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Byron Shire
June 7, 2026

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Cartoon of the week – 3 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.

Other News

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.

Ballina Shire Council’s special rate variation approved

Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has approved Ballina Shire Council's application to increase its general income through a permanent special variation (SV) of 26.25% [in rates] over four years, from 2026-27 to 2029-30.

Israel’s rehabilitation

Israel’s genocide of the Palestinians has not ended and it will not end before Israel officially renounces its intention...

Before The Shed falls silent…

Join the Nudge crew this Saturday for the season ten finale of Nudge Nudge Wink Wink (NNWW) in The Shed at the Billinudgel Hotel – bringing another unforgettable night of music, connection and community spirit to the Northern Rivers.

Cartoon of the week – 3 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.

Minimum requirements were never meant to be aspirations

The Echo’s recent report (2 May) on Cr Elia Hauge’s proposal for a community assessment panel for the old Mullumbimby Hospital site contained a sentence that deserves more than a passing read.

March 13, 2024

Byron Shire Echo issue 38.40 – March 13, 2024

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In this Issue:

Editorial – Let’s do the development dance!

Some good questions were raised by residents at last week’s Council meeting – and were ‘taken on notice’ by Mayor, Michael Lyon.

Cartoon of the week – 20 March, 2024

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.

Future cedar cutters?

Are subcontractors to Clarence Property the cedar cutters of 2024?  Lets put this in economic terms. Subcontractors: you are trading the priceless capital value of the land base you live on for the privilege of working hard to degrade those...

Connection?

Is there any connection between a five-star resort that is about to build holiday apartments and houses a kilometre from the clothing-optional beach at Tyagarah and the decision of National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS)? Naked bathing has been going...

Wallum works 

With the recent issuing to the developer, Clarence Properties, of a subdivision works certificate, the fate of the Wallum heath and woodland at Torakina Rd, Bayside, Brunswick Heads now hangs precariously in the balance.  Thus far, governments at all levels...

Floodplain Mullumbimby

Mullumbimby is a floodplain. Every time we have a heavy downpour I am up and down through the night, checking if the water is covering the road, and rising water. In one way I was a bit lucky in...

Time to tape up

Could I suggest that all flood-affected residents in Mullumbimby turn up to the Byron Council chambers by 8.30am for the next meeting on 14 March? Everyone should wear bright coloured tape on their legs, bodies or heads, indicating the...

Mullum Ex-Services Club unveils renos

After months of anticipation, Mullum Ex-Services ClubMullum Ex-Services Club says it is proud to announce the completion of an extensive $4.5 million renovation, which ‘combines modern amenities, comfort, and community spirit’.

Floodplains, drainage

I understand the owners of floodplain land wanting to fill and develop for money, and who work secretly with Byron Council (who are very good at secret discussions) to achieve this. However, Ms Bandini’s claim that it’s not flood water,...

Editorial – Giving it a tick and flick

The rezoning of high-value agricultural land for future housing – some on floodplains – is likely to be rushed through at Thursday’s Council meeting with last-minute tinkering – see page 1.

Cannabis

I’m not sure Andrew Hall understands how politics works if he is blaming the Greens for cannabis not being decriminalised yet. That’s actually up to the government in power, which is Labor, not Greens (so far!). The Greens are doing...

The case for natural parks

Between One Mile Beach and Big Rocky Island, just south of Nelson Bay, lies the stunning Samurai Beach, a part of the Tomaree National Park. 

Big family Kaleido fun day May 5  

Following the success of Blue on Burringbar Festival in Mullumbimby last year, the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce and Creative Mullum are putting on a fun, interactive community event this year on Sunday, 5 May.

Goonengerry residents still impacted by 2022 landslide 

Residents awaiting the completion of the Federal Drive reconstruction have highlighted the impacts of losing connections to the hinterland village two years after the 2022 floods.  Council staff confirmed with The Echo that contractors are aiming for completion at the...

Will rejected developments, now included in the TGHMS, destroy the Tweed...

It is unfortunate the Tweed Growth Management and Housing Strategy – draft Options Paper (TGMHS) is mired in much controversy.  The huge discrepancy of the government and Tweed Shire Council (9/8/22) growth figures being more than doubled in the TGMHS...

What’s Mullum?

Having worked at the Ford dealership in Mullum while my wife ran an art and craft shop in Mullum, and having lived on the old stock route in Mullum and on the Middle Pocket Road, Billinudgel, I can’t believe...

Demands for increased housing in Byron Shire raise significant concerns for...

Serious concerns have been raised over the Byron Shire Residential Strategy 2041 by the 12 Byron Shire-wide associations that make up Community Alliance for Byron Shire (CABS).

Time for change

National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Byron Shire Council (BSC) have agreed to close Tyagarah clothing-optional area on 30 June. What a relief that NPWS have finally acknowledged that the clothing-optional area at Tyagarah Beach is almost exclusively on...

Cost shifting excluded in Byron council’s financial review

An independent review of the financial model applying to local government in NSW would seem at first glance to be a welcome opportunity for councils such as Byron.

Trees and birds to go in Mullum?

When I heard that the council had new plans for Burringbar Street, I was curious to see what that plan was. I was shocked to see that with so many threats to Australian wildlife, those plans include cutting down...

Byron Mayor backs down over floodplain development 

Mayor Michael Lyon told Mullum residents that he has the numbers to remove floodplain development but will push through the Residential Strategy that aims for 4,522 homes by 2041.

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Reach Beyond

One in 12 people over 65 are living with dementia. Dementia is not a specific disease, but is a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interfere with doing everyday activities. It’s actually no longer called dementia, but Major Neurocognitive Disorder (MND).

Cartoon of the week – 13 March, 2024

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.

Memorable honey

Victoria Cosford Creamed honey – ah the memories! As a child, smearing it on to toast, I always felt there was something both homely and glamorous about it – and then I forgot all about it. Until I saw jars...

Destination Dunoon

Need a break from the everyday? Feel like a relaxing country drive with a delicious meal and cool beverage to greet you at the end? Then look no further than taking a drive to the Dunoon Sports Club, nestled...

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

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.