Latest News
Nationals and Labor didn’t sign Clarence anti-mining pledge
The Clarence Catchment Alliance (CCA) have been seeking the support of all candidates running for the seat of Clarence...
Other News
Dredging rivers: what are the Ballina candidates’ positions?
A recent Meet the Candidates evening in Ocean Shores saw discussion around how to manage local river systems, which have silted up over generations, and likely contributed to the high flood levels experienced in 2022.
Byron’s chocoholics’ Easter destination
The Love Byron Bay boutique has been specialising in unique cocoa encounters for nearly a decade now. In this...
Scientists call for urgent groundwater management
Groundwater provides almost one-third of the nation’s water and is worth more than $34 billion to the economy, but results from a recent major review have prompted scientists to call for urgent and better appraisal of groundwater and how we manage it.
Janelle’s four year road to the 2023 vote
Yesterday was the fourth anniversary of Janelle Saffin's win in the seat of Lismore and with not a minute to celebrate, Saffin spoke to The Echo about the 2023 campaign.
Election 2023 – Clarence: George Keller
George Keller is running for the seat of Clarence on behalf of the Sustainable Australia Party sees corruption and vested interests having more impact on MP's decisions than the genuine interests of the community.
Cleaning up the Richmond River
Like many who have suffered in the floods the Richmond River estuary is still feeling the weight of last year's floods.
Stories about "Mayor Sharon Cadwallader":
Fortem launches in Ballina for first responders
A service which provides mental health and other support for emergency first responders and their families was launched at SES headquarters in Ballina this week.
Missingham Park flood commemoration event
Despite free coffee and ice cream stalls, there was a very small turnout for the flood commemoration morning tea event at Missingham Park on the weekend.
Dom grooves on the green
The Premier of NSW, Dominic Perrottet, was a surprise guest at Groovin' on the Green in Ballina on Saturday, a fun family event organised by Ballina on Richmond Rotary and Cherry Street Sports Club for local flood affected residents.
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.
Tamara Smith promises CCTV for Ballina CBD
Greens Ballina MP Tamara Smith says that if re-elected next month she is committed to funding CCTV cameras to help police combat a worsening crime situation in Ballina's CBD.
Ballina’s Citizens of the Year announced
Ballina Shire Council announced its Australia Day Awards yesterday at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre. The awards were presented by Sandra Jackson and netballer Liz Ellis, with music by Katie Rutledge and Levi Maxwell. The event was also livestreamed.
What’s next for Ballina? Mayor Sharon Cadwallader’s view
This is part two of an in-depth interview with Ballina's Mayor Sharon Cadwallader. The first part examined what's happened since she was elected in 2022. The Echo also asked Cr Cadwallader what she sees coming along the road for Ballina in 2023, and beyond.
Tumultuous first year for Ballina’s Mayor Sharon Cadwallader
Floods, COVID and a regional housing crisis added up to a very eventful first year in the big chair for Mayor Sharon Cadwallader at Ballina Shire Council, following the departure of David Wright. This is part one of a two part interview with Cr Cadwallader, focusing on 2022. Part two will focus on 2023, and beyond.
Vigil remembers Lindy Lucena
Yesterday evening, Ballina paused to remember the first woman allegedly murdered in 2023 by her partner. In a moving vigil beside the river at sunset, around a mandala of flowers, those present pledged to do whatever is necessary to stop the scourge of domestic violence.
Ballina wrap-up for August
Ballina Shire Council's meeting for August was an epic one, full of twists, turns and roundabouts.
Local News
Not a ‘bonanza for developers and land bankers’ as local councils lose planning controls?
Aslan Shand - 0
The NSW Department of Planning and Environment were quick to respond to the article ‘A bonanza for developers and land bankers?’ published on 21 March 2023 on The Echo online ‘to correct the inaccuracies contained in your article’.
NSW state election
Janelle’s four year road to the 2023 vote
Eve Jeffery - 0
Yesterday was the fourth anniversary of Janelle Saffin's win in the seat of Lismore and with not a minute to celebrate, Saffin spoke to The Echo about the 2023 campaign.
Local News
Appeal to locate woman missing from Tweed Heads
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman, Kara Symington, missing from Tweed Heads since Tuesday.
Clarence State Electorate
Election 2023: Crystal ball gazing and hot tips
In a tight election, with many predicting a hung parliament, all eyes are on Sydney seats to see if any Teals can wrest seats from Liberals – and can Labor regain an inner Sydney seat from the Greens?
