Byron Shire Council emergency update – Wednesday 5 March
Published on 05 March 2025
Following is an update on Byron Shire Council operations and other relevant information relating to Cyclone Alfred.
People are asked not to travel unless necessary and to never drive through floodwater.
The SES is the lead agency for cyclones, storms, and flooding.
For help during flooding or weather emergencies, sandbags and damage to property call the SES.
Council is responsible for roads, infrastructure such as bridges and causeways, water and sewer and waste.
The NSW Government’s Department of Communities and Justice is responsible for opening and staffing evacuation centres and disaster recovery.
Stay informed
The Byron Shire Emergency Dashboard, https://emergency.byron.nsw.gov.au/, has links to the following emergency services and information:
- SES
- Emergency broadcaster - ABC North Coast (94.5FM or 720AM)
- Bureau of Meteorology
- Live Traffic
- Essential Energy
- River heights
- Flood cameras
Other important information
Evacuation Centres
Evacuation Centres for the Byron Shire are at the Ocean Shores Country Club and the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club.
These centres are open later this afternoon.
While some bed stretchers will be available, people should BYO camp mattresses, blankets, pillows if possible.
Currently the Department of Communities and Justice is asking that no donations of bedding are dropped off to evacuation centres.
People can take companion animals to the evacuation centres where staff will do their best to accommodate them. Owners should take feed, leads, cages and bedding if available.
Council operations
To keep up to date with Council information follow us on Facebook and check our website regularly. The Facebook page will not be monitored overnight.
Emergency staffing
Council staff will be rostered on to respond to emergencies relating to roads, water, sewer, critical infrastructure etc, seven days a week until the need has passed.
Trees over roads or damage to roads, causeways etc
Call Council during business hours (8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday) – 02 6626 7000 or after-hours emergencies – 02 6622 7022.
Staff will do their best to get to the problem as quickly as they can or when it is safe to do so. This may take several days.
Waste
There will be no kerbside waste collection (wheelie bins) on Thursday or Friday (6 to 7 March). Put all bins (red, yellow and green) out on normal days next week.
Byron Resource Recovery Centre is closed on Thursday and Friday (6 to 7 March). We will monitor the weather to see if it reopens on Saturday 8 March.
Beach Access and Coastal Erosion
All beach accesses managed by Byron Shire Council are closed.
Libraries
All library branches across the region including Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads, Mullumbimby, and the Mobile Library, are closed until further notice.
Council facilities and offices – closures
The following facilities are closed:
- Byron Bay and Mullumbimby Pools are closed.
- Sports fields.
- Cavanbah Centre closed from 4pm this afternoon to Sunday 9 March.
- Sandhills Early Childhood Centre - closed Thursday and Friday (6 to 7 March).
- Council-managed halls - closed from 4pm Wednesday to Sunday 9 March.
Contacting Council