West Ballina could become the key to turning around the region’s housing crisis, with local leaders touting it as a future hub for vibrant waterfront living precinct – and possibly the “Riviera of Ballina.”
Mayor Sharon Cadwallader and Deputy Mayor Damian Loone are championing the urban renewal of the Boat Harbour precinct as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver new housing, including much-needed social and affordable homes, in one of Ballina’s most under-appreciated locations.
“It’s already a social housing precinct, so why not build on that?” Mayor Cadwallader said.
“We’ve got older homes that have reached their use-by date. Consolidating and creating modern apartment-style living here just makes sense.”
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Despite the mayors efforts to engage with the NSW Government, including lobbying Housing Minister Rose Jackson and Homes NSW, the progress has been slow.
“I’ve been calling for an audit, pushing for conversations through the Reconstruction Authority, but we’re just not getting the traction we need,” she said.
Cr Cadwallader says the key to the transformation is the redevelopment of the NSW Roads depot site.
When council first approached the NSW Government to release the site nearly a decade ago, the mayor says it was opposed because NSW Roads claimed it was needed until the M1 bypass was finished.
“It has been completed for years now and the land could be put to far better use. I’ve already been approached by potential developers, one recently who’s expressed interest in creating up to 350 new homes on the site,” she said
“There’s a real appetite from the private sector. One interested investor has even offered to buy land elsewhere for the RMS to relocate -that’s how keen and ready they are to go.”
The vision isn’t just talk. A Marina Master plan, completed by council back in 2017, has already laid the groundwork for transformation. The Mayor has taken the plan to Parliament and shared it widely with key decision-makers.
Deputy Mayor Damian Loone is equally optimistic. He believes West Ballina is on the brink of a major shift, pointing to the nearby Solhaven business and apartment complex on the site of the former Cedars Caravan Park. Units are now on sale starting just under $1 million each.
Cr Loone says its evidence of rising interest and confidence in the precinct.
“This could become the Riviera of Ballina. It’s all here — the river, the views, the opportunity. It just needs the right push from government to get it moving.”
Mayor Cadwallader agrees, stressing the importance of a mixed approach to housing that includes both social and market-rate developments.
“Let’s create a thriving, inclusive community,” she said. “We’ve got the plan, we’ve got the interest – now we need action.”
Everything for the rejuvenation of the area should be reviewed. So many things can come out of community conversation and engagement.