Byron Shire Greens Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, has confirmed with The Echo that she is putting her hand up for Greens preselection for the state seat of Ballina, following Greens MP Tamara Smith announcing she would not be contesting the seat in the 2027 state election.

Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, has a message for everyone wondering what to do with their Easter weekend plans following the cancellation of Bluesfest last week – come to Byron Bay anyway.

Byron Shire Council says small scale festivals, creative activations, early evening cultural and inclusive artistic events, better lighting, safer public spaces and transport options will be used to enliven the Byron Bay town centre. The decision to pursue other forms of cultural activation comes after Council decided not to proceed with a trial Special Entertainment Precinct.

In a first for flood recovery, a Black Hawk helicopter has been hauling 40 tonnes of boulders to repair Lavertys Gap Weir, which was damaged by the 2022 floods and the aftermath of former Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

The Byron Shire Council says it wants emergency housing pods at Bayside, Brunswick Heads, to stay on council-owned land.

Byron Shire Council is urging the federal government to take meaningful action on Federal Assistance Grants (FAGs), advocating for an increase from the current 0.5 per cent of tax revenue to one per cent.

Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye says she will move to retain emergency pod housing in Brunswick Heads after residents were recently ordered to vacate by 27 June.

With the threat of further flooding now dissipated, an enormous cleanup job remains in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.