11.5 C
Byron Shire
July 11, 2026

Shambolic NRRC

Latest News

Plastic not so fantastic

There is nothing healthier than drinking some water – or so I’ve always told my kids. It doesn’t contain sugar or colour additives – as one person used to tell us as children, ‘it’s sky juice’! What could be better?

Other News

Mandy’s column 1

Now that Mandy is the official candidate for the Greens at next year’s state election, I expect Echo Publications...

Cartoons of the week – 8 July, 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.

Savour The Tweed returns 12-25 Oct

An ambitious lineup of gourmet delights, inspired events, thought provoking discussions and creative collaborations will again entice food lovers to Tweed Shire this October.

Lismore households throwing away $670,000

Lismore City Council says Lismore households recently threw away an estimated $670,000 by placing eligible drink containers in their kerbside bins instead of claiming their refund, while almost half the contents of red-lid general waste bins could have been recycled or composted.

Eclectic Selection for the week beginning 8 July 2026

Eclectic Selection: What’s on this week is a taste of some of the events that can be found in the Byron Shire and beyond this coming week.

Teenager missing from Woolgoolga

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a teenager missing from the North Coast.

I believe my story succinctly illustrates the chaotic and distressing nature of the decision-making process employed by the NRRC. It needs to be called out for what it is! I was first contacted by NRRC on 14 February, 2023 to acknowledge my registration for the Resilient Homes Program. I received a second text from them on 13 June to say they would soon be in touch. I have heard nothing since. The deadline for hearing about my eligibility was meant to be 30 June.

I’m in a row of three virtually identical houses at the northern end of Station Street in Mullumbimby. One has been deemed eligible for retrofit or raising, the next-door neighbour rejected [their offer] and I’ve received no word. The flood affected each one in the same way and to the same extent. The frontage of all three extends about 90m along the street and yet all have different outcomes. Go figure.

This unjust and distressing process must be publicised and an investigation called for. I know of more severely affected houses in Mullumbimby and elsewhere that have been rejected [for assistance] and will therefore receive no government support. We were all affected and deserve to be treated fairly and with respect.

I’m pleading for The Echo to start and lead a campaign to bring this to the attention of those who may be able to help.

Stephen Bellerby, Mullumbimby



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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'.

Alleged native tree removal continues in Lennox, says councillor

With a government agency now investigating the alleged clear felling of natives on a large private block in Lennox Head, Ballina Greens councillor Kiri Dicker has told The Echo that contractors were felling trees all morning, ‘trying to get the job done’.

Ocean Shores man charged with advocating terrorism online

Police say a 20-year-old Ocean Shores man is behind bars (refused bail) and will face court in Tweed Heads Local Court on 18 September, charged with advocating terrorism.  

Ballina king tide alert for 13–16 July

Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads.