11.5 C
Byron Shire
July 15, 2026

New gas fields won’t cut gas prices

Latest News

Renewables and battery storage stable amid global uncertainty

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, in partnership with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) today released the GenCost 2025–26 Final Report, finding renewable energy supported by storage is helping to protect Australia against global energy shocks and continues to provide the lowest cost pathway for Australia’s electricity system to achieve net zero emissions.

Other News

Tennis comp returns to Northern Rivers at Mullum and Bangalow

One of the Northern Rivers’ biggest tennis events is set to return later this month, with the 2026 Mullumbimby Community Open taking place on Saturday, 25 and Sunday, 26 July across Mullumbimby and Bangalow tennis clubs.

NAIDOC celebrations at Byron Apex Park

NAIDOC celebrations were held last week in Byron Bay

Alleged Lennox Head native tree removal sparks calls for action

A Ballina Greens councillor is calling on the government agencies to act immediately over claims that native clearing is occurring on a private property in Lennox Head.

Savour The Tweed returns 12-25 Oct

An ambitious lineup of gourmet delights, inspired events, thought provoking discussions and creative collaborations will again entice food lovers to Tweed Shire this October.

Byron Shire Rebels men’s XV vs Lismore on Ladies Day

The Rebels men’s XV made the trip to Lismore Rugby Park on Ladies Day and delivered a commanding 38-17 victory.

Alleged native tree removal continues in Lennox, says councillor

With a government agency now investigating the alleged clear felling of natives on a large private block in Lennox Head, Ballina Greens councillor Kiri Dicker has told The Echo that contractors were felling trees all morning, ‘trying to get the job done’.

Lock the Gate’s Naomi Hogan. Photo Tree Faerie.

Lock the Gate have responded to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Gas Inquiry Interim report by asking why the ACCC are continuing to push for new gasfields in NSW and Victoria when their own report states that there will will be ongoing high gas prices for Australians due to the gas export terminals linking our gas to international pricing.

Lock the Gate Alliance says the report clearly demonstrates the vast majority of gas produced in Australia currently is being shipped overseas.

‘The report reveals that gas exporting companies are sucking up a lion’s share of Australian gas and continuing to charge Australian gas users through the nose. 

‘The outlook for gas continues to be high cost and high risk.

‘Instead of trying to force farmers and regional communities into polluting gasfields, the Government should be helping businesses innovate to get off expensive gas in order to save money and create new jobs.

‘Onshore unconventional fracking produces expensive, difficult to extract gas. It will cost the consumer more and put Australian waterways at risk.

‘Lower cost renewable energy and solar heat is now emerging as a serious option for manufacturers and households who can take steps to get off expensive and polluting gas.’



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Lismore Boulevard Project announced

Design concept plans for the Lismore Boulevard – Shared User Path project are now available for community consultation, following Lismore City Council securing $2,383,030 in funding through the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active 2025–2026 program, administered by Transport for NSW (TfNSW).

Community responds to detention dams proposal

More than 110 residents gathered at Rock Valley Hall on Sunday 12 July and rejected claims that the recently released CSIRO report on flood mitigation was informed by strong community consultation.

Data shows biggest danger to wildlife is people, not cats

Human-created hazards are responsible for most wildlife rescues in New South Wales, and researchers are calling for more prevention strategies to save threatened species.

Try pickleball and support a great cause

Northern Rivers Pickleball Club are holding a marathon day of pickleball on Sunday, 19 July at the Goonellabah Tennis and Pickleball Club on Reserve Street, Goonellabah.