I am writing this letter to express my sadness and disappointment with the Byron Shire Echo editor who wrote 'Byron wakes up to NYE aftermath' article in last week's edition. Firstly, how someone can write such a disrespectful article that goes to the front page of a local newspaper? What is the information given based on? Have you thought about the moral damage that is involved? I personaly respect all differents opinions or thoughts that anyone can have about anyting although It is quite important to be based on facts and real informaton when writing for a newspaper as there is always an impact behind it. This article is based on someone's personal and uncertain opinion and it is not fair that it goes to a newspaper. If the writer of the article or the local enironmental activist Dailan Pugh would have done a bit of research they would have been very surprised when finding out who is actually organising most of these events/parties. I am Spanish and I have lived in Byron bay for the last three years. I consider myself part of this "Spanish community" mentioned in the article as I know most of the Spanish living in the area and I don't know or have heard of anyone organising a beach party for NYE, why do we have to be included in this article then? Moreover I would like to mention our respect and love for this beatiful piece of land and the gratefulness of having the oportunity to be part of it. The Spanish community deserves public appologgies from the Echo team. Sincerely. Javier Mayrata. I am writing this letter to express my sadness and disappointment with the Byron Shire Echo editor who wrote 'Byron wakes up to NYE aftermath' article in last week's edition.

Sharon Gibson, Mullumbimby. I felt sick when I read last week's letters comparing the practice of renting illegal dwellings in the shire to what the writer describes as 'Nigger huts'.

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Dave Lisle, Mullumbimby. Thanks Hans Lovejoy for the recent (Byron Shire Echo) editorial on the federal government’s quixotic decision to fund Bjorn Lomborg’s think tank at UWA. But you're far too generous in describing Lomborg – the poster boy of the dissembling right – as a ‘contrarian’. Let’s call spades spades. He is a denier.

Sean O’Meara, Brunswick Heads. During a meet the candidates broadcast on Bay FM about a week before the election, Nationals candidate for Ballina, Kris Beavis, was quizzed about the controversial developments planned for the Brunswick Heads foreshores.

Jenny Coman, Bangalow. Thank you Byron Shire Echo (and Echonetdaily), and especially Hans, for such open and honest commentary on our appalling federal ministers over the year, notably the unspeakable Morrison in the last edition.