19.8 C
Byron Shire
June 12, 2026

Lismore’s Blakebrook quarry proposal meets resistance

Latest News

Up to 550 homes pegged for Byron Shire’s newest suburb

Community feedback is now sought on three planning documents that will shape the future of Gulgan Village, a new residential suburb proposed on the elevated slopes of Saddle Road. 

Other News

Lismore’s Blakebrook quarry proposal meets resistance

A recent gathering of locals concerned about a proposed ‘mega dump’ landfill at Blakebrook quarry has been supported by Lismore Greens councillors. Lismore Council say they are still considering the proposal.

What lies beneath – AUKUS grows murkier

Senate Estimates descended into 'Yes Minister' territory last week when the vexed subject of AUKUS came up, following the revelation from deputy PM and defence minister Richard Marles that Australia's best case scenario was now that we would receive three second-hand submarines from the USA during the transition stage of this very expensive project, possibly between 2032 and 2038.

Council appeals for help as deliberate tree destruction spreads

Tweed Shire Council is appealing for community help after a spate of deliberate destruction of trees on public land across the Tweed, including the poisoning of mature Norfolk pines at Cabarita Beach and damage to established trees at a local cemetery.

Cartoon of the week – 10 June, 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.

High-speed rail

I was extremely disappointed to hear that the federal government had decided to scrap the section of the high-speed...

E-bikes rule

Teenage gangs on e-bikes now rule our roads at night in Byron Bay. Driving, or even walking, in the hours...

Lismore’s Blakebrook quarry proposal meets resistance. Photo supplied

A recent gathering of locals concerned about a proposed ‘mega dump’ landfill at Blakebrook quarry has been supported by Lismore Greens councillors. Lismore Council say they are still considering the proposal.

Cr Adam Guise said, ‘A great turnout of community members at council chambers handing over letters objecting to the proposed mega dump landfill at Blakebrook quarry. The community doesn’t want it!’

‘At no time has the community resolved or endorsed a regional landfill at Blakebrook.

‘Nor has the community been consulted on whether we want Lismore to be a regional dumping ground for waste from near and far.

‘Our adopted waste strategy prioritises avoidance, reuse and recycling before residual (dumping) waste. A regional dump at Blakebrook does not accord with this.

‘Mark my words, the Krieg majority are determined to push this through. There is a whopping $1.3m line item in the upcoming budget to ‘scope up’ a mega dump at Blakebrook.

‘Please make a submission to council’s budget currently on exhibition, asking that the $1.3m allocated to a regional landfill at Blakebrook be removed. (Submissions deadline 11 June) https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/budget-and-operational…

‘Also come along to the June 19 Council meeting where the budget will be debated and voted upon to make your views known!

Clr Virginia Waters added, ‘It was encouraging to see community members gather before today’s Council meeting to present the Mayor with a community petition and more than 100 handwritten letters to councillors. Thank you for the letters I received!

‘The level of community participation and determination demonstrates the depth of feeling and concern surrounding the proposal for a landfill at Blakebrook and a Regional Waste Facility.

‘This remains a proposal without social licence, and one that warrants genuine consultation, transparency and careful consideration before any further decisions are made.

‘A sincere thank you to everyone who took the time to attend, write a letter, sign the petition or speak up. Your efforts are being noticed and are making a difference. Keep up the great work’.



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.

Load limit increased for Byron Creek Bridge

The load limit for Byron Creek Bridge has been increased to 24 tonnes, say Byron Shire Council, following structural analysis of the bridge.

Festival and event grants on offer

Community organisations are encouraged to apply for NSW government grants to bring cultural festivals and events to life across the state over the coming year.

Dr Bronwyn Bancroft wins prestigious Ochre Award

Bundjalung woman and artist Dr Bronwyn Bancroft AM has received the Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence.

The Pocket Winter Festival bringing you music, food and fun

The Pocket Winter Festival is set to return on Sunday, 21 June, from 10am to 2pm, bringing together the community for a day of music, food, entertainment and family fun at The Pocket Public School.