After tense debate, Council decides fate of Spoonbill Reserve
A plan to allow housing on recreational land at Skennars Head led one councillor warning of possible political retribution ahead of the NSW election.
Alstonville’s changing face draws boutique retailer to the Plateau
A new boutique menswear and lifestyle store has opened in Alstonville, with business leaders saying it reflects the growing sophistication of the village retail scene.
Bluesfest scandal deepens as former editors turn on Peter Noble
Calls are growing for Bluesfest impresario Peter Noble to be stripped of a prestigious music industry honour following the festival’s dramatic collapse and damning allegations
Nationals to fire starting gun in race for Ballina
The Nationals are preparing to endorse Ballina Deputy Mayor Damian Loone for the 2027 NSW election as the race to replace Tamara Smith intensifies.
COMMENT: Ballina can’t afford another “invisible” MP
Tamara Smith’s departure has exposed growing frustration over visibility and local representation — and raised serious questions about who should lead Ballina next.
How close I came to giving thousands to a fake bank scammer
A convincing fake ANZ security caller nearly tricked Ballina News Daily editor Rod Bruem into transferring thousands of dollars before one small detail exposed the scam.
Mayors blast Albanese Government over Rail Trail snub
Northern Rivers leaders have slammed the Albanese Government after funding for the Rail Trail’s missing link was rejected, sparking accusations Labor has abandoned the region.
Minister rejects ‘bombshell’ tag as flood recovery fallout deepens
Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin says the state’s damning flood recovery audit is “not a bombshell”, arguing governments have learned major lessons from the troubled rollout.
$980m flood recovery mess exposed by Auditor-General
A damning Auditor-General’s report has blasted the NSW Government’s flood recovery response, revealing one flagship housing scheme has failed to deliver a single lot four years after the floods.
Higher density, higher tensions: Residents battle building boom
Ballina Island residents say higher-density development is eroding privacy, blocking views and leaving homeowners feeling powerless against rapid urban infill.
North Coast missing persons inquiry to examine unsolved cases
MP Jeremy Buckingham says families deserve answers as parliamentary inquiry examines homicide cold cases, including missing persons and car wrecks found in the Richmond River.
Heavy rain sparks flood rescues across Northern Rivers
Heavy rain and high tides have closed roads, isolated communities and forced three flood rescues across the Northern Rivers.
