funding · Ballina Shire Council
Ballina businesses invited to shape five-year economic strategy
Businesses, tourism operators, developers and residents will be able to comment on Ballina’s draft 2026 - 2031 strategy, while the mayor pursues representations about council land north of Airport Boulevard.
Businesses, tourism operators, developers and residents will be able to comment on Ballina Shire’s draft Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy 2026 - 2031 after councillors unanimously approved its public exhibition on 27 August 2026.
The exhibition dates have not been stated. The strategy sets out the council’s proposed direction for economic development and the visitor economy over five years, with submissions to be considered after the public comment period.
The same resolution supported Mayor Sharon Cadwallader making further representations and writing to the NSW Premier and Minister for Planning about a planning proposal for council land north of Airport Boulevard.
The resolution does not approve development on the land or establish a final land-use outcome. It keeps the planning proposal subject to further representations and scrutiny.
The land is near Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, where the council separately awarded Smiths Detection (Australia) Pty Limited a $670,580 contract, excluding GST, for a checked baggage screening X-ray system. Spending above budget will come from the Airport Reserve.
Other airport-related matters included a decision to decline all tenders for the Airport Car Park Expansion consultancy and authorise the General Manager to negotiate with interested parties. Council also accepted White Star Aviation Pty Ltd’s expression of interest for the airport hangar site.
The strategy exhibition is separate from proposed planning controls for the Ballina Heights Southern Precinct and contracted works at the Wardell foreshore, Ballina Wastewater Treatment Plant, Tamarind Drive and Marom Creek Road.
Council will arrange the public exhibition and continue representations to the NSW Government about the airport-area land. The exhibition dates and any later changes to the strategy have not been specified.
Reference minutes
This report is based on Ballina Shire Council’s Ordinary Meeting of 27 August 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- Council approved public exhibition of the draft Ballina Shire Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy 2026 - 2031.
- The resolution was passed unanimously on 27 August 2026.
- Mayor Sharon Cadwallader is supported in writing to the NSW Premier and Minister for Planning about council land north of Airport Boulevard.
- The council has not stated the exhibition dates for the draft strategy.
- The decision does not approve development on the council land north of Airport Boulevard.
- Smiths Detection (Australia) Pty Limited received a $670,580 excluding GST contract for checked baggage screening X-ray equipment at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.
Why it matters
- The exhibition gives local businesses, tourism operators, developers and residents a chance to comment on Ballina’s economic and visitor-economy priorities before the strategy is finalised.