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Byron Shire
August 29, 2026

What is the future of Newrybar Village?

Latest News

How can we keep paying for incompetence

The only way forward is going backwards. That’s how I explain the current situation of Byron Shire Council. The...

Other News

Interhall Committee volunteers’ hazard update

As the weather warms up, so too are community volunteers. In mid August regional volunteers gathered at Clunes for the quarterly Interhall Committee meeting.

Editorial – Drug-checking saves lives

No-one would tolerate killing six teenagers with methanol-laced alcohol in Australia, as occurred recently in Laos. But in Australia, you can’t check your drugs to see if they’re safe.

Going beyond the BBQ

The Men & Family Centre will soon be running a free Beyond the BBQ event in Lismore.

Being un conscious

There is a general belief that consciousness is an entity in itself or something that is non-physical. I don’t...

Peek behind the scenes of ‘Love for One Night’

Directed and devised by Julian Louis, NORPA's acclaimed production 'Love for One Night' returns to the Eltham Hotel this Thursday, running until 12 September.

Labor and Liberal join forces on multiple fronts

Last week, government and opposition found themselves singing from the same song sheet in parliament on a range of issues, from the NDIS to ASIO, and big tech to gambling advertising. 

What is your vision for Newrybar Village?

After a collaborative design process between the community and Ballina Shire Council (BSC) in late 2024, the Draft Streetscape Master Plan for Newrybar is now available for comment

The Master Plan seeks to improve Newrybars streetscape and public spaces.

During the design process the community identified their vision for Newrybar as a ‘welcoming, vibrant village that celebrates character, community, and creativity,’ says BSC press release. 

The Draft Master Plan outlines five key place values that reflect what the community loves about Newrybar:

  • Authentic village charm
  • Memorable artisanal experiences
  • Home grown produce and flavours
  • Honouring the Big Scrub and connection to Country
  • Fostering a connected community.

‘A key proposal is to make traffic on the Old Pacific Highway between Brooklet Road and Hinterland Way one way, which would create space for safer pedestrian movement, improved parking, more shade trees, and better public seating,’ said Ballina Council’s Landscape Architect Ms Sheryn Da-Re.

‘Council invites the community to view the Draft Master Plan, including diagrams and a list of the proposed improvements, so they can share their feedback.’

Public workshop

A community workshop is being held on Monday, 19 May at Newrybar Community Hall from 6pm – 7.30pm to ensure the community has the opportunity to provide their views on the suggested plan. 

If you can’t make the meeting or would like more information on the plan you can complete an online feedback form on the Your Say page here: Visit yoursayballina.com.au/newrybar-streetscape-master-plan.

No funding or grants have been secured at this stage for implementation of any works. However once completed, the master plan will enable Council to seek funding to make the community’s aspirations a reality.



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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.

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.