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Latest News
New data reveals NSW social housing waitlist blowout
A fresh analysis by Homelessness NSW reveals where people are waiting the longest for social housing, sparking calls to double the supply of social homes and boost services funding.
Other News
Wallum
It is, at best, amusing, but mostly disappointing, to see The Echo reporting on the mayoral minute to Council...
Cockroach climate
The cockroaches in the Byron Council offices are experiencing bright daylight at night. They are trying to determine whether...
What’s happening in the rainforest’s Understory?
Springing to life in the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens this April school holidays, Understory is a magical, interactive theatre adventure created for children by Roundabout Theatre.
Mullumbimby railway station burns down
At around midnight last night, a fire started which engulfed the old Mullumbimby railway station. It's been twenty years since the last train came through, but the building has been an important community hub, providing office space for a number of organisations, including COREM, Mullum Music Festival and Social Futures.
Buzz Byron Bay, brewing unforgettable moments with a tuk-tuk twist
In the charming coastal haven of Byron Bay, where laid-back vibes meet bespoke experiences, there’s a new buzz in...
Anti-Israel bias
Many locals have approached me to say how shocked they are at the extreme anti-Israel bias that is expressed...
Stories about "Pacific Highway upgrade Ewingsdale-Tintenbar":
Outdated traffic reports relied upon by Council and developers
Questions around the use of outdated traffic studies by Council and developers to plan the future of Byron Shire remain unanswered, says a local civil engineer.
Hinterland Way speed limit
Geoff Martin, Newrybar. I wonder if the motorists that use the old Pacific Highway (now renamed Hinterland Way) on a day to day basis are aware that there is a group of people intending to lobby the council to have the speed limit reduced from 80 kph to 50- 60kph once the RMS hands it over to the council.
Highway signage debacle
Helen O’Brien, Brisbane. I read the article in The Echo of December 30 about problems arising from the lack of signage on the new highway and as a visitor to the area I completely agree.
Mandy Nolan’s Soap Box: Goodbye Bangalow
Fabulous, stylish, confident, middle-class and middle-aged, Bangalow is gone. Removed not by a cyclone, a bushfire or an act of god, but by an act of the RTA. You see, driving south there is no exit for Bangalow.
Gridlock greets $862m T2E highway opening
Traffic gridlock and general motorist confusion came last Friday with the official opening of the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale section of the Pacific Highway. And traffic disruption associated with ongoing tunnel work is expected to continue until Easter.
T2E unlikely to be open for holidays
Update: Ballina MP Tamara Smith says she has 'received assurances' from RMS GM Bob Higgins ' the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale section of the Pacific Highway is 'on target to open by Christmas', though parts of the road look anything but ready.
Bangalow turned off by Lismore traffic plans
Byron mayor Simon Richardson has thrown his support behind a Bangalow Progress Association campaign to stop traffic to Lismore being diverted through the town.
Council backs Bangalow residents over ‘rat run’
Byron Shire Council has thrown its weight behind Bangalow residents who want to prevent a deluge of traffic through the town caused by RMS proposals to direct highway traffic to Lismore via Bangalow.
Blues on the road as festival winds up
Festival-goers again faced significant queues getting off the Pacific Highway and into the Bluesfest site this year. But the worst of the traffic trouble was, and continues to be, on the Pacific Highway, where two lanes have been reduced to one coming down St Helena and at the Ewingsdale on-ramp.
Highway signs won’t attract visitors to hinterland
Tony Gilding, Knockrow. A clear and oft stated goal of the NSW government. is to develop the growing Queensland visitor numbers to our area but sadly the just released for comment signage plan for the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale upgrade does not assist in this goal.
National News
Domestic violence service calls for urgent action to address crisis
Relationships Australia NSW is calling for urgent intervention from the NSW government to address men’s violence against women, following the horrific murder of Molly Ticehurst.
Local News
Menacing dog declaration revoked
David Lowe - 0
After an emotional deputation from the owner of the dog involved, Ballina Shire Council has this morning revoked a menacing dog declaration for the kelpie Lilo, which was brought into effect following a bite in July 2022.
Byron Echo
More Byron CBD height exceedance approved
Paul Bibby - 0
Two multi-storey mixed-use developments with a combined value of $36.2 million have been approved for the centre of Byron Bay, despite both exceeding height limits for that part of the Shire.
National News
eSafety commissioner granted legal injunction as X refuses to hide violent content
Australia’s Federal Court has granted the eSafety commissioner a two-day legal injunction to compel X, Elon Musk’s social media platform, to hide posts showing graphic content of the Wakeley church stabbing in Sydney.
