Ballina Shire roads damaged in the 2022 floods will undergo $17.4 million in reconstruction and resilience works designed to better withstand future severe weather.
The jointly funded Australian and NSW government Essential Public Asset Reconstruction Program will permanently rebuild 11 critical sites across the shire, including key arterial roads, rural routes and bridge approaches.
Work has begun on Forest Road at Uralba, where contractors are lifting and reshaping the road surface and upgrading drainage to restore its structural integrity and improve flood resilience.
Construction across the broader program is expected to continue until late 2028.
Projects include major reconstruction along The Coast Road between Lennox Head and Ballina, where damaged embankments will be rebuilt, culverts replaced and drainage improved. The work will also help protect the shared pedestrian and cycling path.
At Tamarind Drive, the riverbank beside the road will be rebuilt and strengthened to protect a key gateway into Ballina.
Works are also planned for Marom Creek Road at Devil’s Elbow, Teven Road, Uralba Cutting Road, Eltham Bridge, Duck Creek Mountain Road, Sneaths Road, Towalbyn Place and Hinterland Way.
The projects will include slope and embankment stabilisation, drainage improvements, road reconstruction and riverbank protection.
Extensive geotechnical investigations and engineering designs were required because much of the damage caused by the 2022 floods occurred below the road surface.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the start of construction marked an important milestone.
“The start of these reconstruction works are an important milestone for the communities who were affected by the 2022 floods.” said McBain.
“These works will deliver lasting benefits for residents, businesses and visitors, supporting safer travel and more reliable access across the local road network.
“Recovery takes time, and the Australian Government is committed to helping strengthen the Ballina Shire region to ensure it’s more resilient to future severe weather events.”
NSW Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin said reliable roads were vital for Northern Rivers communities.
“Local roads across the Northern Rivers are our essential lifelines, keeping families connected, getting kids to school and ensuring businesses, farmers, and emergency services can keep moving in extreme weather.” said Saffin.
“This $17.4 million investment is about building back better for the long term. It’s about working together, to deliver the upgrades needed to ensure our local roads stand strong.
“By combining State and Federal support, we are giving Ballina Shire Council the backing it needs to strengthen these vital connections, giving our families and local businesses greater confidence and peace of mind every single day.”
Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said the upgrades would deliver more resilient roads across the region.
“As your local MP, I’m proud to have delivered $17.4 million in joint funding from the Federal and NSW Labor Governments for road upgrades across the Ballina Shire,” said Elliot.
“Following the 2022 floods the Albanese Labor Government committed to helping the North Coast build back better.
“These road upgrades are yet another example of us delivering on our commitment to more resilient roads on the North Coast.”
NSW Member for Ballina Tamara Smith said communities had been pushing for damaged infrastructure to be rebuilt to a higher standard.
“Our community knows only too well the devastating impact of natural disasters and has pushed so hard for infrastructure to be built back better. It is great to see this significant investment to make our local road network stronger and more resilient.” said Smith.
“These roads are essential connections for communities across the Ballina electorate, particularly in our rural areas, and rebuilding them to better withstand future climate challenges is incredibly important
“I’m particularly pleased to see this funding going beyond simply repairing the damage, with investment in infrastructure that is better able to withstand future severe weather.
“It has been a long and hard-fought road to recovery since the 2022 floods, and I want to acknowledge the patience of residents who have been living with damaged roads, disruptions and lengthy reconstruction processes.
Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said reaching the construction phase followed years of 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.” said Cadwallader.
“This program represents an important step forward in our flood recovery, and I’d like to thank the Australian and NSW Governments for their support, as well as our community for their patience as we continue rebuilding for the future.”
Ballina Shire Council Director Civil Services Troy Anderson said resilience improvements would be incorporated wherever possible.
“Reaching the construction stage is a significant milestone and the culmination of years of work by Council staff to investigate the damage, undertake engineering assessments and develop the permanent reconstruction solutions we’re now ready to deliver.” said Anderson.
“Where possible, we’re incorporating resilience improvements, so roads are better able to withstand future extreme weather events. The result will be a stronger transport network that helps keep our communities connected when it matters most.”
Don’t miss any of the important stories from around the region. Subscribe to our email list.