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Byron Shire
June 13, 2026

Warning: Northern Rivers Rail Trail not ready yet

Latest News

Up to 550 homes pegged for Byron Shire’s newest suburb

Community feedback is now sought on three planning documents that will shape the future of Gulgan Village, a new residential suburb proposed on the elevated slopes of Saddle Road. 

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Lismore residents call to stop the demolition of homes

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Catalano’s twin Wategos mansion DA wins court approval

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Load limit increased for Byron Creek Bridge

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Community to rally against ‘relentless’ RA house demolitions

Northern Rivers locals and flood-impacted residents will gather in Lismore this Saturday to demand the NSW Reconstruction Authority stop demolishing heritage homes and deliver on broken promises, as community anger at the failed flood recovery reaches a new peak.

Climate action arts program announces 2026 recipients

Ingrained Foundation, together with co-founder of the Climate Action Arts Grant Program, Vicki Brooke, and delivery partner Arts Northern Rivers (ANR), are say they are delighted to announce the five recipients of the inaugural program.

Nimbin village boil water alert lifted, but remains for outskirts

After just over a month, Lismore City Council say the boil water alert for the village of Nimbin has been lifted, effective immediately. Yet these living in the outskirts of the village, a boil water alert is still in place.

Workers constructing the slab to mark the old station at Dunbible. Work is continuing along the Tweed leg of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, which is expected to be open to the public early next year. Photo supplied.

Love it or hate it, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is under construction and the community is being urged to wait until it is safe for public use before trying it out.

The warning comes after reports of people using the trail in recent weeks, despite it not yet being open for public use.

Construction crews are still hard at work along many sections of the 24 km trail and works are scheduled to continue into early 2023.

Project Director Iain Lonsdale explained that construction materials may cause risks to members of the public who access the trail prior to its opening early next year.

Construction materials and heavy machinery are still in use on many parts of the trail and signage has not yet been installed.

People eager to use the trail

‘It is great to see people so eager to use the trail. Many have waited a long time to see this project come to fruition and it is not long now until we will all have access to an incredible resource for locals and visitors to enjoy.

‘But public safety is our first priority. Construction crews are still working across the length of the trail and there are a range of safety hazards that pose a risk to trail users trying to get a sneak peek ahead of the opening.

‘We ask the community to please be patient. We know with the holiday season nearly upon us, people are keen to check out the trail. We want to make sure everyone has a safe and positive experience, so we urge everyone to hold off until the trail opens early next year.’

Work is expected to be completed on the trail early next year, weather permitting, with a host of community activities in the planning to mark its official opening.

To stay updated and be alerted to when the opening date is scheduled, visit: northernriversrailtrail.com.au and follow Northern Rivers Rail Trail on social media.



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Load limit increased for Byron Creek Bridge

The load limit for Byron Creek Bridge has been increased to 24 tonnes, say Byron Shire Council, following structural analysis of the bridge.

Festival and event grants on offer

Community organisations are encouraged to apply for NSW government grants to bring cultural festivals and events to life across the state over the coming year.

Dr Bronwyn Bancroft wins prestigious Ochre Award

Bundjalung woman and artist Dr Bronwyn Bancroft AM has received the Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence.

The Pocket Winter Festival bringing you music, food and fun

The Pocket Winter Festival is set to return on Sunday, 21 June, from 10am to 2pm, bringing together the community for a day of music, food, entertainment and family fun at The Pocket Public School.