12.1 C
Byron Shire
July 16, 2026

Protecting remnant Gondwana species at Grandpa’s Scrub today

Latest News

Renewables and battery storage stable amid global uncertainty

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, in partnership with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) today released the GenCost 2025–26 Final Report, finding renewable energy supported by storage is helping to protect Australia against global energy shocks and continues to provide the lowest cost pathway for Australia’s electricity system to achieve net zero emissions.

Other News

No Bones: new seasonal menu captures the relaxed spirit of Byron dining

As the cooler months settle over Byron Bay, No Bones is embracing the season with a fresh menu designed for long lunches that roll into dinner, shared plates and evenings spent lingering over good food and cocktails.

Jeff Dawson captures Mullum Roots Festival

Did you make it to Mullum Roots Festival on the weekend?

Lismore Boulevard Project announced

Design concept plans for the Lismore Boulevard – Shared User Path project are now available for community consultation, following Lismore City Council securing $2,383,030 in funding through the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active 2025–2026 program, administered by Transport for NSW (TfNSW).

Winter is no time for complacency, Marine Rescue NSW warns

Demand for assistance from Marine Rescue NSW remains high, says the volunteer organisation, with their latest data from last month showing 24 search and rescue missions for the North Coast, including 16 emergency responses.

Byron Shire Rebels men’s XV vs Lismore on Ladies Day

The Rebels men’s XV made the trip to Lismore Rugby Park on Ladies Day and delivered a commanding 38-17 victory.

Ballina courthouse windows smashed, man charged

Police say a man will face court today, charged after 12 windows were allegedly smashed in Ballina last night.   Police say, 'About 10.35pm (Thursday 9 July 2026), police were called to Martin Street following reports of a man smashing windows'.

Community and experts are uniting this afternoon to protect what they say is remnant Gondwana species at Grandpa’s Scrub.

Organisers of today’s event say the Coffs Harbour Pacific Highway Bypass route has been a contentious issue as competing interests of agriculture, community and environment attempt to find an outcome.

They also say that the final chosen route has strongly favoured the local blueberry industry. It has been chosen to the detriment of the community and will have an irreparable impact on some of the last remaining areas for endangered ecological communities including remnant Gondwana rainforest. 

If the proposed route is built through the area known as Grandpa’s Scrub, the community in the area and their supporters say several species could cease to exist completely because of the failed biodiversity offset process that has been followed.

Today, globally recognised expert on Gondwana Rainforests Dr Rob Kooyman will be assessing and cataloguing the area. He will be willing to make statements about his findings as he completes his work.

There will be an at Grandpa’s Scrub, adjacent to 133C MacKays Rd, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450.  In attendance will be Sue Higginson MLC, Gondwana Expert Dr Rob Kooyman and local conservationist Dave Wood.



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Lismore Boulevard Project announced

Design concept plans for the Lismore Boulevard – Shared User Path project are now available for community consultation, following Lismore City Council securing $2,383,030 in funding through the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active 2025–2026 program, administered by Transport for NSW (TfNSW).

Community responds to detention dams proposal

More than 110 residents gathered at Rock Valley Hall on Sunday 12 July and rejected claims that the recently released CSIRO report on flood mitigation was informed by strong community consultation.

Data shows biggest danger to wildlife is people, not cats

Human-created hazards are responsible for most wildlife rescues in New South Wales, and researchers are calling for more prevention strategies to save threatened species.

Try pickleball and support a great cause

Northern Rivers Pickleball Club are holding a marathon day of pickleball on Sunday, 19 July at the Goonellabah Tennis and Pickleball Club on Reserve Street, Goonellabah.