Ballina Shire Council is embarking on one of its largest road reconstruction programs in recent years, with permanent flood recovery works set to rebuild 11 roads and landslips across the shire.
The Essential Public Asset Reconstruction (EPAR) Program marks a significant milestone in the recovery from the February and March 2022 flood events, which caused widespread damage to roads and public infrastructure.
While some damage was immediately visible, other impacts beneath the road surface required detailed investigations and engineering assessments to determine the most effective long-term solution.
“Reaching the construction stage is a significant milestone and the culmination of years of work by Council staff to investigate the damage, undertake engineering assessments and develop the permanent reconstruction solutions we’re now ready to deliver,” said Council Director of Civil Services, Troy Anderson.
“Where possible, we’re incorporating resilience improvements, so roads are better able to withstand future extreme weather events. The result will be a stronger transport network that helps keep our communities connected when it matters most,” he said.
Mayor, Sharon Cadwallader said the start of the EPAR Program marked a significant milestone in Ballina Shire’s recovery from the 2022 floods.
“It’s been a long road since the devastating floods, and reaching this point reflects years of planning, investigations and engineering work to ensure these permanent reconstruction projects deliver the best long-term outcomes for our community,” said the Mayor.
“This program represents an important step forward in our flood recovery, and I’d like to thank the Australian and NSW Governments for their support, as well as our community for their patience as we continue rebuilding for the future.”
Key projects featured under the $17.4 million program include:
- Tamarind Drive: Rebuilding and strengthening the riverbank beside the road to help protect this important gateway into Ballina and improve its resilience to future severe weather.
- The Coast Road: Major reconstruction works to strengthen this critical link between Lennox Head and Ballina, including rebuilding damaged embankments, replacing culverts and improving drainage. The works will also help protect the popular shared path used by pedestrians and cyclists.
- Marom Creek Road (Devil’s Elbow): Stabilising the hillside and rebuilding damaged sections of this rural road to provide safer, more reliable access for the local community.
- Teven Road & Uralba Cutting Road: Stabilising slopes, improving drainage and rebuilding damaged sections of these rural roads to strengthen important local connections.
- Eltham Bridge: Strengthening the bridge approaches and surrounding riverbanks to help safeguard this important rural access route.
- Duck Creek Mountain Road, Sneaths Road & Towalbyn Place: Rebuilding damaged embankments and road sections, with improved drainage and other stabilisation works to provide more resilient access for rural communities.
- Hinterland Way: Stabilising slopes and clearing vegetation where required to help protect the road and maintain safe, reliable access.
The works program will be delivered in stages through to late 2028, as contracts are awarded and construction schedules are confirmed.
“Local roads across the Northern Rivers are our essential lifelines, keeping families connected, getting kids to school and ensuring businesses, farmers, and emergency services can keep moving in extreme weather,” said NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin.
“This $17.4 million investment is about building back better for the long term. It’s about working together, to deliver the upgrades needed to ensure our local roads stand strong.
“By combining State and Federal support, we are giving Ballina Shire Council the backing it needs to strengthen these vital connections, giving our families and local businesses greater confidence and peace of mind every single day.”
Project information, construction updates and traffic impacts will be published as each project progresses.
The EPAR Program is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), supporting the permanent reconstruction of essential public infrastructure damaged during the 2022 floods.
For the full program of works and latest updates, visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/EPAR.
