20.3 C
Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

No alternative parking proposed for Mullum carpark units for at least a year

Latest News

Cinema: NAZA

A must-see, award-winning documentary investigating AI warfare in Gaza. Fresh from winning the Special Jury Prize at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival, NAZA, the latest documentary from Academy Award-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor (No Other Land), examines artificial intelligence and surveillance in Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Other News

Free Musicland talk in Byron

Local author Tricia Shantz will be talking about a seminal time and place in her new book Musicland: When the Music Came to Byron 1970–1995 at the Byron Bay Library on Thursday, 29 October at 3pm.

Something for everyone at the Picture House

From Australian superstar musos, to brand new documentaries, to comedians at the top of their game, there really is something for everyone at the Brunswick Picture House.

Byron Bay wins Wallace Shield

For the past 63 years Byron Bay and Ballina lady golfers have had a fierce but friendly rivalry for the Wallace Shield. Even COVID couldn't spoil the party, although the competition was played with certain restrictions.

Why bribe government when you can just buy it?

Say what you like about Clive Palmer – although given how notoriously litigious he is, maybe don’t.

Coorabell Hall Spring Fever

Spring Fever Fashion Parade celebrates a stream of flower-powered, funky, upcycled, reloved and new fashion for gals, guys and some kidswear along with jewellery, hats and reloved accessories twirling on the Coorabell Hall runway on Friday, 16 October at 7pm. Music from DJ MLC and co MC Dr Baz.

Countless Strokes: Hend brings his world indoors

If you’ve walked down Mullumbimby’s main street and stopped to admire the murals, chances are you’ve already seen the work of local artist and muralist Daniel Hend.

With the large contentious development application (DA) on exhibition for 32 affordable rental homes and commercial space over a much-used Mullumbimby carpark (57 Station St), The Echo asked Council staff, ‘Will there will be any plans presented around alternative parking/toilet prior to public submissions closing?’

Submissions for DA 10.2025.212.1 close August 31, and it comes with potential impacts on surrounding business, an issue which was flagged in the pre-DA lodgement stage.
Council staff replied, ‘The DA for 57 Station Street is currently being assessed by the Northern Regional Planning Panel’.

Council committed to providing alternative parking

‘Separately, Council is committed to providing alternative parking and public amenities near the town centre.

‘Council has received licence agreements from Transport for NSW for the Mullumbimby rail corridor.

‘Two sites within this area (at the corner of Argyle and Prince Streets, and next to Woolworths) have been identified for interim public car parking to offset any parking lost owing to the affordable housing development at 57 Station Street.

‘The rest of the rail corridor (excluding the temporary housing village) will undergo master planning to explore future uses, including integration of the Station Masters Cottage and Mullumbimby Rail Station (if suitable for rail trail use), additional town centre parking; community open space and public amenities.

‘This planning work will be developed over the next 12 months and reported to Council once complete,’ staff added.

Key partner

The Echo also asked Council staff, ‘As a key partner to the developer Landcom, were there any negotiations for better outcomes than what is proposed? Also – will Council staff be presenting a report on this DA before the public submissions close?’
Answers will be published if provided.



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.

Interview with Genevieve Clay-Smith, director of Boss Cat showing at the Byron Bay Film Festival

When Sonja (Olivia Hargroder) loses her mother without warning, the only steady presence left in her life is her grandmother, Doris. But Doris’s idea of stability means dismantling everything Sonja has built. For Sonja, who lives with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and has spent her life fighting to be underestimated by no one, Doris’ plan feels less like protection and more like erasure. Directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith, Boss Cat is a vibrant, big-hearted Australian dramedy about independence, family and self-determination, anchored by a fearless lead performance.

Something for everyone at the Picture House

From Australian superstar musos, to brand new documentaries, to comedians at the top of their game, there really is something for everyone at the Brunswick Picture House.

Thirty-six unmissable films

The 2026 Russell Hobbs British Film Festival features an unmissable line up 36 films, including five retrospectives which will screen from 28 October to 29 November at Palace Byron Bay and Ballina Cinemas.

A timeless story of self-discovery

A husband with a promotion, two adorable children and a lovely new house. Nora thought she had it all. But did she? What was the discontent that was whispering to her in the shadows?