Latest News
The solution is absolute transparency
Heilpern's great comparison (20 July) of wars in Ukraine and Iraq, illustrates the USA and all participants commit great...
Other News
Evans Head, Iron Gates DA public planning meeting coming
The current development application (DA) for the flood and bushfire-prone site of the Evans Head, Iron Gates development will go before the Northern Rivers Planning Panel (NRPP) on 30 August.
Undesirable
An undeniable purpose in living is enjoyment, due to the fact that we have the capability to enjoy. What...
Mullum locals protest flood-prone pod site
Around 40–50 locals gathered outside the Byron Shire Council chambers this morning to highlight the risks of, and lack of due process around, the selection of the flood accommodation pod site in Mullumbimby.
Flat Earth Byron councillors
In face of the facts, an approval of the development application (DA) for a basement car park in Brunswick...
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.
Cartoon of the week – 10 August, 2022
The letters deadline for The Echo is noon Friday. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut. The publication of letters is at the discretion of the letters editor.
Stories about "NSW Health":
Health report warns of inadequate services
The NSW health system is ‘failing residents of rural, regional and remote areas,’ a State government inquiry has found.
Patient ratios needed in NSW health system
Patient ratios, not the current unwieldy, often misinterpreted system that measures patient care needs on an inequitable equation of hours per day, is needed.
COVID-19 update for NNSWLHD and NSW
The Northern NSW Local Health District has reported 474 new cases of COVID-19 in the District to 8pm yesterday January 30, including 152 positive PCR tests and 322 positive rapid antigen tests
NSW COVID update on COVID deaths – vax stats and comorbidities
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet again opened his COVID update with condolences to families who have lost loved ones, and thanks to the ‘inspirational work of our health workers'.
Sneetches with stars and Sneetches behind bars
Apart from the fact that some people have a valid reason for not being fully or even partially vaccinated, today, the precious lambs become sheep and the others are goats, that is, Sneetches with stars and Sneetches behind bars.
Ballina’s open and closed doors include the Cultural Centre and Community Gallery
Ballina Shire Council say they are working hard to keep our community and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lismore Council’s can and can’t includes libraries and pools
In what is the first of many such directives over the next few weeks, Lismore council has announced that there will be restrictions for some people, depending on their COVID-19 vaccination status, to access Lismore City Council facilities and services from Monday.
COVID update – 11am, Friday October 8
COVID update October 8: NSW Health says that there were 646 new locally acquired cases to 8pm last night and another 11 people deaths.
BREAKING: Byron and Tweed shires go into week-long lockdown
Stay-at-home orders will be introduced for the Byron Shire, Tweed and Kempsey Local Government Areas (LGAs) from 5pm today for seven days due to an increased COVID-19 public health risk.
Delta: increased fines, isolate payments and new compliance measures
NSW Health: increased fines of up to $5,000 for COVID breaches, $320 COVID-19 Test and Isolate Support Payments, permits to enter regional NSW and a heightened police presence will be introduced.
Local News
Veteran big band sounds coming to Ballina
David Lowe - 0
The Royal Australian Navy Veterans Band is coming to Ballina RSL on Thursday, with a concert raising funds for the Northern Rivers Flood Relief Fund, by donation. They will be joined by the Royal Australian Navy Band, from Sydney, for what will be a big sound in a great cause.
Byron Echo
Some truths
In answer to David Lisle’s letter – Backlash Echo Aug 3, 2022.
Our rail corridor was only ‘disused’ because of purely political and so-called economics!...
Local News
Alarming footage of devastation in Ellis State Forest
Today north coast conservationists say they are shocked and alarmed at footage of the devastation being wrought in Ellis State Forest south of Grafton.
Local News
Mental health explored at Ballina symposium
David Lowe - 2
250 people attended the first free Community Mental Health Symposium last Thursday at Ballina RSL, with a range of expert speakers from various organisations explaining the dimensions of the problem and how best to move forward.