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Latest News
New data reveals NSW social housing waitlist blowout
A fresh analysis by Homelessness NSW reveals where people are waiting the longest for social housing, sparking calls to double the supply of social homes and boost services funding.
Other News
Press release vs Save Wallum views
The Echo editor (page 1, 10 April) might need to consider the role of a journalist – particularly that...
Byron Comedy Fest 2024 Laughs
The legendary Northern Hotel’s Backroom opens its doors to laughter when it welcomes The Byron Comedy Fest with eight big headline shows. With audiences packing out shows every year, Festival Directors Mel Coppin and Zara Noruzi have decided a new venue with increased capacity was in order. It also means the festival is an all-weather event – expect all your favourites!
The bridges of Ballina Council
Ballina Shire Council has started preliminary investigation works at Fishery Creek Bridge, on River Street, and Canal Bridge, on Tamarind Drive, as part of their plan to duplicate both bridges.
Mullumbimby railway station burns down
At around midnight last night, a fire started which engulfed the old Mullumbimby railway station. It's been twenty years since the last train came through, but the building has been an important community hub, providing office space for a number of organisations, including COREM, Mullum Music Festival and Social Futures.
Sweet and sour doughnuts
Victoria Cosford
‘It’s probably a good thing I don’t have a sweet tooth,’ says Megan.
I’ve called in at the pop-up...
Not enough letters like this about Gaza in The Echo?
The Echo’s studied indifference to the plight of the Palestinians and its reluctance to publish letters on the subject...
Stories about "housing crisis":
House You coming to Mullumbimby this weekend
This weekend, House You is taking action to provide relief during the housing crisis. The grassroots movement is inviting the community to create a village for the unhoused in Mullumbimby this Sunday.
Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Have your Perfect Say
We live in a community where there is nowhere to live and the whole world is watching what we do next, wondering if we will do what their superstar tourist destinations did and regulate the housing market
Something… or someone’s gotta give
According to data from the most recent census, as reported on local ABC radio, 50 per cent of the people who live in Byron Bay moved there within the last five years.
Housing crisis debated in Ballina
The role of short term letting in the ongoing housing crisis was the subject of another intense debate in Ballina Council yesterday, when a group of councillors brought a rescission motion against a unanimous decision from the previous meeting to write a letter to ratepayers who might be able to assist.
Housing essential and not addressed in Budget say MPs Tamara Smith and Janelle Saffin
Support for women and families and solid investments in infrastructure in the Ballina electorate were welcomed yesterday by local MP Tamara Smith (Greens) following...
Labor MPs visit Mullumbimby over housing crisis
With many in the Northern Rivers coming to terms with how much worse the already desperate housing crisis is after the floods, today the Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Jason Clare, and Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot, were in Mullumbimby to speak to Byron Shire Councillors about finding a way forward.
Saddle Road housing project unfazed by anonymous smear leaflet
An anonymous leaflet has been placed in local letterboxes alleging that the proposal to build group homes for single mums and their kids in Saddle Road, Brunswick Heads is a ‘plan for a drug and alcohol rehab’.
Promised Ballina Shire women’s housing project delayed
Organisers of a small Northern Rivers housing project aimed at supporting vulnerable older women say discussions with the Ballina Shire Council have stalled.
Northern Rivers rental crisis worsens
Those advocating for people suffering from housing stress, homelessness, and poverty housing across the Northern Rivers region, say there is an urgent need for the federal government to invest in social housing.
Last mayoral candidates Q and A: are you a landlord?
Here at The Echo we have seen and heard the word ‘housing’ come up time and again throughout the local government election campaign period, whether it’s from candidates or other voters.
National News
Domestic violence service calls for urgent action to address crisis
Relationships Australia NSW is calling for urgent intervention from the NSW government to address men’s violence against women, following the horrific murder of Molly Ticehurst.
Local News
Menacing dog declaration revoked
David Lowe - 0
After an emotional deputation from the owner of the dog involved, Ballina Shire Council has this morning revoked a menacing dog declaration for the kelpie Lilo, which was brought into effect following a bite in July 2022.
Byron Echo
More Byron CBD height exceedance approved
Paul Bibby - 3
Two multi-storey mixed-use developments with a combined value of $36.2 million have been approved for the centre of Byron Bay, despite both exceeding height limits for that part of the Shire.
National News
eSafety commissioner granted legal injunction as X refuses to hide violent content
Australia’s Federal Court has granted the eSafety commissioner a two-day legal injunction to compel X, Elon Musk’s social media platform, to hide posts showing graphic content of the Wakeley church stabbing in Sydney.
