New flood mapping covering much of the Byron Shire could affect future development controls, with a major new study recommending that planning decisions be based on whichever flood source – river flooding or overland flow – produces the highest flood level.

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is urging people in the Northern Rivers to take care this morning, with heavy rain and high tides causing widespread road closures and isolating some communities. 

Parklands, community hubs and environmental projects are some of the new options allowed for floodplains left vacant after the removal of ‘buyback’ houses on the Northern Rivers.

The NSW Labor government says it has reached a major milestone in rebuilding education infrastructure damaged more than four years ago, with work underway in Lismore South Public School and Ngulliboo Jarjums Preschool

A $1.28 million upgrade to Gasworks Creek pump station has been complete, marking the first step towards overhauling Lismore’s flood defence system.

The Byron Shire Council says several flood recovery projects are done or nearing completion, nearly four years after 2022’s floods and landslides, while others are to continue into 2027.

Once again, our Northern Rivers communities have been let down by a less than transparent ‘consultation’ process.

Having overcome numerous challenges in the past, the former mayor of Lismore, Jenny Dowell, is currently facing a major health crisis. She sat down with The Echo to reflect on the changes she's seen across the rainbow region, and consider the future. This is part two of a two part feature.

Responsibility for Upper Main Arm Road seems to be falling between the cracks – and some of them have been larger than the road over the last three years

The current weather system is a reminder, possibly triggering, of the disastrous impact rain can have on the water systems and land in the area, so it is timely that yesterday it was announced that Lismore's flood pumps upgrade is complete.