NSW · Northern Rivers · Local council, made simple
Ballina Shire Council
A coastal Northern Rivers shire on the Richmond River — around 48,000 people across Ballina, Lennox Head, Alstonville, Wollongbar and Wardell, about 30 km south of Byron Bay and home to the council-owned Ballina Byron Gateway Airport. The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, roads, water, libraries, parks, development — and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, then the stuff that affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Open for your feedback
See all →Things Ballina Shire Council wants your say on right now. Your view counts for more before the deadline.
- Open — see source for the closing date
Overland Flood Study
Have your say → - Open — see source for the closing date
Transport Depot, Ballina
Have your say → - Open — see source for the closing date
Proposed Lease of Community Land - Alstonville and District Football Club Incorporated
Have your say →
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how it compares across NSW, and why bills differ.
2025–26 rate peg: 3.8%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 8 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetyBallina's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
2 of 12 major offences below the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you, by ward — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Sharon Cadwallader (Independent)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, and how voting works.
Next election: Sat 9 Sep 2028
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council and report a problem.
Customer service: 1300 864 444
Open →Shire profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~47,900 (2023–24)
Open →What's happening
58 updatesAuto-collected from Ballina Shire Council's public channels and drafted in plain language (pending review).
- Development
Planning Proposal - CURA B - E1 Zone Relocation
Planning Proposal 2024-2438 E1 Local Centre Zone Relocation & Height of Building Increase - 47 Dufficys Lane and Ross Lane, Kinvara - Cumbalum Urban Release Area Precinct B (CURA B) In accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 , notice is given that the following Planning Proposal is on public exhibition for community feedback.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Have your say
Flat Rock Tent Park Fees and Charges 2027/28
Council resolved at its meeting of 22 October 2026 to exhibit the proposed 2027/28 fees for Flat Rock Tent Park for the period of 1 February 2027 to 31 January 2028. New fees are exhibited for public comment prior to introduction, as required by Section 610F(3) of the Local Government Act .
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Policy
Applications now open for new healthy waterways grants program
Published on 04 November 2026 Rural landholders across Ballina Shire are invited to apply for Round One of the Partners for Healthy Waterways Small Grants Program.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Annual Financial Statements - 30 June 2026
The Annual Financial Statements to 30 June 2026 together with the draft Auditor's Report were presented for consideration to the 22 October 2026 Ordinary Council meeting.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Have your say
Overland flood studies open for community feedback
Published on 02 November 2026 Ballina Shire Council now has three new overland flood studies on public exhibition for community feedback. The studies cover Alstonville, Wardell and Lennox Head.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Development
Seniors Living, Skennars Head - Modification to Development Consent
DA No: 2016/524. 7 - PAN-683465 PROPERTY: 67 Skennars Head Road, Skennars Head NSW 2478.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Policy
Commercial Activities on Public Land Policy and Specifications
At its October 2026 Ordinary meeting, Council resolved to adopt the amended Commercial Activities on Public Land Policy and Specifications .
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Policy
Pensioner Concessions - Rates and Charges Policy
At its October 2026 Ordinary meeting, Council resolved to adopt the updated Pensioner concessions - Rates and Charges Policy .
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Waste
Donations - Waste Disposal Fees for Not-for-Profit Groups (operating second hand shops) Policy
At its October 2026 Ordinary meeting, Council resolved to adopt the updated Donations - Waste Disposal Fees for Not-for-Profit Groups (operating second hand shops) Policy .
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Policy
Grazing of Stock on Road Reserves Policy
At its October 2026 Ordinary meeting, Council resolved to adopt the updated Grazing of Stock on Road Reserves Policy . The objectives of this policy are to regulate the grazing of stock on road reserves.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Policy
Local Directional Signage within Road Reserves Policy
At its October 2026 Ordinary meeting, Council resolved to adopt the updated Local Directional Signage within Road Reserves Policy. The objectives of this policy are to: Guide equitable decision making for local directional signs located on roads where Ballina Shire Council is the roads authority.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Policy
Street lighting works – Main Street, Alstonville
Published on 27 October 2026 Ballina Shire Council will be replacing street lighting lamps along the northern side of Main Street and Ballina Road from 9. 30am to 2.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Waste
Kerbside Bin Entitlement and Service Policy
At its October 2026 Ordinary meeting, Council resolved to adopt the updated Kerbside Bin Entitlement and Service Policy . The objectives of this policy is to clarify the entitlement of mobile garbage bins (MGBs) and waste, recycling and organic bin collection services for residents and businesses.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Policy
Donations - Community Resource Recovery Initiatives Policy
At its October 2026 Ordinary meeting, Council resolved to adopt the amended Donations - Community Resource Recovery Initiatives Policy . This policy provides guidance on the facilitation and management of resource recovery grants to individuals, organisations and community groups seeking financial support to conduct resource recovery initiatives within the Ballina Shire.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Policy
Containment Backflow Prevention Policy
At its October 2026 Ordinary meeting, Council resolved to adopt the updated Containment Backflow Prevention Policy . The objective of this policy is to outline Council's commitment to appropriate levels of backflow prevention, cross-connection prevention and protection of Council's reticulated water supplies.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Have your say
Addendum to the Ballina Flood Study Update 2023 - Flood Function Mapping
At the September 2026 ordinary meeting, Ballina Shire Council resolved to place the Draft Addendum to the Ballina Flood Study Update 2023 on public exhibition.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Event
Workshops for Staying Safe on the Road Over 65
Published on 21 October 2026 Ballina Shire Council will be running free workshops on Tuesday 10 November 2026 for older drivers planning to retire from driving.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Taking off since 1986 | Ballina Byron Gateway Airport turns 40
Published on 20 October 2026 On Monday 26 October 2026, Ballina Byron Gateway Airport turns 40. Since that first flight, it has welcomed more than 10 million passengers - and counting.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Ross Lane temporary closure
Published on 13 October 2026 Motorists are advised that Ross Lane will be closed to all traffic from 6am Monday 19 October until Friday 18 December 2026 as part of the Ross Lane Flood Resilience Project.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Proposal to Lease Part Road Reserve Lennox Head
Ballina Shire Council is proposing to enter into a Lease for occupation of land classified under the Roads Act 1993 ("the Act") as road reserve.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Policy
Nominations extended! Shine the spotlight on our incredible volunteers
Published on 09 October 2026 You know who they are.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
$4.3 million upgrade for Resource Recovery Centre weighbridge
Published on 07 October 2026 Ballina Shire Council is investing $4. 3 million in major upgrades to the Ballina Resource Recovery Centre (RRC), making it quicker, safer and easier for the community to use the facility.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Northern Rivers Community Gallery | November Exhibitions 2026
Published on 07 October 2026 This November Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) presents four exhibitions from local and interstate artists that explore our urban and natural environments alongside the human and environmental forces that shape and affect them.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Ross Lane temporarily changes to single-lane traffic from 12 October
Published on 06 October 2026 Motorists are advised that Ross Lane will be reduced to a single lane of traffic from Monday 12 October 2026 as part of the Ross Lane Flood Resilience Project.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Have your say on Council’s Companion Animal Management Plan
Published on 02 October 2026 Ballina Shire Council is inviting the community to have their say on the Draft Companion Animals Management Plan, which will help guide how dogs and cats are managed across the shire.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Temporary road closure for special event, Camp Drewe Road, Lennox Head
Published on 01 October 2026 Ballina Shire Council advise vehicle access to Camp Drewe Road in Lennox Head will be temporarily closed for The Ox Charity Fundraiser 24-hour running event from 8am Saturday 10 October 2026 to 10am Sunday 11 October 2026.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Companion Animal Management Plan 2026-2030
Dogs and cats are an important part of many households across Ballina Shire. Council also has a responsibility to manage companion animals in a way that supports responsible pet ownership, community safety, shared public spaces and the protection of our local environment and wildlife.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Policy
Local and Sustainable Procurement Policy
At its September 2026 Ordinary meeting, Council resolved to adopt the updated Local Procurement Policy, now the Local and Sustainable Procurement Policy . The objective of this policy is to maximise local economic benefit through procurement while ensuring value for money, ethical conduct, environmental sustainability and positive social outcomes thorough Council's procurement practices.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Development
Property Investment and Development Policy
At its September 2026 Ordinary meeting, Council resolved to adopt the updated Local Procurement Policy, now the Property Investment and Development Policy .
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Event
Festival and Event funding now open for 2027-28
Published on 28 September 2026 Ballina Shire Council is pleased to announce that the Festival and Event Support Program for the 2027/28 financial year is now open.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Blue-green algae Red Alert for Lake Ainsworth
Published on 24 September 2026 Council has issued a Red Alert warning for high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae for Lake Ainsworth located in Lennox Head Tagged as: , Media Releases
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Marom Creek Road closure – 29 September to 13 November
Published on 23 September 2026 Marom Creek Road, Rous Mill will be closed to through traffic from Tuesday 29 September to Friday 13 November 2026, weather permitting, while Ballina Shire Council undertakes permanent road reconstruction works.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Construction set to begin on Ross Lane resilience upgrade
Published on 22 September 2026 The Ross Lane Flood Resilience Project is moving into its construction phase, with Hazell Bros (QLD) Pty Ltd appointed to deliver the major road and bridge upgrade at Deadmans Creek, Lennox Head.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Ross Lane closure for bridge works: 19 October – 18 December 2026
Published on 18 September 2026 Ballina Shire Council advises the community that Ross Lane will be closed from 19 October until 18 December 2026 to allow construction of a new bridge over Deadmans Creek as part of the Ross Lane Flood Resilience Project.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Development
Notice of Amended DA - Subdivision - CURA B (Cumbalum Urban Release Area B)
DA No: 2025/418 - PAN-581890 - PPSNTH-468 PROPERTY: 47 Dufficys Lane, KINVARA - Lot: 60 DP: 1136918 85 and 87 Dufficys Lane, KINVARA - Lots: 18 and 19 DP: 873873 Sandy Flat Road CUMBALUM - Lot: 1 DP: 1281875 Ross Lane KI
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Policy
Draft strategy focuses on practical response to homelessness
Published on 15 September 2026 Ballina Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Homelessness Support Strategy, which sets out key focus areas and practical steps to guide Council’s response to homelessness and rough sleeping in the shire.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Service Station Alterations and Signage, Alstonville
DA No: 2026/379 - PAN-670950 PROPERTY: Lot: 1 DP: 842281, 3 Bugden Avenue, Alstonville NSW 2477 PROPOSAL: Alterations and additions to an existing service station, including demolition works, business identification signage and stormwater drainage works.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Policy
Major flood recovery reconstruction program to strengthen road network
Published on 11 September 2026 Ballina Shire Council is embarking on one of its largest road reconstruction programs in recent years, with permanent flood recovery works set to rebuild 11 roads and landslips across the shire.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Burns Point Ferry returning to service from Thursday 10 September
Published on 09 September 2026 Ballina Shire Council is pleased to advise that the Burns Point Ferry will return to service from 5. 30am Thursday 10 September, following its scheduled annual maintenance period.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Strategy guiding economic development and tourism on public exhibition
Published on 09 September 2026 Ballina Shire Council is developing our shire’s blueprint for a diverse and vibrant economy with the Draft Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy 2026 – 2031.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Better bridges, safer Ballina: major milestone for $85m duplication
Published on 02 September 2026 Construction of the Ballina Bridges Duplication project has reached a major milestone, with test piling now underway for the new Fishery Creek and Canal bridges.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
New CCTV network to strengthen community safety
Published on 04 September 2026 A new CCTV Community Safety Network is set to be rolled out across key locations in Ballina and Lennox Head, supporting safer public spaces and helping to deter crime and anti-social behaviour.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Ballina Shire Council 2027 Australia Day Award nominations open
Published on 31 August 2026 Ballina Shire residents can put the spotlight on our incredible community volunteers, with nominations now open for the 2027 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Temporary lane closure for tree works – Pine Avenue, East Ballina
Published on 02 September 2026 Ballina Shire Council has identified a Fig Tree to be removed from Pine Avenue, East Ballina due to disease. Removal works will be undertaken on Tuesday 8 September from 9.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Waste
Ballina Salvage Shed’s Recycled Art Competition open for entries
Published on 07 September 2026 The Salvage Shed is once again running its Recycled Art Competition, offering a fun and inclusive way for community members to redesign and repurpose materials that may otherwise be sent to landfill or left hidden in a shed.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Development
DA Modification - Tourist Accommodation, Lennox Head
DA No: 2017/408. 5 PAN-594034 PROPERTY: 64 Ross Lane, Kinvara NSW 2478 Lot: 4 DP: 247535 PROPOSAL: Modification of Development Consent 4.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Policy
Night works and temporary road closure – North Creek Road, Ballina
Published on 08 September 2026 Ballina Shire Council will be resurfacing a section of North Creek Road, between Tamarind Drive and Southern Cross Drive, from 5pm Sunday 13 September to 5am Monday 14 September 2026, weather permitting.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Overland Flood Study
Ballina Shire Council has engaged engineering consultants Engeny to undertake the Ballina Island and West Ballina Local Stormwater Drainage Management Study and Stormwater Masterplan (the SWMP), along with Alstonville Overland Flood Study and Wardell Overland Flood Study. WMS Engineering has been engaged to undertake the Lennox Head Overland Flood Study.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Policy
Ballina Shire Homelessness Support Strategy
The Draft Ballina Shire Homelessness Support Strategy aims to provide a framework to guide consistent and informed decision making across Ballina Shire Council. It supports a coordinated response that balances community expectations with the needs, rights, and dignity of people experiencing homelessness.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Policy
Ballina Heights South Precinct Structure Plan - DCP Chapter 3 Amendment
Ballina Shire Council resolved at its August 2026 Ordinary meeting to put on public exhibition a draft Structure Plan and associated amendments to Chapter 3 of the Ballina Development Control Plan (DCP) relating to future residential development of the southern precinct of the Ballina Heights estate.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Have your say
Transport Depot, Ballina
DA No: 2026/364 - PAN-669154 PROPERTY: 5 Racecourse Road, Ballina NSW 2478 - Lot 52 DP: 714110 PROPOSAL: Construction of a building for use as a transport depot and associated car parking and infrastructure APPLICANT: Ar
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Development
Ballina Shire Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy
The Draft Ballina Shire Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy 2026 – 2031 is Council's blueprint for a diverse and vibrant economy. This practical framework provides a clear direction for how Council will work with industry, government and the community to support sustainable growth, create local jobs and strengthen our reputation as a destination to live, work, invest and visit.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Have your say
Proposed Lease of Community Land - Alstonville and District Football Club Incorporated
Ballina Shire Council is proposing to enter into a lease agreement for occupation of part of the land known as ‘Crawford Park' at 21 Alston Avenue, Alstonville which is on land classified as community land under the Local Government Act 1993 (‘the Act').
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Waste
Onsite Wastewater Management Strategy
At its August 2026 Ordinary meeting, Council resolved to adopt the updated Onsite Wastewater Management Strategy along with the Onsite Wastewater Management Guidelines . This strategy outlines Council's approach to the design, construction, installation, operation and maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Management within the Ballina Shire Council Local Government Area.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Policy
IPART approves Ballina's four-year special rate variation
In June 2026 IPART approved a permanent special rate variation for Ballina Shire Council, allowing general rates to rise by about 6% a year for four years (2026–27 to 2029–30, roughly 26.25% cumulative). The council said it is to address an asset-renewal shortfall.
What this means for you: General rates will rise faster than the standard rate peg for four years. The council estimated the average residential ratepayer would pay about $346 more per year by 2029–30 — roughly $166 more than under the rate peg alone; your own bill depends on your land value.
- Have your say
Amendment to LEP minimum lot size - 86 Foresters Way and 38 Old Tintenbar Road Tintenbar
Summary This Planning Proposal (PP) relates to an amendment to the Ballina Local Environmental Plan 2012 to vary the Minimum Lot Size (MLS) provision that applies to two properties in Tintenbar. The Proposal concerns two adjoining parcels of land: 86 Foresters Way also known as Lot 2 DP 1037930, (109.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Ballina
- Have your say
Council consulted on proposed rate rises before applying to IPART
In late 2025 the council invited feedback on a proposed special rate variation (about 6% a year for four years) before deciding whether to apply to IPART; community consultation closed on 14 November 2025.
What this means for you: This was the public's chance to comment on the proposed rate rises before they were lodged with IPART (which approved them in June 2026). The council's engagement page sets out the proposal and the feedback process.
- Waste
Rural landfill bins move from weekly to fortnightly
From 13 October 2025 the council changed rural domestic landfill (general-waste) bin collection from weekly to fortnightly, aligning rural with the urban service.
What this means for you: If you're on a rural collection round, your red landfill bin is now emptied every two weeks. Check your collection day and calendar on the council's waste pages.
Source: Ballina Shire Council — Rural Landfill Bin Collection Changes
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We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Ballina Shire Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.