Latest News
Jumping Red Ant
Victoria Cosford
Whenever I approach Jumping Red Ant, I immediately want to make ratatouille, or caponata – any of those...
Other News
Eight teenagers in custody over Ashmore carjacking
Yesterday Queensland Police were appealing for information after a woman was assaulted and had her vehicle stolen at Ashmore on Sunday morning. Police have since taken eight teenagers into custody over the matter.
Marine Rescue NSW units have busy finish to Autumn
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers were involved in 252 rescue missions in May, returning 398 people safely to shore.
Priorities? Compliance
Despite a ‘tough budget environment’, where Council can’t find $15,000 per annum to maintain a tree planting initiative on land it manages, there will be $250,000 spent on employing two more compliance officers and purchasing another ‘enforcement’ vehicle.
Cinema: The Woman From Uruguay
The Woman From Uruguay and 2,000 of her closest friends
In an era where cultural production has lost its impulse...
Confiscate bikes
Two weeks ago I had to wait in Mooball, by the rail trail crossing of the Pottsville Road. During...
Byron’s Yarn Up and Murwillumbah’ Kinship Festival – celebrating Reconciliation Week
The weekend celebrations across the region marked the end of Reconciliation Week.
Stories about "Cr Jeff Johnson":
Bike trail to link Lennox Head and Byron Bay?
The last Ballina Shire Council meeting included a mayoral minute aimed at putting a coastal recreational pathway linking Lennox Head with its northern neighbour back on the agenda.
Politicians of all stripes descend on Ross Lane for big announcement
Yesterday a quiet driveway off flood-prone Ross Lane in Lennox Head was the scene of an unusual moment of pre-election fervour, when political representatives and candidates from across the region and every level of government came together to announce that something was finally being done about Ross Lane, along with numerous other roads across 26 disaster-declared LGAs.
Looking forward, looking back with Jeff Johnson
Long term independent Ballina Shire Councillor Jeff Johnson reflects on the challenges of the past year, and his priorities for 2023.
Ballina debates what to fund first
At their last meeting, Ballina Shire councillors wrestled with funding priorities across the region, from the beaches to the hinterland.
Ballina Council July wrap-up
The last Ballina Shire Council meeting contained all the tension Ballina-watchers have come to expect between humans and the natural environment, aspiration and the bottom line in this beautiful, fragile part of the world.
Contested land in West Ballina to be protected?
The controversial property adjoining Burns Point Ferry Road and River Street in West Ballina seems likely to be saved from large scale development following the last Ballina Council meeting.
EV debate gets Ballina councillors hot under collar
Cr Jeff Johnson's attempt to get Ballina Council to apply for a grant to install electric vehicle charging stations narrowly failed yesterday, with Mayor Sharon Cadwallader using her casting vote to back a watered-down amendment instead.
Ballina council refuses to help pay volunteer flood recovery team’s rent
The future of a volunteer-led community disaster recovery response group on the Northern Rivers remains in jeopardy after a local council voted against subsidising its rent.
First Nations place-names under Ballina council spotlight
Greater efforts at reconciliation with First Nations people in the Ballina Shire when it comes to place-names is to happen after furious agreement at June’s council meeting.
Flood protection plan for Ballina
Flooding was back on the agenda at Ballina Shire Council's last meeting, with councillors agreeing to adopt a flood protection strategy which was in the works well prior to the 2022 flooding crisis, but has now acquired new urgency.
Local News
The secret nature of the Iron Gates case
Despite a comprehensive refusal of the development application for residential development at the Iron Gates at Evans Head last year the DA is still ‘live’ in the NSW Land & Environment Court as the developer pushes back.
Local News
Vaping and young people – what can be done to reduce the impact?
Two community forums are being held to look at the issue of youth vaping. The first is taking place today in Coffs Harbour and a second forum will be held in Ballina on 20 June.
Local News
Man charged following shooting in Ballina
A man has been charged following a public place shooting in Ballina.
Byron Echo
Army depot construction starts in Chinderah
Federal Labor have announced local Indigenous companies in Tweed Heads are starting construction of new facilities, which will benefit the Australian Army’s A Company, 41st Battalion, Royal NSW Regiment and 225 Army Cadet Unit.
