In round four of Far North Coast Rugby Union… The Casino Bulls edged out the Lennox Head Trojans…while reigning premiers Wollongbar/Alstonville served a 76 point thumping to Lismore City The Ballina Seahorses also keeping up their winning ways…to defeat the Byron Shire Rebels THIS May brings four new exhibitions to the Northern Rivers Community Gallery in Ballina From a botanical installation and a series of textile-based meditations to award-winning still life photography and a series of relief-printed portraits of distant friends during social distancing the winter exhibits offer a broad spectrum of otherworldly visions of the contemporary world The work in Distant Friends by Peter McLean was initiated after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic when online platforms became the primary means of maintaining friendships and social interactions The artist uses relief printed portraits of his friends as a basis for a series of highly pixelated Robyn Barron’s practice as a still-life photographer is informed by her horticultural and design background The objects in her work are often cultivated in her garden or collected from the Northern NSW coastline Leaf and Flower showcases a selection of recent photographs alongside some of Barron’s award-winning work Liv Enqvist has created a series of textile meditations to allow viewers to stop embroidered space inspired by mindfulness and the art of being present ranges from hand embroidery designs to still life sets The collective Immortal Soil resides in Bundjalung country and works with a devout urge to offer an altered interpretation of earth-grown elements It’s Den Inception creates an installation using botanical elements and soundscapes to bring the outside in and give the viewer a sense of wild nature growing site-specific installations to carefully considered collections of curated beauty the collective believes in Earth as its church For information, visit nrcgballina.com.au/v1 This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page The NSW Government is funding vital road and safety improvements along the Bruxner Highway between Ballina and Lismore including an upgrade to the Ballina Road intersection at Alstonville Transport for NSW engaged in early consultation with the Alstonville and Ballina communities in 2021 a Consultation Summary Report outlining the community feedback was available. The REF is to determine the potential environmental and social impacts and proposed mitigation measures for the construction of the Bruxner Highway and Ballina Road intersection improvements The REF will be on display for comment until Sunday 27 April 2025 so come any time between 12pm and 2pm or 4pm to 6pm Hard copies are available to view at the Alstonville Library Alstonville during library opening hours. Transport for NSW has published the consultation summary report in response to the display of the preferred option for the upgrade of the Ballina Road and Bruxner Highway intersection at Alstonville. The preferred option was displayed in October and November 2021 to address an existing issue associated with the right turn out of Ballina Road Selection of the preferred route considered social environmental and economic factors as well as community and stakeholder feedback. Transport has confirmed that the preferred option will proceed and will progress the concept design and environmental assessment for the project The community will have the opportunity to provide further feedback later this year Transport for NSW thanks the community for its input and contribution to the planning work to date The Bruxner Highway is a key movement corridor for motorists pedestrians and cyclists and plays a vital role in facilitating movement through Lismore while connecting the city to the Ballina/Byron coastal area and west to Casino Transport for NSW has been planning improvements along the full length of the Bruxner Highway and has developed a comprehensive Bruxner Highway corridor strategy This includes investigating viable options to improve safety for all road users and reduce congestion between Ballina and Lismore the $90 million Alstonville bypass was completed replacing the old highway which ran through the main street of Alstonville At the eastern end (Sneaths Road) and western end (Ballina Road) of the project at-grade connections were built to connect back into Alstonville The project provided significant benefits - including faster travel times reduced traffic congestion and better pedestrian access and safety within Alstonville and Wollongbar eight crashes were reported at the Bruxner Highway and Ballina Road intersection at Alstonville with the right turn out of Ballina Road associated with the most severe crashes at the site minor improvements were made to the intersection including lengthening the eastbound merge lane building a separated left turn lane and placing a temporary ban on right turns from Ballina Road onto the highway between 3-6pm due to glare from the sun the NSW Government committed to further improve safety at the intersection The proposed design improves safety at the Ballina Road intersection Around 20,000 motorists use this section of the Bruxner Highway daily Transport carried out extensive traffic modelling and investigations to exploring potential options to improve safety at the intersection Traffic modelling was completed at the Ballina Road intersection that indicated: These investigations found major upgrades to Ballina Road intersection were not required at this time The best safety outcome for this intersection would be to remove the main conflict point the right-hand-turn from Ballina Road onto the highway and utilise the existing overbridge at Wardell Road and look at including an on-ramp for westbound traffic using the Bruxner Highway heading towards Lismore Traffic modelling was also carried out to determine the viability of the proposal This includes changes to vehicle movements through the Alstonville local road network following removal of the right-hand turn from Ballina Road to use the proposed westbound on ramp when travelling towards Lismore Traffic modelling showed an additional 54 vehicles in the morning peak and 24 trips in the afternoon peak that would be redirected through Alstonville from the Ballina Road intersection only a small proportion of about 15 trips in the morning and 13 in the afternoon would travel through Alstonville’s main street There would be negligible impacts from this minor diversion of local traffic through the Alstonville network ImageCollapse the ImageAlstonville Access Ramps infographicImage controls: Transport has considered the feedback from the community and determined the preferred option will proceed We are continuing to plan for the delivery of the project and are progressing the design and environmental assessment for the intersection upgrade The environmental assessment will include more detailed information about the design features The community will have the opportunity to provide further feedback on the proposal later this year Timing for construction has not been confirmed and is subject to project approval We will keep the community updated as the project progresses Some documents on this page may not comply with accessibility requirements (WCAG) If you are having trouble accessing information in these documents, please contact us Preferred option at Ballina Road interchange For further information about this project Email:region.north@transport.nsw.gov.au Transport for NSW recognise and celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing cultures and care of Country We pay respect to traditional custodians and Elders past and present SOUL'D at Wharf Street River Club in Ballina THE ten-piece ensemble SOUL’D is more than just a band — it’s a celebration of soul funk and the unbreakable bonds of musicianship and camaraderie with members spanning from the Gold Coast to Casino SOUL’D has been igniting dance floors across the Northern Rivers for nearly two decades the band has long been a revolving door for some of the region’s most talented players Today’s lineup is a finely tuned machine led by music director and trumpet player Derek Siddon The full lineup features powerhouse vocalists Jason Kafoa and Maddy Monacelli With a full horn section and two dynamic front vocalists Their setlist is a jukebox of classic soul and funk hits — beloved tracks made famous by legends like Otis Redding Appearances at venues like The Beach Hotel Club Tweed and The Coolangatta Hotel have helped the band grow a loyal following throughout the region They’re also performing at the inaugural Mullum Roots Festival in July SOUL’D made history as the first band to perform at the Wharf River Club in Ballina and they’re set to return to the venue for another high-energy afternoon show from 3pm to 6pm on Sunday May 4 For more information, visit wharfbarballina.com.au/blog/wharf-river-club There no rest for Ballina or Casino who will use this weekend’s N-TRIPPLE-R-L bye round to replay their washed out round one game Still chasing their first win of the season Cougars will be hoping a home ground advantage can keep the Seagulls grounded Ballina Shire Council has developed a Draft Streetscape Master Plan for Newrybar to improve its public spaces balancing community aspirations identified during a collaborative design process in late 2024 The community identified their vision for Newrybar as a welcoming The Draft Master Plan outlines five key place values that reflect what the community loves about Newrybar: “A key proposal is to make traffic on the Old Pacific Highway between Brooklet Road and Hinterland Way one way which would create space for safer pedestrian movement and better public seating,” said Council’s Landscape Architect Ms Sheryn Da-Re “Council invites the community to view the Draft Master Plan including diagrams and a list of the proposed improvements Feedback can be provided in multiple ways: Visit yoursayballina.com.au/newrybar-streetscape-master-plan for more information No funding or grants have been secured at this stage for implementation of any works the master plan will enable Council to seek the funding required to make the community’s aspirations a reality More Contact Information We Want Your Feedback Report an Issue events and project updates straight to your inbox Ballina Shire Council acknowledges that we are here on the land of the Bundjalung people The Bundjalung are the traditional owners of this land and are part of the oldest surviving continuous culture in the world An example of a calculation of rates and charges for 2024/25 for a residential property with a land value of $175,000: please enter your land value below as a number and press the Tab key (Note: enter land value as numerals e.g.: enter $175,000 as 175000) Please note this is an approximate rate calculator and does not constitute a formal calculation of your rates Council levies an ordinary rate (cents in the dollar value) on the unimproved land value for each parcel of rateable land plus a base amount for each property in the Council area The table below is just the base rate: waste wastewater are also included in your rates notice (see second table) Please visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/water-billing for water fees and charges and visit ballinawater.com.au for more water information The Commercial Activities on Public Land Policy(PDF, 219KB) clarifies allowable commercial activities on public land and how to regulate and manage those activities to ensure there is a balance between passive and active recreation on public land Some of the commercial activities covered in the policy include surf schools The policy outlines the number of Commercial Operator Licences to be issued and the operating specifications for each activity Generally focused on beach and river activities this policy seeks to provide a balance between managing the commercial activity and protecting the public amenity for community use A Licence Application Form(PDF, 201KB) must be completed; documentation and risk assessment attached and fees paid prior to an application being assessed The Richmond River estuary and catchment is highly valued by the community and previously supported a productive network of natural ecosystems and a range of human land uses and activities Over time these interactions have had a negative impact on the health of our creeks To address the impacts of human land uses and activities on the Richmond River estuary a 10-year Coastal Zone Management Plan for the Richmond River Estuary (CZMP)(PDF, 2MB) was developed in 2012 by Ballina Shire Through 12 strategies the goal of the CZMP was to restore and maintain the ecological sustainability of the Richmond River estuary as well as the associated recreational and commercial activities In early 2021 a new whole-of-catchment Richmond River Coastal Management Program (CMP) commenced The aim of this program is to update the CZMP for the Richmond River Estuary in line with new legislation and to establish a whole-of-catchment management approach that will capture all issues and activities in the entire Richmond River catchment Rous County Council is coordinating the development of the CMP in close partnership with Ballina Shire Council Richmond Valley Council and the NSW Government The whole-of-catchment approach means this CMP will also include the participation of Kyogle Council Byron Shire Council and Clarence Valley Council The CMP will provide long-term strategy and management actions for the Richmond River The Richmond River estuary and catchment is important to many people for many different reasons The area is also culturally significant as it is the traditional home of the Bundjalung Nation Stage 1 of the Richmond River CMP is finalised and can be viewed at Richmond River Coastal Management Program (CMP). Stage 2 is currently in progress with an expected completion date of mid-2025 Richmond River Catchment Program The Coastal Zone Management Plan for the Richmond River Estuary (CZMP)(PDF, 2MB) is a 10-year plan that details implementation of key actions to address the many issues affecting the health of the waterways and the Richmond River estuary It was certified by the NSW Government on 24 February 2012 The estuary extends some 90km from the mouth of the Richmond River to the tidal limit near Boat Harbour The Richmond River estuary previously supported a highly productive network of natural ecosystems recreation and tourism activities interact with each other and the environment that supports them these interactions have had a negative impact on the health of our creeks To address the impacts of human land uses and activities on the Richmond River estuary the CZMP was prepared by local governments operating on the estuary Richmond Valley and Rous County Council (formerly the Richmond River County Council) The primary goal of the CZMP was to utilise twelve strategies to achieve integrated and balanced methods to restore and maintain the ecological sustainability of the estuary as well as the associated recreational and commercial activities The 2015 Ecohealth Report(PDF, 3MB) was one of the ‘Fundamental’ management strategies identified for implementation Whilst it was a study and did not provide on-ground outcomes it has highlighted the depth and complexity of the issues within the catchment as a whole A new Richmond River Coastal Management Plan process has begun. The process will update the CZMP for the Richmond River Estuary in line with new legislation and will now include the whole catchment (including Kyogle and Byron Shire Council areas within the catchment). For more information on this process, visit the Rous County Council website Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads. pedestrians and cyclists should avoid affected roadways Motorists are reminded the tides will be occurring during the evening and that salt water may also affect maintenance of vehicle and bodywork. Roads likely to be affected by king tides and saltwater flooding include: For road information visit livetraffic.com or telephone Ballina Shire Council on 1300 864 444 The Ballina Resource Recovery Centre has now reopened following a temporary closure due to severe weather Council has implemented free storm waste drop-off and supplementary bin collection services to assist residents impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred Ballina Shire Council is providing a free storm waste drop-off service at the Ballina Resource Recovery Centre at 167 Southern Cross Drive to assist residents impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred This free service will be available until the end of Sunday 23 March. The centre will be open from 8am to 4pm daily for residents to dispose of: This free service is strictly for cyclone-related waste General household waste and non-storm-related building debris are not eligible Customers will be required to provide their residential address (Ballina Shire residents only) to assist Council in recovering waste management costs from state and federal governments Please have this information ready or written down to present to the weighbridge officer on arrival residents should expect delays at the Resource Recovery Centre over the coming days Council appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as clean-up efforts continue Please do not place waste relating to Tropical Cyclone Alfred on the kerbside Residents who are unable to transport waste or need to drop off cyclone-related waste after Sunday 23 March can contact the Waste Management Centre on 02 6686 1287 to discuss circumstances and alternative arrangements Normal kerbside bin collection services resume today Monday 10 March Council has scheduled supplementary kerbside bin collection services as follows: Residents can drop off excess household waste from missed bins at the Resource Recovery Centre free of charge To prevent contamination and minimise unnecessary waste please separate all spoiled/uneaten food from packaging Place food into the FOGO bin and packaging into the landfill or recycle bin where appropriate Council encourages residents to dispose of sandbags responsibly once severe weather and the risk of flooding have passed you may choose to store unused sandbags for future weather events We encourage full sandbags to be returned to the old council depot on Tamarind Drive opposite Ballina Fair See below map for drop-off location. If required Council may conduct a kerbside collection of bags unable to be delivered to the depot site Council appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as recovery efforts continue and sandbag disposal will be provided as needed Image: Full sandbags can be taken to Council’s old depot location for proper disposal Access is via the east-bound lane on Tamarind Drive West-bound traffic should detour via the roundabout at intersection of North Creek Road and Tamarind Drive The Ballina Tourism team is thrilled to announce that Ballina has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious NSW Top Tourism Town Awards which is hosted by NSW Tourism Association and NRMA This notable nomination places Ballina among the top nine contenders in the category for towns with a population over 5,000 residents “This recognition celebrates more than just our stunning coastline and lush hinterland it highlights the powerful collaboration behind the scenes that makes every visitor feel right at home,” said Alanah Ward Team Leader Destination and Visitor Experience “We’re proud to be in the running and even more excited about the opportunity to showcase Ballina as one of NSW’s standout destinations," she said The NSW Top Tourism Town Awards are designed to recognise towns across New South Wales that demonstrate a strong commitment to tourism fostering an exceptional visitor experience These awards celebrate the spirit of community and showcase the pivotal role of tourism in bolstering local economies "Earning a spot as a finalist once again shines a light on the incredible dedication and pride our community pours into creating a vibrant welcoming Ballina experience,” said Alanah Voting is now open to the public until midnight 4 May 2025 your vote can help put Ballina on the map as one of NSW’s top destinations Every vote counts. Thank you for supporting the Ballina Coast and Hinterland Homelessness is a complex issue with no single solution We recognise that homelessness affects people in different ways Council works with support agencies to assist those in need while ensuring public spaces remain safe and accessible for all There are a range of support services available for those experiencing homelessness Homelessness can be defined not only by the absence of physical shelter but by the lack of essential elements of a ‘home’ It is important to acknowledge the difference between general illegal camping and homelessness Illegal camping occurs when people camp in public or private spaces without permission it may be considered an offence to camp within public reserves and not comply with notifications Council patrols and manages issues related to illegal camping when people experiencing homelessness use tents or temporary structures as shelter While some camp for recreation or to save costs others may have no alternative due to housing insecurity Ballina Shire has seen a steady rise in the number of people experiencing homelessness This is presenting significant challenges for Council NSW Police and state agencies involved in community support In line with the NSW Protocol for Homeless People in Public Places local councils and other agencies are expected to adopt a coordinated and compassionate approach when managing homelessness in public spaces This protocol applies to public places such as parks It is important to note that people experiencing homelessness have the same rights as any other member of the public including the right to be in public places request or decline support or assistance and manage their own belongings and often these individuals face unique and varied challenges They may also have companion animals with them for support and safety The Protocol does not override existing laws or regulations and does not prevent Council or the police from taking appropriate action when health or safety concerns arise Plain English Guide for the Protocol Council partners with support agencies to assist people experiencing homelessness by connecting them to essential services Council is committed to maintaining safe and accessible public spaces ensuring that everyone has the right to enjoy and feel secure in shared community areas the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) taking a coordinated approach to support those in need Developing a resource brochure and this webpage for people experiencing homelessness providing them with information about available local services for health We are also working to improve educational materials for the wider community to better understand homelessness and the Council's role in managing this complex issue Council appreciates the community’s understanding and patience as we continue to address these issues together with support agencies and local services is doing everything within available resources to manage the complexities of homelessness through the Department of Communities and Justice has a range of programs and initiatives in place to support people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The NSW Government conducts annual street counts to gather data on people sleeping rough across the state These counts provide a snapshot of street homelessness Street counts are conducted in partnership with local councils helping to foster local collaboration and inform approaches to prevention the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is conducting a street count across Northern NSW Error: no decision tree source folder detected The Ballina Pipe Band will lead the Anzac Day march along River Street A GROWING sense of community involvement will highlight Anzac Day events across the Ballina Shire on Friday Hundreds of people are expected to attend the main street march and services surrounding the Ballina RSL Club Ballina RSL sub-Branch vice-president Dick Wills said it would be a big day with participation continuing to increase in recent years.”I thought it was starting to diminish for a while there but the younger generation have come on board and we still get plenty of veterans in the march “The schools and businesses around town have shown a lot of interest in the lead-up this year “We still have vehicle support for the ones who need it and we encourage the veterans and their families to attend the breakfast at the RSL Club “The ex-services clubs will be selling badges at Bunnings at Ballina Fair Shopping Centre this week to raise money for our veterans.” The Anzac Day service will begin with a dawn service at the RSL memorial park at 5.30am Breakfast is at 6am with people encouraged to purchase tickets through the club ahead of time The Ballina Pipe Band will lead the march along River Street at 10.30am with the commemorative service and wreath laying ceremony scheduled at the memorial cenotaph at 10.55am Lunch will be served at noon with two-up from 1pm “It’s great recognition for our veterans and it’s a day that is unique to Australia and New Zealand,” Mr Wills said “It is important to commemorate all service personnel who play a part in peace-keeping operations.” Poppies can be purchased this week for $5 from the RSL Club with proceeds going directly to the War Widows Program The project began last year and was organised by the Rotary Satellite Club of Ballina Lifestyle the rotary club has extended the project along the main street and have included Ballina Fair Shopping Centre A metre-high structure of Anzac letters has been placed in the foyer of the RSL Club with poppies available to pin on the letters with a message of remembrance The Alstonville RSL sub-branch will hold its dawn service and community march The dawn service will be held at the Alstonville War Memorial on Daley Street at 5.30am The march will go through main street at 9.40am with a service to follow there will be a gathering for a dawn service in Ross Park at 5.30am There will be an Ode at 5.50am with the Last Post to follow The group plans to have breakfast together when the event concludes at 6am works inkind or works part of a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) are made to Council to upgrade infrastructure and facilities to cater for demand generated by development Larger scale developments may also need to dedicate land to Council for open space and/or other facilities Contributions Plans and Development Servicing Plans are for roads sewerage headworks and roads impacted by heavy vehicles Contribution rates can be found in Council's fees and charges document and are subject to change from 1 July each year Council's current Contributions Plans and Development Servicing Plans are outlined below: Cumbalum Urban Release Area Precinct A Contributions Plan 2015(PDF, 2MB) This contributions plan enables Council to levy section 7.11 contributions on developers of Precinct A of the Cumbalum Urban Release Area for the provision of district open space Ballina Shire Car Parking Contributions Plan 2014(PDF, 3MB) This contributions plan enables Council to levy section 7.11 contributions on developers for car parking-deficient developments in the Ballina Lennox Head and Alstonville commercial centres Ballina Shire Open Space and Community Facilities Contribution Plan 2022(PDF, 12MB) This contributions plan enables Council to levy section 7.11 contributions from residential and tourist developments towards the provision of open space The plan became operational on 1 August 2022 Heavy Haulage Contributions Plan 2019(PDF, 2MB) This contributions plan enables Council to levy section 7.11 contributions on development that generates heavy haulage traffic The plan seeks a contribution for road reconstruction work due to the impact of heavy haulage vehicles on the local road network Ballina Shire Roads Contribution Plan, Version 4.2(PDF, 5MB) This contributions plan enables Council to level section 7.11 contributions on development that generates additional vehicle movements These additional movements will result in Council having to undertake roads and traffic upgrades in response to the demands generated by new development to ensure the overall level of service of the road network is maintained and the contributions collected will help Council fund the upgrades as per the works schedule in the contributions plan Rous County Council Development Servicing Plan (DSP) - Bulk Water Supply This Development Servicing Plan has been prepared by Rous County Council the bulk water supply authority for Ballina Shire This DSP requires all development to make a payment to augment future bulk water supply infrastructure where such development is connected to a reticulated water supply that relies on bulk water supplied by Rous In Ballina this applies to all reticulated areas except for Wardell Ballina Shire Council acts as the collection agent of contributions under this plan in Ballina Shire and the issue of the accompanying certificate of compliance Wastewater Development Servicing Plan (DSP)(PDF, 6MB) This Development Servicing Plan covers developer charges for wastewater and recycled water infrastructure for all development areas serviced by Ballina Shire Council Water Supply Development Servicing Plan (DSP)(PDF, 4MB) This Development Servicing Plan covers developer charges for water supply infrastructure for all development areas serviced by Ballina Shire Council Ballina Shire Open Space and Community Facilities Contribution Plan 2016(PDF, 22MB) This plan became operational on 1 January 2017 Ballina Shire Roads Contribution Plan, Version 4.0(PDF, 1MB) This contribution plan came into affect on7 October 2015 Ballina Shire Contributions Plan 2008(PDF, 9MB) This plan became operational on 1 November 2008 This contribution plan came into affect on 8 February 2010 Ballina CBD Car Parking(PDF, 340KB) This Contributions Plan enables Ballina Shire Council to levy s.94 developer contributions for the provision of car parking within the Ballina Central Business District This plan does not apply to new developments It remains operational for consents granted prior to 14 May 2014 that contain conditions which require a payment under this plan Ballina Shire Heavy Haulage Contributions Plan 2011(PDF, 931KB) Community Facilities Contribution Plan 1993(PDF, 218KB) This plan is referred to as the 'Section 94 Contributions Plan for Ballina Shire - Community Facilities' It remains operational for consents granted prior to 1 November 2008 that contain conditions which require a payment under this plan Lennox Head Village Centre Car Parking(PDF, 287KB) This Contributions Plan enables Ballina Shire Council to levy s.94 developer contributions for the provision of public car parking in the Lennox Head Village Centre Public Garden and Recreation Space Enhancement 1993(PDF, 247KB) This plan is referred to as the 'Section 94 Contributions Plan for Ballina Shire - Public Garden & Recreation Space Enhancement' Road Contribution Plan 2002(PDF, 2MB) The Ballina Road Contribution Plan contribution plan has been replaced by Ballina Shire Roads Contributions Plan 2010 for all new development applications where a contribution was required to be paid under this plan Your feedback helps us to improve our service delivery and determine if we are meeting or exceeding your expectations complaint or a compliment we would like to hear from you Contractors and suppliers are invited to register on our Vendor Panel Portal and subscribe to receive alerts about opportunities with Ballina Shire Council We publish all public Request for Quotations (RFQ), Requests for Tender (RFT), Requests for Information (RFI) and Expressions of Interest (EOI) on the VendorPanel portal Registered users can download all specification documents and response forms directly Council’s preferred way to receive submissions is through the VendorPanel portal hard copy submissions can also be delivered to our Tender Box in the foyer at Council’s Customer Service Centre at 40 Cherry Street Ballina on weekdays from 8.15am to 4.30pm. Please note: We do not accept submissions by email or facsimile Please ensure your submission meets the requirements outlined in the General Conditions for Tendering To view current tenders and subscribe for alerts: e-Tender Portal The following RFx/EOI’s are open for public tender. All specification and response documents are available for download from our VendorPanel portal Council is seeking to engage a suitably qualified/experienced contractor to undertake replacement of a portion of partially dilapidated mechanical plant and roofing material that is nearing end of life which is situated on a galvanised steel platform above the failing roof sheeting on the northern portion of the roof of the operating terminal building at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport Council is seeking to contract a panel of suitably experienced plant hire (wet and dry) contractors to provide cost effective supply solutions critical the support of Council’s operations.Details of the desired plant items are provided on the eTenderBox Page Council is seeking to establish a panel of preferred contractors providing arboriculture services for a 3 year period.Details of the desired plant items and services are provided on the eTenderBox page in conjunction with the NSW SES Ballina Headquarters Unit is seeking a construction contractor to replace current facilities with new fit-for-purpose infrastructure based on an existing design Council is seeking to establish a panel of preferred contractors providing traffic control services for a 3 year period View awarded Tenders You will then receive email notifications whenever a new tender is posted Unless otherwise detailed on a purchase order Standard Purchasing Conditions detail contractual conditions when a supplier enters into an agreement to supply goods and/or services to Ballina Shire Council Enquiries: Procurement, Ph 1300 864 444 The Ballina Seahorses have established an early winning streak to start their Far North Coast Rugby Union campaign The squad is focused on improving performance week by week… and is set to face old rivals this Saturday Ballina Shire Council is pleased to announce the auction of nine serviced industrial lots within the Southern Cross Industrial Estate Ballina – enabling new business opportunities and supporting sustainable economic growth in the region The lots range in size from 1527m² to 4492m² and are conveniently located directly opposite the Ballina Homemaker Centre and just one kilometre from the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport zoned E4 General Industrial and have all services connected Don’t miss this rare opportunity to secure new industrial land in Ballina A public auction will be held on 30 April 2025 at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre For further information or to arrange an inspection please contact your preferred local real estate agent or Ballina Shire Council’s Manager Commercial Services Additional details, including an Information Memorandum and Industrial Lot Site Plan, are available on on the following page www.ballina.nsw.gov.au/boeingavenue Cr Sharon Cadwallader was elected to Ballina Shire Council in March 2004 was first elected as Mayor in December 2021 Sharon is a community leader and experienced professional with expertise across governance Chair of the Australian Coastal Councils Association Deputy Chair of both Rous County Council and the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation and also serves on the Executive Board of the Country Mayors Association of NSW A former Regional Manager of the Northern Rivers NSW Business Chamber and past director of Summerland Credit Union Sharon holds qualifications in dental nursing and a UTS Executive Certificate in Local Government Sharon is an active Patron of Far North Coast Legacy - Ballina Division as well as an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond (2024/25) and was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow She has also contributed to numerous committees including 17 years on the Essential Energy Customer Council and leadership roles with the Richmond Tweed Regional Library and regional chambers of commerce Sharon is focused on affordable and accessible housing and promoting sustainable economic development She is focused on initiatives for beautification and regional collaboration to secure equitable State and Federal funding Sharon realises the importance of making it simpler to deal with council by removing layers of bureaucracy and having a ‘can do’ culture that prioritises environmental stewardship and addressing climate challenges Sharon is proud to call Ballina Shire home sharing life with their five children and 11 grandchildren across three generations living in the area Her open for business policy encourages input from the community Nine serviced industrial lots will go up for auction on Wednesday BALLINA Shire Council has announced new industrial land for sale by public auction to develop new business opportunities and support sustainable economic growth in the region The nine industrial lots within the Southern Cross Industrial Estate on Boeing Avenue and Hercules Crescent are zoned E4 General Industrial Ballina Council will retain three of the 12 vacant lots The objectives of the zoning category include ensuring the efficient and viable use of land for industrial purposes encouraging energy and water-efficient development Each of the 1,527 m2 to 4,492 m2 lots is connected to Water The eastern side of the development comprises established light industrial development Opposite the lots on Boeing Avenue is the Harvey Norman Homemaker Centre which is currently undergoing a major expansion program All sale contracts include a ‘use it or lose it’ buyback option under which a buyer must demonstrate ‘substantial commencement of construction works’ within three years from the settlement date The Council will reserve the right to exercise the buyback option and buy back the lot at the initial purchase price without any compensation payable if the buyer fails to meet the three-year condition The buyback option deters speculators from buying lots and sitting on them indefinitely as the development’s purpose is to promote the growth of business and employment in the Shire A public auction will be held on Wednesday For more information, visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/boeingavenue The recent floods caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred have affected water quality in the Richmond River and nearby waterways swimming or taking part in water activities at our beaches or in the river is not recommended. Low oxygen levels in the river have led to fish kills in several areas Decomposing plants and other materials in the floodwater are also causing strong odours in some locations and OzFish are keeping a close watch on water quality Council crews are working hard to clean up dead fish support from the community is also appreciated they can help by disposing of them in one of two ways: Free drop-off at Ballina Resource Recovery Centre Ballina Shire Council continues its extensive clean-up efforts following the cyclone including working with the community and relevant agencies to coordinate the removal of dead fish from beaches and riverbanks Fish death incidents or observations can be reported to the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536. 4WD vehicles are required to purchase and have a valid permit to access the beach track and onto Seven Mile Beach Vehicles holding a valid permit are allowed from the access track onto Seven Mile Beach North to the boundary with Byron Shire Our coastal beaches provide many important and irreplaceable ecosystem services These services include erosion control and protection from storms Beaches also provide spaces for recreation and visual amenity The use of 4WDs on beaches can impact the health of our coastal ecosystems The use of 4WDs within the foredunes physically destroys the structure of the dunes and accelerates erosion plant species richness and habitat quality are significantly reduced. Rutting and compaction of sand from 4WD use on sandy beaches is associated with significantly lower abundance and species richness of macroinvertebrates This includes species that are used as an indicator of ecosystem health Beaches in Ballina provide feeding and nesting sites for birds including threatened species such as the little tern The use of 4WDs in these areas can cause direct mortality to birds and hatchlings and disrupt foraging and parental care Foredunes provide nesting sites for threatened turtles in Ballina Wheel ruts can prevent turtle hatchlings from reaching the water If you choose to drive on the beach you should seek to minimise your impact and always: Council reserves the right to withdraw permits from vehicles where it is determined by an Authorised Officer that there has been a breach of the 4WD Vehicles on Seven Mile Beach Policy Authorised Officers could be representatives from: The beach access point is continually monitored via a 24/7 surveillance camera Vehicles without a valid permit who access the 4WD track and beach may be issued with a fine Fines exceeding $110 to $1,100 may be issued for breaches Report malicious damage and illegal incidents to Council Rangers on 6686 1210 (business hours), 6626 6954 (after hours) or Ballina Police on 000 EasyPark app Report malicious damage and illegal incidents to: Ballina Shire Council is making strong progress on the major intersection upgrade at Byron Bay Road and Byron Street Stage 3 works will begin Thursday 24 April 2025 with the intersection transitioning to a roundabout traffic arrangement This will be the permanent configuration going forward Traffic control and VMS boards will be in place to guide motorists safely through the area Please drive with care and follow all signage works remain on track for completion in June 2025 Council thanks the community for their ongoing patience and cooperation as we deliver this important infrastructure project This $1.53 million project is proudly funded through the Australian Government Black Spot Program For more information visit Council’s project page. This project will raise portions of Ross Lane and includes improved flow for Deadmans Creek under it. This is the final stage of the Ross Lane/ Byron Bay Road upgrades Council has completed a concept design for various levels of flood immunity Designers are exploring two different levels of flood immunity and each may have the creek crossing as either a bridge or culvert. Once designs are further progressed consultation with neighbouring properties and key stakeholders will commence Council hopes to commence works in late 2025 The RRTRP program strengthens the regional transport network’s capacity to withstand natural disasters. To learn more visit nswroads.work/rrtrp Volunteers from Marine Rescue Ballina have negotiated challenging two to three metre swell on the Ballina Bar today to rescue a male foilboarder who was swept out to sea during the outgoing tide Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray said NSW Police Marine Area Command tasked Marine Rescue Ballina with the mission just after 12pm today “Because of the rough conditions on the bar Marine Rescue NSW vessel Ballina 21 was deployed for the mission Ballina 21 is a highly manoeuvrable rapid-response jet boat the foilboarder was unable to return to shore and was being swept further out to sea “Within 10 minutes of getting on the water the volunteer crew on board Ballina 21 located the foilboarder approximately one kilometre east of the north wall Members from Surf Life Saving NSW arrived on the scene simultaneously in an IRB and retrieved the man from the water before transferring him to the Marine Rescue NSW jet boat “The IRB requested the Marine Rescue NSW crew return the man to shore because conditions on the bar were too dangerous for their vessel,” he said and the Marine Rescue NSW jet boat was the ideal vessel for the mission,” Inspector Murray said “The foilboarder was taken on board Ballina 21 and returned to Shaws Bay One of the largest real-time multi-agency search and rescue exercises (SAREX) to ever be held on the NSW coast has been labelled a success by Marine Rescue NSW A volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Newcastle navigated darkness and a fast-flowing run-out tide overnight to rescue a stranded sailor four nautical miles (7.4 km) south of Nobbys Head Forgot your password? On 26 January 2025 our community came together to honour our local heroes and recognise all that is good about living in beautiful Ballina Shire Ballina Shire Council hosted the official Australia Day ceremony at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre The event featured a Welcome to Country from Uncle Ricky Cook and entertainment from Katie Rutledge A heart-warming citizenship ceremony was then followed by the announcement of the Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards More than 40 nominees were recognised across the award categories of Local Hero Environmental and Community Event of the Year Mayor Sharon Cadwallader with Master of Ceremonies Sandra Jackson a well-known and popular announcer on 101.9 Paradise FM “I have been so impressed by the calibre of this year’s nominees and the diversity of their achievements From rescue volunteers to wildlife carers; to mental health providers and sporting coaches; what they all have in common is their exceptional dedication and commitment to our community,” said Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader passed the baton and announced the 2025 Citizen of the Year selected from all nominees across the various categories Congratulations to the following award winners and nominees: Ezekiel Knight (Zeke) has been a dedicated member of the Ballina SES unit for eight years. As Co-Section head of Flood Rescue he has rebuilt the flood rescue team over the past few years growing the team from two in-water operators to eight He was recently awarded the NSW SES Commissioner’s commendation for courage for his efforts rescuing two people from a vehicle during the 2022 floods Zeke also plays a crucial role in responding to accidents bravery and ability to stay calm in emergencies makes a significant difference to our community Zeke is also a driving force behind the ongoing success of Ballina SES young volunteers program (YETI's) his enthusiasm and leadership inspire others to get involved making a positive impact on those around him Jodie Shelly demonstrates exceptional dedication to the Ballina Shire community through her role as Club Service Director for the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond Jodie contributes not only her time but organising efforts to all Rotary events including the May 2024 Rotary District 9640 Conference Purple Shirt Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign Mens Health Education Rural Van (MHERV) health checks and countless collaborative events with a diverse range of organisations selfless approach to her work embodies the spirit of a "quiet achiever" whose contributions are often unnoticed but are invaluable As well as her outstanding commitment to Rotary Jodie also serves on the Board of The Hot Meal Centre in Ballina as Secretary The other nominees for the Local Hero Award were:Amy Gasnier An accomplished sportsperson and business operator Lachlan Trease contributes to our community in many ways He has been a member of the Alstonville Swimming Club since 2015 and achieved plenty of success including the Local Sporting Hero Award in 2023 and 2024 In July 2020 Lachlan and his siblings established their own artisan bakery business This has enabled them to give back to the community including donating loaves to evacuation centres across the Northern Rivers during the 2022 floods Lachlan has also shown great commitment to the school community at Emmanuel Anglican College through his roles as House Captain with the Student Representative Council and debating team The other nominees for the Young Citizen of the Year Award were:Savannah Roberts-Hickling, Rose Christmas Xavier Catholic College Ballina (Year 11 Immersion Group to Timor-Leste) A founding member of the Ballina Region for Refugees Rik was recently voted the first ever 'Life Member’ of the refugee group in recognition of his dedication and monumental efforts as a committee member and treasurer He has given his time at many fundraising events for the refugee group and put in endless hours developing their website and communication systems for members Rik is a founding member and inaugural president of the Northern Rivers Pickleball Club He has guided the pickleball club through its growth and development from a little-known sport in the region to now boasting 300 members – the largest regional pickleball club in NSW Rik was appointed as Northern NSW Ambassador for the Pickleball Association of NSW advising players across the region on club development The other nominees for the Senior Citizen of the Year Award were:Phil Chapman She always has her ‘ear to the ground’ to identify the needs in our community and organise support She joined the community service organisation QUOTA in Alstonville in 1992 She has served as President of Alstonville Quota many times as well as District Governor from Armidale and Walcha to Brunswick Heads and Tweed She has been at the forefront of organising the Quota Craft and Garden Fair for more than 23 years Diane has ensured that Quota supports charity initiatives across the age spectrum including BackTrack and North Tracks youth support services the annual camp for children with hearing disability the Rising Star Scholarship for secondary students and Hope Haven Women's Refuge Diane organises an annual high tea to recognise volunteers across the Plateau community Her community service has helped Quota provide financial support for Our Kids and many individuals and families suffering hardship The other nominees for the Volunteer of the Year: Karen Wilson Ballina Lighthouse and Lismore Surf Life Saving Club and administrator who has made an exceptional contribution to the wider sporting community As an outrigger Level 2 coach Denise has led the development and training of members at a local level for the Northern Rivers Outrigger Club for the past 20 years She took the lead role in developing a national curriculum for training and accreditation of new outrigger coaches through Australian Outrigger Canoe Association This training course is now being implemented via state bodies Denise has delivered motivational coaching clinics alongside world renowned Vicki Wilson OAM raising vital funds for research into Queensland’s Heart Foundation where over 70 outrigger and international competitions as an individual paddler or as a member of outrigger or dragon boat teams The other nominees for the Sporting Achievement Award were: Mikey McDonagh (Surfing), Ballina Netball Association Under 17 Boys Team (Netball) Mariah has made an outstanding contribution to Aboriginal education and cultural preservation through dance and community engagement As a teacher’s aide at Ballina Coast High School she works closely with Goori students to teach traditional and contemporary dance She regularly organises performances for NAIDOC celebrations and other community events enabling students to showcase their culture she was recognised by the Department of Education for her outstanding work in aboriginal education Mariah also collaborates with local schools to teach Year 5 and 6 Goori students dances that help maintain cultural connections Her dedication extends beyond the classroom Mariah works with the Bunjum Co-Op’s Homework Centre The other nominee for the Arts/Cultural Award was: Craig Parry (Photography) Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue has made a lasting impact on our local environment by providing essential rescue The organisation’s dedicated volunteers perform rescues and give each animal the chance to return to the wild Since 1992 they have rescued thousands of animals offering a second chance to sick and injured sea turtles Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue plays a critical role in educating the public on conservation practices engaging the community through educational programs and fostering a deeper understanding of our role in preserving the environment Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue regularly conduct tours and actively share educational content through social media raising awareness about conservation issues and inspiring people of all ages to act The late Shirley White was the founder of Angels Beach Dune Care Between 1989 and 2002 Shirley led an outstanding effort to regenerate and restore the severely degraded coastal reserve along Ballina’s beaches Shirley became a well-known figure in the local community and highly respected throughout NSW in coastal regeneration circles Ballina Coastcare and Shirley have received numerous awards This includes the 2014 Australian Coastal Award for community engagement multiple Keep Australia Beautiful Clean Beach Challenge awards and the 2003 award for Outstanding Contribution to Community Bush Regeneration by the Australian Association of Bush Regenerators During Shirley’s tenure as president over $250,000 has been awarded from State and Federal government agencies towards the restoration of Angels Beach and East Ballina’s urban forest reserves The other nominees for the Environmental Award were: Ballina Environment Society A record crowd attended the 2024 Ballina ANZAC Day commemorations The day included a Dawn Service at the RSL Memorial Park followed by a Royal Australian Air Force flypast The event was coordinated by the Ballina RSL Sub-Branch administrative staff and community volunteers such as the poppy commemoration project organised with the Rotary Satellite Lifestyle Club Special features included the Youth Ambassador Program lighting installations at the Dawn Service and commemorative gifts for veterans in nursing homes Plans for 2025 include forming a youth drum corps and expanding initiatives that engage younger generations The other nominees for Community Event of the Year: The Ox 100km for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) 12 new Australian Citizens were welcomed to Ballina Shire from Argentina Ezekiel Knight - 2025 Citizen of the Year.jpg Lachlan Trease - Young Citizen of the Year Denise Cooper - Sporting Achievement for Outrigger Paddling Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue - The Late Shirley White - Environmental Award Ballina Anzac Day 2024 Commemorations - Community Event of the Year Gerry Burnage - Acknowledgement of Service Uncle Ricky Cook - Acknowledgement of Country 2025 Australia Day Awards at Lennox Head Cultural Centre Ballina Shire Council is constructing a new permanent roundabout at the intersection of Byron Bay Road and Byron Street The new roundabout will replace the existing T-intersection and improve traffic flow and safety This significant project is expected to be completed by the end of June 2025 it is vital we invest in infrastructure that not only meets current needs but also ensures the safety of all residents The new roundabout will improve traffic flow but more importantly it will provide a safer commute for motorists This $1.53 million project is proudly funded through the Australian Government Black Spot Program. although there will be no full road closures Traffic control will be in place from 7am to 6pm with the area speed limit reduced to 40 km/h to ensure safety Some nightworks may be required during the project Council will provide further information as the project progresses The works will be completed in four broad stages The temporary roundabout has been removed and the intersection has temporarily reverted back to a t-intersection for stages 1 to 3 of the works This will allow Council crews to complete the project more quickly and ensure the arterial road remains open Council crews will make every effort to minimise disruption and appreciate the community's patience as we undertake these essential upgrades Timeframe: February to end of March 2025 Traffic arrangement: Temporary T-intersection. Motorists exiting Byron Street must stop (at the stop sign) before entering Byron Bay Road Byron Bay Road motorists travelling north must give way to south-bound traffic when entering Byron Street. Traffic control is in place to help direct traffic Motorists are asked to follow traffic signage and slow down to 40km/h. Traffic arrangement: Temporary T-intersection Motorists exiting Byron Street must stop (at the stop sign) before entering Byron Bay Road. Byron Bay Road motorists travelling north must give way to south-bound traffic when entering Byron Street.Traffic control is in place to help direct traffic Motorists are asked to follow traffic signage and slow down to 40km/h Work area: Western side of intersection Traffic arrangement: Roundabout. Motorists must follow normal roundabout road rules and give way to vehicles already in the roundabout Scope of works: Roundabout construction shared path connection for pedestrians and cyclists This map outlines the work areas and order they will be completed across this project. Note: These design concepts are subject to change Council continues to monitor conditions across the Ballina Shire identifying any emerging issues and prioritising repairs to ensure public safety and service restoration as we shift focus to recovery efforts with some exceptions where further assessments and repairs are required The following Council facilities and services returned to normal operating hours from Monday 10 March: The Northern Rivers Community Gallery will reopen as usual on Wednesday 12 March Ballina and Lennox Head) will remain closed on Monday 10 March. Council is urging passengers to allow extra time when travelling to the airport and travellers should check directly with their airline for their flight status and to manage bookings The Ballina Resource Recovery Centre will be open daily from 8am to 4pm. Council has implemented free storm waste drop-off and supplementary bin collection services to assist residents impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Detailed information relating to waste collection services can be found here While the most severe weather has passed, some roads may remain flooded or hazardous. Council crews are inspecting and clearing roads where it is safe to do so, but conditions can change rapidly. Check livetraffic.com for updates and never drive through floodwater Council understands prolonged roads closures are an inconvenience to the community Council’s crews will inspect the road to ensure it is safe to travel on before it is reopened The Burns Point Ferry remains closed until further notice while Council monitor river conditions motorists should travel via the Pacific Highway and River Drive and damaged infrastructure may still pose risks Community members should take care in parks and be mindful of eroded dunes and unstable beach access points Avoid unnecessary travel to impacted areas while emergency crews and Council teams continue recovery efforts Health and mental health support is available for those in need call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 (24/7) or access support in a different language via the Translating and Interpreting Service at 131 450 call Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 the NSW Reconstruction Authority and partner agencies will begin community outreach (weather permitting) visiting key locations to assess community needs and provide important recovery information A Recovery Assistance Point will be open at Ballina Surf Club (65 Lighthouse Parade East Ballina) from Thursday 13 March to Sunday 16 March For the latest recovery updates, visit the NSW Reconstruction Authority's dedicated Cyclone Alfred recovery webpage at nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery Those who would like to support recovery efforts can visit GIVIT.org.au to see exactly what is needed GIVIT has been engaged by the NSW Government to manage donations of essential goods and services for people impacted by disasters Residents are urged not to send or drop off unrequested donations in affected areas as this can overwhelm recovery operations and delay essential support GIVIT ensures that donations are coordinated efficiently providing people with exactly what they need and ensuring public safety across the Ballina Shire Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and reach out for assistance if needed. It’s cheaper to recycle packaging and food scraps than sending it to landfill And it’s easier than you might think Commercial premises can access the organic, recycling, and landfill bin services by contacting Council directly on 6686 1287 Check out our Fees and Charges(PDF, 6MB) for more information Here are some examples of ways to reduce single use items in your workplace. Council supports avoiding takeaway cups and containers by encouraging the use of reusables where possible Find out the health and safety requirements when customers bring in their own reusable containers by downloading our information sheet: Reusable containers and your business factsheet(PDF, 661KB) Many food premises are understandably concerned about what COVID19 requirements mean in regards to accepting reusables. Check out our handy Contactless Coffee factsheet(PDF, 1MB) explaining three key ways to continue accepting reusables with confidence. Transport for NSW is planning to upgrade the Bruxner Highway and Ballina Road intersection to further improve safety at this intersection Additional features of the proposal include: Transport for NSW is seeking community feedback on the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the proposed Bruxner Highway and Ballina Road intersection improvement The REF has been prepared outlining the features of the proposed design and assesses a range of potential environmental impacts expected during construction and operation You can provide your feedback by Sunday 27 April 2025 by completing the survey below or attending one of our community information sessions The community information sessions are informal sessions where you can drop in any time You will have the opportunity to meet the project team ask questions and learn more about the proposed project This consultation is open for contributions until 27 April 2025 A consultation report responding to submissions will be prepared and shared with the community Email: region.north@transport.nsw.gov.au Members of the project team will be available to discuss the REF at the following day and times: Call 131450 for the free interpreter service Arabic: بالرقم 131450 لاستخدام خدمة الترجمة المجانية اتصل Vietnamese: Gọi 13 14 50 để sử dụng dịch vụ thông dịch miễn phí Greek: Καλέστε το 13 14 50 για τη δωρεάν υπηρεσία διερμηνέα Italian: Chiama il 13 14 50 per il servizio di interprete gratuito Tagalog: Tumawag sa 13 14 50 para sa libreng serbisyo ng interpreter Hindi: नि: शुल्क दुभाषिया सेवा के लिए 131450 फोन करें Privacy collection notice for Bruxner Highway Ballina Road intersection improvements Have your say consultations are run by the NSW Department of Customer Service (McKell Building We are interested in hearing from the community and will use the information we collect from you to help develop the programs and services that NSW Government provides in particular <description of programs and services that will be developed from this consultation> We may collect basic personal information like your name and contact details You may provide some personal information <<and health information>in response to questions that we ask you we may ask you about your experiences or opinions about a particular topic Having your say is voluntary and you are not legally required to provide any personal information to us In this consultation your name and contact details are being collected for this consultation We may provide your personal information to other areas of the Department of Customer Service (for example the Data Analytics Centre and Customer Insights) so that we can conduct analysis across all consultations and refine our engagement methodology The personal information will be stored on the DAC’s secure platform which is hosted in a secure commercial cloud data centre in Australia Where we conduct a consultation with or on behalf of a partner agency we would usually share the information that we collect with that agency For privacy information about your use of the NSW Government website generally, please see the NSW Government’s website privacy statement. Sign in to the Have Your Say community to stay informed. If you haven't signed up yet, Register here NSW Government Cabinet Office We pay respect to the Traditional Custodians and First Peoples of NSW and acknowledge their continued connection to their country and culture Identifying information collected is recorded in line with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) (PPIP Act) and the Department's Privacy Management Plan (PMP). The Department will only collect personal information for a lawful purpose which directly relates to our primary function as a NSW Government agency and for obtaining feedback about NSW Government services For further information please refer to the Privacy collection notice on the specific Have your say consultation This privacy information applies only to the information you are providing in the Have your say consultation If you unsubscribe, your information may not be permanently deleted from the service provider system and instead, stored on a suppression list that prevents future emails from being sent to your email address. To have your data permanently removed from the suppression list database, please send a request to: YourSay@customerservice.nsw.gov.au You may also contact privacy@customerservice.nsw.gov.au if you have any questions about this privacy information Need an account? today We will send you instructions to reset your password Back to Creating an account helps us better understand your needs and the needs of the community Completing the questions below helps us better understand the diverse range of people who contribute their ideas Would you like to follow this project to receive email updates Australia’s coastal councils are calling on the incoming Federal Government to establish a national response to coastal climate risks more severe extreme weather events and widespread coastal erosion Chair of the Australian Coastal Councils Association and Mayor of Ballina Shire Council said the scale of dealing with coastal hazards along Australia’s vast coastline requires a national approach State and Territory Governments to work with local government to develop a coordinated national response to coastal climate risk recognising that 50% of Australians live within 7kms of the coast,” Sharon Cadwallader said “Coastal councils are at the forefront of dealing with rising sea levels more frequent and severe extreme weather events but they are restricted by a lack of resources and coordination at a national level “Given that Australia’s vast coastline stretches for around 33,000kms it is beyond the capacity of local councils to deal with these risks.” Sharon Cadwallader said what is needed is for the Australian Government to develop a National Coastal Adaptation Fund to be administered at a national level “Coastal councils are ready and keen to work collaboratively with the Australian State and Territory Governments to respond to coastal risks,” she said Ballina Shire Council is postponing kerbside bin services for Thursday 6 March and Friday 7 March 2025 Residents with bin collection scheduled for the above dates are asked to keep your bins inside your property in a safe location (not on the kerbside) Areas with bin collection scheduled for today Residents in these areas are asked to leave bins kerbside for collection noting there may be some delays due to current weather conditions Council will collect missed bins as soon as practicably possible with further updates to be provided when weather conditions have eased The Resource Recovery Centre will remain open today from 8am to 4pm Find out more about waste and recycling at ballina.nsw.gov.au/resource-recovery-centre Ballina Shire Council has launched a brand-new public website offering a modern and user-friendly experience for the community The new website will ensure the Ballina Shire community receive a high-quality digital experience "Our new website is designed to make it easier and more intuitive for the community to access information and services," said Tracy Lister Manager Communications and Customer Service we’re providing a more user-friendly experience We invite residents to explore the site and share their feedback," she said If you have feedback, please complete the Customer Feedback form on the website or call 1300 864 444 Explore the new site at ballina.nsw.gov.au. Council's online mapping platform (IntraMaps) allows you to search any property address and link to other mapping sites and data providers View online mapping If you have trouble using the online mapping tool, read through the IntraMaps Quickstart Guide(PDF, 226KB) for assistance the Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) is a leading arts and cultural organisation in the Northern Rivers fostering creativity and engagement through quality exhibitions and programs and supporting opportunities where arts and culture can thrive. NRCG presents four exciting new exhibitions this May including an otherworldly botanical installation and a series of relief printed portraits of distant friends made during social distancing. Distant Friends was initiated soon after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic when online platforms became the main means of maintaining friendships and social interactions The exhibition encompasses relief printed portraits based on social media photos of the artist’s friends as a basis to create a series of highly pixelated and innovative abstract portraits. Robyn’s practice as a still life photographer is informed by her horticultural and design background with the objects in her work often cultivated in her garden or collected from the Northern NSW coastline Leaf and Flower showcases a selection of the artist’s recent photographs alongside some of her award-winning work. I hope this helps is a series of textile meditations where you can stop ‘To undergo the transformation we must surrender everything’ a place of recharge amongst nature’s physical embrace creates a home within the gallery using botanical elements and soundscape to bring the outside in and give the viewer a sense of wild nature All exhibitions open Thursday 1 May and continue until Sunday 22 June The official exhibition launch will be held 5.30 – 7.30pm The Northern Rivers Community Gallery is located at 44 Cherry Street Ballina and is open Wednesday to Friday from 9am until 3pm and weekends from 9.30am until 1pm. For further information contact the Gallery on 02 6681 0530 or visit the website www.nrcgballina.com.au The 50 free vouchers have now been allocated No further vouchers are available at this time. Ballina Shire Council and Transport for NSW are offering 50 free vouchers valued at $66 for local families to get their child seats checked or installed at Dancer’s Car Care Ballina Shire residents can apply for a voucher online to cover the cost of car seat The vouchers are part of a road safety initiative to improve children’s safety in cars "Children are counting on us to make sure they are safe in cars many children are killed or injured in car crashes every year Some of these deaths and injuries could be prevented by using the right kind of child car seats,” said Helen Carpenter Road Safety Officer (Ballina Shire Council/ Transport for NSW) "Using an age-appropriate and correctly fitted car seat greatly increases a child’s safety during a crash The free vouchers give parents and carers the opportunity to not only get their child restraint checked and fitted but to ask questions and get advice about the best restraints for their child’s safety," Ms Carpenter explained Choosing an appropriate child restraint can be difficult and must take into consideration the age and size of your child. For more information on keeping children safe in car seats visit transport.nsw.gov.au and for information on choosing the right type of restraint, visit childcarseats.com.au Voucher application The Burns Point Ferry will be back in service from 5.30am Friday 14 March following a temporary closure due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred will not be permitted on the ferry until Monday 24 March 2025 the ferry may need to stop for short periods of time due to river conditions Ballina Shire Council’s top priority is the safety of ferry passengers and staff The ferry was taken offline on Tuesday 4 March due to the anticipated weather impacts Now that upstream flooding conditions have eased Council thanks the public for their patience and understanding during this emergency shut down period The ferry service operates daily between 5.30am and 12.30am except on Christmas Day For a schedule of monthly maintenance dates and ticketing information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/burns-point-ferry For live updates and closures visit livetraffic.com or contact Council’s Civil Services Team on 1300 864 444 Batteries should never be disposed of in landfill recycling or organics bins due to their hazardous components which pose environmental risks and may lead to severe fires Did you know at least 3 battery-related fires are reported across Australia each day 6V and button cell batteries) can be recycled for free at: store them in a safe location and out of reach of children before dropping them off at your nearest battery recycling collection point Larger batteries and car batteries (including lithium ion and lead acid) can be recycled for free at the Ballina Community Recycling Centre - 167 Southern Cross Dr For additional information on safe battery recycling, please visit the EPA’s Safe Battery Recycling webpage B-cycle – Australia’s official battery stewardship scheme has even more information about safe battery disposal options with a family history that stretches back generations in farming and the establishment of some of the Shires buildings and infrastructure reflecting her long-standing commitment to the Shire Michelle has been a local business manager and providing employment opportunities for locals Being involved in School/Sport and Charity committee and fundraising initiatives which brings a wealth of experience in community service exemplified by her role as President of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Support Group for Ballina Shire amongst others With experience from working within the local government sector for many years providing a solid understanding of local government operations combined with business and administration and event management skills supports the platform to advocate for business working as part of the Council to implement change and seize available opportunities Michelle envisions a Council that operates with a sound business structure fostering a synergy between business and community to achieve collective progress Go back to the home page or try searching for a page in the search bar above The Bundjalung are the traditional owners of this land and are part of the oldest surviving continuous culture in the world.