Ballina has secured only two of the state’s record police graduates – a figure local leaders say falls well short of what’s needed to deal with rising crime and the sheer size of the area the town’s patrol must cover.

NSW Police this week welcomed 314 new probationary constables, the biggest class in 13 years. While four were sent to Lismore and one to Casino, just two recruits have been assigned to Ballina.

Deputy Mayor and retired police officer Damian Loone said the number was disappointing, given the mounting pressures on local policing.

“To get only two out of a record class is simply not enough,” Cr Loone said.

“Ballina officers are already stretched covering not only Ballina itself but also Lennox Head, Alstonville and surrounding villages.

“At the same time, we’re dealing with high levels of break and enters, anti-social behaviour and ongoing staff shortages.”

Staffing struggles

Cr Loone said sick leave had left gaps in the local roster that were not being filled quickly.

“There are officers on long-term sick leave who may never return, but the positions remain tied up in complex insurance processes.

“Until those are cleared, they can’t be replaced. It means the boots on the ground don’t match what the roster says on paper.”

He acknowledged recent reforms – including paid training for recruits and new rules allowing graduates to return to their home towns – were steps in the right direction.

“The minister is doing the right thing by letting officers return to areas where they’ve got family support.

“That helps them stay long-term and hopefully buy homes here,” he said.

But for now, he said, Ballina was left under-resourced compared to other regions.

“We’ll welcome the two we’ve got with open arms – but when Coffs Harbour can secure nine out of this same class, the imbalance is obvious.”

With Ballina’s population rising, locals have been increasingly vocal about crime – particularly burglaries, vehicle thefts and property damage.

Cr Loone said community expectations could not be met without a stronger allocation of new officers.

“The message from the public is clear – they want more visible policing. They want reassurance that when crime happens, there’s enough staff to respond. Right now, Ballina is being short-changed.”

The two new probationary constables will begin work with Richmond Police District immediately, joining a team already balancing the demands of policing a large and diverse patch of the Northern Rivers.