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Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Byron Shire – a community, not a commodity

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

A health check as Medicare turns 40

If you’ll forgive the earnest tone, I’d like to propose a toast. To a friend who’s almost always there when you need them most. To a system that aims to treat people fairly and respectfully. 

Byron Council staff baulk at councillors’ promise of free parking for locals

Will Byron Council deliver on its pledge to make parking permits free for locals across the Shire when paid parking comes into force in Brunswick Heads?

Saddle Road group home DA decision this week

Plans to build Byron Shire’s first permanent group home for women and children in housing stress are moving ahead, with the development application for the project coming before Council this week.

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.

Urgent appeal

At last Thursday’s Byron Council meeting a long and dedicated campaign to save rail tracks and restore trains in...

Peter Garrett gives Bluesfest the nod

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. 

Byron Shire – a community, not a commodity.

If Airbnb is such a good idea, maybe STRA should come up with their own tagline instead of stealing the Byron Shire community phrase BYRON DESERVES BETTER, which was created to oppose the West Byron housing development. This development is currently being built on a floodplain, despite 20 recommendations that it should not go ahead.

It’s a balance. No-one is saying get rid of STRA or Airbnb – we just want some regulations.

Short-term rentals have a place. Tourism has a place, expense but it should not be at the cost of the residents who live in this area.

The anonymous people/companies behind this campaign are missing the point, and it seems pretty obvious that most of them are not permanent residents. The ads speak to city money, city priorities, investors with houses that are for rent, who are into profit, not community.

Even Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb, admitted it had affected communities, depleted housing supply, reduced long-term rentals and encouraged over-tourism in hotspots. Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Santa Monica, New York, Berlin, London, San Francisco, and New York all have restrictions when it comes to Airbnb: stating that the cost to local communities and renters far exceeds the benefits it offers to travellers. It’s about time the NSW Government and the council get their heads out of the sand and do it for the Northern Rivers. 

B Crowle, Byron Bay


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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.