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Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

High rates low outcomes

Latest News

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.

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Hiatus Beers

Launched to market in July 2022, Hiatus Beers is all about brewing crisp, refreshing, full-flavoured, non-alcoholic beer.  The founders...

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.

Safety and preparation saves lives on the water

A large number of boaters are expected to hit the water over the Easter long weekend and Marine Rescue NSW is reminding boaters to be prepared and log on to the Marine Rescue NSW app.

Queer family visibility

Did you know that, statistically, if you’ve met a redhead, you’ve also met a trans person? Over 800 trans and gender diverse people live in the Byron Shire, which includes at least 200 children. They’re often a bit hidden though, so come on down and celebrate with them this Trans Day of Visibility!

Casuarina cricketers too strong for Mullumbimby Brunswick in grand final

Mullumbimby Brunswick Cricket Club (MBCC) had a very successful season finishing second on the ladder at the end of the home and away season with 13 wins and 4 losses, but fell short of winning the grand final against the Casuarina Crocs.

Democracy on the ropes?

The ancient idea of democracy is under threat around the world. Today, there are only 63 democracies compared to 74 autocracies, and many of these democracies are highly problematic.

Tina Petroff, Ocean Shores

Great letter David Froggett I couldn’t agree with you more!

Byron Shire Council (BSC) rates are now higher than Tweed Shire residential rates, and they’ve still stuck all our ratepayers with the highest water and sewerage rates in NSW.

Our higher rates give us third world road standards and potholes you could fish in! A Council that steadfastly puts obstacles in the community’s way (after multiple community consultations and surveys) to do everything they can not to bring our little kids’ swings back to Waterlily Park. That is after they took them out in 2017, promising to bring them back, then burying them in the Council tip a year later, prompting an outcry from the many parents with babies and small children. This meant that the local schools and community had to fund raise for a replacement set of little kids’ swings to install in Waterlily Park.

It certainly is time for a change: to councillors who actually say ‘Yes’ to Olympic public pools, so our rising young Olympians can practise; proper integrated sportsfields; and cycleways (alternate transport) that actually connect with and through all towns in this Shire. Not councillors like the current Greens who have supported high rise development in Byron, and a large precinct of holiday homes on coastal dunes at Broken Head.

Who have allowed hundreds of secondary dwellings that don’t have to pay any extra residential rates. Who have allowed ‘fill ins’ in the north of the Shire across our beautiful coastline and hills, which don’t allow for adequate parking and cause more cars to park along our residential streets, more traffic on our roads, less amenity.

Who support more burden on our state of the art sewerage treatment plant (STP) that Council have understaffed for decades, and now want to close, to link us up with piping to Mullum’s STP and their old buckling drainage systems; and a mayor who’s hell bent on paid parking in friendly little villages. I’ll bet he doesn’t want paid parking in Federal where he lives!

A Council that are increasing the yearly lease on Brunswick Surf Club by tenfold ($3,000) to force them to pay the highest annual rental in NSW for a surf club with all volunteer lifesavers. They all worked very hard to redesign their surf club and achieve a government grant to finally bring their club into the 21st century, and you penalise them. Great way to thank your tireless volunteers councillors!

Absolute lunacy! Shame on you Council!


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Where should affordable housing go in Tweed Shire?

Should affordable and social housing in the Tweed Shire be tucked away in a few discreet corners? Perhaps it should be on the block next to where you live?

Making Lismore Showground accessible to everyone

The Lismore Showground isn’t just a critical local community asset that plays host to a number of major events each year, but has also been used as an evacuation centre during past natural disasters in the region. 

Iconic Lennox beach shed upgraded –  not demolished

Lennox Park and the shelter shed has now been upgraded and reopened.

Govt cost-shifting ‘erodes financially sustainable local government’

Byron Shire Council looks set to add its voice to the growing chorus calling on the state government to stop shifting responsibilities and costs onto local government.