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Byron Shire
July 11, 2026

Recognise your local legend in the Tweed Sustainability Awards

Latest News

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?

Other News

Shooting the wrong threat

Why should anyone who cares about the environment care that the government is shooting Kosciuszko’s wild brumbies? Fair question. We...

Forcing a reminder

Forces are constantly at play and work determinedly to give people the life we have. The minds of women and...

Mammalian meat allergy and my heart valve replacement

Increasingly, people living in bush areas of the Shire are becoming aware of Mammalian Meat Allergy (MMA). Also known as alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), the disease is caused when a tick bites you and transfers a sugar called alpha-gal into your bloodstream.

New flood maps could reshape development across Byron Shire

New flood mapping covering much of the Byron Shire could affect future development controls, with a major new study recommending that planning decisions be based on whichever flood source – river flooding or overland flow – produces the highest flood level.

Amani’s bite of the Big Apple

Although I was grateful that The Echo wrote an article about my daughter Amani Wiriyanjara being accepted into the...

Free shop to move on from Billinudgel

The Billinudgel Railway Station building, managed by Byron Shire Council (BSC) on behalf of Transport for NSW (TfNSW), has been used as a free community shop where people can donate unwanted items which are available for others to take since 2022.

Voting in now open for the People’s Choice in the Tweed Sustainability Awards.

Thirty-three local groups and individuals have been nominated for the Tweed Sustainability Awards, and Tweed Shire Council is now asking locals to vote and decide this year’s People’s Choice winner.

A wide range of nominations highlights the community’s dedication to protecting the Tweed’s natural environment, with examples of sustainability initiatives including:

  • Neighbours collaborating to create a sustainable public walkway.
  • Creating backyard habitats for wildlife with native plants and bird shelters.
  • Businesses reducing energy use by installing solar panels.
  • Composting to enrich school gardens, reduce landfill waste and grow fresh vegetables.
  • Promoting eco-tourism across the Tweed.
  • Embedding sustainable agricultural practices into everyday farming operations.
  • Leading by example to inspire and educate young people about the environment.
  • Weed control, planting and endangered species protection in conservation sites.

For a full list of this year’s nominees and to vote, go here. Voting closes at midnight on Sunday, 14 September.

Tweed Council says the award winners will be announced  at a showcase event on Wednesday, 15 October 2025.



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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.  

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.