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Byron Shire
October 27, 2026

A year in review

Latest News

Where’s the funding for critical community help?

Neighbourhood and community centres are struggling to keep their doors open and are cutting services because they don’t have ongoing core funding to cover staffing and operating costs.

Other News

Where’s the funding for critical community help?

Neighbourhood and community centres are struggling to keep their doors open and are cutting services because they don’t have ongoing core funding to cover staffing and operating costs.

Celebration of culture and Country

Almost 100 First Nations artists, musicians, performers, makers and cultural practitioners will come together on the banks of the Clarence River this November for Art on Bundjalung; a free celebration of creativity, culture and Country.

Grim numbers from horse racing industry

The annual DeathWatch Report by the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) reveals that the home state of the upcoming Melbourne Cup, Victoria, was responsible for 30 percent of the at least 160 racehorses who were killed from racing across the country in the 2025/26 Australian racing season.

Ballina Council fined for pesticide breaches at Lennox Head

Ballina Shire Council has been fined $2,500 after misusing pesticide near a Lennox Head waterway and failing to keep a required application record.

Last chance to comment on Brunswick water-extraction overhaul

Locals have until Monday to have their say on a proposed overhaul of Brunswick catchment water-extraction rules, including tighter pumping restrictions aimed at protecting river flows and migrating fish.

Oh Byron Shire, the pipes, the pipes are calling…

Byron Shire Council largely does not know the condition of its $114 million underground stormwater network, with a draft infrastructure plan warning that limited inspections are creating a risk of pipe failure.

Byron lighthouse and headland. Cloudcatcher Media

Byron Shire Council has published its Annual Report for 2025 to 2026, highlighting a year of what it describes as significant achievements in delivering infrastructure flood recovery works, environmental protection, and community programs.

Flood recovery works continued with $20 million of works completed, including a $10.7 million package at Wilsons Creek featuring culvert upgrades, landslip restoration, road widening and stabilisation.

The multi award winning $9.9 million Sandhills Wetlands restoration was completed, delivering flood mitigation alongside environmental, cultural and community benefits.

Major transport upgrades were also completed including the $2.7 million South Beach Road project at Brunswick Heads and the $6.3 million upgrade of Mullumbimby Road, benefiting more than 13,000 daily commuters and increasing resilience to flooding.

Council’s Move to Reuse program continues to grow and has diverted more than 289,336 single-use items from landfill at markets, events and community activities.

$5.8 million in grant funding was secured by Council for projects spanning roads, community safety, public spaces, youth programs and environmental initiatives.

Cr Sarah Ndiaye. Photo Tree Faerie.

Mayor responds

‘It’s been another remarkable year for Byron Shire Council. This Annual Report highlights just how much has been achieved for our community,’ Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, said.

‘From restoring the Sandhills Wetlands and delivering major flood recovery works to improving roads, community facilities and essential services, there is so much to be proud of.

‘I encourage everyone to take a look at the Annual Report and see just how much has been accomplished over the past year,’ she said.

The report also highlights Council’s ongoing support for community-led initiatives, providing $587,976.81 in donations to 134 community groups, organisations and individuals, supporting services and initiatives across the Shire.

Rough sleeping

Housing and social support remain a focus, with more than 30 organisations and 709 community voices collaborating helping inform work to reduce and ultimately end rough sleeping in the Shire.

The Annual Report and Financial Statements are on Byron Council’s website.

The Financial Statements have been released alongside the Annual Report allowing members of the public to view Council’s financial performance, financial position and cash flows for the financial year ended 30 June 2026.

You can also make a submission on the reports until Friday 27 November 2026.



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A year in review

Byron Shire Council has published its Annual Report for 2025 to 2026, highlighting a year of what it describes as significant achievements in delivering infrastructure flood recovery works, environmental protection, and community programs.

Celebration of culture and Country

Almost 100 First Nations artists, musicians, performers, makers and cultural practitioners will come together on the banks of the Clarence River this November for Art on Bundjalung; a free celebration of creativity, culture and Country.

Ballina students dive into water science

Local Ballina Shire primary school students rolled up their sleeves and put water science into action as part of Rous County Council’s inaugural Young Water Leaders event.

Grim numbers from horse racing industry

The annual DeathWatch Report by the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) reveals that the home state of the upcoming Melbourne Cup, Victoria, was responsible for 30 percent of the at least 160 racehorses who were killed from racing across the country in the 2025/26 Australian racing season.