Latest News
Shenhua gone and Breeza breathes again
In a much-hoped-for move, the NSW Government and the China Shenhua Energy Company Limited have reached a $100 million agreement in which Shenhua will withdraw its mining lease application and surrender its development consent for the Shenhua Watermark Coal project at Breeza on the Liverpool Plains.
Other News
The ghost in the archives #3: Sexism, legal discrimination and ‘the game of bastardry’
The ghost in the archives #3 – In which a former Echo drudge dives into the crypt and comes up covered in dusty memories.
Rise and shine!
Early morning starts are not a usual routine for chefs at the Ballina RSL Club. March was an exception when Chef Halie Welsh rallied some staff and friends together to take part in Ian Thorpe’s Laps For Life charity. A team of ten hit the Ballina Pool at 7am every day during March to raise funds For ReachOut’s Laps For Life challenge.
Byron Shire celebrates seniors during festival week
An action-packed program has been planned for the 2021 Byron Shire Seniors Festival with drumming, dancing, walking, yoga and laughing on the program.
No accountability for proven police misconduct
On Australia Day in 1998, I was the legal observer for the ‘Nude Ain’t Rude’ rally at Belongil Beach.
Poor Council drains
Kate Anderson, Mullumbimby
In response to and support of Kerry Gray’s and Robin Gracie’s letters Echo 31 March). The McGoughans Lane...
Affordable myth
Patricia Warren, Brunswick Heads
There is a ‘myth of affordable housing’ in Byron Shire.
Well may councillors lament the lack of ‘affordable...
Stories about "Unauthorised 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.
Byron Echo
Pandemic plate lickers release lockdown dessert
Eve Jeffery - 0
The 2020 pandemic lockdown meant the entire entertainment industry was cancelled, but making music cannot be cancelled.
Byron Echo
5MW solar farm funding under question
A 5MW solar farm proposed for Myocum, located near the Byron Resource Recovery Centre, poses a ‘high degree of risk’, and could jeopardise funding for other large Council infrastructure projects, according to a staff report, to be tabled at this Thursday’s meeting.
Byron Echo
Tony Barry, Ben Chifley and FD’s Four Freedoms
Eve Jeffery - 0
Local actor-vist, Tony Barry, has taken on a lot since he moved to the Northern Rivers, and though cancer took one of his legs, Tony still manages to put in the hard yards for social, environmental and human rights causes.
Byron Echo
Government bullying and hidden agendas
Frank Ball, Tweed Heads
The treatment of Christine Holgate while CEO of Australia Post is nothing short of scandalous. Not only is it a prime example...
