Ballina Shire Council has adopted a $130 million capital works budget for the year ahead while expressing anger over so-called “cost-shifting” by the State Government.
The June Council meeting saw growing frustration over the state’s failure to adequately fund the replacement of the region’s outdated SES base – despite the facility being identified as a state priority following Cyclone Alfred.
Tenders for the new SES building have now closed, with a final report due to Council in July.
The total project cost is expected to approach $7 million. Councillors say the NSW Government has so far committed just $1.7 million – barely 25 percent of the overall cost.
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Councillor Simon Kinny condemned the shortfall saying it was unacceptable given the existing building had been identified as a state priority.
“They made it a high priority. They took it to the top of their SES list after Cyclone Alfred, and yet they’re cost-shifting this project back onto local government. The State Government should be funding it — and they’ve failed us,” Dr Kinny said.
Deputy Mayor Damien Loone echoed the criticism, pointing to recent examples of local volunteer organisations stepping in to fill gaps.
“I was listening to local Rotary member Col Lee speak on the radio this morning. The State Government has bought equipment for the SES but there’s not even the shelving to store it. So now the Rotary Club is fundraising for that too. For goodness’ sake,” Cr Loone said.
“The building we have is falling apart. The measly $1.7 million from the state is not just inadequate — it’s a slap in the face to a community that was devastated in the 2022 floods. The people of Ballina Shire deserve better.”
Planning for Growth and Sustainability
Despite the funding frustrations, Council’s 2025/26 budget sets out a major capital works program, with over $113 million allocated to infrastructure and community upgrades across the shire.
Key investments include:
- Over $60 million for roads and bridges, including flood resilience work at Ross Lane and duplication of Fishery Creek and Canal bridges.
- $4 million for open spaces, including Sharpes Beach and Missingham Park upgrades.
- $1.4 million for sports facilities, including a new pump track at Kingsford Smith Reserve.
- $3.5 million for water and $11 million for wastewater upgrades, including expanded solar capacity at Ballina’s treatment plants.
- $4 million for footpath and shared path upgrades, including extensions in Lennox Head.
- $4.5 million for the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport improvements.
- $8 million for community facilities, including the Alstonville Cultural Centre upgrade.
- A $2.7 million ratepayer contribution to begin construction of the SES facility, pending the final project tender outcomes.
The budget is part of a broader Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework, which also includes a new Community Strategic Plan 2025–2035, a Long-Term Financial Plan, and the Operational Plan 2025/26.
Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the new financial year marks an important turning point.
“This is about long-term financial sustainability and continuing to deliver the services and infrastructure our community relies on,” she said.
“We’re investing in bridges, roads, parks, community spaces — and yes, emergency services. But with inflation and rising costs, it’s becoming harder to keep up.”
To address ongoing financial pressure, Council is proposing a Special Rate Variation (SRV) of 6 percent annually from 2026/27 to 2029/30. This includes the anticipated rate peg (3.25%) and an additional 2.75% increase.
A second round of public consultation on the SRV is planned for later in 2025, before a final decision is made.
Working with Other Levels of Government
Council’s strategic documents acknowledge that many of its major projects rely on partnerships with the State and Federal Governments. While recent state budget announcements have included welcome funding for Bruxner Highway upgrades and continued investment in the new Lennox Head Public School, local leaders say the SES funding shortfall sends the wrong message.
“This is about safety, about preparation, about respect for our volunteers,” Cr Loone said.
“We’re not asking for handouts, we’re asking for fairness.”
Main photo: Ballina SES Unit Commander Sue Morrison
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