COMMENT: A $50,000 mural ratepayers could do without
The proposed $50,000 mural for the Lennox Head water reservoir raises broader questions about council priorities, public spending and whether ratepayers deserve better value for money.
Bronze at 15: Wollongbar’s Ayla Kowalczyk soars to Commonwealth Games podium
Wollongbar teenager Ayla Kowalczyk has won a Commonwealth Games bronze medal on debut, producing a personal best jump of 4.71 metres for Australia.
Fresh appeal to find Northern Rivers mother as Missing Persons Week begins
Six months after Yvonne Whear disappeared while driving near Murwillumbah, police have renewed their appeal during Missing Persons Week, urging anyone with information to come forward.
COMMENT: This is exactly why justice belongs in the courts, not on the street
When accusations, intimidation or violence as are substituted for due legal process, it's only a matter of time before innocent people suffer.
Wrong house. Wrong street. Wrong family: Ballina couple falsely branded as paedophiles
A Ballina couple say they were left devastated after anonymous signs falsely accused them of being paedophiles, despite having no criminal history or connection to the allegations.
Council’s 14-year biodiversity battle with farmers continues
Ballina Shire Council has ordered another round of public consultation on proposed biodiversity planning controls after rural landowners argued the draft introduced restrictions beyond last year's compromise.
Business leaders back CSIRO flood report, call for action
The science is in. Now Northern Rivers business leaders say governments must act quickly to turn the CSIRO flood mitigation report into funded projects.
Smoke alarm warning after fire destroys two caravans at holiday park
More than 40 people were evacuated after a fire destroyed two mobile homes at a Tweed holiday park, prompting Fire and Rescue NSW to urge smoke alarm checks.
Council changes course on proposed $36.5m Ballina-Alstonville shared path
Ballina Shire Council has adopted a new hybrid route for the proposed $36.5 million shared path and will seek government funding for the first stage.
New $5 million drainage program targets flood-hit farms after Cyclone Alfred
Works at Broadwater, Pimlico, Empire Vale and Wardell will restore flood-damaged drains and floodgates, helping farmland recover and improving water flow.
‘Trial by social media’: Tree clearing debate explodes in council chambers
Accusations of defamation and trial by social media dominated a fiery Ballina Council debate as councillors rejected a Greens motion over controversial tree clearing at Lennox Head.
Innovation shines at Ballina Business Excellence Awards
ENV Solutions claimed six awards, including Ballina Shire Business of the Year, as innovation, leadership and outstanding employees were recognised at the 2026 Ballina Business Excellence Awards.
