Riot Squad Support Call Out as Media Removed from Closed-Door Ballina Crime Meeting
Police outline plan for public-order reinforcements as locals express frustration over lack of transparency and stalled CCTV promises
A closed-door crime meeting in Ballina yesterday revealed that riot squad–trained police may be brought in to help manage escalating rural thefts, street assaults and property crime across the shire.
The development came during a tightly controlled briefing from which media were unexpectedly removed — despite being formally invited to attend as observers.
Ballina News Daily and the Ballina Crime Reports Facebook page (BCR) were among a small group invited to sit in on the meeting, which included rural landholders from the cane-growing and macadamia industries, specialist Rural Crime Squad officers and the Acting Inspector of the Richmond Police District.
Moments before it began, both outlets were asked to leave after Member for Ballina Tamara Smith indicated she would not participate if media were present.
Deputy Mayor Damian Loone, who stayed for the session, said the decision undermined community confidence.
“There was nothing in that room the public didn’t deserve to hear,” he said. “People want transparency. They want answers.”
Inside the briefing, police outlined the strain on local staffing and confirmed they have sought additional support through the NSW Police “Vikings” program — a mechanism for deploying public-order and riot squad–trained officers to regional hotspots.
“It would mean more officers on the ground and extended patrol hours,” Cr Loone said. “That’s what the community wants.”
Residents say the system isn’t coping
Outside the meeting, BCR administrator Debbie spoke of growing frustration among residents who report long delays in receiving event numbers, difficulty reaching police, and increasing reliance on the crime page to warn neighbours about suspicious behaviour.
“People feel like they’re on their own,” she said. “They call police and don’t get a response, or they give up and post on the page so others know what’s happening. It’s not vigilante stuff — people are scared.”
Several rural landholders at the meeting raised similar concerns, describing repeated intrusions onto remote properties, crop damage, diesel thefts and vehicle break-ins.
Others said the same small group of offenders appears repeatedly in both rural and suburban incidents.
The briefing also took place in the wake of several high-profile events, including the November 1 daylight assault of “Patricia”, a 61-year-old disabled woman who was dragged from her tricycle and kicked in front of busy Kerr Street traffic.
Her family has expressed deep frustration at the lack of progress in the investigation.
BCR admin Debbie said she was disappointed at having been expelled from the meeting as she had hoped to raise the case of what happened to Patricia and other local crime victims with Ms Smith and police officers attending.
She said she could understand Ms Smith’s sensitivity as there had been many comments made on the BCR page critical of what was seen my some as a lack of interest or action from the local MP on crime problems.
CCTV funding promised twice — but still undelivered
The meeting also discussed the the long-identified need for CCTV cameras in Ballina to help police better monitor criminal movements and lay charges.
The cameras were originally a key election commitment from the local State MP, but the promise never eventuated.
The Federal Government later intervened, with the Prime Minister announcing funding for the cameras during a visit to Lennox head in February, ahead of the federal election.
Mr Loone confirmed Ballina Shire Council has now formally lodged its application for the promised equipment, which residents believe would have helped in several recent incidents.
He also said Ms Smith offered to help during the meeting by assisting with letterbox drops in rural areas to promote the NSW Police Blue Link system, which allows residents to upload footage directly to investigators after contacting Triple Zero.
Awkward timing
Ballina News Daily attempted to contact Ms Smith for a comment on the meeting.
While no response has yet been received, we were issued with a news update from the Member for Ballina during the course of the meeting championing for more lenient sentencing for offenders.
The statement was critical of Minns Government plans to remove key protections for repeat offenders aged 10–14.
“We will continue to oppose efforts to criminalise vulnerable children instead of helping them,” she said.
“The Greens want safe communities,” the release said, “and we know diversion and support – not harsher punishment – break the cycle of crime.”
Police told attendees the closed briefing was only the first step in developing a coordinated response, and that a larger public meeting may be held once agencies agree on a plan.
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Who in the bloody hell does Tamara Smith think she is., after all she is our local state member not wanting media, it’s not about her it was about Ballina community she represents
Public safety is the concern of ALL of us. Tamara is OUR the Public’s representative we have a right to know. If she faces criticism over lack of action thats her problem.