A Ward Committee - 12 May 2026

Topics

• Council to keep lobbying for Richmond River dredging
  Residents again pushed for dredging action, but Council said the issue sits with Transport for NSW and there is no fresh commitment beyond ongoing lobbying.
  River mouth conditions affect boating, access, tourism and local pressure on state agencies.
• Palm Lakes bus shelters removed for upgrades, replacement due by year end
  Bus shelters and seating on North Creek Road were removed for upgrades, with Council saying replacement was delayed by wet weather but should be finished by the end of the financial year.
  Temporary loss of shelter and seating affects public transport users and older residents relying on the stop.
• Developer contributions dispute over Ballina Heights remains unresolved
  Council confirmed there is still no court date for proceedings linked to developer contributions for the proposed Ballina Heights Shopping Precinct.
  The dispute could affect precinct timing, costs and broader development certainty.

Decisions

• Riverbank edge repairs at Daydream Avenue to proceed in two stages
  Maintenance teams will undertake the riverbank edge repairs in two stages following the West Ballina Residents Association update on riverbank subsidence.
  Affects stability and safety concerns for nearby residents and riverfront users in West Ballina.
• Council to provide an update on dust pollution complaints when available
  In response to the Cumbalum Residents Association, staff said the dust pollution issue at Hilltop Park Estate is a compliance matter and an update will be provided once available.
  Residents in the area are seeking clarity on complaint handling and compliance action.
• No date yet for legal proceedings over developer contributions dispute
  Council confirmed there is no date set for the legal proceedings relating to the Ballina Heights Shopping Precinct and developer contribution fees.
  Impacts certainty for residents and stakeholders watching the precinct’s progress and costs.
• Council to continue lobbying for dredging of the Richmond River
  Council confirmed it has lobbied for Richmond River dredging for many years and will continue to do so, while noting dredging is managed by Transport for NSW.
  Important for river users, businesses and residents affected by navigation and bar conditions.
• Palm Lakes bus shelters to be replaced by end of financial year
  Council explained the bus shelters on North Creek Road were removed for upgrade works, with replacement delayed by wet weather but expected by the end of the financial year.
  Directly affects public transport users at Palm Lakes and nearby residents.

Discussion

• Reconciliation Week and community partnership ideas
  Members raised whether Council was liaising with local community groups for Reconciliation Week and suggested working with Jagun Alliance; a booklet from Jagun Alliance and the Reconstruction Authority was forwarded to staff after the meeting.
  Relevant to community groups and residents interested in local reconciliation initiatives.
• Ideas to combat racism in the local community
  Council was asked to consider developing ideas to combat racism; staff noted an existing partnership agreement with Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council.
  Affects community cohesion and future Council-led inclusion initiatives.
• Heritage staffing concern raised around conservation expertise
  Ballina Heritage Advisory members asked for a Heritage Officer to be included in the Workforce Management Strategy, citing upcoming heritage anniversaries and limited conservation expertise on staff.
  Could influence how heritage sites and historic places are managed in the Shire.
• Ferry breakdown communication and passenger notifications
  A resident requested better communication during ferry breakdowns, including SMS alerts; staff discussed current notification methods and operational constraints.
  Matters for ferry users who rely on timely service disruption updates.
• Airport pickup area improvements under future carpark expansion
  Council said an Airport Carpark Expansion project is scheduled for 2026/27 and 2027/28 and may consider a larger set-down area, though an undercover pickup area was not confirmed.
  Potentially affects airport users, taxis and private pickups.
• Public comment on misinformation and correspondence processes
  A Croquet Club item asked how ratepayers can correct misinformation in meetings and what correspondence rules apply; staff explained the revised Code of Meeting Practice and public forum arrangements.
  Relevant to residents seeking clearer engagement and accountability processes.

Impacts

• Riverbank repair works may affect riverbank safety and access near Daydream Avenue, West Ballina.
• Dust pollution complaints for Hilltop Park Estate remain unresolved pending a compliance update.
• Developer contributions dispute around Ballina Heights Shopping Precinct remains open with no court date set.
• Richmond River dredging remains an active advocacy issue, but responsibility sits with Transport for NSW.
• Palm Lakes bus shelter users should expect temporary disruption until upgrade works are completed.
• Ferry passengers may continue to experience variable communication during breakdowns while Council considers better notification methods.

Places

• Daydream Avenue, West Ballina (road/locality)
  Riverbank subsidence repair works
• Hilltop Park Estate, Cumbalum (estate/locality)
  Dust pollution complaint update
• Ballina Heights Shopping Precinct (development site)
  Developer contributions legal dispute
• Richmond River (river)
  Dredging advocacy and river mouth management
• North Creek Road, Palm Lakes (road/locality)
  Bus shelter and seating removal for upgrades
• Ballina Airport (facility)
  Future carpark expansion and pickup area discussion
• Tintenbar Road (road)
  Signage thanked by residents
• Ballina Shire (local government area)
  Broader service and community issues discussed

Next

• Provide CRA with an update on Hilltop Park Estate dust pollution complaints when available
  Pending compliance progress
• Continue advocacy on Richmond River dredging with Transport for NSW
  Ongoing
• Replace the Palm Lakes bus shelters on North Creek Road after upgrade works
  By end of financial year
• Forward Jagun Alliance booklet and related materials to the Director Planning and Environmental Health
  Post meeting
• Progress riverbank edge repairs in two stages at Daydream Avenue, West Ballina
  As scheduled by maintenance teams
• Hold the next Ward Committee meeting
  Tuesday 14 July 2026 at 4pm

Extract

MINUTES OF THE A WARD COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN THE BALLINA SHIRE COUNCIL CHAMBERS 40 CHERRY STREET, BALLINA, ON 12/05/26 AT 4:00 PM Ballina Shire Council A Ward Committee Minutes 12/05/26 of 12 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 Phillip Meehan Scott Heselwood – Ballina Rotary of Ballina-on-Richmond Meg Pickup – Dementia Inclusive Ballina Alliance Kevin Loughrey – The Ballina Peninsular Residents Association Richard Hughes – Ballina Croquet Incorporated Mick Albany – St Vincent de Paul Andrew Playford – Northern Rivers D...