Latest News
One death and 1,219 new COVID-19 cases in Northern Rivers
In the 24 hours to 8pm 25 January there was one death and 1,219 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWHD).
Other News
January 21 National Cabinet on Omicron, RATs, vax and treatments
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has issued a media release about yesterday's meeting of the National Cabinet.
From border to border – an ocean pools odyssey
Three women on a mission plan to ride their eBikes along the NSW Coast from the Victorian border to the Queensland border and visit ocean pools on the way in a quest to raise money for three deserving charities.
Free Skills for Recovery course available
Byron Community College say they have received NSW Government funding as part of the Skills for Recovery initiative.
Lismore Council’s Advisory Groups need you
Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said the Council is seeking passionate locals to participate in the Aboriginal Advisory Group, the Access and Inclusion Advisory Group and the Nimbin Advisory Group.
SES issues Minor Flood warning for Lismore
Moderate rainfall across the Wilsons River catchment since Wednesday has caused significant river level rises along the Wilsons River and its tributaries, which has the potential to cause minor flooding along the Wilsons River at Lismore late Friday morning.
Ballina’s Citizen of the Year announcement to be livestreamed
As COVID 19 continues to make life complicated for people on the Northern Rivers and beyond, Ballina Shire Council has decided to livestream its Australia Day event, including the Citizen of the Year announcement, from 9am on Wednesday.
Stories about "Ballina shark attacks":
Ballina beaches closed after shark attack
A 43-year-old man from East Ballina had suffered a 20cm gash to his leg after being bitten at Shelly Beach. But fought off the shark with his surfboard and managed to paddle himself back into shore.
Shark mitigation hearings to continue in Canberra and Qld
Several locals including Ian Cohen and Dean Jefferys were at the hearing presenting their position on shark deterrents at the senate enquiry into shark mitigation and deterrents that took place last Tuesday 2 May in Byron Bay.
Ballina: where dolphins are killed so people can go surfing
Dr Daniel Bucher, senior lecturer: marine biology and fisheries, Southern Cross University, Lismore
If, like me, you feel strongly about the proposed trial of beach...
Surfers, swimmers join rally against shark nets
Byron Bay surfer and former Greens MP Ian Cohen says that personal responsibility is the key to avoiding shark attack. Mr Cohen was among hundreds of people who rallied against the proposed netting of Ballina's beaches at Lighthouse Beach yesterday.
Shark nets the best option for protecting people
Nicholas Crouch, Lennox Head
Can the Ballina Shark attack issue be reduced to this equation: One Great White or one person?
The numbers are roughly the...
Backlash against Baird’s Ballina shark-net backflip
Greens Ballina MP Tamara Smith, Sea Shepherd and Australian Seabird Rescue have all voiced their opposition to the state government’s plans, announced yesterday, to install traditional shark nets at Ballina beaches for a six-month trial period.
Has the government ignored the best shark mitigation strategy?
The peak body that trains beach inspector lifeguards has told The Echo that the state government is ignoring best practice shark-mitigation strategies that are in line with an independent report and recommendations by a NSW Legislative Assembly committee.
Govt plan to roll out shark nets a ‘knee-jerk response’
NSW Greens marine and fisheries spokesperson Justin Field has condemned an apparent decision by premier Mike Baird and fisheries minister, Niall Blair, to consider expanding the state's shark netting program, including potentially on the north coast.
Qld offer to extend shark nets to NSW slammed
Sea Shepherd Australia has slammed the Queensland premier’s offer to extend its drum lines and shark nets into NSW north coast beaches in the wake of Monday’s attack on a surfer at Lighthouse Beach.
Minister open to potential shark cull
The federal environment minister says he is open to proposals for drum lines and a cull of great white sharks, including on the NSW north coast.
Local News
Kindness to animals recognised in Tweed Shire Australia Day awards
The care Amanda Philp has provided to numerous animals on land and from the sea has seen her recognised as Tweed Shire Citizen of the Year.
Byron Echo
What does Australia Day mean?
Another Australia Day. Another divisive polemic about the date, the day, and its meaning. Those who seek to change the date argue that 26 January signifies the beginning of Britain’s invasion of Australia and the violent expropriation of Aboriginal lands.
Local News
Man charged following pursuit – Far North Coast
A man has been charged with driving offences following a police pursuit in the state’s far north.
Byron Echo
More government support needed for nurses
Paul Bibby - 1
What would it take to keep our nurses and paramedics from resigning en masse as the current crisis in the NSW health care system worsens?
