Ballina Shire threw open its doors to the state’s regional power players last week, hosting the Country Mayors Association of NSW Regional Meeting and putting the shire’s rapid growth on full display.
The gathering brought mayors, general managers and senior council staff together with State ministers and agency chiefs to thrash out the challenges facing regional communities, from transport bottlenecks to disaster recovery.
Hosted by Ballina Shire Council, the program featured keynote addresses from NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison, NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin, Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Reconstruction Authority Kate Fitzgerald, and NSW Shadow Minister for Regional NSW and Leader of the NSW Nationals Gurmesh Singh. Discussions centred on transport, disaster recovery and infrastructure investment across the regions.
Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said hosting the meeting gave the shire a chance to strengthen ties with fellow regional councils and make sure Ballina’s voice was heard in Macquarie Street.
“It was a privilege to welcome delegates from across regional New South Wales to Ballina and facilitate important discussions on the issues affecting regional communities,” Mayor Cadwallader said.
“Hosting the meeting also gave us the opportunity to showcase the significant investment taking place across our shire and the projects helping shape Ballina’s future.”
Delegates were taken on a guided tour led by Ballina Shire Council General Manager Paul Hickey and Director of Civil Services Troy Anderson, taking in major projects and landmarks including the Ballina Bridges Duplication project, Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, Southern Cross Industrial Estate, the upgraded Sharpes Beach carpark, Pat Morton Lookout and the Big Prawn.
The program also featured a demonstration of Essential Energy’s new emergency response vehicle, fitted with Starlink satellite connectivity and other technology designed to keep frontline crews and communities connected during natural disasters and extended power outages.
Ballina Shire Council’s Acting Coordinator Destination and Economy Lisa O’Meara said hosting conferences and business events delivered lasting benefits well beyond the meeting room.
“Business events like this generate direct economic benefits for local accommodation providers, restaurants and tourism operators, while giving decision-makers the opportunity to experience Ballina and connect directly with our community,” Ms O’Meara said.
“When delegates experience Ballina first-hand, they leave with a greater appreciation of everything our region has to offer and are more likely to return as visitors with family, friends or colleagues.”
The event wrapped up with strong positive feedback from delegates, cementing Ballina’s reputation as a welcoming destination and capable host for conferences and business events.
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