Byron Shire moves into recovery after cyclone

BYRON Shire is in recovery mode after Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, with crews clearing debris, restoring services, and assessing damage to roads and infrastructure.

Council offices and facilities, including the Mullumbimby office and Byron Bay Pool, have reopened. Sandhills Early Childhood Centre, Petria Thomas Pool, and local libraries resumed operations on Tuesday, but sports fields, the Cavanbah Centre, and council-managed halls remained closed this week for inspections.

The mobile library also remains out of operation.

Most sewage pumping stations are back online after power was restored, though treatment plants at Bangalow and Brunswick Valley are still running on generators. Mullumbimby’s water treatment plant remained offline this week due to high turbidity in the raw water supply, with some residents relying on emergency water from Rous while others relied on stored reservoir supplies. Tap water remains safe to drink.

Council is asking residents to be mindful of their water use, particularly in Mullumbimby, where supply remains limited. Staff are also assessing road and infrastructure damage, with residents urged to report non-urgent issues online and provide photos where possible. Urgent issues should be reported by phone.

Waste collection resumed earlier this week, with extra landfill and recycling services for affected areas, including Ocean Shores, New Brighton, Brunswick Heads, South Golden Beach, Mullumbimby, and rural properties.

Residents can drop off excess household waste, including spoiled food from missed collections, at the Resource Recovery Centre free of charge. Green waste drop-off is also free for storm debris, though delays are expected due to high demand.

Disaster assistance has been activated under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, with financial support available for individuals, businesses, and councils to cover emergency accommodation, essential items, and clean-up costs.

Vinnies, the Australian Red Cross, and Legal Aid are offering assistance, including financial aid, food, clothing, legal support, and emergency resources. People needing essential medications, such as those for diabetes, asthma, or heart conditions, can access limited supplies without a prescription at local pharmacies.

All beach access points managed by Byron Shire Council remain closed due to erosion, and residents are urged to avoid affected areas. Sandbags should be kept for a few more weeks in case of further severe weather.

Residents are advised to check Live Traffic NSW for road closures and NSW Health for safety updates before returning to affected properties.

Updates are changing daily. For the latest information, visit the council website: byron.nsw.gov.au/Council/News.