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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
Some spending cannot be questioned
The euphemisms were flying when Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles announced last week that an extra $50 billion would be spent on our military over the next decade, and that $72.8 billion of already announced spending would be redirected.
Waterlily Park weed control underway
The reintroduction of weevils that have previously kept weeds at bay at Waterlily Park in Ocean Shores is now underway while the weather is favourable, say Council staff.
Byron Comedy Fest 2024 Laughs
The legendary Northern Hotel’s Backroom opens its doors to laughter when it welcomes The Byron Comedy Fest with eight big headline shows. With audiences packing out shows every year, Festival Directors Mel Coppin and Zara Noruzi have decided a new venue with increased capacity was in order. It also means the festival is an all-weather event – expect all your favourites!
Can Council’s overturn their decisions?
NSW Labor planning minister, Paul Scully, when asked about the Wallum estate by local MP Tamara Smith (Greens) in...
Tweed Council wants your ideas on future sports facilities
Tweed Council is looking for feedback from residents about future plans for sport and recreation in the area.
Press release vs Save Wallum views
The Echo editor (page 1, 10 April) might need to consider the role of a journalist – particularly that...
Stories about "sniffer dogs":
Naked and told to squat in a corner: a 16-yr-old’s Splendour experience
Sixteen years old, lining up to get into a music festival, separated from friends, taken into a tent and forced to strip.
Mandy Nolan’s Soap Box: Sniffing out the bigger story on drug prohibition
Last week at about 2.30 in the afternoon I was meeting someone at a pub when two sketchy-looking dudes came into the front bar...
Greens lead push to end sniffer dogs searches
The NSW Greens are leading a push to end the use of drug detection dogs without a warrant on public transport, at festivals, bars and in Kings Cross in Sydney.
Lawyer says police tactics have gone to the dogs
Police are targeting drug driving in a statewide blitz amid claims that motorists are being wrongly targeted because of “imprecise legislation”. They are also continuing to use sniffer dogs in Nimbin and other centres despite studies showing the success rate of detecting drugs is very low.
Drug-dog warrants rely on suspicions
The never-ending war against inanimate objects – in this case drugs – was highlighted recently with police dog operations targeting children as they entered both Murwillumbah and Mullumbimby high schools.
Parents angered at sniffer-dog use in Murwillumbah
Parents in Murwillumbah are outraged after another police sniffer-dog operation targeted school students on their way to school this morning.
Sniffer dogs outside schools a real worry
Kol Dimond, Mullumbimby. For progressive thinkers and advocates of civil liberties alike. the sight of random police and sniffer dog activities at our local high school should send shock waves around the shire.
Anger at police using dogs to target students
The use of police sniffer dogs to target high school students in Byron and Tweed shires has prompted an angry response from local politicians and parents.
Sniffer dogs on the prowl in Byron Shire
Police are this morning conducting sniffer dog operations in Mullumbimby and are expected in Byron Bay this afternoon.
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 - 3
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.
