Latest News
September 21: NNSWLHD COVID update and Byron-Tweed lockdown
The Northern NSW Local Health District held a press conference at Lismore Base Hospital this afternoon.
Other News
COVID update includes trial of home quarantine
When media were told that NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian would be at today's 11am update, we expected big news – the Premier said last week she would only attend the updates if it were important news.
A new COVID-19 case flies into the Far North Coast
The Northern NSW Local Health District has confirmed that there is a new case of COVID-19 in Northern NSW today, and they will be included in NSW Health’s official reporting tomorrow.
Mighty energetic greens
Avi Karny wasn’t always an organic farmer. He began his professional life as a scientist, completing a Masters in...
Confirmed COVID-19 case in Goonellabah
A local case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in the Lismore area.
Lismore’s plateau Lizard will sleep no more
The last time the Lismore Mayor and Councillor met in the Goonellabah chambers, there was a historic decision to hand back culturally sensitive land to the local Indigenous people. In a sequel to the fate of the Lismore plateau, traditionally known as the Sleeping Lizard, the outcome was a little differen
Byron’s CBD heights limits pushed – again
The developer behind a new, multi-storey motel to be built in central Byron Bay has applied to further increase the height of the building, despite having already been allowed to exceed the maximum height limit for that part of town.
Stories about "rail trail":
Tender to build rail trail from M’bah to Crabbes Creek awarded
The debate over the tender for the building of the rail trail between Murwillumbh and Crabbes Creek was ultimately held behind closed doors, Mayor...
Pro rail trail association urges Council to award construction tender
Representatives from the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Association are urging Tweed Shire Council to award the construction tender for the Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek section of the corridor at this week’s Council meeting.
Business calls for Tweed train tracks to be kept ignored
More than 800 people had signed a petition calling for a new rail trail to be built next to, rather than in place of, the existing disused railway line running through the shire.
At a gathering of trainspotters
On a cold wet Wednesday evening in March, a small band of committed train activists gathered at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club. It was billed as a major event: a public meeting to launch a new company, Northern Rivers Rail Limited (NRRLtd), and to share its grand plans of bringing trains back to our tracks.
Rail group wants bikes and tracks
The Murwillumbah Group of Northern Rivers Rail Supporters are holding an event this Thursday as part of the campaign to save the railway tracks from being ripped up.
Byron’s rail reactivation saga continues
Byron Council will consider funding further investigations into getting trains back on the tracks in the Shire, despite strong criticisms of the reports on the matter that have been prepared to date.
Work together?
Lydia Kindred, Rosebank
Responding to letters written recently to The Echo, some stated that it is the preference of many in the Shire to build...
The result you want
Chris Sheridan, Ewingsdale
Before you believe the arguments for or against the rail line, it is very important that you look at the way the...
Rail trail the way to go: just ask New Zealand
Gordon Hayes, East Ballina
At 82 years of age, I reckon that I've cycled several thousand kilometres in my lifetime. I ride regularly with a...
Rail corridor history spot on
Tim Shanasy, Byron Bay
Never in my recollection, has there been such honesty and accuracy regarding the realities of our beleaguered disused rail corridor, as...
Byron Echo
Entertainment in the Byron Shire for the week beginning 22 September, 2021
Please check, at the end of lockdown to see whats on.
Local News
Speech pathology student numbers soar at SCU
Paul Bibby - 0
The number of domestic applications for the undergraduate speech pathology course at Southern Cross University have increased 79 per cent compared to the same time last year.
Local News
BREAKING: Byron and Tweed shires go into week-long lockdown
Paul Bibby - 10
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.
Local News
Ballina charity ball to raise funds for men’s mental health
Locals will have the chance to support local men with their mental health when the Night of Hope Charity Ball takes place in Ballina on October Ball.
