, opens lunchtime Tuesday.
  • Libraries: Byron, Mullumbimby, and Brunswick Heads planning to open on Tuesday 11 March.

The following facilities remain closed:

  • Sports fields and Cavanbah Centre.
  • Council-managed halls are closed until they are inspected for damage.
  • Mobile library.

Save water Byron Shire

Council is asking everyone to be mindful of their water consumption and limit use wherever possible.

Mullumbimby’s water treatment plant at Laverty’s Gap is still unable to produce drinking water due to high levels of turbidity in the raw water supply, some residents of Mullumbimby have been connected to the town’s emergency connection to Rous. Other residents are relying on clean drinking water stored in reservoirs. 

Tap water is safe to drink and storage levels in Mullumbimby's reservoirs are being monitored. 

Sewer services restored as power reconnected 

Sewer operations have been restored for most of Byron Shire as electrical power is reconnected at pumping stations. Power outages impacted sewage pumping stations around the Shire during extreme weather associated with Cyclone Alfred, and council staff worked throughout the weekend, using portable generators to maintain basic services.

The sewage treatment plants at Bangalow and Brunswick Valley are still running on generators ahead of power being restored by Essential Energy.

Council crews are now attending to any repairs needed at pump stations.

Fallen tree removal

We have crews working with contractors in various areas across the Shire to remove fallen trees and branches. Get more information about what to do about fallen trees on Council and private land.

Beach Access and Coastal Erosion

All beach accesses managed by Byron Shire Council are still closed. Please remain off the beaches.

Sandbag disposal

Hang onto your sandbags, if they are not damaged, for a few more weeks!

Road and infrastructure damage

Staff will be assessing damage in the coming weeks. To report non-urgent damage, please report it via Council’s website or email council@byron.nsw.gov.au Photos are appreciated.

For urgent requests, please call Council on 02 6626 7000 or if it’s after hours on 02 6622 7022

Wheelie bin collections

Bin collections resumed this morning. Put bins out the night before.

More information about waste services and bin collection is available on Council’s website.

Areas that are due for recycling collection this week will also have landfill collections to account for extra waste.

  • Red, yellow and green bins will also be collected in:
  • Ocean Shores
  • North Ocean Shores
  • New Brighton
  • Brunswick Heads
  • South Golden Beach
  • Mullumbimby
  • Rural properties (red and yellow bins).

All collections will be subject to access. Be aware times may vary due to extra collections, so place bins out the night before your normal collection day.

Residents can drop off excess household waste, such as spoiled food, from missed bins at the Resource Recovery Centre free of charge.

What to do with spoiled food

  • Unpackaged spoiled food can go in your green bin.
  • Packaged spoiled food goes into the red landfill bin.
  • Where possible, please remove food from packaging and place into your green bin.

Free green waste drop-off

Free green waste drop off will be available from Monday 10 March at the Byron Resource Recovery Centre for storm related green waste. This includes branches and twigs but not lawn clippings.

Residents must provide their address to staff at the weighbridge.

Due to high demand, residents should expect delays at the Resource Recovery Centre over the coming days. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as clean-up efforts continue.

Flood and storm bulky waste

Please do not place waste relating to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred on the kerbside.

If you have bulky waste caused by storm or flood damage, please call the Resource Recovery Hotline to discuss 1300 652 625

Courtesy Trailers

Courtesy trailers are available for Byron Shire residents for free. Call the Resource Recovery Hotline to book, 1300 652 625

Donations

People who want to help communities affected by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred are asked to NOT DROP or SEND donations into impacted regions as unrequested donations can hamper recovery efforts.

Rather they should go to GIVIT.org.au to find out exactly what’s needed.

Recovery Support

The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) is the agency that provides recovery support for communities affected by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Information about recovery centres and other support available is on the NSW Government website.

Returning home

  • Returning home after severe weather may be delayed if the area is unsafe. Follow these recovery steps on the NSW Government website.
  • Before returning home, check the latest warnings from NSW SES and any road closures via Live Traffic NSW.
  • For health advice to reduce your risk of injury, sickness or infection during and after a natural disaster, visit NSW Health.

Recovery webpage created

There is a dedicated NSW Government website for recovery support. This includes information on Recovery Assistance Points.

Disaster assistance for local areas announced

Disaster assistance has been announced under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recover Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Assistance measures will support councils, and their communities meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation and essential items.

Financial support for individuals and businesses

Disaster Relief Grants are available to individuals who require immediate financial assistance and assistance with clean-up, including removal of waste. Applications are income and assets tested.

Financial support is available for small businesses, non-profits and primary producers.

On the ground assistance and support

The following support services can provide essential supplies and practical help and assistance:

  • Vinnies can provide food, clothing, furniture and financial assistance for those who need it most following the cyclone. Phone 13 18 12.
  • Australian Red Cross can provide practical help and resources to use before during and after emergencies. Phone 1800 733 27.
  • Legal Aid can provide free legal help for those affected by a disaster, including insurance claims and disputes, housing and tenancy, financial hardship, and government disaster grants. Phone 1800 801 529.

Access to essential medicines

People impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred who require essential medicines, including diabetes, heart, and asthma medicines, can access a limited supply without a prescription at pharmacies.

For more information speak with your local pharmacy, GP or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

For media enquiries call the Media and Comms team on 02 6626 7320.

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