Work is officially under way on Ballina’s long-anticipated new State Emergency Service (SES) headquarters, with a ceremonial sod-turning marking the start of construction..

The event was attended by NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib, local MP Tamara Smith, Mayor Sharon Cadwallader, senior SES officials and a contingent of local volunteers – many of whom have waited decades for a facility that matches the growing demands placed on their unit.

The new facility will include modern storage and staging areas for equipment, training rooms, operations centres and change rooms to better support the 80-plus SES volunteers based in Ballina. 

While there was strong support for the project’s long-overdue commencement, Ballina Shire Council has expressed concern over how the $7 million project is being funded.

Of that total, just over $2 million is being contributed by the State Government, with local ratepayers left to cover the remaining $5 million — more than 70% of the cost — despite the SES being a state-run service.

By comparison, the State Government is contributing $3.5 million towards a new SES facility for Tweed Shire in Murwillumbah — as well as delivering an $800,000 high-clearance flood response vehicle. Ballina, meanwhile, received a new light rescue vehicle worth around $270,000.

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the council had gone “above and beyond” to deliver the SES facility.

“Our volunteers absolutely deserve this new headquarters — it’s been 30 years in the making,” Cr Cadwallader said. “Council has worked tirelessly to make it happen, but we do have to raise the issue that this is a State service, and yet Ballina ratepayers are footing most of the bill.”

Ballina Council has recently introduced a special rate variation to address mounting financial pressures — pressures many local government representatives say are being exacerbated by cost-shifting from state to local councils.

When asked directly by Ballina News Daily whether it was fair for Ballina ratepayers to be covering over 70 per cent of the cost for a state emergency service facility, Minister Dib offered a lengthy response that acknowledged the “partnership” with council, but stopped short of committing to additional funding.

“There’s a long history to this project, and I want to thank everyone who’s been involved,” the Minister said.

 “This facility will be a game-changer for Ballina and the Northern Rivers. And look, I understand the funding concerns — but what’s important is that we’re getting it done. 

“These kinds of projects are always a collaboration between state and local government, and we’ve worked closely with Ballina Council to make it happen. There’s also significant state investment going into vehicles and equipment across the region.”

Pressed again on the disparity in funding compared to other councils, the Minister said:
“Well, each project is different. It’s not always a straight line when you compare projects. Sometimes it’s about operational requirements, sometimes it’s about timing or available land. 

“What matters is that the Ballina community is getting a state-of-the-art facility that will make a real difference. And I think that’s something to be celebrated.”

Construction of the new facility is expected to be completed next year.