Ballina Shire Council
Local Transport Forum - 13 May 2026
The forum supported traffic changes, bus zone relocations and sign/line marking arrangements for the River Street and Tamarind Drive lane duplication project, and noted progress on several outstanding transport matters.
Topics
- Forum backs road changes for River Street and Tamarind Drive lane duplication
Transport forum supports turn restrictions, bus stop relocations and road markings tied to the lane duplication project.
The changes will affect local traffic patterns, bus operations and access near a busy corridor. - Cherry Street bus access issue flagged for accessibility improvements
Council transport forum notes bus companies may seek a route variation so services can use Cherry Street instead of Bentinck and Fox Streets.
The issue is tied to wheelchair access and kerbside infrastructure, which can directly affect passengers with mobility needs. - Note on traffic control authorisations
The forum noted advice on authorisations dated 2026-01-02, 2026-02-01, 2026-03-01 and 2026-04-01, with an amendment proposed to alter time restrictions for item 2026-04-01 to be determined under delegation.
Could affect parking or turning restrictions if the delegated amendment is approved.
Decisions
- Support for turn movement restrictions
The forum advised support for proposed public road turn movement restrictions at the River Street/Fishery Creek Road and River Street/Norlyn Avenue intersections.
Affects local traffic flow, access and turning movements near the lane duplication works. - Support for bus zone relocations and road marking plan
The forum supported relocation of the River Street westbound bus zone and creation of a new Tamarind Drive westbound bus zone, and supported the associated regulatory signs, markings and traffic control devices.
May change where buses stop and how motorists travel through the River Street and Tamarind Drive area. - Note on traffic control authorisations
The forum noted advice on authorisations dated 2026-01-02, 2026-02-01, 2026-03-01 and 2026-04-01, with an amendment proposed to alter time restrictions for item 2026-04-01 to be determined under delegation.
Could affect parking or turning restrictions if the delegated amendment is approved. - Outstanding resolutions updated
The forum noted progress on earlier resolutions, including completed repainting of piano key shared zone linemarkings, a refuge item added to PAMP due to funding issues, and costings completed for street lighting work now scheduled for next quarter.
Tracks delivery timing for safety and streetscape improvements across the transport network.
Discussion
- River Street and Tamarind Drive lane duplication
The key substantive item was the proposed traffic changes linked to the lane duplication project, including turn restrictions, a raised centre median at Henry Philp Avenue and bus zone relocation.
This is the main project affecting road users, bus passengers and nearby residents. - Cherry Street bus route access
An outstanding resolution noted that bus companies will be given a timeframe to apply to TfNSW for a variation to use Cherry Street instead of Bentinck and Fox Streets, because current infrastructure is on the wrong side of the street and lacks kerb access for wheelchairs.
Could improve accessible bus routing and affect local bus operations in central Ballina. - Hospital upgrade project link
A previous item, 12/23-6.1, was noted as forming part of the hospital upgrade project.
Shows transport changes being coordinated with a major health infrastructure project.
Impacts
- Changes to turning movements and access around River Street may alter local driving routes.
- Bus stop locations on River Street and Tamarind Drive are set to change.
- Accessible bus routing around Cherry Street may be revised for wheelchair users.
- Some safety and lighting works remain in progress, with delivery extending into next financial year.
Places
- River Street
Lane duplication project and proposed turn restrictions; bus zone relocation. - Tamarind Drive
Lane duplication project and proposed new westbound bus zone. - Fishery Creek Road
Intersection where turn movement restrictions were supported. - Norlyn Avenue
Intersection where turn movement restrictions were supported. - Henry Philp Avenue
Raised centre median and existing right-turn restriction signage referenced. - North Creek Road
Location referenced for the new Tamarind Drive bus zone. - Cherry Street
Possible revised bus routing for accessibility and kerb access. - Ballina
Meeting location and area affected by the transport matters.
Next
- Implement approved traffic and bus zone changes for the River Street and Tamarind Drive lane duplication project
Next financial year / as scheduled - Determine the proposed amendment to time restrictions for authorisation item 2026-04-01 under delegation
Pending delegated decision - Liaise with operational team and bus companies on Cherry Street route variation and timeframe for TfNSW application
To be advised - Proceed with scheduled street lighting work
Next quarter - Return to the forum at the next scheduled meeting
Wednesday 12 August 2026 at 10:00 am
Extract
MINUTES OF THE LOCAL TRANSPORT FORUM MEETING HELD IN THE BALLINA SHIRE COMMITTEE ROOM 40 CHERRY STREET, BALLINA, ON 13/05/26 AT 10:00 AM Ballina Shire Council Local Transport Forum Minutes 13/05/26 of 3 1. Attendance and Apologies Attendance Council Delegate: Troy Anderson Representatives: Alexie Miller (TfNSW), James Maxwell via Teams (Tamara Smith MP’s Office) and Chris Hardy (NSW Police) Also in Attendance Patrick Knight (Civil Services Division), Tania Daniels (Administration Civil Services Division) and Helen Carpenter (Road Safety Officer) Apologies Nil 2. Minutes of Previous Meeting RECOMMENDATION That the Forum confirms the Minutes of the Local Transport Forum Meeting held on Wednes...