28.8 C
Byron Shire
November 11, 2026

Latest news

Northern Rivers Rail Trail wins again – get it finished before the Olympics

Celebrating the two sections of the Northern Rivers Rail Trial in Tweed and Lismore they have been named NSW best Major Tourist Attraction at the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards – supporters are no calling on government to finish it in time for the 2032 Olympics.

Help get Mullum High junior debaters to state finals

After a stint as an English curriculum advisor, Mr Clarke is back as head of the English department at Mullumbimby High School, and debating is back with the junior debate team going to state finals in early December.

Nimbin – do you read us?

What happens when your mobile goes down? When even your landline (if you actually still have one) is gone... Find out how to stay connected at the Nimbin UHF Radio Fun Day.

Call on state govt to exclude Byron from fast track development

The Byron Bay Masterplan Advisory Group and People of Byron both came out strongly in support of Byron Shire being excluded from the Housing Delivery Authority and State Significant Development state government fast track development pathways.

How will mega-dam proposals affect Nimbin and the wider region?

This morning's Lismore Council meeting saw a protest outside from Dam Free Nimbin and heard evidence inside that the proposals for massive flood retention dams designed to protect the Lismore CBD are already causing negative impacts on people upstream.

Mandy Nolan

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: How to bee

We need bees. Simple tiny little bees. When it comes to pollinators, keeping our planet’s food supply flourishing, turns out bees are the best tech available. In fact, the bee’s knees. When it comes to pollinating our food crops, AI can’t save us. We need Bee-I. Small-winged tech. And it creates honey. Insanely sweet, antibiotic, preserving, immune- boosting honey. That’s crazy bee magic. Only nature could create something so insanely perfect and beautiful. Bees had drones way before we did.

Mangroves are crucial

A global study of mangroves has found a modest boost in conserved area could significantly increase their ability to adapt to the changing climate, including rising sea levels.

As report highlights dangerous climate warning for Australia IPC rejects reopening Redbank Power Station

The Independent Planning Commission (IPC) has rejected Verdant Earth Technologies’ biomass power plans at Redbank Power Station on the same day the government released the country's first National Climate Risk Assessment which highlighted Australians are at risk from more frequent and severe flooding, cyclones, heatwaves, droughts and bushfires. 

The Living Lab helping researchers get to net zero

The CSIRO has launched the National Energy Analysis Centre – which is vital new research infrastructure to support, accelerate and de-risk Australia’s complex energy transition.  

Entertainment

Crooked Colours

Balance leads to bliss. Extracting harmony from the union of seemingly disparate elements, Crooked Colours exist at an elusive crossroads between delicate acoustic instrumentation, evocative vocals, and dancefloor-ready synth transmissions.

It’s a killer

The Killer Queen Experience is Australia’s premier tribute to Queen, delivering a powerhouse two‑hour show packed with the band’s greatest hits and fan‑favourite deep cuts. Formed in 2003, the show has grown from a local Brisbane act into an international touring production, performing across the UK, Europe, Asia, India, and the Pacific.

Retrospective

The end of fun: David Lovejoy concludes the story of the The Echo’s early years

While the drama of general manager Max Eastcott’s departure was playing out, The Echo passed its tenth birthday, and we marked the jubilee with a fourth awards night.

Help get Mullum High junior debaters to state finals

After a stint as an English curriculum advisor, Mr Clarke is back as head of the English department at Mullumbimby High School, and debating is back with the junior debate team going to state finals in early December.

Rising Tide win over ANZ

In a considerable victory for people power, the national pressure group Rising Tide and its local Northern Rivers membership has just declared a significant win for the climate.

Editorial – Conceding to the people

We are all familiar with the shortcomings of government. Political leanings aside, who among us has not felt that corruption and lack of accountability exist in government bodies?

Featured

Nimbin – do you read us?

What happens when your mobile goes down? When even your landline (if you actually still have one) is gone... Find out how to stay connected at the Nimbin UHF Radio Fun Day.

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: How to bee

We need bees. Simple tiny little bees. When it comes to pollinators, keeping our planet’s food supply flourishing, turns out bees are the best tech available. In fact, the bee’s knees. When it comes to pollinating our food crops, AI can’t save us. We need Bee-I. Small-winged tech. And it creates honey. Insanely sweet, antibiotic, preserving, immune- boosting honey. That’s crazy bee magic. Only nature could create something so insanely perfect and beautiful. Bees had drones way before we did.

Call on state govt to exclude Byron from fast track development

The Byron Bay Masterplan Advisory Group and People of Byron both came out strongly in support of Byron Shire being excluded from the Housing Delivery Authority and State Significant Development state government fast track development pathways.

Letters

Sad: 57 Station St

If the proposed ‘affordable’ housing development is ever built on the car park at 57 Station Street, Mullumbimby it...

Role of the Greens

Recent articles and letters in The Echo have provided different perspectives about Australian politics today and the Australian Greens. There...

Pothole angel

To the pothole angel responsible for outlining the potholes in the first couple of kilometres of Left Bank Road...

I’m not a robot

In the microseconds it takes AI agents to tick the ‘I’m not a robot’ checkbox, do they have a...

Council’s special rates variation

There’s lots of noise about Byron Shire Council’s special rates variation (SRV) proposal, that would be additional to the...

Chumps: certain fools

I noticed in a recent edition of The Echo what I regard as the most enduringly relevant of the...

Local News

Blacks Drain crossing fully reopens after $2.56 million rebuild

The Blacks Drain crossing on Tweed Valley Way at South Murwillumbah has fully reopened after a $2.56 million rebuild designed to reduce the risk of another washout.

Mullum show by JD

Echo photographer Jeff Dawson was there to cover the action at the 2026 Mullumbimby Show, which took place 6-8 November at the Mullum Showgrounds.

Third person dies after Suffolk Park crash

A 70-year-old woman has died in hospital after a three-vehicle crash at Suffolk Park last weekend, bringing the death toll to three.

Byron surfing community gathers for positive change

On Sunday the community came together, with close to 200 people gathering at Clarkes Beach for a paddle out, and shore action, to raise their voices and say there are no more excuses for violence against women and girls.

Current Print Edition

Sad: 57 Station St

If the proposed ‘affordable’ housing development is ever built...

Flood-ready?

So Lismore heritage treasures have been restored at a...

Cartoons of the week – 11 November, 2026

The Echo loves your letters and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that matter most to our readers and the people of the NSW north coast. So don’t be a passive reader, send us your epistles.

CWA makes bloody good scones and tea!

The humble scone originated in Scotland in the early...

Sport

Close game for Kate and Jen in singles championships

Brunswick Head Women’s Bowls Club held their annual Club Singles Championship final between Jenny...

Skating for a cause at Byron Masters Roller Derby

For the second year the Masters Roller Derby Tournament will be taking place on...

Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club youngsters shine

Two young members of Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club have delivered outstanding performances...

Byron Bay Surf Lifesaving Club youngsters shine

Two young members of Byron Bay Surf Lifesaving Club have delivered outstanding performances at the Paddle NSW State Sprint Championships, held at the Penrith International Regatta Centre over the weekend.

Good Life

Azure Bar and Grill unveils a new menu celebrating the flavours of the Northern Rivers

Set within the lush coastal surrounds of Elements of Byron, Azure Bar and Grill has unveiled its new seasonal menu, celebrating exceptional Australian produce, the art of grilling, and the distinctive flavours of the Northern Rivers.

A quick and tasty Middle Eastern-inspired meal from Baraka Foods

Looking for a quick, tasty and wholesome meal that doesn’t involve spending hours in the kitchen? A delicious Middle Eastern-inspired falafel plate could be just the ticket.

A new season on the plate at The Imperial Hotel

As summer approaches, the Imperial Hotel in Murwillumbah has once again let the seasons shape what’s on the plate.

Stone fruit season has arrived!

There’s something special about biting into a perfectly ripe peach or nectarine, with juice running down your chin and the taste of summer in every mouthful. Stone fruit season is now underway, and local grower Rajesh Kumar is bringing a beautiful selection of fresh fruit to the farmers’ markets.
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Glance back
Something from the last seven days

Kinvara centre relocation would allow taller shop-top housing

The planned village centre at Kinvara, west of Lennox Head, would move to flatter land and allow taller shop-top housing under planning changes now open for public comment.

Koalas on the move – stay alert on the roads

Over spring and summer koalas are on the move as they search for food, territory and mates.

Love books? Join Friends of the Library

Friends of the Libraries, Byron Shire are looking for some fresh, new, younger faces to join the group and help keep it moving forward.