Ballina Shire Council is calling for community feedback on its key draft strategic documents, now on public exhibition until Friday, 6 June 2025.

These important plans shape how Council will deliver services, manage budgets, and prioritise major projects across Ballina Shire, and include a special rates variation above the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal recommendation.

The draft Community Strategic Plan has been informed by extensive community input. The community can now provide feedback on this plan and other key draft documents to help guide the future direction of the Shire.

The following draft documents are available for community review:

• Community Strategic Plan
• Delivery Program and Operational Plan
• Long Term Financial Plan and Budget
• Fees and Charges Schedule
• Workforce Management Plan
• Asset Management Strategy.

As part of its long-term planning, Council is continuing to pursue a major capital works program to meet community expectations. Key projects include the new Ballina SES Headquarters, a $16 million upgrade of the Alstonville Cultural Centre, completion of the new pump track at Kingsford Smith Reserve, flood resilience works on Ross Lane, and progress toward duplicating the Fishery Creek and Canal Bridges in Ballina.

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader is encouraging the community to get involved, learn more about the plans, and have their say.

“These draft plans reflect our commitment to maintaining core infrastructure and services while managing financial pressures responsibly,” said Mayor Cadwallader.

“We’re planning for a stronger, more sustainable future, and community feedback is a vital part of that process,” she said.

This year, the plans also include information on a proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV).

“It is costing more to deliver services and maintain things like roads, footpaths and public buildings than the income Council receives,” said Mayor Cadwallader.

“We have been careful with our budget, but to keep things running and plan for the future, we are looking at a gradual rate increase.” 

“The draft plans include a proposal to apply for a Special Rate Variation from 2026/2027 over four years. This is about securing long-term financial sustainability so we can continue delivering what matters most to our community.”

“Ballina’s average residential rates are currently about 11% below similar councils, and even further below our neighbours. This proposal would help bring us closer to that level, making sure we don’t fall behind in funding essential infrastructure and services,” added Mayor Cadwallader.

Council is proposing to apply for a 6% increase in our rate income for each of the four financial years from 2026/27 to 2029/30. The 6% represents an estimated 3.25% rate peg and a 2.75% additional increase for each year. This represents an 11% increase above the estimated rate peg for this four-year period.

The SRV proposal is not for the 2025/26 financial year, but Council is seeking initial community feedback now as part of a long-term planning process. If approved, the SRV would gradually increase general rate income over four years (2026/27 to 2029/30), allowing Council to increase investment in roads, footpaths, stormwater, sports fields, community facilities, and operational services.

Residents can view the draft documents, submit feedback, and ask questions at YourSayBallina.com.au. The site includes a detailed Q&A and an opportunity to ask questions, with responses published online to support community understanding.

Submissions close Friday, 6 June 2025.