Ballina Shire Council has adopted a $130 million capital expenditure budget for the 2025/26 financial year, which it says is set to deliver investment in major infrastructure and community facilities while maintaining essential services across the shire.
Alongside the budget, the Council also adopted an updated Community Strategic Plan (CSP) which sets a long-term vision for the future of Ballina Shire. Developed through extensive community engagement from late 2024 to mid 2025, the 10-year plan reflects the aspirations, priorities and expectations of the people who live, work and visit the region, Council said in a statement.
For the 2025/2026 financial year, Council has allocated more than $113 million to capital works, including:
- More than $60 million for roads and bridges, including $3 million for Ross Lane flood resilience and $44 million for the start of the duplication of the Fishery Creek and Canal Bridges
- Almost $4 million for open spaces, including $1.3 million for the Sharpes Beach master plan works and $420,000 for Missingham Park upgrades.
- $1.4 million for sports facilities, including the new pump track at Kingsford Smith Reserve.
- $2 million for stormwater infrastructure improvements.
- $3.5million for water infrastructure and $11 million for wastewater, including North Ballina trunk mains, upgrades to Alstonville Wastewater Treatment Plant, and increasing Ballina’s Wastewater Treatment Plants solar capacity.
- Over $4 million for footpath and shared path upgrades, including the Lennox Head to Cooper Close for the extension of the existing shared path network.
- $2.7 million to commence construction of the new SES headquarters for Ballina, which is estimated to cost almost $7m in total.
- $4.5 million in improvements to the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.
- $8 million for community facilities, including the commencement of the upgrade to the Alstonville Cultural Centre.
In response to rising costs and to maintain service delivery into the future, Council has proposed a Special Rate Variation (SRV) as part of the Delivery Program. Over four years (2026/27 to 2029/30), Council is proposing general rate increases of 6% annually comprising the estimated rate peg (3.25%) and an additional 2.75% through the SRV.
Ballina Shire Mayor, Sharon Cadwallader said the new financial year offers an important moment to look forward with purpose and confidence.
“At our June meeting, Council unanimously endorsed key strategic plans to guide our work over the coming years, including the Delivery Program and updated Community Strategic Plan, both shaped by the voices of our community,” she said.
“The Delivery Program sets out the services and infrastructure our residents rely on, and the major projects we’re investing in, from water, waste and footpaths to the new SES headquarters, upgrades to the Alstonville Cultural Centre, improvements at Sharpes Beach, and planning for our key bridges.
“Unfortunately, like many councils across NSW, the cost of delivering and maintaining these essential services is rising faster than our revenue. To address this growing challenge, we’re proposing a gradual rate increase that will help safeguard the services and projects that matter most.
“We’ll be seeking further input from our community in the coming months, and I encourage everyone to learn more and have their say.
“I thank everyone who shared their feedback throughout the earlier consultation period. Your input will help shape the future of Ballina Shire. While there are challenges ahead, I remain confident and optimistic about what we can achieve together.”
The Mayor said many of the major projects included in Council’s budget will be delivered in partnership with State and Federal Governments. Recent announcements in the NSW Budget 2025/26, including funding for road safety upgrades at Bruxner Highway intersections and the continued investment in the new Lennox Head Public School, align strongly with Council’s priorities and the broader vision set out in the CSP, she said.
“Council will continue to work closely with all levels of government, local business and the community to ensure that Ballina Shire continues to thrive,” said Mayor Cadwallader.
