Copyright © 2024, The Echo
Latest News
Record pokies losses in 2023 as NSW waits for real reform
The people of NSW lost $8.129 billion to poker machines in 2023, an increase of $29 million on 2022 and the equivalent of $1,000 for every adult and child in the state.
Other News
Public interest litigation under threat
Australia’s peak environment groups have slammed a Federal Court decision which allows mining company Santos to pursue environment groups that were not directly involved in a recent court case against them.
Summer of Harold
In a change of pace, the Uki Moon Theatre are excited to announce their first production for 2024 – the comedic trio of plays, Summer of Harold, by award-winning playwright Hilary Bell and directed by Penny Irving.
HECS debts to increase by 4.7 per cent
What does local Federal Labor MP, Justine Elliot, think of the expected increase of HECS loans, which are set to soar by 4.7 per cent on June 1?
Byron biz breakfast on May 14
The Byron business community are invited for a networking breakfast on Tuesday, May 14 from 7.30am at Fishheads.
Main Arm road meeting this Thursday
It has been over two years since the 2022 floods and residents of Main Arm have been dealing with third world road conditions ever since. Now Byron Shire Council has agreed to ‘enter Middle Earth’ as one resident put it, and they have invited Main Arm residents to join them at Kohinur Hall this Thursday.
Piggery plans on exhibition
It was once the largest piggery in the southern hemisphere – a sprawling operation covering 33 acres. Now, the former Yager’s piggery looks set to host an exclusive high-end restaurant.
Stories about "Heat stress":
People becoming severely ill at home due to heat
People experiencing financial and social disadvantage are struggling to keep their homes cool in summer and becoming seriously unwell from the heat, new ACOSS research has found.
Ocean warming is accelerating
A new study reveals increasing warming rates in the world’s oceans in recent decades and the locations with the greatest heat uptake.
Climate change could be a hot mess for regional health
The heat is on for Australian councils to adapt before rising temperatures trigger a tsunami of health problems – Cholera. Typhoid. E-coli. Heat stress.
Byron Echo
Can artificial intelligence be used for beach safety?
Paul Bibby - 0
Is it time for a new approach to beach safety that utilises AI technology to tell locals and visitors where it’s safe to swim?
National News
New knife laws for NSW
The NSW government has announced a package of reforms to target possession of knives, particularly among young people, with the intention of reducing knife crime and boosting community safety.
Local News
Ballina Council delays Sharpes Beach redevelopment
David Lowe - 0
At the eleventh hour, Ballina Shire Council has voted to press pause on the controversial Sharpes Beach car park redevelopment, and seek further options.
Byron Echo
2022 flood data will not be incorporated into Council planning ‘at this stage’
With the recent release of local flood data from the devastating 2022 floods now public, Council staff have told The Echo there is no budget this year to apply for funding to incorporate it into their planning instruments.
