governance · Ballina Shire Council
Ballina Council updates leasing rules and awards $400,884 roof job
Ballina Shire Council adopted new community property leasing categories and awarded a $400,884.25 roof replacement contract to Barden Constructions Aust Pty Ltd.
Ballina Shire Council has adopted a revised community property leasing policy and awarded a $400,884.25 roof replacement contract at its ordinary meeting on 26 February, with the work to go to Barden Constructions Aust Pty Ltd.
The leasing policy changes create new rent categories for small not-for-profit groups and commercial community organisations. Council also placed the amended policy on exhibition, alongside a separate amended Climate Change Policy, after voting to adopt both items unanimously.
Under the lease resolution, Council also agreed to grant new and renewed tenures across several properties, including 135 River Street, Ballina, and community land at Wigmore Hall, Chickiba Park and Swift Street. The lease for Ballina Allstars Athletics Incorporated at part of Chickiba Park sports field and the existing amenities building at 86 Chickiba Drive, East Ballina, was extended from one year to two years at the Crown Lands statutory minimum rent, currently $622 a year plus GST.
The meeting also backed a string of planning decisions. Council approved demolition of an existing restaurant and construction of a two-storey dwelling house at 23 Compton Drive, East Ballina, subject to planning, engineering, building and environmental conditions. It also endorsed public exhibition of the Draft Spoonbill Reserve Master Plan for at least 28 days after defeating an amendment that sought to delay it for a report on residential development potential.
At 54 Beacon Road, Teven, councillors amended and finalised Planning Proposal BSCPP 25/010 so part of Beacon Road adjoining the property is to be zoned RU1 Primary Production under the Ballina Local Environmental Plan 2012. Affected landowners are to be notified and given 28 days to ask the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for an independent review of the proposed zoning of their land.
Council also asked the Australian Government to establish a National Coastal Hazards Adaptation Strategy with a funding program for local government, and agreed to investigate cost-effective paving options for dancing in front of the leased area of The Wharf Bar and Restaurant, then liaise with the dance operator about permits.
The roof contract and the leasing changes are the most immediate items for residents and community groups. The planning decisions affect East Ballina, Teven and Spoonbill Reserve, while the coastal hazards push signals where council wants extra state and federal backing for sea level rise, storm and erosion risks.
Reference minutes
Ballina Shire Council ordinary meeting, 26 February 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- Council adopted the amended Community Property Leasing and Licensing Policy.
- New rent categories were introduced for small not-for-profit groups and commercial community organisations.
- Barden Constructions Aust Pty Ltd was awarded the roof replacements tender for Ballina and Alstonville for $400,884.25 excluding GST.
- Council approved demolition of an existing restaurant and a two-storey dwelling at 23 Compton Drive, East Ballina.
- The Draft Spoonbill Reserve Master Plan will go on public exhibition for at least 28 days.
- Planning Proposal BSCPP 25/010 was amended and endorsed for finalisation for 54 Beacon Road, Teven.
- Council called on the Australian Government to establish a National Coastal Hazards Adaptation Strategy with funding for local government.
Why it matters
- The decisions change rents and lease terms for community groups, lock in a new roof job for Ballina and Alstonville, and advance several planning matters across the shire.