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Byron Shire
June 6, 2026

Keeping lights on

Latest News

Cartoon of the week – 3 June, 2026

The Echo loves your letters and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that matter most to our readers and the people of the NSW north coast. So don’t be a passive reader, send us your epistles.

Other News

Building sites ‘blitzed’ between Coffs Harbour and Tweed Heads

More than 100 building sites from Coffs Harbour to Tweed Heads have been inspected, which has been described as a 'blitz' by the NSW Labor government.

Tweed Shire Council recognised at Local Government Excellence Awards

Tweed Shire Council has been recognised for its innovative approach to tackling incivility, winning the People, Workplace and Wellbeing Award at the 2026 Local Government Excellence Awards last night.

Conversations in the Pub starts with Janelle Saffin

Conversations in the Pub – Lismore’s new civic meet-up – kicks off on Friday 19 June with its inaugural special guest, the NSW Minister for Small Business, Minister for Recovery, Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin MP.

Byron Shire mens Rebels suffer first defeat at the hands of Wollongbar

Hywel David It was a mixed day out at Pioneer Park in Wollongbar-Alstonville on a sunny Saturday, with the Rebels...

TweedCAN makes it easy for locals to make a difference on climate change

TweedCAN members Sally Evans, Conal Hanna, Isabela Keski-Frantti and Gerard Bisshop Do you believe in climate action, but struggle to...

Free Indigenous aquatic programs on offer in Tweed

Free aquatic exercise programs are now on offer in the Tweed Shire for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and their families. 

If ever there was a political party totally unfit to govern, or even influence governments, it has to be the Greens. They are once again threatening to use their Senate numbers to derail the Labor government’s new laws to cut carbon emissions by insisting the government ban all new coal and gas projects.

The blind ideological stupidity of the Greens defies description. They never learn. World markets are phasing out coal, needing an orderly transition to renewables that keeps the lights on with gas playing a big part whether the Greens like it or not. Any government that allows the lights to go out will not govern for long.

Even with the federal government’s recent intervention in the energy market, both coal and gas prices are still too high. So just what does it take for the Greens to realise that banning new gas projects outright would undoubtedly result in massive compensation payouts, further unsettle the markets and push prices even higher?

The Greens have a shocking history of derailing action on climate change. They forced Kevin Rudd to abandon the CPRS, an election promise, and forced Julia Gillard to introduce a price on carbon, with both decisions resulting in an unmitigated disaster. 

Alan Veacock, Cumbalum



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Marooned yacht on rocks near Ballina

A local photographer has shot a marooned yacht at Flat Rock, in Ballina Shire. It's the second boat to be washed ashore in recent months

Echo celebrates 40 with awards night tomorrow

Tickets are selling fast! Come join a fun-filled night of community celebration – This Saturday (tomorrow) The Echo is set to mark its 40th year in style with a ’30s swing-era style party and community awards night featuring the dynamic sounds of the Melbourne Ska Orchestra.

Author Tristan Bancks follows up with Two Wolves sequel

Local author Tristan Bancks launched his new book for readers 10+, Raised By Wolves, at Byron Book Room last night (Thursday 4 June).

Lismore City Council recognised for environmental leadership at LG awards

Lismore City Council has been recognised for outstanding achievement in environmental leadership, resilience and community infrastructure at the 2026 LG Professionals NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.