Whales on the move: Coastal communities are being encouraged to register to take part in a citizen science project this weekend, to track whale migration numbers off the New South Wales coast. The Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans will hold its annual whale census this Sunday, with sightings to be logged through an app. ORRCA says the data collected helps researchers monitor whale populations.
Image supplied: Kelly Matthews
No closure: A volunteer who joined a search for missing Tweed Heads man Patrick Liedke says it's a shame it could not provide closure for the man's family. The 39-year-old was last seen west of Tweed Heads in April last year, and ongoing search efforts have been unable to find him. Emergency services renewed their efforts last weekend around Cobaki and Currumbin. Paul Cowells from the Volunteer Rescue Association says his team was not advised of a specific reason for the search.
Alleged smash and grab: Two men have been charged over a series of alleged thefts at the Lismore Square shopping centre. Police were called on Wednesday morning after two people allegedly broke into the centre through a smashed window and stole cash, jewellery and watches from several businesses. The men aged 22 and 28 were arrested at a Byron Bay caravan park that afternoon, where police allege they found items believed to have been stolen in Lismore, Ballina and Byron Bay in recent weeks.
High-rise approved: Plans for an $87 million high-rise in Tweed Heads have been green lit by the Northern Region Planning Panel. 'The Landmark' on River Terrace in Tweed Heads proposes shops on the ground level and 72 units over 13 levels. Three dwellings will be demolished to make way for it. Tweed Shire Council says the site is part of the southern boat harbour precinct identified for redevelopment. The planning panel says concerns about traffic, waste management and disturbance during construction can be managed effectively.
Dam's future unknown: The Kyogle mayor says it could take weeks to learn whether the campgrounds at Toonumbar dam will be given a lifeline to remain open. Water NSW terminated a lease over the facility on June 24 after safety concerns were raised by the fishing club which manages the site. Mayor Danielle Mulholland says councillors met with state government ministers on Wednesday, lobbying to save the campground.
State budget wins: This week's New South Wales | 
