Northern Rivers Echo
Reporting illegal dumping
The RIDonline website (ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au) lets you report the types of waste being dumped and its GPS location. Photos of the waste can also be added to the report.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA), councils and Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) squads will use this information to investigate and, if appropriate, issue a fine or clean-up notice.
Penalties for illegal dumping can be up to $15,000 and potential jail time for anybody caught illegally dumping within five years of a prior illegal dumping conviction.
This is the first time RIDonline has been opened to the public. Since September last year, the EPA, councils, RID squads and public land managers have used it to report more than 20,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste across more than 70 local government areas.
Medical cannabis trial
I welcome the NSW Government’s announcement of the third medicinal cannabis clinical trial, which will involve patients suffering from chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
The research team will work with patients who have not responded well to traditional anti-nausea and vomiting treatments.
The NSW Government is showing incredible progress on medicinal cannabis research to provide relief to those suffering from a range of serious illnesses.
The third clinical trial will play a critical role in helping us better understand what role medical cannabis can play in providing relief to patients undergoing chemotherapy.
People over the age of 18 receiving chemotherapy for cancer who have experienced significant symptoms during their first cycle of treatment will be invited to participate in the trial which will use an oral cannabis-derived pharmaceutical product.
This is in addition to our other recent announcements including trials for the terminally ill and children suffering from epilepsy.
For public enquiries about the trial, please call 1800 217 257
New cycling safety laws
From this week new safety measures include:
- Drivers who pass a bicycle rider must allow a distance of at least 1 metre when the speed limit is 60km/h or less
- Drivers who pass a bicycle rider must allow a distance of 1.5 metres when the speed limit is more than 60km/h.
- If drivers cannot pass a bicycle rider safely, they should slow down and wait until it is safe to pass the rider, leaving the minimum distance.
- Drivers caught not allowing the minimum distance when passing a bicycle rider could face a $319 fine and the loss of two demerit points.
The new laws also include increased penalties for bicycle riders to prevent them from dangerous behaviour such as running a red light. From 2017 bicycle riders will be required to produce photo identification when stopped by police who suspect they have committed an offence.
Pacific Highway signage
I have recently spoken with Lismore City Council and met with RMS regarding signage on the new Pacific Highway. Discussions are continuing as to the best location and directions to provide for tourists to ensure they can easily access Lismore & the surrounding villages and hinterland.