Latest News
NSW Flood Inquiry released today
The NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet was in Lismore at Southern Cross University this morning at 11am releasing the NSW Independent Flood Inquiry where he accepted every recommendation put forward.
Other News
Fairy of the week – 17 August, 2022
The Echo loves your letters and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that matter most to our readers and the people of the NSW north coast. So don't be a passive reader, send us your epistles.
Ecocide in Mullum
Saddened by the huge trauma that homeless flood victims are undergoing, those feelings were further compounded by reading Hans...
Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Lock On
My heroes are people like climate change activist Mali Cooper, the 22-year-old Lismore woman who was among 12 people charged for blocking the entry to the Sydney Harbour Tunnel. Mali and her friends brought Sydney to a standstill and they did it knowing the consequences under the new NSW protest laws. It’s no longer a $400 fine. Protesters now face up to two years jailtime and/or a fine of $22k.
Autocracy or democracy for Byron Shire?
The New Yorker Magazine recently wrote a quote from Mr Rupert Murdoch ‘The truth is authoritarian governments do work!’...
A voice for koalas: Vale Olivia Newton-John
The Rainforest Information Centre has expressed its deep condolences to the family and close friends of Olivia Newton-John who was literally the voice of the koala.
Undesirable
An undeniable purpose in living is enjoyment, due to the fact that we have the capability to enjoy. What...
Stories about "economy":
Editorial – E-con-oh-my
If there’s one thing that the LNP lays claim to, above all else, it is the assertion that they are the better managers of the economy. But what does this bold claim actually mean?
State support for landlords and tenants as COVID-19 restrictions continue
Mr Tudehope said the government’s financial relief would allow landlords to work with tenants to offer rent reductions.
Rail trail the way to go: just ask New Zealand
Gordon Hayes, East Ballina
At 82 years of age, I reckon that I've cycled several thousand kilometres in my lifetime. I ride regularly with a...
JobKeeper cuts to impact 33,000 local workers, says Labor MP
Local MP Justine Elliot has optimistically called on local National Party branch members to resign in disgust over the party’s cuts to JobKeeper payments, and their ‘chaotic NSW government infighting and koala killer agenda’.
Investing in people will rebuild the economy
Eight hundred people were considered homeless in each of the federal government electorates of Richmond and Page, according to the census data from 2016. That was before the impact of Black Summer bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Splendour 2020 cancelled – what does this mean for locals?
Another festival cancelled – what does this mean for a region that is so highly dependent on tourism and festivals?
Thus Spake Mungo: Australia catches up to Greece… in a baaad way
At last, Scott Morrison’s torpid government realises it is in danger of being mugged by reality. After last week’s report from the International Monetary Fund, it is no longer feasible to pretend the Australian economy is in safe hands and can continue to muddle through without at least a modicum of intervention.
Thus Spake Mungo: bet the farm
The Reserve Bank, like so many economic pundits, has finally given up on the government of Scott Morrison.
Local News
Lismore Councillors to collectively decide on new GM
Eve Jeffery - 2
The recent history of general managers in the Lismore Council has been nothing if not chequered. With a very politically divided council, the question of whether all interested councillors, or just a select few, should choose the new GM proved contentious last night in the Goonellabah chambers.
Byron Echo
Byron’s Fletcher St welcomes new members
Paul Bibby - 0
Fletcher Street Cottage has welcomed the arrival of three new community support workers to help the growing number of locals facing the challenges of homelessness.
Byron Echo
Byron’s Mayor Lyon defends Mullum pod fiasco
Byron Shire Council Mayor Michael Lyon has defended Council’s handling of the ongoing Mullum pod accommodation debacle, telling The Echo that councillors requested, through a Council resolution, that Resilience NSW conduct consultation with neighbouring residents regarding the rail corridor works on Prince Street.
Byron Echo
Mullum, flooding and pods
In this region we are all, except for a few, living on floodplains or areas prone to further landslips. And as far as I...