Residents invited to help shape the council’s future spending plans

BALLINA Shire Council is calling on the community to help shape its long-term financial direction, with its Draft Delivery Program for 2026–2030 now on public exhibition.

It also includes the Operational plan for the next financial year with the Integrated Planning and Reporting documents, also on exhibition.

Community members are encouraged to review the documents and provide feedback before the exhibition period closes on Monday 1 June.

The council has delivered a range of major projects in 2025/26, including the Ballina Pump Track, Sharpes Beach Carpark Upgrade and the commencement of the Ballina Bridges Duplication Project.

Significant investment is proposed to continue across key infrastructure areas in 2026/27.

There has been $87.4 million for roads and bridges, along with $14.5 million for wastewater projects.

A combined $10 million will be spent across the airport, sport fields, water, resource recovery and stormwater.

Key initiatives outlined in the plan include upgrades to the Alstonville Cultural Centre, duplication of Fishery Creek Bridge and Canal Bridge, the Ross Lane Flood Resilience project and Stage 2 of the Wardell Town Centre Master Plan.

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said community input would play a crucial role in finalising the plans.

“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,” she said.

The council has also applied to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal for a Special Rate Variation from 2026/27, aimed at supporting long-term financial sustainability and continued investment in infrastructure and services.

The community are encouraged to review the documents and have their say online at yoursayballina.com.au