Ballina Shire residents and business owners are being urged to help shape the region’s economic future, with a series of consultation workshops kicking off next week.

Ballina Shire Council is developing a new Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy, with sessions planned across Ballina, Lennox Head and Alstonville to gather local input.

The strategy is designed to identify opportunities, challenges and priorities for growing the local economy, while supporting businesses and attracting new investment.

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said it was the first time in decades the community had been asked to contribute to a comprehensive economic roadmap.

She pointed to a similar consultation process more than 20 years ago that helped reshape Ballina’s waterfront.

“That’s how we instigated turning what was basically a dust bowl into what you see today,” Cr Cadwallader said.

“We created a real community space, brought events into the area and made it somewhere people wanted to gather.”

She said the current consultation offered a similar opportunity to think big about the region’s future.

“This is about identifying what our priorities are and what kind of economy we want to build,” she said.

“We want to hear from everyone — businesses, tourism operators and the wider community.”

Cr Cadwallader said attracting new money into the region would be key, particularly through tourism and investment.

“We can’t just keep recycling the money that’s already here,” she said.

“We need to bring new money into town, and that means thinking about what our market is and how we grow it.”

She said the strategy should also focus on removing barriers for business and actively supporting new opportunities.

“When a business comes to town, we should be rolling out the red carpet,” she said.

“It’s about finding ways to help businesses succeed, not making it harder for them.”

Sharon Cadwallader

Cr Cadwallader said identifying gaps in the local market — from accommodation to services — would be an important part of the process.

She flagged the potential for larger-scale projects to emerge from the consultation.

“Last time we got a big outcome from it, so hopefully we can see some ‘big ticket’ ideas come forward again,” she said.

Council is encouraging strong attendance at the sessions, saying community input will help shape a practical roadmap to support local business, the visitor economy and future growth across the shire.

Lismore eyes growth — and takes aim at past mistakes

Fawcett Park Ballina – was a “dustbowl” before the last consultation

While Ballina has surged ahead in recent years — overtaking Lismore as the region’s dominant retail and business hub — the inland city is now seeking to emulate the shire’s success.

Mayor Steve Krieg said the city was planning for a population of around 60,000, with a new Local Strategic Planning Statement to guide land use, infrastructure and investment.

“Lismore needs to be ready for appropriately planned growth whether it comes sooner or later,” he said.

“This is about building a smart, sustainable regional city that can provide jobs, infrastructure, cultural and lifestyle opportunities for those of us who live here now – as well as the generations to come.”

Lismore councillor Harper Dalton this week took a swipe at Ballina – pointing to the shire’s rapid growth as a cautionary example.

He told NBN News Lismore needed to grow, while avoiding the “mistakes” made by Ballina.

He cited the suburb of Cumbalum as a case in point, having had rapid residential building with essential services being available.

Cumbalum has been waiting 20 years for a local shopping centre, while residents have continued to push for improved parks and recreation space, including a walking track.

Have your say: workshops across Ballina Shire

Ballina Shire Council is inviting businesses, tourism operators and residents to take part in upcoming consultation sessions.

Workshop dates:

• Ballina — Monday, May 4, 5pm–6.30pm, Ballina RSL
  • Lennox Head — Wednesday, May 6, 5pm, Lennox Head Cultural Centre (CWA Room)
  • Alstonville — Wednesday, May 6, 7.30am, Buckley’s Chance

Participants will hear about the strategy and be able to share insights on local opportunities, challenges and priorities.