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Byron Shire
July 14, 2026

Petition launched to save Bluesfest

Latest News

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.

Other News

$5.5 million for surf clubs

The NSW government says the state's surf life saving clubs can now apply for a share of $5.5 million through the Surf Club Facility Program, to upgrade, rebuild or future-proof the facilities that keep beaches safe.

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.

Coorabell art show inspired by natural world

'Elemental: Conversations with Nature' is the title of a forthcoming exhibition featuring eight established and midcareer artists working across painting, drawing, weaving, ceramics, and textiles.  Inspired by the natural world, each artist explores the forms, patterns, materials, and forces found in nature.

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’.

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.

An e-petition to save Bluesfest has been launched, calling for immediate government intervention ‘to develop and implement a comprehensive rescue package to ensure the survival of Bluesfest’.

The petition also calls for financial assistance, policy support, and collaboration with stakeholders to secure the festival’s future.

It also proposes ‘the establishment of long-term, sustainable support mechanisms for major cultural events to protect and promote the arts in NSW’.

Bluesfest director, Peter Noble, recently announced that next year’s event will be the last, and as reported last week the financial and cultural impacts to the region will be significant. 

If the e-petition reaches 20,000 signatures, NSW Parliament must address the future of Bluesfest via a debate.

Local member for Ballina, Tamara Smith MP (Greens), started the petition, and said in a statement, ‘It is imperative that we take collective action to ensure its survival for future generations to enjoy.’

To sign the petition, visit here.



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Draft Bangalow Flood Study on public exhibition

A draft study examining flooding Bangalow is on exhibition by Byron Council.

Invasive weed projects tackles 125 ha of Crown land

Ballina, Lismore, Kyogle and Richmond Valley shires are set to benefit from seven weed biosecurity projects, which the NSW government says will support the protection of native vegetation and the enhancement of wildlife habitats at key environmental sites.

Tweed harbour foreshore to get a revamp

Jack Evans Boat Harbour foreshore is set to be upgraded, Local NSW Tweed MP, Geoff Provest says.

A spanner in the works for the Republic

I was changing the oil on Clancy, our barge moored on the Seine not far from the Place de la Concorde (think Marie Antoinette), when I made a big mistake.