Council & accountability · Ballina Shire Council
Tuckombil Quarry sale not ruled out as Ballina negotiations continue
Ballina Shire Council will pursue further negotiations over the Alstonville quarry while seeking an independent valuation, proposed rental information and lease terms before deciding its long-term future.
Reporting from public council minutes. How this article was prepared
Tuckombil Quarry’s future remains unresolved after Ballina Shire Council agreed to pursue further negotiations but recorded a preference not to sell the Alstonville site.
The confidential-session recommendation, later adopted in open council, requires a further report on likely lease terms, including rent, and an indicative sale value. The General Manager was authorised to engage an independent valuer. The minutes do not give a date for that report or disclose the commercial details behind the proposals.
Council also resolved not to pursue Option 2 because it was described as inconsistent with the Tuckombil Quarry Master Plan. It will remain open to further proposals under Option 3 until a final decision is made about the quarry’s long-term future.
The resolution relates to Lots 21 and 22 of DP 1243105 and Lot 3 of DP 1130300. The recommendation was reported to have been adopted unanimously, with Cr Simon Chate absent and not voting.
For Alstonville residents and other council ratepayers, the immediate result is continued negotiations rather than an approved sale or lease. The public minutes establish the direction of the negotiations, but not the possible rental, sale value or final arrangement.
What deserves a closer look
The resolution leaves the possible lease, sale value and final arrangement unresolved. The minutes record a preference not to sell, but do not record a final decision on ownership or future use.
The public record gives no timetable for the further report and does not disclose the commercial terms or proponents behind the options.
Questions for follow-up reporting
When will Council receive the further report on lease terms, rental information and indicative sale value?
What terms are being considered under the further negotiations?
What aspect of Option 2 was considered inconsistent with the Tuckombil Quarry Master Plan?
What happens next
Pursue further negotiations under Option 1.
Engage an independent valuer and report likely lease terms, rental and indicative sale value back to Council.
Do not pursue Option 2 because it is inconsistent with the quarry master plan.
Remain open to further proposals until a final decision is made on the quarry's long-term future.
Check the record
These passages were matched to the source text. Read them in context in the original minutes.
Council gave in-principle support to pursue further negotiations and required a report on lease terms, rent and indicative sale value, while recording a preference not to sell.
That in relation to Tuckombil Quarry (Lots 21 and 22 of DP 1243105 and Lot 3 of DP 1130300), Council provides in principle support, to pursue further negotiations, as per Option 1, as outlined in this report, however a further report is required outlining the likely lease terms including rental for the site, as well as an indicative sale value, with Councils preference being not to sell.
CF221026/40
Open original minutes ↗The General Manager was authorised to engage an independent valuer, and Council resolved not to pursue Option 2 because it was inconsistent with the Tuckombil Quarry Master Plan.
The General Manager is authorised to engage an independent valuer to allow this information to be reported back to Council. 2. That Council does not pursue Option 2, as outlined in this report, as it is inconsistent with the Tuckombil Quarry Master Plan.
CF221026/40
Open original minutes ↗Council will remain open to further proposals until a final decision is made on the quarry's long-term future.
3. That Council continues to be open to further proposals for this site, as per Option 3, as outlined in this report, until a final decision is made on the long term future of the Tuckombil Quarry.
CF221026/40
Open original minutes ↗The confidential-session recommendations were adopted unanimously, with Cr Simon Chate absent and not voting.
FOR VOTE - All Councillors voted unanimously. ABSENT. DID NOT VOTE - Cr Simon Chate MEETING CLOSURE 3.43pm. The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 22/10/26 were submitted for confirmation by council on 26 November 2026 and amendments (if any) are contained in the confirming resolution.
221026/41
Open original minutes ↗Source record
Reporting from the confirmed public minutes of Ballina Shire Council’s ordinary meeting held on 22 October 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- Council gave in-principle support to pursue further negotiations over Tuckombil Quarry, covering Lots 21 and 22 of DP 1243105 and Lot 3 of DP 1130300.
- A further report is required on likely lease terms, rent and an indicative sale value.
- Council authorised the General Manager to engage an independent valuer.
- Council rejected Option 2 because it was inconsistent with the Tuckombil Quarry Master Plan.
- Council will remain open to further proposals until a final decision on the quarry’s long-term future.
Why it matters
- Council has not made a final decision on Tuckombil Quarry’s long-term future. Lease terms, rental information and an indicative sale value are still to be reported before the commercial options can be assessed.