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Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Byron in crisis

Latest News

Retired local professor launches book on grief

A leading international thinker and researcher in the development of innovative sport coaching and physical education teaching has returned home to Byron Bay and is launching his first non-academic book, 'Grief and Growth', on April 4 at The Book Room in Byron. 

Other News

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

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

It’s a biggest little town festival! 

Supporters, performers, and volunteers gathered to launch the Mullum Laneways Festival 2024 last Friday. 

Way of the dog

One of the more disappointing aspects of the decline of Byron Bay, and I have a long list, is...

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.

Fresh air federal funds for Northern Rivers schools in need

Eighteen schools in the Northern Rivers division of Richmond have received $25,000 each as part of the federal government’s School Upgrade Fund, Labor Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said last week.

Retired local professor launches book on grief

A leading international thinker and researcher in the development of innovative sport coaching and physical education teaching has returned home to Byron Bay and is launching his first non-academic book, 'Grief and Growth', on April 4 at The Book Room in Byron. 

The housing crisis in Byron Bay, and Australia in general, is urgent. There is no easy fix. Too many people are benefiting from high property prices. Too many politicians won’t make unpopular laws. However, a long-term approach might be less painful to existing property owners and politicians alike.

What if all future residential property purchases, say after 2023, were subject to new rules and laws, then the housing crisis might gradually abate. Possible changes might include;

1) Airbnb properties must have the owner living full time on the premises.

2) Capital gains tax discount of 50 per cent to be abolished for residential property.

3) One year occupancy rule to be extended to five years.

4) The value of the family home to be included in the assets test for pension calculation.

Existing properties would be exempt.

These (and other) changes would gradually undermine residential property as the premier investment class in Australia. Residential property would revert to its proper role; a place to live, not a place to become rich.

Tom Newton, Skennars Head


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1 COMMENT

  1. Tom: If only!

    Meanwhile, it seems that greed, and the gutlessness of politicians (of all colours and levels), will allow the madness to continue – until we have another 2008-type GFC. I can’t wait for that to put things back into perspective.

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Resilient Lismore’s ‘Repair to Return’ funding

On the eve of the second anniversary of the second devastating flood in 2022, Resilient Lismore has welcomed the finalisation of its funding deed with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which will enable the continuation of its ‘Repair to Return’ program.

Editorial – Joyous propaganda! 

The NSW Labor government marked its one year in office this week with a jubilant statement of achievements issued from Macquarie Street HQ.

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

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

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?