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Byron Shire
July 13, 2026

Underground infrastructure

Latest News

Deadly weaving at Lismore gallery

Eighteen months ago, a group of First Nations artists from the Northern Rivers came together at the Lismore Regional Gallery as part of the Gathering Space project.

Other News

Where do I start. Where does it end?

There is so much happening in the always enthralling intersection of law and politics that it is hard to know where to start. I will stop my head spinning and focus on just five.

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.

Response to the Special Rate Variation

Why spend $120,000 on a community engagement plan to find out if residents will be happy to see their...

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.

Inaugural DINGO Music & Arts Festival to light up Bangalow in October

It is a fusion of local and international art, music, performance, food, and thought that will be coming to you in Bangalow as part of the inaugural DINGO Music & Arts Festival across four days from 8 to 11 October.

Pottsville Triathlon announced for 24-25 October

Entries are now open for the inaugural Pottsville Beach Triathlon, a fresh coastal multisport weekend, taking place on 24-25 October, 2026.

I lack confidence in the decisions of Council and councillors regarding the current DA in Bayside Brunswick.

Regarding building in the vicinity of underground infrastructure, the policy says, in considering any application to build in the vicinity of underground infrastructure the Director of Infrastructure Services shall take into account conditions of the infrastructure, soil characteristics, influence of the loads proximity of existing structures, and access for maintenance and replacement.

The requirement is: To ensure that new development does not reduce the effectiveness of existing drainage patterns. To minimise the impacts of storm water runoff on adjoining properties. To provide acceptable levels of protection against personal injury and property damage to localised storm water runoff.

I can say with confidence that I have no confidence in this decision of Council to go ahead with this DA without rectifying the existing stormwater drainage problems.

Annie Radermacher, Brunswick Heads



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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?

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.