Finance and Facilities Committee - 10 Jun 2026

Topics

• Council backs tougher debt recovery, including possible property sales
  Council authorised winding-up action against one company and, in confidential session, approved notices of intent to sell multiple properties if debts remain unpaid.
  This is a significant enforcement step that signals pressure on overdue council debt and could affect property owners and local finances.
• Higher developer contributions move closer as Council targets IPART approval
  Council endorsed reviewing infrastructure contribution plans around a $35,000 to $40,000 cap and a phased-in approach, with a new Section 7.12 plan also proposed.
  If adopted, the change could raise development costs and affect housing pipeline economics and infrastructure funding.
• New leasing policy reshapes council property terms for community groups
  Council adopted a rewritten community property leasing policy after submissions, with extra reporting requested on preschool and childcare rents.
  Community organisations, clubs and tenants using council property may face new rent and licence conditions.

Decisions

• Community property leasing policy rewritten and adopted
  Council noted submissions on the revised Community Property Leasing and Licensing Policy, endorsed a rewrite of the existing policy, and adopted the new policy titled Property Leasing and Licensing – Not-for-Profit Groups.
  Affects how community groups lease or licence council property and sets the rent rules they will face.
• Debt recovery action for unpaid rates and charges
  Council authorised the General Manager to take steps to issue a winding-up order against Shelly Beach Holdings Pty Ltd to recover outstanding rates and charges.
  Shows stronger enforcement action on overdue council debts, which can affect rates recovery and council finances.
• Potential sale of properties to recover debt
  In confidential session, Council resolved to notify owners of four properties that it intends to proceed with sale under section 713(2) if debts are not settled, and authorised public auction if needed.
  Impacts property owners facing debt recovery and may lead to property sales if arrears are not paid.
• Developer contributions review moved towards higher cap options
  Council confirmed it prefers to seek IPART approval for residential contributions above the current State Government cap and will review draft plans using a potential cap of $35,000 to $40,000, including phased-in options.
  Could increase costs for some new housing and development projects if approved.
• Hardship rates and charges policy adopted for exhibition
  Council adopted the revised Financial Assistance (Hardship) Rates and Charges Policy and placed it on public exhibition for submissions.
  Sets the framework for ratepayers seeking hardship assistance and allows public comment before final adoption.

Discussion

• Community property leasing and licensing
  The revised policy was reshaped after public submissions. Council also decided to write to submitters, lessees and licensees affected by the changes, and requested a further report on rents for preschools and community childcare centres.
  Important for community groups, clubs, tenants and licence holders using council-owned property.
• Longer-term planning for land at Snapper and Hutley Drive, Lennox Head
  Council noted a planning analysis for the corner site and will keep monitoring the site, with a recurring review to be included in future delivery and operational plans every two years.
  Keeps future development options alive for a key land parcel in Lennox Head.
• Developer contributions framework
  Council backed review of the Roads and Open Spaces and Community Facilities contributions plans, including a new Section 7.12 plan for works not covered by IPART-approved plans and options to increase car parking contributions.
  Affects how future development infrastructure is funded and may influence project viability and costs.
• Confidential debt recovery proceedings
  The committee considered debt recovery matters in closed session and then adopted the recommendations in open council.
  Impacts council debt collection practices, but public detail was limited because the matter was confidential.

Impacts

• Community organisations leasing council property may see updated rent and licence conditions.
• Some groups, including those with on-premise liquor licences, may face statutory minimum rent arrangements.
• Ratepayers in hardship can comment on the revised assistance policy during exhibition.
• New development may face higher infrastructure contribution requirements if the proposed cap and plan changes proceed.
• Property owners with overdue rates and charges may face formal recovery action, including possible sale of property.

Places

• Lennox Head (locality)
  Site monitoring and long-term development review for land at Snapper and Hutley Drive.
• Snapper and Hutley Drive (roads/intersection)
  Corner site under planning analysis and ongoing monitoring.
• Ballina (town)
  Referenced in relation to debt recovery properties and Ballina Hockey Club.
• Alstonville (locality)
  One of the properties subject to proposed sale for debt recovery.
• East Ballina (locality)
  One of the properties subject to proposed sale for debt recovery.
• Swift Street (road)
  Location of properties included in the proposed debt recovery sale process.
• Park Avenue (road)
  Location of a property included in the proposed debt recovery sale process.

Next

• Write to submitters, lessees and licensees affected by the new property leasing policy
  Soon after adoption
• General Manager to report back if major anomalies are found in correspondence on the leasing policy
  If issues are identified
• Prepare further report on rent options for preschools and community childcare centres
  Future meeting
• Include a recurring two-year review of the Lennox Head site in the draft delivery and operational plan
  During preparation of the Draft 2026/27 to 2029/30 Delivery Program and Operational Plan
• Complete review of Roads and Open Spaces and Community Facilities contributions plans
  During the current review process
• Place the revised hardship rates and charges policy on public exhibition and resubmit any submissions to Council
  Public exhibition period

Extract

MINUTES OF THE FINANCE AND FACILITIES COMMITTEE MEETING` OF THE BALLINA SHIRE COUNCIL HELD IN THE BALLINA SHIRE COUNCIL CHAMBERS 40 CHERRY STREET, BALLINA ON 10/06/26 AT 4:00 PM Ballina Shire Council Finance and Facilities Committee Meeting Minutes 10/06/26 of 6 Attendance Crs Sharon Cadwallader (Mayor - in the chair), Michelle Bailey, Damian Loone, Therese Crollick, Simon Chate, Eva Ramsey, Erin Karsten, Kiri Dicker 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) and Nikki Glassop (Executive Assistant - Genera...