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Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

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Blue skies for Bluesfest day 1

If yesterday at Bluesfest was anything to go by, it's going to be an incredible event and with the weather holding, (so far) the Easter weekend's future is looking bright.

Other News

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Why Being Seen is Beautiful

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Carrying and passing the torch

With eight USA Blues Music Award nominations, career tour dates in 20 countries, and her recent induction into the Blues Victoria Hall of Fame, Fiona Boyes is a relentless and curious musical explorer.

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.

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.

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.

Zoom meeting

Just to clarify the report that Michael Lyon now declares ‘no’ to developing Ann St and New City Road....

The Echo should reflect on its reporting of our recent elections. Editorials wrongly painted a coalition assembled for the campaign as a future voting bloc. Councillors will make each decision on its merits. Fran Hart, if elected, won’t even necessarily vote ‘with me’. Also, my commitment to avoiding over-development (which was questioned) is rock solid. 

Editorials made unwarranted personal criticisms of Michael Lyon but could have questioned his policies. Substance, not personalities. 

Michael advocated 10,000 new dwellings over 10 years including 2,000 new ‘affordable’ homes. This is not tenable and won’t be supported by Council or community. The environmental impact would be huge.

We must disconnect from the private market to address our housing crisis not turbo-charge it. State government turned down the 90 day short-term holiday letting (STHL) limit supported by Michael. But ‘90 days’ will not address our housing crisis – the vast majority of STHL properties would not come onto the rental market. Just as so-called ‘light rail’ will never be funded. A 12 month moratorium wastes more time and money. We should get on board the Rail Trail. Our neighbours are committed, and funding is available. We can keep the corridor in public hands and commit to this great regional project to benefit locals and visitors.

Why did The Echo publish ads for a non-candidate who wanted to ‘sack the status quo’ only to actively support an incumbent mayor? Why promote Trump-style politics? It encourages the likes of Craig Kelly and the far-right UAP who have no place in our progressive community that values the environment, good government and diversity. If voters believe Council can determine public health policy they’re wrong. The virus finally arrived here, yet we had little official response. Did the Echo comment on that?

I look forward to more reality in our media reporting and decision-making.

Mark Swivel, Mullumbimby

♦ The Echo makes no apologies for putting pressure on Council candidates. Like other candidates, the views of Tom Barnett, whose application was rejected by the AEC, are not shared by all, but censoring his campaign advertising is not a healthy path for society – Ed.


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1 COMMENT

  1. You are hoping for balanced and non personal output from The Echo ?

    Will a miracle on par with the conversion of Saul/Paul on the road to Damascus occur ?

    Does one even believe in Miracles ?

    Also ,what” only to actively support an incumbent mayor? Why promote Trump-style politics? ”

    You covered that when saying “Editorials made unwarranted personal criticisms of Michael Lyon ”

    I must be reading a different edition of The Echo because praise and support for the ” Interim Mayor ” was difficult to find .

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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. 

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.