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Latest News
Splendour 2024 cancelled
It's official, Splendour in the Grass 2024 has been cancelled.
Other News
Biz confidence up, says Business NSW
The state's peak body for business says confidence in the sector has increased but cost of living pressures continue to impact customer spending.
Roller derby rocks the Cavanbah Centre
The Red Kennedys have once again dominated the Northern Rivers Revolt Roller Derby Tournament held at the Cavanbah Centre over the weekend of March 16-17.
Mullum pods
They look so uninviting and dismal. It would not cost a lot to change the name to ‘tiny homes’...
Democracy on the ropes?
The ancient idea of democracy is under threat around the world. Today, there are only 63 democracies compared to 74 autocracies, and many of these democracies are highly problematic.
Laid-back but lively
Ooz is an acoustic roots reggae artist with a large, eclectic repertoire of crowd favourites. His unique, laid-back but lively style creates a relaxed atmosphere and his song choices have you remembering many of those forgotten classics.
Richmond MP again called on for immediate Gaza ceasefire
On Saturday, March 16 Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine unfurled a 20m scroll with the names of murdered children and host a ‘die-in’ action at the office of the federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot (Labor).
Stories about "overdevelopment":
Council wins in court – large Suffolk Park DA refused
A large mixed-use Suffolk Park DA proposed by Sydney-based property development company Denwol has been rejected in the Land & Environment Court after mediation failed.
Growth, housing rights and the golden egg – the Ballina-isation of Byron
What an outcome on holiday letting – it’s a bit like offering $1,000 for a horse and getting it for $500. Yeeha! Happy as I am about the headline outcome, Recommendation 4 by the IPC commissioners suggests opening up more land – the Ballina-isation of Byron.
Large Suffolk development heads to court
The Suffolk Park Progress Association say they will request that elected councillors retain a decision-making role in a large mixed-use complex proposed for Clifford Street, after the Sydney-based developer commenced court proceedings against Council for refusal.
Ocean Shores DA seeking increase in units riles neighbours
In 2020 Adam Mangleson from Chincogan Real Estate applied to develop the 1,075m2 site at 8 Kumbellin Glen, Ocean Shores, with seven units. This drew around 20 objections from local residents who said that this was an overdevelopment of the site, which is in a low-density zoned area.
Large mixed use Suffolk DA on public exhibition
A DA for 23 residential units, plus retail and hospitality outlets in Suffolk Park, is before the public until June 28.
Injury, insult and very bad planning
It was a week when the worst ever natural disaster hit our Shire; then came the news that the Commissioner of the Land and Environment Court had approved the subdivision for the remaining half of West Byron – another disaster that, unlike the floods, we should have been able to stop.
Developer gets more concessions from Council, despite strong neighbourhood opposition
Outrageous overdevelopment or swimming pool in a teacup? That was the question facing Byron Council last week, when an application to build a rooftop pool came before its monthly planning meeting.
Large Bruns boarding house DA heads to court
A proposal to build a mixed use commercial building, including a 48 self-contained room boarding house in the heart of Bayside in Brunswick Heads is heading to the Land and Environment court over a ‘deemed refusal’, after developer Kollective claimed the development application (DA) took too long to process.
Are Council’s planning policies failing the community?
As developers eagerly continue to monetise Byron Shire’s property market, the flip side of course is the cost to the community and the region's unique biodiversity.
DA approval raises concerns over landslips and flooding
Council’s willingness to defend residents’ amenity and properties has been raised by concerned locals and residents following the outcome of the land and environment court case in Bian Court, Ocean Shores.
Byron Echo
We just love him!
If you’re over 50 you might not be a fan of Tom Jones, but you can bet your mum is. If you’re under 40 you might not even know who he is, but your grandmother probably wet her pants at the mere mention of his name.
Byron Echo
Peter Garrett gives Bluesfest the nod
Eve Jeffery - 0
If I say the words ‘US Forces give the nod’, I can pretty much guarantee that you will hear the unmistakable voice of Peter Garrett ringing in your ears. Your head may even start to bob up and down a bit.
Local News
Save Wallum finalist in NSW 2024 environment awards
The Save Wallum campaign has been named as a finalist in the Nature Conservation Council of NSW Environment Awards 2024. The award ceremony will be held in Sydney tonight, and Save Wallum spokesperson and ecologist James Barrie will be attending with Tegan Kitt, another founding member of the group.
National News
New report highlights gaps in rural and remote health
The second annual Royal Flying Doctor Service ‘Best for the Bush, Rural and remote Health Base Line’ report has just been released. Presenting the latest data on the health of rural and remote Australians and evidence on service gaps, it identifies issues in urgent need of attention from service providers, funders, partners and policy makers.