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July 11, 2026
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Plastic not so fantastic

There is nothing healthier than drinking some water – or so I’ve always told my kids. It doesn’t contain sugar or colour additives – as one person used to tell us as children, ‘it’s sky juice’! What could be better?

Other News

Protecting the marathon globetrotters, the terns

Sunlight sparkles on the sea, where lazy swells gather momentum to form perfect waves before playing out onto the deserted shore.

Imminent disaster

Is the Tennyson Street Marvell Street intersection a disaster waiting to happen? Wally Hueneke, Byron Bay

Eclectic Selection for the week beginning 8 July 2026

Eclectic Selection: What’s on this week is a taste of some of the events that can be found in the Byron Shire and beyond this coming week.

Plastic not so fantastic

There is nothing healthier than drinking some water – or so I’ve always told my kids. It doesn’t contain sugar or colour additives – as one person used to tell us as children, ‘it’s sky juice’! What could be better?

NSW confirms first case of H5 avian influenza

A giant petrel found near Hawks Nest, north of Newcastle, was confirmed positive on the weekend for H5 high pathogenicity (H5 bird flu) avian influenza in laboratory tests by the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.

Alleged native tree removal continues in Lennox, says councillor

With a government agency now investigating the alleged clear felling of natives on a large private block in Lennox Head, Ballina Greens councillor Kiri Dicker has told The Echo that contractors were felling trees all morning, ‘trying to get the job done’.

Stories about "Democracy":

The Greens’ 3-way comp: Ballina Councillor vs Byron candidates for state preselection

Byron Greens members could expect to be asked to take the future of the Richmond River further south into account when choosing a candidate for next year’s state election.

No mention of oil crisis in Byron Council budget alert

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.

Tweed Council budget partly ‘aspirational’ thanks to 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.

Editorial – Academic freedumbs under threat

Academic freedom is the lifeblood of universities – a principle that ensures scholars and students can pursue knowledge, challenge orthodoxy, and engage in open debate without fear of censorship or reprisal.

Fascism and journalism don’t mix

Attacks on journalists – whether by military forces in conflict zones or by law enforcement during civil unrest – pose a grave threat to freedom of speech and the health of democracy.

Race for Richmond: Labor winning but tally still too close to call

The federal electoral race for Richmond was officially too close to call as counting finished Sunday but a nation-wide so-called ‘Labor landslide’ looked likely to include the marginal seat.

How much more of the two-party nonsense? There is an alternative!

Climate change is real. One only has to consider the serious floods in Northern NSW and Queensland to realise that.

Race for Richmond: The Greens’ push for minority gov’t with Mandy Nolan

We spoke with The Greens federal candidate for the seat of Richmond, Mandy Nolan, on day three of pre-polling at the Richmond Room pre-poll booth in Ballina.

Australian Koala Foundation bringing back Democracy Booklet

The non-profit NGO Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) are preparing to re-launch a refreshed version of their Democracy Booklet initiative, ahead of the federal election this year.

Greens-majority Byron Shire Council again in sight

Counting in the 2024 Byron Shire Council election after polling booths closed Saturday suggested a Greens-majority was again in sight for the first time since 2016.

Ballina courthouse windows smashed, man charged

Police say a man will face court today, charged after 12 windows were allegedly smashed in Ballina last night.   Police say, 'About 10.35pm (Thursday 9 July 2026), police were called to Martin Street following reports of a man smashing windows'.

Alleged native tree removal continues in Lennox, says councillor

With a government agency now investigating the alleged clear felling of natives on a large private block in Lennox Head, Ballina Greens councillor Kiri Dicker has told The Echo that contractors were felling trees all morning, ‘trying to get the job done’.

Ocean Shores man charged with advocating terrorism online

Police say a 20-year-old Ocean Shores man is behind bars (refused bail) and will face court in Tweed Heads Local Court on 18 September, charged with advocating terrorism.  

Ballina king tide alert for 13–16 July

Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads.