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New data reveals NSW social housing waitlist blowout
A fresh analysis by Homelessness NSW reveals where people are waiting the longest for social housing, sparking calls to double the supply of social homes and boost services funding.
Other News
Blaming Queensland again
I was astounded to read Mandy Nolan’s article ‘Why The Nude Beach Is A Wicked Problem’, in which she...
Mullumbimby railway station burns down
At around midnight last night, a fire started which engulfed the old Mullumbimby railway station. It's been twenty years since the last train came through, but the building has been an important community hub, providing office space for a number of organisations, including COREM, Mullum Music Festival and Social Futures.
Wallum ponds
There are currently two proposed developments in the Byron Shire that will endanger, if not locally exterminate, frog species.
Many...
Some spending cannot be questioned
The euphemisms were flying when Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles announced last week that an extra $50 billion would be spent on our military over the next decade, and that $72.8 billion of already announced spending would be redirected.
Big names at local chess tournament
A major Northern Rivers chess tournament was held at the Byron Bay Services Club in late April.
‘It was well-attended,...
Domestic violence service calls for urgent action to address crisis
Relationships Australia NSW is calling for urgent intervention from the NSW government to address men’s violence against women, following the horrific murder of Molly Ticehurst.
Stories about "AGL":
Health workers say new AGL board must act on climate
A shareholder revolt at AGL’s AGM this week saw the appointment of four new directors, suggesting climate apathy will no longer be tolerated by one of Australia's biggest polluters.
Fossil free future needs government and business to step up
The Australian government may continue to fantasise that they don't need to reduce the production of fossil fuels but businesses are moving to reduce their carbon footprints without them.
The Coal Monster’s victims could dwarf the impacts of COVID-19
Healthcare workers staged a climate ‘die-in’ in Melbourne this morning with leading public health advocates, healthcare workers and community members are taking action outside the offices of what they say is Australia’s biggest climate polluter, AGL.
Smart meter challenge results in removal
An Echo reader, who wishes to remain anonymous, has told of their difficult – yet finally successful – experience of getting a smart meter uninstalled at their home.
AGL invests in world’s largest battery-storage virtual power plant
AGL Energy has announced plans to develop what it describes as ‘the world’s largest battery storage ‘virtual power plant’ in South Australia, in a foretaste of what many expect to be the energy system of the future.
Energy transition can happen ‘overnight’ says AGL
So, just how fast can the transition to a clean energy economy occur? Is the 50 per cent renewable energy target proposed by Labor for 2030 too fast? Or are the 100 per cent renewable energy scenarios for 2030 prepared by research academics too slow?
AGL eyes ‘virtual power plants’ in link with battery storage developer
Australian energy utility AGL Energy has spent $A28 million snapping up a minority stake in US-based battery storage solutions provider Sunverge as it seeks to accelerate its push into distributed generation and rooftop solar and storage and smart software.
Labor welcomes AGL decision on Gloucester
Luke Foley and Adam Searle, NSW Labor. Energy company AGL’s decision to cease CSG activity in Camden by 2023 and not proceed with the Gloucester Gas Project has been welcomed by the NSW Opposition.
AGL pull-out from Gloucester CSG project ‘a massive win’
Energy provider AGL has made the expensive decision to quit gas exploration and production, including several controversial CSG projects.
Toxic tankers back on northern rivers roads
In the lead-up to the festive season, CSG miner AGL has confirmed it is again using tankers to haul toxic wastewater via the Pacific Highway to Queensland for processing, prompting local anti-gas groups to query if the company is prepared for a potential accident.
National News
Domestic violence service calls for urgent action to address crisis
Relationships Australia NSW is calling for urgent intervention from the NSW government to address men’s violence against women, following the horrific murder of Molly Ticehurst.
Local News
Menacing dog declaration revoked
David Lowe - 0
After an emotional deputation from the owner of the dog involved, Ballina Shire Council has this morning revoked a menacing dog declaration for the kelpie Lilo, which was brought into effect following a bite in July 2022.
Byron Echo
More Byron CBD height exceedance approved
Paul Bibby - 7
Two multi-storey mixed-use developments with a combined value of $36.2 million have been approved for the centre of Byron Bay, despite both exceeding height limits for that part of the Shire.
National News
eSafety commissioner granted legal injunction as X refuses to hide violent content
Australia’s Federal Court has granted the eSafety commissioner a two-day legal injunction to compel X, Elon Musk’s social media platform, to hide posts showing graphic content of the Wakeley church stabbing in Sydney.