There is a potential 30 per cent or more rate rise in the wind for Byron Shire ratepayers by 2030. What’s needed is clear and concise budget documentation, accessible to your average ratepayer. It would seem the least Byron Shire Council (BSC) could provide in accordance with commitments to inform the community.

Kyogle Council has adopted its 2026/2027 budget, with Mayor Danielle Mulholland saying it delivers a clear commitment to strengthening essential services, supporting emerging needs, and positioning the community for the future.

Around thirty protesters, including members of Northern Rivers For Palestine, said this morning they’d occupied the electorate office of Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers.

Byron Shire Council is to host two ‘Community Conversation’ events related to next year’s budget and operational plan but has not mentioned the geopolitical oil crisis.

While local governments in Ballina, Byron and Lismore were yet to publicly consider impacts of the geopolitical oil crisis on the Northern Rivers, the Tweed Shire Council said last week budget adjustments may be needed.

Today, six leading social services organisations issued a Joint Statement calling on the NSW government to urgently implement the recommendations of the Drug Summit Report.

The Forest Alliance NSW has strongly criticised the Minns’ government budget for failing to allocate the money needed to deliver its promised Great Koala National Park and future forest industry reform.

The Lismore City Council says it will invest nearly $245 million in improvements to capital infrastructure next financial year, if a current draft budget is approved.

A review of the 2025-26 federal budget by the Biodiversity Council has found that the Albanese government is still far short of investing what is required to meet its own environmental commitments, despite recent funding commitments for protected areas.

Tweed Shire Council has adopted a $283 million budget for 2024/2025, featuring what they say is investment for essential water, roads and waste infrastructure improvements.