The Ballina Shire Council has overturned a controversial water security decision made by the previous council last year in the leadup to local government elections.

The Rous County Council has confirmed plans to tap into groundwater on the Alstonville plateau days after Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader confirmed support of a ‘water security’ project there.

Ballina’s recently elected mayor has added yet another important position to her portfolio after taking a seat on the Rous County Council last month.

Public submissions in response to a future water strategy for the region have been released by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE). DPIE...

Ballina Shire Council candidates against the idea of a new dam in Byron’s hinterland are accusing fellow candidate Sharon Cadwallader of false claims in her electoral campaign.

Outgoing independent Cr Sharon Parry has seldom contacted The Echo during her time on the council but says she felt honour bound this week.

A key part of future planning both for agriculture, ecosystem resilience and where we put our population will be dependent on water – who has the right to access it and at what level.

The question of whether or not mining should be allowed in the Northern Rivers has once again been raised and the issue is being brought to the table in the NSW Parliament.

Ballina Shire Councillor and Chair of Rous County Council, Keith Williams, says that the decision by Ballina Shire Council not to sell the Marom Creek Water Treatment Plant to Rous County Council to Rous County Council (RCC) will cost Ballina ratepayers more than $600 per household and an additional $200 per household across the region.

Cr Cadwallader's second version of the motion came with an extra suggestion referring directly to the dumped option of a new hinterland dam in Dunoon.