Council highlights investments and key projects as part of country mayors regional meeting

BALLINA Shire Council hosted mayors and regional leaders from across the state, highlighting major local projects while helping shape discussions on the future of the Northern Rivers.

The Country Mayors Association of NSW Regional Meeting brought together local government representatives with the focus on roads, transport, disaster recovery and infrastructure investment.

The program featured keynote addresses from NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison and Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh.

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said hosting the meeting was an important opportunity to ensure regional voices were heard while highlighting the significant investment taking place across the shire.

“It was a privilege to welcome delegates from across regional New South Wales to Ballina and facilitate important discussions on the issues affecting regional communities,” she said.

“Hosting the meeting also gave us the opportunity to showcase the significant investment taking place across our shire and the projects helping shape Ballina’s future.”

 

Delegates toured several of the region’s major infrastructure projects and attractions with the council general manager Paul Hickey and director of civil services Troy Anderson.

The itinerary included the Ballina bridges duplication project, Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, Southern Cross Industrial Estate, the upgraded Sharpes Beach car park, Pat Morton Lookout and the iconic Big Prawn, providing a first-hand look at projects supporting the region’s growth and visitor economy.

Delegates also inspected Essential Energy’s new emergency response vehicle, equipped with Starlink satellite connectivity and other technology designed to help frontline crews maintain communications during natural disasters and extended power outages.

The council’s destination and economy acting coordinator, Lisa O’Meara, said hosting conferences and business events delivered valuable economic benefits for the local community.

“Business events like this generate direct economic benefits for local accommodation providers, restaurants and tourism operators, while giving decision-makers the opportunity to experience Ballina and connect directly with our community,” she said.

“When delegates experience Ballina first-hand, they leave with a greater appreciation of everything our region has to offer and are more likely to return as visitors with family, friends or colleagues.”