Latest News
Iron Gates development in Evans Head land owners go into administration – again
The Iron Gates development, that is on flood- and fire-prone land near Evans Head, has been fought by the community for over 30 years. The current company that owns the site, Goldcoral Pty Ltd whose director is Graeme Ingles, has now been placed into administration.
Other News
Tributes for songstress Sara Tindley
Hundreds gathered at a small rural property at Lindendale last week to say their final farewells to Sara Tindley, a very much loved personality from the Northern Rivers.
Temporary pods
The very long wait for temporary pods to house those affected by the unprecedented floods has finally been all...
Basketball camp for youth mental health
Recently the ASK Youth team was in action at the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre, delivering the 'Optimise Me' basketball camp to a large group of local kids.
Tamara Smith promises CCTV for Ballina CBD
Greens Ballina MP Tamara Smith says that if re-elected next month she is committed to funding CCTV cameras to help police combat a worsening crime situation in Ballina's CBD.
Connecting youth at the Quad
Connect Northern Rivers will be hosting a youth-focused event at the Lismore Quad on Wednesday, 8 February from 3.30...
Capitalism
Warren Kennedy wrote an excellent letter last week (28 January) pointing out the deficiencies of capitalism as it exists...
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
Far North Coast branch of NSW Farmers launches
Aslan Shand - 0
The new NSW Farmers Far North Coast Branch, that will be representing farmers from the Tweed and Byron Shires, launched yesterday.
Local News
New Lismore refugee support group starting up
A local group from the Lismore area, the Lismore Region Refugee Settlement (LRRS), have come together to support refugees settling in the area.
Byron Echo
A tribute for Richard Moloney
Byron Shire has lost another of its colourful characters, the irrepressible Richard Moloney, who died suddenly but peacefully in his home at the end of January.
Byron Echo
Flood rebuilds hampered by ‘like-for-like’ insurance clause
Paul Bibby - 0
Attempts by flood-affected homeowners to retrofit their homes with flood-resilient materials are being cruelled by insurance companies and builders, a local resident says.