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Byron Shire
March 27, 2024

Byron in crisis

Latest News

Bruns-Billinudgel RSL marches on

Though recently the membership of the Brunswick Heads–Billinudgel RSL sub-Branch has grown, the numbers are still very low and if there is not a continual increase, this chapter faces closing.

Other News

Terania blockade film to support Wallum cause

A film about Australia’s first environmental confrontation, which occured at Terania Creek near Nimbin, will screen on Friday, 22 March from 7pm at Brunswick Picture House as a fundraiser for the Save Wallum campaign. 

Humanitarian catastrophe

The humanitarian catastrophe being inflicted on the people of Gaza clearly demonstrates the morals and brutality of the current...

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.

Q&A around Mullum’s CBD upgrade plans

Concept plans on exhibition aim for a palm-free, pedestrian-friendly Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby, with more shade and reduced vehicle access.

Hiatus Beers

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

Breakfeast, Bluesfest weekend

Victoria Cosford Oh to be a cow with a four-chambered stomach system! Farmers’ market, Bluesfest long weekend, a spot of...

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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Murwillumbah’s Rebecca Whan recognised for tireless work post 2022 floods

Murwillumbah was severely impacted by the 2022 floods and it was a huge community effort to support, rescue and inspire everyone to move forward. 

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.

Breakfeast, Bluesfest weekend

Victoria Cosford Oh to be a cow with a four-chambered stomach system! Farmers’ market, Bluesfest long weekend, a spot of shopping for glorious Northern Rivers...

Hiatus Beers

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