Ballina’s biggest ever infrastructure project has reached a major milestone, with piling work now under way on two new bridges designed to keep the island connected when the next big flood hits.
The duplication of Fishery Creek Bridge on River Street and Canal Bridge on Tamarind Drive will boost flood evacuation capacity and safeguard access to Ballina Island during natural disasters. The $85 million project is backed by $48 million from the Albanese Government’s Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program, administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, and $36.08 million from Ballina Shire Council.
The new bridges and surrounding road corridors will be built higher and wider than the existing network, expanding each arterial route to four lanes and doubling overall traffic capacity, from 26,000 daily vehicle movements today to a projected 29,000 within a decade. The upgrade will also add a new footbridge on the southern side of Canal Bridge, new shared paths linking into the existing cycleway network, enhanced stormwater drainage, and undergrounding of power lines to better withstand severe weather.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the project reflected the government’s commitment to risk reduction across the Northern Rivers following the devastating 2022 floods.
“The works will transform access to Ballina Island, using newer and stronger infrastructure with flood resilience at front of mind,” Ms McBain said.
“This will not only deliver safer, more reliable access for residents every day, but also during emergencies.”
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the project showed what three levels of government could achieve working together.
“Bridges are the lifelines of our transport network. During severe weather, reliable access routes mean the difference between safe evacuation and isolation, while keeping critical supply lines open and emergency services moving,” Ms Saffin said.
Ballina Shire Council Mayor Sharon Cadwallader called it the largest infrastructure project the council had ever undertaken.
“This $85 million investment is not just about building bridges, it’s about building confidence in our transport network, improving safety, supporting economic growth and ensuring our community remains connected and resilient for decades to come,” Mayor Cadwallader said.
Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliott said she was proud to be delivering the project for her electorate.
“As your local MP, I’m proud to be delivering $48 million in federal funding towards the Ballina Bridges Duplication project,” Ms Elliott said.
“This project is yet another example of the Albanese Labor Government delivering on our commitment to making our roads more resilient.”
NSW Member for Ballina Tamara Smith said the community welcomed the investment from all levels of government.
“Building infrastructure that supports future population growth and that is better able to withstand future climate challenges like sea level rise shows foresight and clever spending that we so rarely see in public life,” Ms Smith said.
More information on the project is available at ballina.nsw.gov.au/Council/Major-Projects/Ballina-Bridges-Duplication
Don’t miss any of the important stories from around the region. Subscribe to our email list.