B Ward Committee - 20 Jul 2026

Topics

• Lennox Head bike racks added to Council works program
  Lennox Head town centre bike racks referred for engineering consideration, with Council aiming to deliver the work in the first quarter of the financial year.
  More bicycle parking could improve access to the town centre, while delivery remains subject to engineering consideration and works-program scheduling.
• $274,050 Lennox Head streetscape grant work remains delayed
  A delayed $274,050 Get NSW Active grant application is intended to fund background studies and detailed designs for Lennox Head public streetscape works.
  The design work is a prerequisite for planning approvals and tendering, affecting the timing of future public-space upgrades.
• Lennox Head Saints face AFL Queensland step in Hutley Oval push
  Lennox Head Saints AFL Club must engage AFL Queensland on competition and club structure before progressing its bid to secure Hutley Oval.
  The outcome could influence access to a major local sporting facility and the club’s future game and training arrangements.

Decisions

• Bike rack project referred and added to works program
  Additional bike racks requested for Lennox Head Town Centre were referred to Engineering Works for consideration and are to be added to the works program, with an aim for completion in the first quarter of the financial year.
  Creates a follow-up pathway for improved bicycle parking, but does not confirm completed construction.
• AFL Queensland engagement required for Hutley Oval proposal
  The Committee heard that engagement with AFL Queensland is required before the Lennox Head Saints AFL Club can progress its proposed use of Hutley Oval.
  Sets the immediate next step for the club’s request to use the oval for games and training.

Discussion

• Additional Lennox Head Town Centre bike racks
  The Committee requested additional bike racks for Lennox Head Town Centre. The matter was referred to Engineering Works for consideration and added to the works program, with an aim for completion in the first quarter of the financial year.
  Could improve cycling access and amenity in the town centre, although delivery is not yet complete.
• Delayed public streetscape grant-funded design work
  Council discussed the delayed Get NSW Active grant application for $274,050 to fund background studies and detailed designs for public streetscape works. The designs are needed for planning approvals and future tendering.
  Delays may push back future streetscape improvements in Lennox Head.
• Homelessness response in Ballina Shire
  Council staff said homelessness responses involve multiple organisations and that the Health and Environment team works with support agencies to assist people experiencing homelessness in Ballina Shire.
  Provides an update on the local service response, but no new funding or specific service change was announced.
• Hutley Oval use by Lennox Head Saints AFL Club
  The Lennox Head Saints AFL Club presented its case for securing Hutley Oval. The Committee identified engagement with AFL Queensland about the competition model and proposed club structure as the next step.
  Could affect the club’s access to Hutley Oval for matches and training.
• Rural Fire Service relocation discussion
  Council advised that no further work had been undertaken on suitable alternative sites for relocating the Rural Fire Service as part of the Masterplan discussion.
  The future location of the Rural Fire Service remains unresolved.

Impacts

• Additional bike racks for Lennox Head Town Centre have entered the works-program process but are not yet installed.
• A $274,050 streetscape design grant application remains delayed, potentially affecting future approvals and construction.
• The Lennox Head Saints AFL Club’s proposed use of Hutley Oval depends on further engagement with AFL Queensland.
• No new homelessness funding or service was announced, but Council outlined its coordination with support agencies.
• No further work has occurred on alternative sites for a possible Rural Fire Service relocation.

Places

• Lennox Head Town Centre (town centre)
  Requested additional bike racks and public streetscape works
• Hutley Oval (sports facility)
  Proposed sporting use and training facility
• B Ward (ward)
  Ward committee area and meeting jurisdiction
• Ballina Shire (local government area)
  Council area affected by homelessness services
• Lennox Head (town)
  Potential future relocation discussion for the Rural Fire Service

Next

• Engineering Works Section to consider the additional Lennox Head Town Centre bike racks and progress the item through the works program.
  Aiming for completion in the first quarter of the financial year; exact year not stated.
• Lennox Head Saints AFL Club to engage with AFL Queensland about the competition model and proposed club structure.
  Next step; no deadline stated.
• Council to progress grant-related background studies and detailed designs for Lennox Head public streetscape works if funding proceeds.
  The application was made in 2025 and the work has been delayed; no revised completion date stated.
• Residents and community groups may contact Council’s Grants Officer about grant opportunities and make submissions for funding beyond 2028/29 through the next Delivery Program and Operational Plan consultation.
  When consultation on the next Delivery Program and Operational Plan opens.

Extract

MINUTES OF THE B WARD COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN THE BALLINA SHIRE COUNCIL COMMITTEE ROOM 40 CHERRY STREET, BALLINA, ON 20/07/26 AT 4:30 PM Ballina Shire Council B Ward Committee Minutes 20/07/26 of 5 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 Eva Ramsey Cr Kiri Dicker (Chair) Cr Michelle Bailey Cr Sharon Cadwallader (Mayor) Darel Vidler - Lennox Head Combined Sports Association Narissa Phelps - Lennox Head Residents Association Jim Gilchrist – Lennox Head Chess Club Incorporated Sarah King – Ballina Environment Society Kurt Rettenmaier – Newrybar Commu...