Crime rising, cameras delayed: Ballina still facing long wait for CCTV
Ballina and Lennox Head may not receive long-promised CCTV cameras until at least mid-2027, despite federal funding now being confirmed.
Mayor Sharon Cadwallader says Ballina Shire Council has secured the funding, but must now undertake a formal procurement process before work can begin.
“The funding deed has installation of CCTV phased over several months, with completion expected in April or May 2027,” Cr Cadwallader said.
“However, this timeframe will depend on the market response from the preferred contractor.”
The latest delay comes as Ballina records a sharp rise in shoplifting and other theft-related offences.
New figures from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, known as BOCSAR, compare the 12 months to September 2025 with the previous 12-month period.
They show stealing from retail stores more than doubled in Ballina.
Recorded shoplifting incidents rose from 113 to 236, an increase of 108.8 percent over two years.
Statistically, Ballina has recorded the fastest growth in shoplifting in regional New South Wales.
While the number of incidents remains lower than larger regional centres such as Coffs Harbour and Lismore, the speed of the increase has raised concern among retailers.
Many say the rise reflects a noticeable change in Ballina’s character over the past two years.
The most positive result in the data is the fall in murders, dropping from four incidents to zero in the most recent reporting period.
Domestic violence related assaults declined from 186 to 171, while non-domestic violence related assaults also fell from 187 to 160.
Sexual assault incidents increased from 71 to 87, while sexual touching or sexual acts declined from 54 to 43.
Break and enter offences remained largely unchanged, with dwelling offences stable and non-dwelling incidents increasing modestly.
Motor vehicle theft and stealing from vehicles both declined slightly.
However, theft-related offences overall increased, with other stealing offences rising from 238 to 271, and malicious damage to property climbing from 246 to 275.
Despite these increases, Ballina continues to record a relatively low overall crime rate compared with many regional communities.
Retailers have suggested an influx of new residents following the 2022 floods has contributed to higher levels of so-called ‘petty’ crime.
The data also suggests Ballina has now caught up with crime patterns long seen in surrounding regional centres.
Long road from election promise to delivery
Funding for the CCTV cameras was first promised by the local state member ahead of the New South Wales election in March 2023.
That commitment was not delivered.
Ballina reported crime incidents – NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research
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Prime Minister Albanese announced funding for the CCTV cameras on a visit to Lennox Head last February in support of Richmond candidate Justine Elliot. After the election, council was still advised it would have to complete a formal application, which has now been approved.
Following further delays, Member for Richmond Justine Elliot secured a federal funding commitment last year.
Ballina Shire Council still had to submit a formal application to the Federal Government to obtain access to the funding promised.
While the money has now been approved for Ballina Shire Council, the required tender process and staged installation mean the cameras are unlikely to be operational until 2027.
The cameras are intended to assist police to track and identify offenders in the Ballina and Lennox Head central business districts.
