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Latest News
Youth crime is increasing – what to do?
There is something strange going on with youth crime in rural and regional Australia. Normally, I treat hysterical rising delinquency claims with a pinch of salt – explicable by an increase in police numbers, or a headline-chasing tabloid, or a right-wing politician.
Other News
Waterlily Park weed control underway
The reintroduction of weevils that have previously kept weeds at bay at Waterlily Park in Ocean Shores is now underway while the weather is favourable, say Council staff.
Anti-Israel bias
Many locals have approached me to say how shocked they are at the extreme anti-Israel bias that is expressed...
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...
Buzz Byron Bay, brewing unforgettable moments with a tuk-tuk twist
In the charming coastal haven of Byron Bay, where laid-back vibes meet bespoke experiences, there’s a new buzz in...
Increased Byron Council fees on the cards as fossil fuel investments decrease
Byron Council’s financial ship is beginning to list concerningly, taking from its reserves and other funds in order to bail out its bottom line.
It’s MardiGrass!
This year is Nimbins 32nd annual MardiGrass and you’d reckon by now ‘weed’ be left alone.
The same helicopter raids, the disgusting, and completely unfair, saliva testing of drivers, and we’re still not allowed to grow our own plants. We can all access legal buds via a doctor, most of it imported from Canada, but we can’t grow our own. There’s something very wrong there.
Stories about "Tangle of Life":
Jim Beatson and Mary Gardner – a valediction forbidding mourning
Jim and Mary are moving to Queensland. I am pretty sad about it. Even if you don’t know them, they have been your friends too because, separately and together, they have done so much for Byron.
Ecology, justice and an enslaved vanilla pollinator
The horticulturalist was astonished to hear that my vanilla orchid was flowering in Northern Rivers. Two years ago, propped up at the base of a tall Bangalow palm, this lone plant burst into maturity as a vine.
Apps that map our changing environment
On the April 19, the branching corals at Nguthungulli/Julian Rocks show up white. The warm water was too much for too long and they bleached. The same water encourages the leopard sharks to linger here later.
Mary Gardner: A few of my favourite things
Mary Gardner
One of my favourite things is meeting this frog. Her presence is a small sweet confirmation of the power without name. A tiny...
Belongil could be among the world’s great wetlands
Crowds are still cheering how the sea floods 250 hectares at Steart on the mouth of the River Parrett, UK. This is the latest of five national ‘coastal realignment’ projects. Environmentalists worked with the local townspeople to undo a hundred years of hard seawalls with ‘soft engineering’.
Taking in the view from The Pass
From the viewing platform at The Pass, the onshore wind is fierce. I brace myself and scan the sea, as if this hour were my turn on the watch of a ship. Ahead I see the blows of five or six humpback whales. Next, their great splashes.
Our coastline’s history is a cinema epic
Sometimes, when I look across the Bay, I glimpse the global cinema epic. I see us all as bit players in the crowd scene. The lead characters are outrageous. The magnificent Sea, whatever the turn of plot, has its way every time.
Our precious coastline deserves collective care
Day after day, I watch the sun rise. Light glitters on the clear crystal surf as well as the smoky quartz Tallow lagoon. These different water jewels crown two parks, Arakwal and Cape Byron.
Local News
Coffs Harbour man charged for alleged online grooming of young girl
Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a Coffs Harbour man for alleged online grooming offences under Strike Force Trawler.
Byron Echo
Blockades continue as councillors wave next Wallum certificate through
Paul Bibby - 0
A second subdivision works certificate for the Wallum estate was signed off by a majority of councillors last week, who again argued that they have no legal standing to further impede an approved development.
Byron Echo
Ancient brewing tradition honoured
An annual event and brewing ritual to honour ancient brewing traditions was held at Stone & Wood’s Byron brewery last week.
National 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.
