12.6 C
Byron Shire
July 12, 2026

Flood warnings for region – 70mm expected

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

Where to from here for a healthy future?

Sometimes it is hard not to lose hope, with the depth and breadth of the challenges that have faced the Northern Rivers. From the droughts, fires, Covid, and the 2022 floods it’s sometimes hard to see a way forward.

Cartoons of the week – 8 July, 2026

The Echo loves your letters 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, send us your epistles.

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...

For your wellbeing

On Saturday, in Byron, they are holding a Psychic Health and Wellbeing Expo, at the Cavanbah Centre, Ewingsdale Road – this is a community-based event and all are welcome.

Manna Haven Cafe – loving Byron for 20 years

One of Byron Bay’s favourite lunch spots is wowing guests after a recent community-gifted makeover. More than 50 volunteers...

NSW confirms first case of H5 avian influenza

A giant petrel found near Hawks Nest, north of Newcastle, was confirmed positive on the weekend for H5 high pathogenicity (H5 bird flu) avian influenza in laboratory tests by the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.

The BoM says a trough and cloud band over NSW will produce widespread rain and strong winds over north east NSW today and overnight into Tuesday.

Causeways are already over in the hinterland behind Mullumbimby, with Main Arm now cut off just before the primary school.

‘Heavy rain is possible in the afternoon and evening with thunderstorms’ says the BoM.

‘Catchments in the flood watch area are wet to moderately wet.

‘River level rises area expected across the flood watch area with the forecast rainfall and areas of minor flooding may develop from Monday evening.

‘Flood classes (minor, moderate, major) are only defined for catchments where the Bureau provides a flood warning service.

‘Catchments likely to be affected include:

  • Tweed and Rous Rivers: Minor flooding
  • Wilsons River: Minor flooding
  • Richmond River: Minor flooding
  • Orara River: Minor flooding
  • Coffs Coast: Minor flooding
  • Bellinger and Kalang Rivers: Minor flooding
  • Nambucca River: Minor flooding


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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.