Some of Ballina Shire’s most flood-damaged roads are finally being permanently rebuilt, more than four years after the devastating 2022 floods.

A $17.4 million reconstruction program will tackle 11 critical sites across the shire, including Tamarind Drive, The Coast Road, Teven Road, Eltham Bridge and several hinterland routes.

But rather than simply repairing the damage, the work is designed to make roads, embankments and bridge approaches more resilient when the next major flood or extreme weather event arrives.

Work has now officially started on Forest Road at Uralba, where contractors are lifting and reshaping the road surface and improving drainage.

The jointly funded Australian and NSW Government program is expected to continue through until late 2028.

Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said reaching the construction stage followed years of investigations, planning and engineering work.

“It’s been a long road since the devastating floods, and reaching this point reflects years of planning, investigations and engineering work to ensure these permanent reconstruction projects deliver the best long-term outcomes for our community,” Cr Cadwallader said.

“This program represents an important step forward in our flood recovery.”

Big fixes for Coast Road and Tamarind Drive

Among the most significant projects will be work on Tamarind Drive, an important gateway into Ballina, where the riverbank beside the road will be rebuilt and strengthened.

The Coast Road between Ballina and Lennox Head will undergo major reconstruction, including damaged embankments, replacement culverts and improved drainage.

The work is also intended to provide greater protection for the popular shared path alongside the road.

At Devil’s Elbow on Marom Creek Road, the hillside will be stabilised and damaged sections of road rebuilt.

Slope stabilisation, drainage improvements and road reconstruction will also be undertaken on Teven Road and Uralba Cutting Road.

At Eltham Bridge, the approaches and surrounding riverbanks will be strengthened.

Other work will be undertaken on Duck Creek Mountain Road, Sneaths Road, Towalbyn Place and Hinterland Way.

Council says much of the damage caused during the 2022 disaster was deep below the road surface, requiring extensive geotechnical investigations and engineering work before permanent reconstruction could begin.

Ballina Shire Council Civil Services Director Troy Anderson said reaching construction was a significant milestone.

“Where possible, we’re incorporating resilience improvements, so roads are better able to withstand future extreme weather events,” Mr Anderson said.

“The result will be a stronger transport network that helps keep our communities connected when it matters most.”

NSW Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin said local roads were lifelines during extreme weather, particularly for rural communities.

“This $17.4 million investment is about building back better for the long term,” Ms Saffin said.

“It’s about working together, to deliver the upgrades needed to ensure our local roads stand strong.”

Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the reconstruction would deliver lasting benefits for residents, businesses and visitors.

Federal Richmond MP Justine Elliot said the funding demonstrated the commitment made after the 2022 floods to build back better across the North Coast.

Ballina MP Tamara Smith said residents had endured a long recovery and welcomed the decision to go beyond repairing the original damage.

“It has been a long and hard-fought road to recovery since the 2022 floods,” Ms Smith said.

“I want to acknowledge the patience of residents who have been living with damaged roads, disruptions and lengthy reconstruction processes.”

Individual projects will be progressively rolled out, with construction updates and traffic changes to be published by Ballina Shire Council as work proceeds.

(file photo)