20.3 C
Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Long delays expected on Mullumbimby Road

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

Address from national refugee leader

Anyone interested in helping settle refugees in our region is invited to hear an address on November 7 by Romy Vitalien, director of the national program for refugee sponsorship in Australia.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers on facts and feelings

Logan boy made good Jim Chalmers fronted up to the Australia Institute in Canberra last week to give a memorable and candid speech about the challenges facing his government, and the nation.

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader announces bid for state seat of Ballina 

Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader will contest the state seat of Ballina as an independent, arguing that local ratepayers are carrying costs that should be met by the NSW government.

Call for the community to join the Mullumbimby clean up

The Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce and Community (MCCC) are calling on local businesses and the community to join them in cleaning up the main street of town on Sunday, 25 October from 8am to 10am.

Mullumbimby Road to be temporarily closed

Byron Shire Council says Mullumbimby Road will be closed to outbound traffic for three days, except for buses and emergency vehicles, for three days from 16 to 18 November.

McAuleys estate changes approved, but pet ban and cycle path stay

Developers have secured approval for changes to a contentious Myocum subdivision, but requirements banning pets and providing a cycle path and vehicle turnaround will remain.

Roadworks on Mullumbimby Road. BSC

Byron Shire Council is warning that from 8 September people using Mullumbimby Road should be prepared for potential long delays, due to extensive roadworks between McAuleys Lane and The Saddle Road.

A statement from Council says, ‘So far, delays have been fairly minimal, but this will change. We have looked at every possible way to minimise the impact of this project on drivers but unfortunately, because of the narrow road corridor, and constraints like steep drop-offs and the existing cutting, our options are very limited.’

Mullumbimby Road will remain open, but there will only be one lane of alternating traffic under traffic control. Drivers are requested to use alternative routes in and out of Mullumbimby, namely Coolamon Scenic Drive (northbound) and Myocum Road (southbound).

Byron Council says, ‘We know that Coolamon Scenic Drive is a winding road and we will be making sure it is maintained to cope with extra traffic. Cautionary signage will be in place.’

They are suggested that heavy vehicles should use Myocum Road, while emergency services and school buses will be given priority on Mullumbimby Road.

Roadworks on Mullumbimby Road. BSC

Road work hours will be Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm.

But wait, there’s more!

Council says that in October there will more changes with Mullumbimby Road closing to all outbound traffic during the day (except school buses and emergency services) for at least four months when they start work on the section between The Saddle Road and Gulgan Road.

Nightwork is also scheduled in October on the section of the road from The Saddle Road to James Street.

Works include:

  • Shoulder widening
  • Improvements to the McAuleys Lane intersection.
  • New road surfaces, signage, guardrail installation and line marking.
  • Minor road widening in the current road corridor.
  • Drainage work on the verges near the Uncle Tom’s intersection, including the removal of trees and other vegetation in the road reserve.
  • Installation of a new culvert with the aim of improving the flow of stormwater to Everitts Creek.

These roadworks are expected to be finished in February 2026, weather permitting.

More information about the Mullumbimby Road Upgrade is available here.



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?