⏱️ The 70th edition of our newsletter is a seven-minute read.

🙋‍♀️ Hi there, it’s Ellie here – your reporter for the Mid North Coaster.

🥳 Welcome to all 15,200+ of you subscribing to these newsletters! Thanks so much for reading.

Remember, if you ever want to get in touch, simply reply to this email.

As I mentioned last week, I spent Sunday at the Sherwood Markets. I didn’t sell much, but had a great time with friends and enjoyed the vibe – a classic country-style market with trinkets, treasures and home-made treats. It was a hot day, so once the stalls were packed down, friends and I went for a dip in the Macleay River near Sherwood bridge. It really is a beautiful part of the region.

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend!

🕰️ In today’s newsletter, we’re looking at how you all can have a say — and potentially shape the future — of transport in our region over the next 20 years. This story pitch was sent in by a reader (thanks Tom) who wanted to spread the word. I agree it’s a piece of info important to our patch.

If you ever want to get in touch, simply reply to this email.

Elsewhere, and as a follow on from my story about the new reform for Farm FireFighting Vehicles, I spoke to Inspector Chris Wilson, Acting District Manager for Lower North Coast Rural Fire Service, about why the RFS supports the change to allow owners to apply for a conditional registration which would let them legally drive their units on public roads when responding to an emergency

If you missed the first story, you can read here, or watch the video below for a summarised version.

But let’s start with the story I mentioned briefly in last week’s newsletter, on the emergency centre in Macksville set to move to Nambucca to avoid being impacted by major floods… again.

🆘 A Macksville disaster emergency centre impacted by floods? Could be time to find a new home

When access to an emergency centre is cut off during a flood – due to floodwater  – something’s got to give.

The Nambucca Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) shares a site on Kelly Close in Macksville with the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and State Emergency Services (SES). It is two streets back from the river.

Current NEOC site is just two streets back from the Nambucca River. Picture: Nambucca Valley Council business papers.

During the floods in May, access was cut off, with East Macksville inundated with floodwater, making it unusable. During the 2022 flood, the NEOC was temporarily moved to the Macksville District Hospital due to avoid the issues with access at the current site.

In a disaster the NEOC assists “combat agencies” - the State Emergency Service (SES), Rural Fire Service (RFS) and NSW Police. The NEOC is established in an emergency to support the lead combat agency, which depends on the nature of the emergency, by bringing together other government agencies and coordinating actions.

At the September Nambucca Valley Council meeting, councillors approved a  recommendation – submitted by David Moloney, Director Engineering Services – to co-locate the NEOC with Marine Rescue NSW on Crown Land in Mann Street, Nambucca Heads. 

A staff report to councillors stated the chosen alternative location would be less affected by floods than at its current location in Macksville.

To find out more about the new location, the cost of the move, and next steps, read the full article on our website it.

 🚒 Lower North Coast Rural Fire Service backs new deal for fire fighting farmers

Inspector Chris Wilson, Acting District Manager for Lower North Coast Rural Fire Service, says the recent reform allowing farmers and rural landholders to register and use Farm Firefighting Vehicles (FFVs) to respond to bushfires near their property is a welcome change for a region set to experience more heat waves, fires, and stress on firefighting resources.

What happened: Owners of FFVs, like specially modified utes or converted Land Cruisers, can now apply for a conditional registration which would allow them to legally drive their units on public roads when responding to an emergency. 

How this changes things: Inspector Wilson told The Mid North Coaster this move “empowers those on the land to act when it matters most and act quickly,” and that the more his District – which services Kempsey shire and Nambucca Valley – can work with land owners, the better.

What’s being said: As the population of volunteer firefighters gets older and local brigades struggle to engage younger people, Wilson said rural landholders are often the first ones on the scene when a bushfire breaks out, especially if it’s within their property or a neighbouring property.

🗣️ “The work they do in that initial phase can make a huge difference to the outcome of that fire,” said Wilson.

Strong community connection is vital: Wilson said when the communication between all firefighting services – RFS, NSW Fire and Rescue, Forestry Corporation and National Parks and Wildlife Service – is strong they can work together to best control bushfires. 

🗣️ “Our Farm Firefighting units fit into that model,” said Wilson “That’s why this [reform] is coming into play and that’s why we’re so positive towards it. We're able to strengthen that fire preparedness community safety if we work together.”

Plan updated: NSW RFS has updated its Farm Fire Plan with a Farm Fire Unit Guide to help ensure farmers and RFS work safely together.

Thanks for reading and watching! I’ll be back in your inbox on Friday.

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👋 Ellie

P.S. Here’s a little something extra for you.