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June 5, 2026

Latest News

Marooned yacht on rocks near Ballina

A local photographer has shot a marooned yacht at Flat Rock, in Ballina Shire. It's the second boat to be washed ashore in recent months

Other News

Lismore leaders meet in parliament for industry briefing

More than 50 business, investment and community leaders gathered at NSW Parliament House this week for the "Lismore 60,000 Industry Briefing", which was described as an "important conversation about the city's future growth, investment opportunities and long-term prosperity".

Byron Bay-based hydrofoil company awarded ‘Best of the Best’

Flite, a brand of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) and the global pioneer of electric hydrofoil technology, have been awarded the Red Dot: "Best of the Best" – the highest distinction in the internationally renowned Red Dot Design Awards.

Kingscliff insurance

Recently, many Kingscliff locals have been hit by massive increases in their home insurance. Some properties are located in...

ISIS vs Australian Israelis

Dear Rod Murray (Letters, 27 May) In reply to your very long letter, far exceeding 250 words, (in itself...

Financial woes

Byron Shire’s financial woes are not the result of a lack of money, but rather the waste of it....

The Greens’ 3-way comp: Ballina Councillor vs Byron candidates for state preselection

Byron Greens members could expect to be asked to take the future of the Richmond River further south into account when choosing a candidate for next year’s state election.

March 15, 2023

Byron Shire Echo issue 37.40 – March 15, 2023

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Local News | Comment | Letters | Articles | Good Taste | The Good Life | Health & Healing | Soapbox | Crossword | Stars | Seven Entertainment | Gig Guide | Cinema | Echo Property | Property Business Directory | Service Directory | Classifieds | Sport | Backlash

In this Issue:

Mediation fails over large Suffolk Park DA

The battle over a controversial mixed-used development proposed for the main street of Suffolk Park looks set to go to a full hearing in the Land and Environment Court with Byron Shire Council, after the court-ordered conciliation process failed.

Save our wildlife I’ve just listened to Professor Vanclay from SCU Lismore on ABC north coast radio saying that the chances of having another fire event like we had in 2019–2020 are most unlikely. Wow, from what planet is he?...

The naked bicycle

Since the annual phenomenon of the naked cycle ride was inflicted on Byron Bay, I have wondered what its purpose was, other than as an opportunity for exhibitionism and as a diversion for bemused onlookers or passersby on a...

Unhinged teenager

If contributors to The Echo feel the need to use expletives to express themselves, I have a suggestion, expand your vocabulary, read quality non-woke publications and use a little common civility. Contributors that crave a meaningful existence please don’t...

Robodebt

I think that the Morrison government may have regarded the disastrous Robodebt scheme as in some ways a success. When John Howard gained his second term in office, I somehow knew he was going to crack down on welfare recipients,...

Victoria offers solutions for a kinder world

Local author, Victoria Thompson, is so passionate about protecting animals that she spent eight years researching and writing the book Animals Are Us – a guide to a kinder world.

No dog problem

I just finished David Heilpern’s almost full-page opinion piece about dogs on beaches in the Byron Shire. On a number of occasions I had to check that I wasn’t reading The Daily Telegraph and that the author wasn’t Miranda Divine....

Legislating short-term holiday letting the way forward say Greens

Ballina MP, Tamara Smith, has committed to introducing legislation on short-term holiday letting within the first 100 days of the next NSW parliament if she is re-elected.

What the ph’c is going on? The ecological crisis and the...

What is relevant for our earthly concerns at this time, is that from the perspective of modern science, matter and energy are the foundation of everything that exists. 

Byron Councillors call for more govt flood funding

Byron Shire Council has launched a pre-election call for more government funding and support to future proof all of the Shire’s flood-impacted premises.

Fresh STRA audits and prosecutions ahead

Hundreds of locals who are renting out their studios and granny flats on Airbnb, in breach of consent conditions agreed with Byron Council, could face prosecution under a new measure introduced last week.

Roller Derby returns to Byron, March 18-19

The Northern Rivers Revolt Roller Derby tournament is returning after the covid hiatus to Byron Bay on March 18–19, with six teams competing at the Cavanbah Centre. 

Man’s best friend

I am one of the regular contributors that David Heilpern references in his article (8 March) and I applaud his approach. The latest statistics I have read show that 61 per cent of households (and growing) have a pet...

Drugs for peace

I enjoyed Michael McDonald’s article on LSD (8 March). I’d like to add the useful MDMA to the water of Putin and the paramilitary Wagner Group, either with or without their agreement. I wonder if a powdered form in...

Make it your preference to not waste your vote

NSW upper house voting guide for the pragmatic progressive. The local candidates get most of the attention in the leadup to an election, but the Legislative Council (NSW Parliament’s upper house) also warrants some scrutiny.

Cartoon of the week – 15 March 2023

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.

Who needs science or data on housing when money talks?

Significant research has been conducted internationally into STRA, especially where it has had a significant impact on the economy and community life of highly visited cities and regions. Central to these studies is the impact of STRA on housing access and affordability.

More resources needed on the ground for Northern Rivers DV services

The domestic violence services in the Northern Rivers were already underfunded and stretched before the 2022 floods. Since then they have been inundated with people needing their help as the pressures from the floods, the previous fires and the covid pandemic took their toll.

Feros board refuse to provide evidence of facility closure claims

With Feros announcing it will redevelop its aged care facility in Byron Bay, the management board, through a public relations manager, have declined to provide The Echo with evidence that the aged care home does not ‘meet the current government standards as a residential care facility’.

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: The kind of girl who can’t say...

I’m just a girl who can’t say ‘No’. It’s been my default setting for as long as I can remember. It’s probably why, when I’m offered a drink, I’ll have six instead of one. Or if I’m offered a piece of chocolate I’ll want the whole block. I’m not a moderate person. I don’t understand moderate people and how they think. How do they so easily set limits for themselves? I tell myself that moderate people live in beige houses and live beige lives. 

Affordable housing

Thanks to The Echo for reporting (15 February) about a development application (DA) in Myocum described by the architect as being for affordable housing, as the application is not required to be advertised under Council rules. The article, which seemed...

Feros

I, as one tiny person, am going to stand up and say, NO, it is not acceptable, ever, to evict people from their Feros retirement home. Particularly a group home that only exists due to land and labour donations...

NSW election candidate Q&A for Ballina

      Where do the candidates stand on policy and values? The following questions were put to all local candidates for the state election, to be held March 25. Candidates are listed as they will appear on the ballot. Holiday letting Do you...

Leading women of the farming sector

In recognition of International Women’s Day last week, the Byron Farmers Market are shining the light on some of our local women farmers who are carving out a niche in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Belinda Fortune, farmer and president of...

Millions to help sport to recover from the 2022 floods

More than 3.5 million dollars to help local sporting groups get up and running after the floods of 2022 has been allocated by the state and federal governments. Some of projects to secure funding include: Bangalow Sports Field (lighting –...

Echo celebrates 40 with awards night tomorrow

Tickets are selling fast! Come join a fun-filled night of community celebration – This Saturday (tomorrow) The Echo is set to mark its 40th year in style with a ’30s swing-era style party and community awards night featuring the dynamic sounds of the Melbourne Ska Orchestra.

Author Tristan Bancks follows up with Two Wolves sequel

Local author Tristan Bancks launched his new book for readers 10+, Raised By Wolves, at Byron Book Room last night (Thursday 4 June).

Lismore City Council recognised for environmental leadership at LG awards

Lismore City Council has been recognised for outstanding achievement in environmental leadership, resilience and community infrastructure at the 2026 LG Professionals NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.

Byron Council’s Sandhills Wetlands project takes first place at LG awards

The Sandhills Wetland restoration project in Byron Bay has won another major award, with Byron Shire Council taking first place at the Local Government Professionals 2026 NSW Excellence Awards.