← Local News | February 14, 2020 | by Echonetdaily
Byron Shire declared a ‘natural disaster area’
Byron Shire Council area was declared a natural disaster area on Thursday afternoon. Photo Jeff Dawson.
Byron Shire Council area was declared a natural disaster area yesterday afternoon following significant rain across the region.
Goonengerry received 183mm in the 24 hours to 9am Thursday,13 February while 168mm was recorded at Mullumbimby and Cape Byron received 122mm. The announcement came after the Australian and NSW governments announced disaster assistance for 56 local government areas including the Byron Shire and Tweed Shire.
The natural disaster declaration means the local councils will receive financial help in covering the cost of responding to the emergency as well as repairing damaged infrastructure such as roads. There may also be assistance available to people and businesses.
While the rain has backed off today the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Hazardous Surf Warning for the Byron coast and surf and swell conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating and swimming.
Some of The Echo’s editorial team: journalists Paul Bibby and Aslan Shand, editor Hans Lovejoy, photographer Jeff Dawson and Mandy Nolan
“The Echo has never underestimated the intelligence and passion of its readers. In a world of corporate banality and predictability, The Echo has worked hard for more than 30 years to help keep Byron and the north coast unique with quality local journalism and creative ideas. We think this area needs more voices, reasoned analysis and ideas than just those provided by News Corp, lifestyle mags, Facebook groups and corporate newsletters.
The Echo is one hundred per cent locally owned and one hundred per cent independent. As you have probably gathered from what is happening in the media industry, it is not cheap to produce a weekly newspaper and a daily online news service of any quality.
We have always relied entirely on advertising to fund our operations, but often loyal readers who value our local, independent journalism have asked how they could help ensure our survival.
Any support you can provide to The Echo will make an enormous difference. You can make a one-off contribution or a monthly one. With your help, we can continue to support a better informed local community and a healthier democracy for another 30 years.”
Become a supporter of The Echo
Leave a Reply