29.9 C
Byron Shire
December 9, 2023

Govt to investigate pollies’ dual roles

Latest News

High risk vehicles to be stopped and checked for fire ants at NSW Qld border

The detection of Red Imported Fire Ants at South Murwillumbah has seen a quick response from the Department of Primary Industries who have now started their next wave of operation in response. 

Other News

Free breast screening coming to Ballina

The mobile screening van will be in Ballina from 8 December 2023 to 20 February 2024.  BreastScreen NSW provides free...

Take a walk down Paper Lane

Paper Lane is one of South East Queensland’s newest indie rock acts. With a vintage pop-meets-rock sound and their no holds barred lyricism, Paper Lane have just released their debut single ‘Better In My Head’ which debuted on Triple J Unearthed and reached #1 on the AMRAP Metro Charts.

It’s hip and it’s blues

Greg Lyon’s Hip Operation are playing this Sunday afternoon at Ballina RSL. The Blues Club is excited to present this highly acclaimed outfit with Greg Lyon (vocals/bass), who brings together some outstanding players including Aaron West (vocals/guitar), Kirk Lorange (vocals/slide guitar) and Scott Hills (drums), delivering some of the best sounds and grooves you’ll hear anywhere.

Locals enjoy success at Northern Rivers Regional Doubles Pickleball Tournament

The Northern Rivers Pickleball Club hosted the Regional Doubles Tournament in Ballina that included over 160 players competing for 132 medals in late November.

Blue-green algae ‘amber alert’ at Lake Ainsworth

As the summer heats up there has been an increase in the blue-green algae at Lake Ainsworth near Lennox Head and an ‘amber alert' has been flagged by Ballina Shire Council.

Ballina’s first conservation zone approved

The state’s planning department has approved Ballina’s first conservation zone, although it’s unclear how the land will stay protected given the council’s recent vote for an ‘opt-in’ policy.

State member for Ballina and local government minister Don Page has released a discussion paper on whether individuals should be allowed to hold dual roles in local government and at a state level.

Currently approximately 20 MPs around the state do this, including Byron mayor Jan Barham.

Cr Barham has said she will not seek re-election to council after the end of this term.

In the meantime, she will need to seek the co-operation of her fellow councillors to allow her to attend meetings, by voting to reschedule them so that they don’t clash with her Macquarie St commitments.

The council has thus far refused to do so.

Ms Barham has told local media that holding down both roles is a lot of work but that as the popularly elected mayor she feels a sense of responsibility to see out her term.


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Kingscliff hosts largest triathlon since covid

Over 1,600 athletes were in Kingscliff over the weekend to participate in the largest triathlon since covid.

Vale Pam Sonia

Very sadly, local treasure Pam Sonia passed away in Ewingsdale, last Wednesday, December 6. 

Blue-green algae ‘amber alert’ at Lake Ainsworth

As the summer heats up there has been an increase in the blue-green algae at Lake Ainsworth near Lennox Head and an ‘amber alert' has been flagged by Ballina Shire Council.

Lismore to host National Junior Baseball competition

The biggest junior baseball competition in Australia, which is a feeder into the US World Series will be held in Lismore in May 2024.