Ballina Shire residents are being invited to have their say on the future of their community, with Council’s draft plans for the coming years now on public exhibition.
Ballina Shire Council is calling on community members to review and provide feedback on its Draft Delivery Program 2026–2030 and Operational Plan 2026/27, which outline the services, projects and infrastructure designed to support the region’s growing and changing community.
The draft plans, supported by a suite of Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) documents, set out how Council intends to allocate resources and deliver priorities that matter most to residents.
Community feedback is open until Monday, 1 June 2026.
Documents on exhibition include:
- Delivery Program and Operational Plan
- Long Term Financial Plan and Budget
- Long Term Financial Plan Summary
- Fees and Charges
- Workforce Management Strategy
- Strategic Asset Management Plan
Council has delivered several projects in response to community needs in 2025/26, including the Ballina Pump Track, Sharpes Beach car park upgrade, and progress on the Ballina Bridges duplication project, alongside ongoing maintenance of essential infrastructure.
Looking ahead, the draft plans propose continued investment in infrastructure and services that support everyday life across the Shire, including roads, water, wastewater, open spaces and community facilities.
Key projects include the Alstonville Cultural Centre upgrade, duplication of Fishery Creek Bridge and Canal Bridge, the Ross Lane flood resilience project, and Stage 2 of the Wardell Town Centre Master Plan.
Council has also applied to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a Special Rate Variation (SRV) from 2026/27 to help ensure long-term financial sustainability and maintain service levels for the community. A determination is expected later in May 2026.
Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said community input was central to shaping the final outcome.
“Community feedback plays a vital role in shaping Council’s final plans. By sharing your views, you’re helping guide future investment and priorities across Ballina Shire,” Cadwallader said.
Submissions are open from 1 May to 1 June 2026, with residents encouraged to review the documents and have their say online at yoursayballina.com.au.
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