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Byron Shire
March 28, 2024

Working toward a totally gasfield-free region

Latest News

Govt cost-shifting ‘erodes financially sustainable local government’

Byron Shire Council looks set to add its voice to the growing chorus calling on the state government to stop shifting responsibilities and costs onto local government.

Other News

‘Smooth stroking’ Rainbow Dragons earn trophies

Rainbow Dragons (Lennox Head Ballina) won three trophies and had a fantastic weekend of fun, fitness and friendship at Grafton Dragon Boat Club’s regatta earlier in March.

Way of the dog

One of the more disappointing aspects of the decline of Byron Bay, and I have a long list, is...

Safety and preparation saves lives on the water

A large number of boaters are expected to hit the water over the Easter long weekend and Marine Rescue NSW is reminding boaters to be prepared and log on to the Marine Rescue NSW app.

Bay FM community radio celebrates digital upgrade

Volunteers from Byron and across the Northern Rivers celebrated nearly $100,000 worth of new studio equipment at Bay FM Community Radio station on the weekend.

Queer family visibility

Did you know that, statistically, if you’ve met a redhead, you’ve also met a trans person? Over 800 trans and gender diverse people live in the Byron Shire, which includes at least 200 children. They’re often a bit hidden though, so come on down and celebrate with them this Trans Day of Visibility!

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Why Being Seen is Beautiful

There is something profound about being seen. Being accepted and loved for exactly who you are. It’s life changing. It’s simple. It’s transformative. But some people don’t get to experience this. Nearly half of transgender Australians have attempted suicide.That data tells the very real impact of discrimination, stigma and lack of access to gender-affirming surgery. I write this as a woman who was born a woman, who identifies as a woman. I’ll admit, that even in that gender role, that fits within the societal binary, I’ve had my own challenges.

With state election results now finalised, Gasfield Free Northern Rivers is looking forward to a gasfield-free future for the northern rivers and working with new and returning MPs to continue the ongoing work of achieving a it.

The CSG issue played a critical role in election outcomes, highlighting once again that communities right across the region do not want invasive gas fields imposed on them.

As a result of the CSG issue, Ballina changed hands from the Nationals to the Greens, and other areas of the northern rivers, including Lismore and the Clarence, had massive swings away from the incumbent Nationals MPs.

The people of the northern rivers have worked very hard over the last four years to achieve this favorable political outcome and we would like to acknowledge and thank everyone who has put so much energy and effort into the campaign to protect our region.

We are very happy that we now have a north coast MP, the new Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith, who will be working hard in parliament advocating for the cancellation of licences right across the region.

We are also eagerly anticipating pre-election commitments on this issue from other local MPs being enacted as soon as possible.

We look forward to Member for Lismore Thomas George following through with his commitment to buy back PEL 445 and ensuring no more licences are issued, though we would also like to see cancellation options investigated that would not require handing over taxpayer dollars to gas companies.”

Once PEL 445 is removed that will still leave Metgasco and Clarence Moreton Resources/ERM  with active licences over large areas in the Lismore and Clarence electorates so we will continue to lobby all of our MPs to support the wishes of their constituents until all the licences, from the Tweed River right through to the entire Clarence catchment, are completely removed.

This election result emphatically shows that communities across the region are demanding a gasfield free future and will keep on working hard until they achieve this goal.

Dean Draper, Gasfield Free Northern Rivers coordinator


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