Opposition Builds to Council’s 26% Rate Hike
Ballina Shire residents voice growing concern over a long-term rate rise as former councillor Jeff Johnson re-enters public debate.
Ballina Shire Council’s push for a major rate rise has triggered a renewed and unlikely wave of opposition led by former councillor Jeff Johnson and Lennox Head resident Pip Carter.
An Unlikely Alliance Forms
The two men — once opponents during the divisive Lake Ainsworth road-closure debate eight years ago — now find themselves on the same side of a new civic battle: resisting a long-term rate hike.
The issue also marks Johnson’s first re-entry into civic debate since retiring from Council last year, ending 16 years of service including time as Deputy Mayor.
“Ballina Council banks about $12 million of ratepayers’ money each year and yet it has the gall to cry poor,” Johnson said in an online post.
“It has around $130 million in low-interest term deposits and a growing commercial property portfolio — most of it on the floodplain — and still wants more.”
Carter, who works in aged care, says he sees the effects daily.
“I see how pensioners are living on about $29,000 a year,” he said. “They’re choosing between rent, medication and food. Landlords will pass on these rate increases.”
Jeff Johnson
Concerns Over Consultation
Both men argue Council’s “Have Your Say” survey forces residents into a narrow choice between supporting the rate rise or nominating service cuts.
“You can’t simply say you oppose the rate rise without ticking a box for cuts,” Johnson said.
“There’s no option to suggest efficiency savings or use part of Council’s annual cash surplus.”
Carter says many residents have little idea how big the increase is.
“Half the people I talk to haven’t even heard about it,” he said. “Ninety-five percent of those who sign the petition oppose it.”
He said some business owners privately support and have signed the petition but fear publicly displaying it will result in unwelcome retribution from compliance officers.
COUNCIL RESPONDS
Ballina Shire Council strongly disputes suggestions it has overstated financial pressures or misrepresented its position. In a detailed statement to Ballina News Daily, Council said its finances are widely misunderstood.
Council says its cash balance has fallen by $18 million since June 2023 as funds were used for major projects, particularly flood-recovery works. Of the $116 million held at 30 June 2025, more than $100 million is legally or internally restricted — including developer contributions, water and wastewater reserves, unspent grants, airport funds, quarry rehabilitation money and allocations already committed to the Ballina SES Building and Alstonville Cultural Centre refurbishment.
After restrictions, Council has $4.5 million in working capital, which it describes as a “necessary but tight buffer” for an organisation handling $160 million in annual cashflows.
Council says using one-off reserves or asset sales to fix a “structural deficit” would be irresponsible.
Concerns about flexible work arrangements were also rejected. Around 25 percent of staff work a four-day week, but Council says they complete full hours and essential services remain rostered across the week.
Instead, Council attributes pressures to five years of General Fund operating losses totalling $9.4 million, or $26.2 million when land sales are excluded, plus a widening gap between depreciation and renewal funding. It argues construction, labour, materials, insurance and compliance costs — along with a growing asset network — are driving the SRV.
On comparisons with neighbouring Shires, Council says its benchmarking is based on independent Office of Local Government data, which shows Ballina’s average residential rates are about 11 percent lower than comparable councils, and lower than Byron, Lismore and Tweed.
Outcome Appears Set – But Debate Continues
All ten councillors have so far supported progressing the SRV to public exhibition, and IPART has approved equal or larger increases for other NSW councils facing similar pressures.
Opponents concede the decision may already be leaning one way, but say speaking up remains essential.
“Maybe it won’t change the decision,” Carter said, “but silence only guarantees more of the same.”
Johnson added:
“Even if it’s a losing battle, it’s one worth having. Ratepayers deserve honesty and a Council that lives within its means.”
Ongoing Scepticism
Despite Council’s explanations, opposition remains strong among those engaged.
Carter said many residents feel unheard.
“People tell me they’ve stopped believing Council listens,” he said. “We’ve seen it before — big community numbers saying no, and Council goes ahead anyway.”
While formal feedback on the SRV closed on Friday, the former Councillor Johson points out the proposal has not yet returned to a Council meeting, so there is still time to lobby for change. Directly with councillors.
Councillors must still vote again before any application is submitted to IPART.
Email all councillors at:
councillors@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Ballina News Daily invites community views — leave a comment below.
COMING TOMORROW
Ballina News Daily will reveal exclusive details of what residents say is controversial ‘push polling’ being used by Council to sell the rate rise.
Stay with us for the full transcript, expert analysis — and you can judge for yourself.
