Ballina Shire Council’s June meeting lived up to expectations as one of the most consequential of the year.
Each June, councillors determine the Delivery and Operational Plan – the local budget and works program that sets the course for the year ahead.
The Council is known for its fiscal prudence and “lowest rates on the coast” (despite seeking a special rate variation this year). Much of that reputation is credited to long-serving General Manager Paul Hickey, who again demonstrated his skills in finding the money from various reserves to deliver community expectations.
Several councillors, particularly newer members, came to the table with strong local priorities and were keen to see results.
Subscribe to our newsletter below and never miss the latest news.
Economic Development Role Gets the Green Light
One of the most significant decisions was the creation of a new Economic Development Officer role, a position championed by Councillor Michelle Bailey (Pictured above) since her election last year and long supported by Mayor Sharon Cadwallader.
“This role will greatly enhance support for businesses in Ballina Shire and attract new enterprise,” Cr Bailey said.
“By rebranding our tourism program as ‘Destination and Economy’ and aligning it with economic strategy, we’re ensuring a unified, strategic approach to growth.
This role also brings Ballina in line with other NSW councils by embedding economic development directly into our operational structure.”
Unanimous Support for Inclusive Playground Upgrade
Councillor Simon Chate secured support for funding a safety fence and gate at the children’s playground at Geoff Watt Oval in Alstonville. The motion followed an emotional deputation from Benjamin Damen, a local father whose son has a disability requiring enclosed play areas.
The motion passed unanimously.
Wardell to Regain a Recreation Space
Councillor Therese Crollick advocated for a modest but meaningful upgrade to PV Walsh Park in Wardell, which has been little more than a vacant paddock since the town’s main recreational ground was converted into a pod village after the 2022 floods.
Thanks to careful financial adjustments by Mr Hickey, $20,000 was found to begin reviving the space.
Seconding Cr Crollick’s motion, Mayor Cadwallader acknowledged the limitations of the funding but said with community co-contributions it should allow for a reasonable sporting ground.
“This will allow local kids to have a place to kick a ball and provide a foundation for future improvements,” the Mayor said.
Cr Crollick Pushes on Waste, But Not All Motions Succeed
Cr Crollick also led several environment-focused initiatives, including a successful motion for Council to begin phasing out single-use plastics across operations. The motion was passed in principle, pending a detailed implementation plan.
The decision followed a compelling presentation from Claudia Caliara of the Ballina Environment Society, who spoke about worsening plastic pollution on local beaches and how microplastics are even found in human breast milk.
A second motion from Cr Crollick to eliminate single-use coffee cups at Ballina and Alstonville pools was also passed with majority support.
However, her attempt to block Council’s planned shift to fortnightly rural rubbish collections failed to progress, receiving no seconder.
Several councillors expressed concern that maintaining weekly bin service would lead to more waste going to landfill, including items that could otherwise be reused or recycled.
Rare Split in Greens Block Over Rural Housing Plea
One of the most emotionally charged debates followed a heartfelt deputation from Sally Riggall, a flood-affected resident of Tintenbar, who has been living in an unapproved secondary dwelling on a rural block since the 2022 disaster. She was seeking support to remain there permanently, despite planning controls that limit such blocks to a single dwelling.
Councillor Erin Karsten (Greens) moved that Council investigate options to allow flexibility in such cases, citing the housing crisis and need for compassionate planning responses.
What followed was a rare and public split within the Greens voting bloc, as fellow Green Cr Kiri Dicker spoke against Cr Karsten’s motion – the first time this term the Greens have broken ranks on a major issue.
Mayor Cadwallader said Council had previously rejected many similar applications and she could not support the change, despite sympathising with Ms Riggall’s situation.
“Council has knocked back so many similar applications over the years — I can’t support this, as much as I’d like to,” she said.
Cr Phil Meehan added, “We can’t make decisions based on emotion.”
Cr Chate (Greens) warned that approval would open a “Pandora’s box,” to which Cr Karsten replied, “You can call me Pandora from now on.”
Youth Centre Motion Wins Support
Cr Karsten did however secure one big win with potentially lasting outcome, winning unanimous support for a motion to develop a plan for a dedicated youth centre in Ballina.
Councillors agree it’s a tangible step toward addressing long-standing concerns from young people who feel their needs have been sidelined in local decision-making.
0 Comments