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Byron Shire
March 28, 2024

Waterways for life

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.

Other News

UK court seeks assurances from US over Julian Assange

The UK High Court of Justice has released a 66 page judgement seeking more information from the United States relating to Australian citizen Julian Assange, which it says it needs before deciding whether to grant the WikiLeaks founder leave to appeal his extradition.

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Why Being Seen is Beautiful

There is something profound about being seen. Being accepted and loved for exactly who you are. It’s life changing. It’s simple. It’s transformative. But some people don’t get to experience this. Nearly half of transgender Australians have attempted suicide.That data tells the very real impact of discrimination, stigma and lack of access to gender-affirming surgery. I write this as a woman who was born a woman, who identifies as a woman. I’ll admit, that even in that gender role, that fits within the societal binary, I’ve had my own challenges.

Carrying and passing the torch

If I say the words ‘US Forces give the nod’, I can pretty much guarantee that you will hear the unmistakable voice of Peter Garrett ringing in your ears. Your head may even start to bob up and down a bit. 

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. 

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.

Workshop in Creative Writing For Beginners

Have you always felt like you have a novel in you, but don’t know where to start? Or have...

Janine Taranto, Wilsons Creek

I have serious concerns about the health of our waterways in general and in particular of Wilsons Creek on which I live.

I know we have been in drought and have experienced lower than average rainfall for a number of years. I know there is a press release indicating the imminent need to impose level one water restrictions on Mullumbimby.

My concern is that this is not enough, or soon enough. No water coming out of the dam to feed the river. The river needs to be a healthy ecosystem with at least some flow. There are platypus and other wildlife in the river.

It seems the trigger point for water restriction to the town must be way too high if they have not yet been imposed and the river is drying up. The trigger point seems to be about the level of water in the dam to feed the town, and not about the health of the river.

What are Council’s, and the communities’ obligations to care for our river systems and wildlife? Surely restrictions need to be in place long before we reach this point?

The health of the ecosystem on which we, and the flora and fauna, depend needs to have a higher priority.

I’m also concerned that more and more development is being approved in Mullumbimby and surrounds and I want to know where the water for this is going to come from? Each house will have flush toilets and showers, and we clearly do not have enough water now.

Many of, if not most of, the inhabitants of our Shire are living here because they value the natural world around them, and sadly we are not doing enough to care for it. In some towns I have heard that it is mandatory for new homes and housing developments to have compost toilets and water tanks installed. This is worthy of consideration.

I hope we can raise awareness and commit to action before it’s too late – especially for our platypus.


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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.