Cyclone Alfred community updates from across the Northern Rivers Update #3

Written By CCR Coordinator

(Picture taken at 9.12 am, Woolworths at Goonellabah)

Last updated at: 9 March 2025, 10:45 AM

Update #3

These reports come from CCR (Community Carers and Responders), Plan C’s network of volunteers who provide on-the-ground updates during emergencies across the Northern Rivers.

If you don't see the name of your location listed below it's because we don't have accurate, up-to-date information about as we write this update. Please let us know on our Plan C - Our Plan is the Community Facebook group if  you would like to add information about your location for our next update.


This update highlights the uneven impact across the Northern Rivers region, with some areas like Alstonville and Goonellabah remaining functional, while others, such as Bangalow, Burringbar, and Byrrill Creek, face power outages and communication disruptions. Infrastructure fragility is evident, with power-dependent water systems failing and road flooding isolating areas. Despite these challenges, community resilience is strong, with local hubs like Evans Area Resilience Network, Main Arm Disaster Resilience Inc or Our Neighbourhood - Heritage Park in Mullumbimby stepping up to provide communications, power, and social support. The disparity in impacts suggests that relief efforts must be highly localised, ensuring tailored responses to specific community needs rather than a blanket approach. Maintaining situational awareness, supporting local adaptation efforts, and ensuring reliable communication will be key to effective recovery and resilience-building in the coming days.

Of note, there is now a centralised website focusing on providing information on all things recovery: https://www.nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery. That site will contain all the information about recovery and services that you can access, information that is available to assist you and your community.

Alstonville 

  • Alstonville had some fits and starts of heavy rain overnight and this morning but long stretches between rain too. Can hear the birds, frogs and insects again.

  • Alstonville shops open and plenty of stock: Coles, Fruit shop, Butcher in the plaza.

  • Cafes open and busy.

Ballina

  • No rain or wind at the moment, has power and Telstra.

  • Surf less rough. River very high but not over banks in town.

  • Haven’t been out yet to check exit roads or shops but there were many open yesterday eg Spar west Ballina and IGA Ballina island.

  • No recent blackouts where I am staying. Power restored and clean up of initial damage - trees and powerlines- appears to be done.

  • Supermarkets open - Coles, Woolworth and Ritchies.

  • Chemists open - Terry White Main Street; Priceline near Ritchies.

  • Cafes open. Main Street still prepared for possible flooding - sandbags. May be open tomorrow for business?

  • People are out but quiet as many still observing warnings.

Bangalow

  • Possum Creek: no power and likely not to have it for a while. Very patchy Telstra.

  • Heritage House has just opened for defriefing and idea sharing.

  • Bangalow is open. Power back on, not sure how many shops are open but Herbal wisdom is open.

  • There is a free BBQ at the Men’s Shed in Bangalow at 12.00midday tomorrow. Heritage House is opening 10-12 for a hot shower if you need one. Please take your own towel and toiletries!

Bexhill

  • Shop open.

Blue Knob

  • High winds overnight. Light now. Rain heavy overnight.

  • Power on

  • Telstra phone reception limited

Brunswick Heads

  • It’s wet and windy.

  • It’s a busy Sunday morning. Cafes and shops crowded. Pub is open.

  • Caltex is open but not for fuel. BP closed. Fuel available at Village Greens which is the little fruit and veg place out by the Bowlo near the road to Bayside.

  • IGA open. Bakery open.

  • Health food store open.

  • Laundromat open.

  • Boujy wine and cheese shop open.

  • Road from Ocean Shores open. Road to mullum seems clear.

Burringbar

  • Still raining this morning. Another 60plus ml overnight. Some wind around.

  • The creek is up but not flooding.

  • Power still out and reports are at least 5 days to restore.

  • Some out of water as pumps not working and no back up power sources.

  • Store still open coffee and Starlink available.

  • some Optus coverage but limited.

  • Local teams working to clear roads and check on isolated residents. Great community work!

  • “We are aware some families have had to throw away food, due to spoilage, and have run out of gas for cooking, so there are food shortages. Local stores have not much at this moment. Dept Community and Justice has just been in touch with headquarters. Salvos will be dropping off BASIC lunch supplies (they said in the next hour) to the Evacuation Centre, so those who need it, please come down. You will need to Register to get the Salvos food. This is so that we can make sure food goes to those who need it most, and also to show need and usage to the decision-makers in government agencies, so we can continue to have services now and also in the future. Thankyou all for your understanding as we continue to navigate this situation together.”

Byrrill Creek

  • Byrrill creek internal roads and bridges are intact so far…

  • Still no power and no access out as the main cedar causeway is still inaccessible.

Byron Bay

  • M1 is open

  • Byron in swing, with the bakery open, electricity on, etc.

  • Mahogany drive area of Byron power / wifi came back on yesterday.

  • Ice available now at BP in Sunrise.

  • Can drive through to Byron from Sunrise.

  • Myocum in Manse road lots of fallen trees. Power/wifi still out.

Coorabell

  • No power, patchy reception - but there may be reception at the lookout as there is always a congregation of cars there.

  • Light to moderate wind and rain.

  • Cars frequently travelling along Coolamon Scenic Drive.

  • Coorabell Hall battery has held out so Starlink is available.

  • If you or your neighbours need to charge your phone or use Starlink Coorabell Hall will be open 3-4 this afternoon and 9.30-11.30am tomorrow. At other times you can usually access the Starlink from the veranda (or your car if you park near the front door). Note - pump not working so no toilets available!!

Clunes

  • Clunes cafe open until 2, shop open until 7. Petrol station open.

  • Most of power returned.

Commissioner’s Creek (near Doon Doon)

  • Completely flooded, most cant get out.

  • No power since Thursday. Trees on lines everywhere.

  • No mobile reception since yesterday 8am.

  • People running out of fuel for Generators.

Corndale

  • 75mls over night, Corndale flats are clear, Bexhill shop open.

  • Coffee was on down the hill, cows were let back in on the flats…

  • Internet functioning on and off

Dunoon

  • Grey and damp with the odd wind gust (mostly overnight)

  • 23.5mm in our rain gauge this morning

Evans Head and surrounds

  • Evans Head River is ok for the moment but watching for tidal/flooding around the Elm Street Bridge (tonight and early tomorrow morning).

  • This article lists vulnerable streets: https://indynr.com/higher-high-tides-pose-flooding-threat-for-low-lying-streets-and-parks

  • Bungawalbin Major flood level - we don't have Community Carers and Responders out there but I know the families are well prepared for being cut off for several days.

Eureka

  • Still no power, however much of Clunes has come back on.

  • Rain and wind lessened. Still some strong gusts

Federal

  • Power and comms still out.

  • Around 50 mls overnight.

  • Starlink will be on at the Federal Hall between 12 and 3 pm today

Goonellabah

  • Power and comms ok.

  • Woolworths open but with little fresh fruits/vegetables and bread, quite busy (should remain open until tonight but may close earlier depending on stocks).

  • Coles is opening at 10 am until normal hours closing.

  • Aldi open.

  • EG petrol station next to Woolworths and Shell petrol station on Ballina road open.

Lismore

  • Little to no wind and rain

  • The Wilson River hasn't breached the levee but parts of the CBD are under water (such as the northern end of Molesworth street opposite Banzai restaurant and behind the Winsome Hotel, as well as around the Oval)

  • All shops I saw in the CBD closed, the Square shopping centre is also closed.

  • EG petrol station next to the Square is open

  • East Lismore: still have power, wind has dropped and all is dry

(Picture taken at 9.49 am, Fawcett bridge, Lismore)

Main Arm Valley

  • REPORT FROM: Main Arm Disaster Recovery Inc

    • COMMUNITY SAFETY: Reports of trees and branches down (extensive), some impacting infrastructure. Some welfare checks underway this morning.

      POWER: NO power since 19:00 Wednesday 05/03

    • COMMUNICATIONS:

      • Generator-run Starlink network and UHF network operating across the Valley.

      • Twice-daily UHF radio checks being conducted.

      • Local WhatsApp groups to share localised information and to keep community connected.

      • Limited mobile reception.

    • ACCESS:

      • NO access to Main Arm Village - Brunswick River flowing across all causeways.

      • NO access to Uki - Rowlands Creek flowing across all causeways.

      • NO access to Mt Jerusalem National Park - large trees across Main Arm Road, Upper Main Arm.

    • KOHINUR HALL:

      • NOT ACTIVATED - Community centre isolated from flood waters.

McLeans Ridges

  • 22mls overnight.

  • Relatively little wind now but wild in the night.

  • Power restored to most but a few unlucky folks still without power.

Minyon

  • Low rainfall overnight 56mm and low winds

  • No power

  • No mobile coverage

  • Our Community Resilience Team is operating well with daily check-ins

  • Repentance creek hall free Starlink available at 10am & 4pm each day

  • Waiting to hear where most need is for any volunteers

Mullumbimby

  • Mullum overview

    ⚡ Power returning to various areas over night (see above comments)

    📞 Telstra connectivity ok at the moment (has dropped out the last two afternoons)

    💧 Federation Bridge gauge ~1.6m at present

    ☔ At least one deluge overnight but not for too long, Mullum seems to still be avoiding a lot of the rain

    🍏 Woolies opening today (residents encouraged to move cars from carpark)

    Our Neighbourhood: Heritage Park, Community Resilience Team

    📞 4pm daily check ins with Street Coordinators.

    🛰 Starlink on standby for if Mullum loses comms

    💬 Various new street chats have been set up across Mullum over the last week (outside of CRT area)

    📝 Beginning to capture collective learnings ready for debrief process.

  • Myocum rd. Left bank Rd and main arm road appear to be open . The pocket appears to be flooded

  • 2 powerlines down on Coolamon Scenic between Bangalow and Mullum.

  • Tuckeroo Avenue in mullum: Full power even though received a message last night advising we would be losing power. Telstra still fine so comms are good. Playground area & low lying basin draining well.

  • New city road Mullum - power came back on in the middle of the night. Telstra phone is working. Heavy rain last night but no water on surrounding roads. From other reports the river looks ok for now.

  • Jubilee Ave Mullum - Power came back in late last night here, wifi is also back, and Telstra phone still good. Telstra did cut out for some hours yesterday.

Murwillumbah

  • M-Arts is open for coffee and connection, as is the Platform Cafe on the Rail Trail.

  • Coles closed, but IGA open.

  • Petrol available at Shell/Coles service station.

  • Laundromat open.

Myocum

  • Part of Myocum is without electricity on day 3

Nimbin

  • Nimbin Emergency Radio Network is working well with 18 UHF radios online and connected across the valley and surrounds. Very proud of our committed team of radioholders manning the radios 24/7.

  • Many of the Nimbin Roads are open, more checking in with wider community checkins today, especially isolated and vulnerable people.

  • Nimbin Service Station is still closed for the day.

  • Many people are still without internet or running on decreased phone signal, in an area where many rely on internet to access phone services.

Nunderi area

  • Tap water might be impacted (or cut off). Power and comms were still out.

  • Tweed Council has released the following message: “Attention: Residents impacted by boil water alerts in Bilambil Heights, Terranora and some parts of Banora Point. We're aware some properties under boil water alerts have run out of water, and will be supplying FREE drinking water for residents affected by boil water alerts - our refill station will be connected to the North Tumbulgum water supply and not from the boiled water alert area.

  • What: Free safe drinking water

  • Where: Available for collection out the front of Bilambil Community Hall on the corner of Bilambil Road and Urliup Road

  • When: Available 8.30 am – 4 pm TODAY (Sunday 9 March).

  • What to bring: Clean containers, vessels or drink bottles equivalent to no more than 60L per property.”

Skennars Head/Sharpes Beach

  • Constant rain and wind

  • All neighbours safe

  • Some smaller trees down or lost limbs

  • Sharpes Beach now bolder beach - all the sand is gone

  • Half a dozen pre teen boys playing footy with their shirts off in the park - was glad to see some fun happening.

South Golden Beach/New Brighton/Ocean Shores

  • New Brighton. Power on. Telstra seems to work but I have Vodafone and it’s out. The creek is full but not flooding. We’d probably have to have a rain blast of 700 mls to flood like last time and we are just getting intermittent showers. We are discussing whether we can bring our cars down from the hill. Now the work of bringing everything back downstairs.

  • Ocean Shores: Power is back. Coles is closed. Good Vibes Organics (health food shop) is open.

Suffolk Park

  • Baz and Shaz are open, bakery is open, Spar is open.

  • Must of Beachside Suffolk has power back, however, not all.

  • Suffolk park Shell Service Station is open.

  • Pharmacy open 10-2.

Uki

  • Uki village has power at Starlink at the hall.

  • Supermarket open and great coffee with social connection can be found at the post office.

  • Surrounds are without power but have 4g phone network from yesterday.

  • UHF networks working really well.

  • Many causeways still closed but main access roads open at this stage.

  • Smiths Creek road near Uki. The power just came back on now. Still raining (80mls in our gauge for the 24hrs to 9am). Tweed river still near moderate flood levels. Kyogle road to Murwillumbah is open at the moment.

Wilsons Creek, Huonbrook and Wanganui

  • Power down everywhere still of course and despite plenty trees down, they’ve been trimmed to allow cars into town from cafe and parts of Huonbrook with Upper Wilsons all cut off still.

  • Community UHF radio links in full swing.

  • Fuel drop at rural fire house 11am tomorrow for anyone who needs some for generators although Upper valleys wont be able to get out for it.

  • Fingers are crossed for some electricity repairs soon.

  • Rain hasn't stopped all night and morning.

Woodburn / Swan Bay

  • Deep water over Woodburn Coraki Rd at Readons Lane, Swan Bay.

  • Levee overtopping at Bungawalbyn near Boggy Creek Rd

  • Woodburn hall still 2m above the river.

Do you have an update or correction for your area?

Please send it through on our Plan C - Our Plan is the Community Facebook group so we can keep the community informed!

Useful links to check on a regular basis:

NSW SES Warnings & Emergency Updates:

BOM NSW Warnings Summary: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings

Install the Hazards Near Me App: www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/hazards-near-me-app

Local Council Emergency Dashboards:

Live Traffic NSW (road closures & conditions): www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701

NSW Power Outage Tracker: www.energynetworks.com.au/power-outages

Cyclone Alfred recovery: https://www.nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery

Emergency broadcaster (ABC Radio) on FM94.5 or AM720

River heights

Resilient Lismore Hub: www.resilientlismore.org.au

Help in a crisis

If you require immediate 24/7 help, call 000. You can also contact:

  • Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters 13YARN (13 9276)

  • Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

  • Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

  • Lifeline 13 11 14

  • MensLine 1300 78 99 78

  • Lifeline Text 0477 13 11 14

  • Kids Helpline 1800 551 800

  • Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

  • In an emergency, please call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

Call North Coast Health Connect on 1800 198 888 for free, 24/7 access to registered nurses who can answer your questions.

They can also connect you to a bulk-billed GP (virtual or in-person) or a pharmacist if needed.

https://northcoasthealthconnect.org.au/

  • Call or web chat

  • Available 24/7

  • Confidential

  • Connect with a GP or pharmacist if needed

We understand that some healthcare services may currently be unavailable. If you're a NSW North Coast community member and need to speak with someone, please reach out to this service.

If somebody is having a mental health crisis the first step is to provide immediate telephone support through Mental Health Hotline https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/Pages/mental-health-line.aspx 

Please stay informed and safe. And take a few moments to pause and ground yourself. 

CCR Coordinator
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