Latest News
$3 million for regional news outlets in NSW
The NSW government has announced a new $3 million fund to assist regional communities to have access to trusted news sources covering the stories that matter.
Other News
They are Hotshots
The two-hour production is a visual feast, choreographed and developed by Australia’s leading professionals and a hand-picked selection of dreamy guys who will have the ladies up from their chairs, screaming for more, night after night. With a totally interactive production, The Secret Fantasies Tour is the perfect night out with the girls.
Ocean Shores swimmers power to strong results at regional swimming competition
A group of seven athletes from the Ocean Shores Aquatics swim team took part in the annual Country Regional...
Who’s extinct now?
The Nationals MP for Clarence, Mr Gulaptis, is soon to retire and I can hear the koalas clapping. As...
Letters – 1 February 2023
The Echo loves your letters and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that matter most to our readers and the people of the NSW north coast. So don’t be a passive reader, send us your epistles.
Indigenous cricketers go head-to-head
Regional teams came together at Ballina’s Fripp Oval for an Indigenous cricket challenge carnival on January 26, last week.
The...
NSW Greens commit to Truth and Treaty to mark 235 years since invasion
The Greens have announced their plans for Truth-telling, Treaty and dedicated seats in both houses of the NSW Parliament ahead of the 235th anniversary of British invasion in NSW.
Stories about "Unauthorised dwelling":
Unapproved cabin stop order upheld
The NSW Land & Environment Court has upheld Byron Council’s decision to order a local landowner to stop renting out a 40-year-old rural cabin in Middle Pocket because it was an unapproved dwelling.
Cartoon of the week – 28 October, 2020
We love to receive letters, but not every letter will be published; the publication of letters is at the discretion of the online and print letters editors.
Resident groups split over unauthorised dwelling policy
With Council extending public submissions by one week for landowners to respond to the draft Unauthorised Dwelling Policy, resident groups appear to be divided on the issue.
How to reply to Council’s draft Unauthorised Dwelling Policy?
With Council’s draft Unauthorised Dwelling Policy causing alarm and stress within the hinterland community, the Main Arm Residents Association (MARRA) have authored a guide to help residents lodge a submission. But remember this policy also applies to urban areas.
Unauthorised development – what is Council’s liability and where is the balance?
Further to Council’s aggressive plans to pursue unauthorised development in the Shire’s hinterland, The Echo spoke to Professor John Sheehan, a leading expert on property rights, who explained the issues that both Council and landowners face with regards to development and compliance.
Byron Council staff target Main Arm residents over unauthorised dwellings
Residents in Main Arm are shocked after Byron Shire Council staff sent out letters accusing property owners of having unauthorised development on their land while there is both a moratorium in place and an unauthorised dwelling policy currently on public exhibition.
Exploring the risks of illegal dwellings
The Byron Shire and the Northern Rivers are well known for their abundent range of illegal dwellings, additions, and converted garages.
Byron Shire’s unauthorised dwelling approval policy goes public
Byron Council’s plan to provide the owners of unauthorised dwellings with an avenue to seek approval has proceeded to the next stage, with councillors dismissing a number of amendments requested by a community group.
Byron Shire Council’s illegal dwelling policy scant on detail
A change to a crucial definition in the Byron Shire Council’s Draft Unauthorised Dwelling Policy that comes to Council this week has been criticised by Community Action Byron Shire spokesperson, Duncan Dey.
National News
Vale Professor Will Steffen – leading climate scientist
Aslan Shand - 0
Leading climate scientist Professor Will Steffen has died of pancreatic cancer in Canberra at 75.
Local News
Oil spill on M1 near Byron, traffic backed up to Brunswick Heads exit
An accident on the M1 has brought southbound traffic to a standstill from the Brunswick Heads exit at Gulgan Road and Tweed Street.
Local News
Four arrested over alleged break-ins, trespass – Casino
Four boys have been arrested by police investigating alleged aggravated break and enter and trespass offences in Casino on Monday, 30 January.
Byron Echo
V-Day returns to Byron Bay, February 14
A mass global action, One Billion Rising, which aims to end violence against women and children, is planned for V-Day on February 14, Main Beach, Byron Bay from 7am.
