Council - 27 Aug 2026

Topics

• Ross Lane set for nine-week closure during $3.19 million flood resilience project
  Council awarded the Ross Lane Flood Resilience Betterment contract and selected an option requiring closure to through traffic for about nine weeks.
  The closure will directly affect local travel while addressing flood resilience.
• Ballina Heights southern precinct planning controls open for public comment
  Council endorsed exhibition of a new precinct structure plan and associated landscaping and subdivision controls.
  The controls could shape future development in the Ballina Heights southern precinct.
• Council adopts homelessness strategy while seeking stronger NSW support
  Ballina adopted its homelessness strategy and separately called for increased state funding and improved support pathways.
  The strategy and funding request address homelessness services, rough sleeping and public-space pressures.

Decisions

• Ballina Heights Southern Precinct planning controls exhibited
  Council endorsed public exhibition of the draft structure plan, landscaping amendments and additional Development Control Plan controls for at least 28 days.
  Residents and landowners can review and comment on proposed development controls affecting the Ballina Heights southern precinct.
• Homelessness Strategy adopted for exhibition
  Council adopted the Ballina Shire Homelessness Strategy, invited public submissions and directed discussions with Mary’s Place and Orange Sky about infrastructure and in-kind support.
  The strategy sets the direction for local homelessness services and support for people sleeping rough.
• State homelessness support requested
  Council will ask the NSW Government for increased ongoing funding for housing, health, frontline and community services, along with improved responses to unsafe or antisocial rough sleeping.
  The request seeks more resources for homelessness support and management of public-space impacts.
• Major infrastructure contracts approved
  Contracts were awarded for the Wardell Boardwalk and Foreshore Upgrade ($685,350 excluding GST), Ballina Wastewater Treatment Plant solar PV system ($897,294), Tamarind Drive and Marom Creek Road landslip works ($844,923.51), Ross Lane flood resilience works ($3,191,291) and fire protection services.
  These projects affect flood resilience, roads, public facilities, wastewater operations and council-service safety.
• Ross Lane closure expected during flood resilience works
  Council awarded the Ross Lane Flood Resilience Betterment contract. The selected option is expected to close Ross Lane to through traffic for approximately nine weeks.
  Motorists and nearby residents should expect a significant temporary traffic disruption; the reported works are intended to improve flood resilience.
• Airport security equipment approved
  Council awarded Smiths Detection (Australia) Pty Limited the checked baggage screening X-ray system contract for $670,580 excluding GST, with expenditure above budget to come from the Airport Reserve.
  The decision supports security infrastructure at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport and uses airport reserve funds.
• Airport car park consultancy tender declined
  Council declined all tenders for the Airport Car Park Expansion consultancy and authorised the General Manager to negotiate with interested parties instead of calling fresh tenders.
  The car park expansion remains subject to further negotiation and project refinement rather than immediate appointment of a consultant.
• Wastewater strategy and solar investment approved
  Council adopted the amended Onsite Wastewater Management Strategy and Guidelines and approved the wastewater treatment plant solar PV and upgraded panels contract.
  The strategy affects onsite wastewater management, while the solar project may improve the treatment plant’s energy infrastructure.
• Multiple resident and community policies amended
  Council adopted amended policies covering beach debris, community gardens, filming on public land, ranger fees and charges, fundraising and street stalls, donations assistance, restricted access vehicles and private structures on public land and roads.
  These changes may affect community groups, event organisers, filmmakers, property owners, heavy-vehicle operators and users of public land.
• Commercial property decisions made
  Council rejected expressions of interest for Tuckombil Quarry and 89-91 Tamar Street because submissions were insufficient or did not meet financial benchmarks. It will examine future lease options, assess smaller tenancies at Tamar Street and accept White Star Aviation’s expression of interest for the airport hangar site.
  The decisions shape future use of council-owned commercial properties and airport land.

Discussion

• Economic development and visitor economy
  Council approved public exhibition of the draft Ballina Shire Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy 2026–2031 and supported further representations about council land north of Airport Boulevard.
  Businesses, tourism operators, developers and residents will have an opportunity to comment on the strategy.
• Financial review and reserve movements
  Council approved carried-forward works, services, reserve movements and other budget changes for inclusion in the Long-Term Financial Plan.
  The changes influence the timing and funding of council projects and longer-term financial planning.
• Emergency Services Levy
  The Mayor was authorised to write to NSW leaders and a parliamentary select committee supporting removal of the levy, provided replacement arrangements do not disadvantage councils.
  Future levy arrangements could affect council finances and local ratepayer costs.
• Community land lease
  Council resolved to enter a lease for sports buildings and a storage shed at Crawford Park, subject to public notification and further reporting if a substantive objection is received.
  Local sports users and nearby residents can participate in the notification process.
• Local road access and private structures
  Updated policies were adopted for restricted access vehicles using local roads and private structures on public land and roads.
  The policies provide updated rules for heavy vehicles and structures affecting roads and public land.

Impacts

• A public exhibition period of at least 28 days will apply to the Ballina Heights planning amendments.
• The draft Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy will be publicly exhibited.
• Ross Lane is expected to close to through traffic for about nine weeks during resilience works.
• Residents and community groups may be affected by updated policies on filming, ranger fees, fundraising, donations, community gardens and public-land structures.
• The Wardell foreshore, wastewater treatment plant, Tamarind Drive, Marom Creek Road and airport facilities will receive funded or contracted works.
• The Crawford Park lease will be publicly notified, with further council consideration if a substantive objection is received.

Places

• Ballina Heights Southern Precinct (precinct)
  Subject to proposed structure-plan, landscaping and Development Control Plan amendments.
• Wardell (town and foreshore)
  Location of the boardwalk and foreshore upgrade.
• Ross Lane (road)
  Expected closure for approximately nine weeks during flood resilience works.
• Tamarind Drive (road)
  Included in landslip remediation works with Marom Creek Road.
• Marom Creek Road (road)
  Included in landslip remediation works with Tamarind Drive.
• Ballina Wastewater Treatment Plant (facility)
  Site of the approved solar PV and upgraded panels project.
• Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (airport)
  Location of baggage-screening equipment, car park consultancy and hangar-site property decisions.
• Crawford Park (park and community land)
  Subject of a proposed lease for sports buildings and a storage shed.

Next

• Place Ballina Heights planning amendments on public exhibition.
  At least 28 days.
• Exhibit the draft Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy.
  Following council approval; exact dates not stated.
• Report any substantive objection to the Crawford Park lease back to Council.
  After public notification, if required.
• Negotiate with interested parties for the Airport Car Park Expansion consultancy.
  Following the declined tender process.
• Continue examining long-term lease options for Tuckombil Quarry and undertake a feasibility analysis for smaller tenancies at 89-91 Tamar Street.
  Further reporting to Council required.
• Write to NSW leaders and the Emergency Services Funding Reform Select Committee about the Emergency Services Levy.
  Following the 27 August 2026 resolution.
• Submit proposed motions for the LGNSW Annual Conference to the Ordinary Meeting.
  By the 24 September 2026 meeting; LGNSW submission deadline is 25 October 2026.

Extract

MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF BALLINA SHIRE COUNCIL HELD IN THE ROUS COUNTY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 57 GALLANS ROAD, BALLINA ON 27/08/26 AT 9:00 AM of 18 of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Ballina Shire Council – 27/08/26 ................................................. MAYOR Attendance Crs Sharon Cadwallader (Mayor - in the chair), Michelle Bailey, Simon Kinny, Damian Loone, Eva Ramsey and Phil Meehan. Paul Hickey (General Manager), Troy Anderson (Director - Civil Services Division), Matthew Wood (Director - Planning and Environmental Health Division), Caroline Klose (Director - Corporate and Community Division), Nikki Glassop (Executive Assistant - General Manager and Mayor) and Pen...