A Ward Committee - 10 Nov 2026

Topics

• Cumbalum interchange ramps remain a $40m-$50m advocacy fight
  Council will keep lobbying for south-facing M1 Cumbalum ramps despite the NSW Government not treating the interchange as a priority.
  Cumbalum and surrounding residents face continued uncertainty over a major transport connection, with earlier cost estimates of $40 million to $50 million.
• $17m flood-road program puts Tamarind Drive works in late-2026 frame
  Council says Tamarind Drive remediation will involve embankment reconstruction as part of a $17 million flood-affected road upgrade program.
  The works could affect travel, access and flood resilience for residents in the Cumbalum area.
• Southern precinct plan report expected after public exhibition
  A report on the Cumbalum southern precinct structure plan and public submissions is expected at a November or December ordinary council meeting.
  The structure plan may shape future development and infrastructure in a rapidly changing area.

Decisions

• Richmond River bicentenary naming
  History groups are interested in naming the Richmond River milestone as part of 2028 bicentenary celebrations. The Festival and Event Funding Program for 2027/28 may be available to community groups organising related events.
  Community organisations may be able to seek funding for public events connected with the 2028 celebrations.
• Tamarind Drive road remediation
  Council advised that flood-related works on Tamarind Drive are expected to involve embankment reconstruction, with timing currently anticipated for late 2026. Council has received $17 million for flood-affected road upgrades across the shire.
  Residents may experience roadworks, changed traffic conditions or improved flood resilience on and around Tamarind Drive.
• M1 Cumbalum interchange advocacy
  Council will continue advocating for south-facing ramps at the M1 Cumbalum interchange. Transport for NSW cost estimates prepared in 2020 were approximately $40 million to $50 million, and the NSW Government does not currently regard the interchange as a priority.
  The interchange remains a major transport issue for Cumbalum and surrounding communities, but there is no confirmed construction commitment.
• Campbell's Pond drainage concern
  Council staff advised that Campbell's Pond, near the corner of Deadman's Creek Road and Tamarind Drive, is inspected regularly and that no unusual change in water levels has been observed.
  Residents' concerns about possible drainage blockages were noted, although no blockage was identified in the information provided.
• Southern precinct structure plan follow-up
  Council is to clarify the structure plan for the southern precinct area to the Cumbalum Residents Association. A report on the structure plan and public exhibition submissions is expected at the November or December 2026 ordinary council meeting.
  Future planning decisions for the southern precinct may affect development, infrastructure and nearby residents.

Discussion

• Dementia-friendly community
  The Dementia Inclusive Ballina Alliance was named the Northern Rivers Volunteer Team for 2026. The item concerned maintaining a dementia-friendly community.
  The recognition highlights local community support for residents living with dementia and their carers.
• First Nations employment
  The committee discussed whether 4.9%, the percentage of First Nations people in Ballina Shire recorded in the 2021 Census, could be used as a target for Council employment. Council highlighted a May 2026 partnership with TAFE NSW that helped 15 women from diverse backgrounds complete Certificate II in Civil Construction.
  The discussion may inform future workforce diversity and employment initiatives, but no target was adopted in the supplied extract.
• Jali Partnership Agreement
  A request was made for a copy of the Jali Partnership Agreement and clarification about whether it includes themes similar to Council's work as reported to Council.
  Access to the agreement could improve public understanding of Council's partnership commitments.
• Homelessness support
  The committee discussed homelessness in the community. Council advised that the Ballina Shire Homelessness Support Strategy had recently been placed on public exhibition and broadly aligns with the NSW Homelessness Strategy 2023-2028.
  Residents and service providers may be able to comment on the exhibited strategy and its future support priorities.
• Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum vessel fencing
  A resident's gratitude for fencing installed around a vessel at the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum was forwarded to relevant Council staff.
  The fencing addresses a safety or access concern at a local public facility.
• Council documents on exhibition
  The current list of Council documents available for public comment was noted.
  Residents should check Council's exhibition list for matters affecting their area and make submissions before relevant deadlines.

Impacts

• Potential community event funding is available through the Festival and Event Funding Program for 2027/28.
• Flood-related embankment reconstruction on Tamarind Drive is anticipated in late 2026.
• The M1 Cumbalum interchange has no confirmed NSW Government priority or construction commitment; Council advocacy will continue.
• A report on the southern precinct structure plan and public exhibition submissions is expected at a November or December 2026 ordinary meeting.
• The Ballina Shire Homelessness Support Strategy has been exhibited for public comment.
• The next A Ward Committee meeting is scheduled for 9 March 2027 at 4pm.

Places

• Ballina Shire (shire/service area)
  Flood-affected road upgrades, First Nations employment data and homelessness planning.
• Cumbalum (locality)
  Southern precinct planning, Tamarind Drive works, Campbell's Pond and the M1 interchange.
• Tamarind Drive (road)
  Planned embankment reconstruction and resident concerns about nearby drainage.
• Deadman's Creek Road (road)
  Corner location of Campbell's Pond.
• Campbell's Pond (drainage facility)
  Residents requested investigation of possible drain blockages.
• M1 Cumbalum interchange (transport project)
  Advocacy for south-facing ramps.
• Richmond River (river and heritage project area)
  Proposed milestone naming connected with 2028 bicentenary celebrations.
• Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum (museum and public facility)
  Fencing was installed around a vessel.

Next

• Council to clarify the southern precinct structure plan to the Cumbalum Residents Association.
  Before or alongside the expected November or December 2026 ordinary council report.
• Present a report on the southern precinct structure plan and public exhibition submissions.
  Expected at the November or December 2026 ordinary meeting.
• Undertake or progress Tamarind Drive embankment reconstruction as part of flood-affected road upgrades.
  Currently anticipated for late 2026.
• Continue Council advocacy for south-facing ramps at the M1 Cumbalum interchange.
  Ongoing; no delivery date was provided.
• Forward thanks to Council staff for fencing around the museum vessel.
  Completed after the meeting.
• Hold the next A Ward Committee meeting.
  9 March 2027 at 4pm.

Extract

MINUTES OF THE A WARD COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN THE BALLINA SHIRE COUNCIL CHAMBERS 40 CHERRY STREET, BALLINA, ON 10/11/26 AT 4:00 PM Ballina Shire Council A Ward Committee Minutes 10/11/26 of 7 1. Acknowledgment of Country In opening the meeting, the Chair provided an Acknowledgement of Country. 2. Attendance and Apologies (including updates/changes in membership) Members Cr Damian Loone (Chair) Cr Erin Karsten Scott Heselwood – Ballina Rotary of Ballina-on-Richmond Carolyn Reay-Young – Ballina Croquet Incorporated Janet Chester – St Vincent de Paul Julie Stephan – Ballina View Club Meriel Barlow – Ballina East Lions Club Incorporated Maureen Fletcher – Ballina Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN...