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July 11, 2026
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Plastic not so fantastic

There is nothing healthier than drinking some water – or so I’ve always told my kids. It doesn’t contain sugar or colour additives – as one person used to tell us as children, ‘it’s sky juice’! What could be better?

Other News

Nudgel Nuts returns to Mullum Farmers Market

A familiar favourite has returned to the Mullumbimby Farmers Market, with Nudgel Nuts back for the new macadamia season. Owner...

Ballina memorial pays tribute to fallen Marine Rescue volunteers

On Sunday, a memorial was unveiled at the RSL Memorial Park, next to the Ballina RSL, to pay tribute to those lost on the night of May 4 on the Ballina Bar.

Interview with Trent Dalton

The Byron Writers Festival will once again be treated to the delights of author and journalist Trent Dalton, who will be featured at the Jonson Street Stage on Saturday evening, 15 August, as well as throughout the event. Celebrating its 30th year, the Byron Writers Festival will, for the first time, be taking place around the town of Byron Bay from 14 to 16 August, with a mix of free and paid events.

Bigger community say on hospital land

Byron Council has voted to give the community a greater role in shaping the future of the former Mullumbimby Hospital site, despite concerns from some councillors that additional consultation could further delay the delivery of desperately needed housing.

Music comes to Mullum this weekend!

Wild Rocket blast into Mullum as Mullum Roots Festival lights up the town this coming weekend. Three venues around Mullum will host music, while songwriting workshops will happen at the Drill Hall Theatre on Sunday.

Alleged native tree removal continues in Lennox, says councillor

With a government agency now investigating the alleged clear felling of natives on a large private block in Lennox Head, Ballina Greens councillor Kiri Dicker has told The Echo that contractors were felling trees all morning, ‘trying to get the job done’.

Stories about "Pollution":

Evans Head STP: kicking the environmental can down the road

For decades the Evans Head Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) has been dumping effluent into Salty Lagoon in Broadwater National Park. Rich in nutrients and other contaminants, the lake succumbed to these pollutants with a massive fish and bird kill in 2005.

Water quality concerns raised for Clarkes Beach, Byron

The Echo was contacted by concerned residents over the ‘brown and frothy’ storm water at the outlet on Clarkes Beach, which drains from the new Sandhills Wetlands site.

Health concerns over latest microplastic report

NSW Greens spokesperson for Health Dr Amanda Cohn MLC has warned that increasing levels of microplastics found along our coastline are a major concern for our health.

Lismore City Council’s arts and cultural policy ‘obsolete’

Lismore City Council’s general manager says preliminary internal circulation of four policies flagged as ‘obsolete’ and worthy of elimination has not raised any official objections.

World Heritage Committee questions management of Great Barrier Reef

UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee has ordered a full review of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef management in 2026, following the sixth mass bleaching event in nine years and severe coastal flooding.

UNESCO says Australia must do more to protect Great Barrier Reef

The Australian and the Queensland government have a lot of work to do to keep the Great Barrier Reef off the World Heritage 'In Danger' list, the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) said after UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre released its draft decision yesterday.

Experts issue ‘urgent warning’ on burning of fossil fuels

A review of research into the fossil fuel industry has led an interdisciplinary group of scientists to warn that the environment, future liveability and people’s health are at risk if urgent action is not taken to stop carbon emissions.

Paltry fine for company polluting Royal National Park

The NSW Land and Environment Court has fined Peabody Coal just $196,560 of the maximum penalty of $5 million for the spilling of coal sludge into the Royal National Park, near Sydney, in 2022 and 2023.

Major methane menaces revealed

It’s official: The biggest methane polluters in the country are the coal and gas industries.

PFAS water contamination spreads

The NSW Greens will move for an urgent upper house inquiry this week after more revelations that cancer-linked forever chemicals have been detected in Sydney’s drinking water catchment – this time well above Australian drinking water guidelines.

Ballina courthouse windows smashed, man charged

Police say a man will face court today, charged after 12 windows were allegedly smashed in Ballina last night.   Police say, 'About 10.35pm (Thursday 9 July 2026), police were called to Martin Street following reports of a man smashing windows'.

Alleged native tree removal continues in Lennox, says councillor

With a government agency now investigating the alleged clear felling of natives on a large private block in Lennox Head, Ballina Greens councillor Kiri Dicker has told The Echo that contractors were felling trees all morning, ‘trying to get the job done’.

Ocean Shores man charged with advocating terrorism online

Police say a 20-year-old Ocean Shores man is behind bars (refused bail) and will face court in Tweed Heads Local Court on 18 September, charged with advocating terrorism.  

Ballina king tide alert for 13–16 July

Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads.