13.2 C
Byron Shire
August 29, 2026

Editorial – Who’s new in Byron’s local gov’t zoo?

Latest News

Greens urged to back pathway to end native forest logging

Some of NSW’s most respected and long-standing forest campaigners and scientists have today urged the Greens not to support the Nationals' attempt to disallow the Improved Native Forest Management (INFM) method.

Other News

Disastrous levels of sexism and misogyny in Australian schools

Monash University has conducted the largest Australian survey of teachers to examine their experiences of sexism, misogyny and sexual harassment in schools.

Data centres for the Northern Rivers?

What regulations are there to stop or manage data centres in the Northern Rivers?

They’ve got their trousers on

They’re almost here – Baggy Trousers bring ‘Madness’ to Ballina next week! London-born and hailed as the Southern Hemisphere’s premier Madness tribute show, Baggy Trousers brings to life the legendary UK band’s iconic hits in The Sound of Madness and bring the energy, humour and soundtrack of the UK’s golden era to Ballina RSL.

New police recruits welcomed

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin today welcomed 22 new probationary constables deployed to regional police districts, including two in the Northern Rivers.

NSW gambling reforms announced

The Minns government says it is delivering on a key election commitment with its latest tranche of gaming reforms, giving people and families stronger protections against gambling harm and tightening the rules concerning gambling promotion and marketing.

Big Council rates rise coming – SRV for ratepayers

The proposed 35.03 per cent rates increase over three years to Byron Shire ratepayers is extremely concerning. I fully understand...

2024 Byron Shire Councillors.

Congratulations to the newly elected Byron Council for 2024–28! 

And also thanks to all those who contested as candidates.

Mayor Sarah Ndiaye says her priorities are, ‘the housing crisis and ensuring affordable homes for all; environmental protection and bold climate action; supporting local arts and creative industries; improving public transport and sustainable infrastructure and amplifying diverse voices, including youth and First Nations people’.

She added, ‘We’ve promised a more transparent, compassionate, and effective Council, and that’s exactly what we intend to deliver. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work on the issues that matter most to our community.’

Here’s hoping for improved governance – for another four years! Let’s go!



For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling.

If you are a local business owner help us and in turn we help you. All The Echo asks for is advertising, not a free ride. It is every advert in The Echo and on www.echo.net.au, which creates the space for all the stories and coverage of community events, happenings and concerns.

If you are a reader you can become a sponsor of The Echo. Your support keeps the us independent.

Even a small one-off or regular donation from you will help keep the echo’s independent voice alive and strong.

Support Us

Become one of the supporters who helps keep independent, local journalism alive in the Byron Shire by contributing anything from as little as the cost of a coffee each month.

You're Wonderful, Thank you for supporting independent journalism in the Byron Shire

You’re supporting The Echo, thank you

Your contribution is keeping independent, local journalism alive in the Northern Rivers.

Because of supporters like you, we can keep every story free for everyone — no paywall, no exceptions. Your money goes directly to funding our newsroom of 40-odd local workers covering the stories that matter to this community.

Tell us what you think, give us your opinion

The Echo loves your letters and comments 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, email us your epistles at editor@echo.net.au.

The letters deadline for The Echo is noon Friday. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut. The publication of letters is at the discretion of the letters editor. Please remember to include your full name, address and telephone number.

Online comments are no longer available.

Ballina Council makes decision on Ross Lane

With the absence of all four of its progressive councillors for various reasons, Ballina Council pushed ahead with its agenda at yesterday's monthly meeting, including a decision which is likely to close Ross Lane for months while the road is upgraded.

Mullumbimby puts new governance models first, and now wants to build it

Imagine Northern Rivers says Mullumbimby is the only community across the region to rank new models of governance and decision-making as the number one element of its preferred future, and last week locals gathered to work out how to make it real.

Appeal to locate man missing from Broadwater

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a local missing man.

Katie Milne responds to Tweed’s draft housing and employment strategy

The former mayor of Tweed Shire Council, Kate Milne, has shared her submission to Tweed's Draft Growth Management Housing & Employment Strategy.