INTRODUCTION FROM OUR MAYOR

On behalf of Councillors and staff I am pleased to present our Delivery Program and Operational Plan for the period 2022/23 to 2025/26. The Program and Plan outlines our vision and priorities for the future in four main areas: a Connected Community, a Prosperous Economy, a Healthy Environment and Engaged Leadership.

The recent floods that broke the banks of the Richmond River have had a devastating impact on our region. The community response has been, and continues to be, remarkable. As a Council, we have been a support for government and non-government agencies, assisting our recovery efforts. Council has also worked hard to support the community in evacuation and recovery centres, as well an on-going clean-up of flood material.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact us in many ways socially and economically, and we have worked with all levels of government to protect the health of our community.

Many of the services we provide such as water, waste collection, parks, roads, footpaths and drainage are all critical components of our day-to-day life.

This means it is essential that we provide the services that our community needs.

We will stay on track with the delivery of major projects, which will bring economic and social benefits to our community.

Major projects planned for the next 12 months include the completion of Pop Denison Park in East Ballina, the redevelopment of Kingsford Smith Park, and finalising designs and approvals for the Alstonville Cultural Centre refurbishment.

We will continue delivering the duplication of River Street throughout the four-year program to ease traffic congestion in Ballina. The beautification of Lennox Head village continues with expected completion late in the 2022/23 financial year.

The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport will deliver economic benefits to this entire region, with further capital works planned in the four-year period. Runway improvements and apron works are scheduled to be completed in 2022/23.

Many of these projects will be achieved by Council in partnership with the Federal and State Government.

We will continue to work cooperatively with all levels of government, local businesses, and our community, as so much more can be accomplished when we work together.

Our team of Councillors and staff have so much more to do, and this document provides a good overview of our priorities for the next four years and the difference we hope to make.

The Program and Plan is the product of teamwork by Councillors, staff, and community input.

We hope you find this document informative, and we look forward to any feedback you may wish to provide on the outcomes we seek for the residents of the Ballina Shire.

Cr Sharon Cadwallader, Mayor