Community Connect Extra June 2024

WELLBEING AT THE HEART OF COMMUNITY EVENTS

The Northern Rivers Community Gallery was a hive of creativity when it hosted the Together Arts and Community Wellbeing event in May.

The event took place in the gallery and Ignite Studios precinct with free, fun, and accessible creative workshops for the whole community to enjoy. The program included weaving with Tania Marlowe and Deb Cole from Jugan Dandii; a collective collage workshop with Claudie Frock & Mia Zapata; and youth virtual reality art workshops and digital storytelling with Sean Spencer from Social Futures Computer Clubhouse.

Council’s Community Recovery Team has delivered a range of wellbeing events to help local residents learn and practice skills to manage stress and anxiety. Upcoming events in June include a Creative Compassion workshop in Wardell and First Responders Mini Golf and BBQ Par-Tee with Fortem Australia in Ballina.

For further details and to register visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/community-wellbeing

New Community Green Space for Wardell

see page 6 for details

ballina.nsw.gov.au/eNews

extra

from the mayor

Welcome to the latest edition of Community Connect Extra, a supplement to the Community Connect Magazine.

It was so wonderful to attend yet another successful aviation expo at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport in May. It’s always inspirational to see how the expo sparks students’ curiosity and open their minds to the many possibilities in the aviation industry.

There are a raft of infrastructure projects and upgrades underway, including investigation works for the duplication of Fishery Creek Bridge in West Ballina and Canal Bridge in North Ballina. This massive $40 million dollar project also includes raising sections of River Street, between Teven Interchange and Ballina Island, and Tamarind Drive between Ballina Island and Cumbalum Interchange. This will improve evacuation options during flooding events and build a more resilient road network.

It is particularly exciting to see that the revitalisation work will soon begin in Wardell. A new ‘Community Green Space’ will be created to provide a multipurpose space for the community to gather for markets and other social events. See page 6 for all the details.

There is also some very important community consultation happening right now. Council’s Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2024/25 - 2027/28 is on exhibition and submissions close on Wednesday 5 June 2024. These plans outline key actions, services, major capital works, and financial details for the years ahead so it’s vital that you have your say.

Don’t forget to check out the gallery and community spaces pages for upcoming exhibitions, community events and recreational activities. In the Waste Watch section, you’ll find important information about how to sign up for Plastic Free July. Remember that together, every small step we take to avoid single-use plastic adds up to make a big difference! See page 13 for more information.

I hope you get as much out of this edition as we put it. Enjoy the read and take care.

Cr Sharon Cadwallader Mayor

Council meetings at a glance

A great number of items and issues get discussed at Council meetings. Here are some items discussed at the Ordinary Council meeting on 23 May 2024.

BOEING AVENUE DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION

Council approved DA 2023/107 for land at 32 Boeing Avenue in Ballina, which includes construction of a mixed-use development comprising five specialised retail premises and a take away food and drink premises, landscaping and associated civil works.

BALLINA SHIRE HOUSING STRATEGY

Council discussed the public exhibition outcomes of the draft Ballina Shire Housing Strategy and resolved to adopt the strategy.

CORPORATE EMISSIONS REDUCTION PLAN

Councillors resolved to adopt a Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan and proceed with implementation of the action plan, to achieve Council’s 2030 climate change goals.

POLICIES ON EXHIBITION

The Festivals and Events Sponsorship policy for community and commercial was endorsed for public exhibition along with the Community Property Leasing and Licensing policy and the Donations - Rates and Charges policy. Have your say at yoursayballina.com.au

Ballina Shire Council acknowledges that we are here on the land of the Bundjalung people. The Bundjalung are the traditional owners of this land and are part of the oldest surviving continuous culture in the world.

To view the full agenda and minutes visit ballina.nsw.gov. au/agendasandminutes

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SHAPE OUR COMMUNITY’S FUTURE

As the Local Government Elections draw near on Saturday 14 September 2024, council continues to plan for the future of Ballina Shire.

The Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2024/25 - 2027/28 is now on exhibition.

These plans are vital as they outline how we will resource and maintain the services and infrastructure that impacts our daily lives, including water, wastewater, waste management, open spaces, footpaths, roads and drainage.

Submissions close Wednesday 5 June 2024, so please have your say now!

NAIDOC Week

7 - 14 July 2024

Get involved in this year’s events with the following activities planned for Ballina Shire:

ANNUAL CELEBRATION WALK

Monday 8 July from 10am

Walk from Ballina RSL Club along River Street then Cherry Street to the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre (BISC). BBQ, displays, stalls and games in the BISC with morning tea provided for community Elders.

SPORTS DAY

Tuesday 9 July 10am – 3pm

Saunders Oval

3X3 BASKETBALL COMP

Wednesday 10 July from 12 noon

Ballina Indoor Sports Centre

SEND IN YOUR QUESTIONS

Wondering about upcoming projects or want to suggest improvements, like playgrounds, roads, or community facilities?

Your questions will be answered by our General Manager and Directors and published online.

Send in your questions by Wednesday 5 June 2024 to yoursayballina.com.au/delivery-program

GOORI CULTURAL ART FESTIVAL AND MARKET STALLS

Thursday 11 July 10am – 3pm

Missingham Park

NAIDOC WEEK ART EXHIBITION

Thursday 11 July

Richmond Room

ELDERS LUNCHEON

Friday 12 July

Cherry Street Sports Club

For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/naidoc-week or discoverballina.com.au

ROAD PROJECTS

COMPLETED PROJECTS

HOUGHLAHANS CREEK ROAD, PEARCES CREEK

DALWOOD ROAD CULVERT REPAIRS

CURRENT PROJECTS

ROSS LANE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

FERNLEIGH ROAD, BROOKLET

WIGMORE HALL CARPARK, BALLINA

FUTURE PROJECTS

KERR STREET KERB REPLACEMENT

RUSSELL STREET, BALLINA

BYRON BAY ROAD ROUNDABOUT, LENNOX HEAD

LIVE TRAFFIC NSW keeps you informed

Live Traffic NSW provides real-time information about traffic conditions across all New South Wales roads.

For the latest traffic information download the Live Traffic NSW app or visit livetraffic.com.au

PROJECT UPDATES

DUPLICATION OF BALLINA BRIDGES

Ballina Shire Council has started preliminary investigation works at Fishery Creek Bridge, on River Street, and Canal Bridge, on Tamarind Drive, as part of the plan to duplicate both bridges.

The project involves raising portions of the roadway on sections of River Street, between Teven Interchange and Ballina Island, and Tamarind Drive, between Ballina Island and the Cumbalum Interchange.

Duplicating the existing bridges and raising these sections of road will improve evacuation options during flooding events and build a more resilient road network.

The Evacuation Route Raising (including bridge duplications) project will be completed across three years and has been funded with $40 million from the Australian Government through the Emergency Response Fund administered by NSW Reconstruction Authority’s Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program 2022-2023.

ROSS LANE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

Council is undertaking road safety upgrades on Ross Lane for motorists and cyclists. Stage 2 and 3 works are underway and will continue until the end of June 2024 (weather and site conditions permitting).

The works include shoulder widening, clear zone improvements, chevron alignment markers, improved curve signage, non-skid road surface treatments, super-elevation curve improvements, and painted and raised median.

Sections of Ross Lane will be reduced to one lane with traffic control in place during the works. Motorists are advised to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and use an alternate route if possible.

Funded by Transport for NSW’s Safer Roads Program.

For road status updates visit livetraffic.com

ROSS LANE BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION AND ROAD RAISING

In 2023 Council was announced as the successful recipient of a grant under the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Program (RRTRP) for a project to raise a section of Ross Lane and improve flood resilience.

This project is in early planning stages and is separate to the current road safety upgrades mentioned above. The RRTRP program strengthens the regional transport network’s capacity to withstand natural disasters.

To learn more visit nswroads.work/rrtrp

ALLENS PARADE ROUNDABOUT UPGRADE

Construction of a new permanent concrete roundabout at the intersection of Ballina Street and Allens Parade, Lennox Head is now complete.

MAIN STREET AND THE AVENUE, ALSTONVILLE INTERSECTION UPGRADE

Ballina Shire Council is upgrading the intersection of Main Street and The Avenue, Alstonville. The upgrade will include a new pedestrian crossing with street light, raised asphalt road surface, new kerb and gutter, stormwater and drainage upgrades, extended median strip along Main Street to improve vehicle turning lines, new accessible carparking space, and landscaping.

The first stage of work was completed during the April school holidays. The second stage of work will be carried out during the July school holidays. Short road closures will be required.

Funded by the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active program.

LENNOX HEAD RFS FACILITY

Construction of the new Lennox Head Rural Fire Service (RFS) facility, adjacent to the Byron Bay Road/Hutley Drive roundabout, is nearing completion.

The works include new stormwater, sewerage and electricity connections, construction of a standard RFS Brigade Station, carparking including disability parking spaces, footpath connections and new landscaping.

Jointly funded by Council, NSW Rural Fire Service, and the Australian Government’s Bushfire Recovery Grant.

NORTH CREEK AND REGATTA AVENUE ROCK REVETMENT RECTIFICATION

Works are underway to rectify the rock revetment wall in North Creek that was damaged during the 2022 floods. The works involve removing and replacing additional rocks along the south bank of North Creek between Missingham Bridge and Meldrum Park. The works also include widening and replacing the shared pathway. Parts of Commemoration Park will be closed during the works. Please follow onsite signage.

Funded by NSW Crown Lands and Ballina Shire Council.

TAMAR STREET BUS INTERCHANGE UPGRADE

The Tamar Street Bus Interchange upgrade in Ballina’s CBD is expected to commence in mid-2024.

The project will see the aging bus shelter demolished and a new structure constructed. The upgrade will include two bays for buses to pick up and drop off, new separate taxi zone, improved stormwater drainage, and wider walkways for pedestrians.

Funded by the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund.

WARDELL WHARF AND BOARDWALK REPAIRS

Repairs to the Wardell Wharf are nearing completion. The boardwalk reopened to the public in May. Council engaged contractor, Hunter Wharf and Barge, to carry out the repair works to damaged wharf and boardwalk piles, installation of rock revetment along the riverbank.

Funded by Council and the NSW Government’s Natural Disaster Relief Assistance Program.

FOOTPATH PROJECTS

COMPLETED PROJECTS

FIG TREE HILL DRIVE, LENNOX HEAD

MARTIN STREET, BALLINA

CURRENT PROJECTS

CAWLEY CLOSE, ALSTONVILLE

FUTURE PROJECTS

WILLIAMS STREET, LENNOX HEAD

GIBBON STREET, LENNOX HEAD

never miss

Council news and updates again!

extra

New community green space for Wardell Ferry maintenance schedule

The Burns Point Ferry closes for scheduled maintenance each month.

This maintenance is important to ensure a reliable ferry service for visitors and locals. Scheduled monthly maintenance will occur from 9am – 1pm on:

TUESDAY 11 JUNE

TUESDAY 9 JULY

TUESDAY 13 AUGUST

TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER

TUESDAY 8 OCTOBER

For updates on the ferry status and road closure information visit livetraffic.com

The Burns Point Ferry operates continuously from 5.30am to 12.30am daily.

For more information visit ballina. nsw.gov.au/burnspointferry

Stage one of the Wardell Village Revitalisation project is commencing soon.

A key outcome of the Wardell Village Centre Revitalisation Master Planning process is to develop a ‘Community Green Space’ at the end of Richmond Street in Wardell.

The master plan was adopted in November 2023 after extensive community engagement including a community-led design charette.

The project will see the end of Richmond Street transformed into a multipurpose, car-free space to sit in the village. Removable bollards will enable this space to be opened up to hold small community markets and other events that support social and economic recovery and activation.

The works will include:

Creation of a shared (pedestrian priority) zone and reduced traffic speed

Formalised car parking on a grass surface at the eastern end

Asphalt road surface replaced with a new pavement surface

Protection of fig trees and native vegetation

Weed removal and new native vegetation plantings

Drainage improvements

Need a Waste Calendar?

Streetscape paving at the intersection of Sinclair Street and Richmond Street and installation of street furniture

Wayfinding lighting and interpretative signage

Public and community inspired art.

Download a copy from council’s website ballina.nsw.gov.au

Jointly funded by Ballina Shire Council and NSW Government’s Local Government Recovery Program

To view the adopted master plan visit yoursayballina.com.au/wardellvillage-centre

ballina.nsw.gov.au/eNews

AIRPORT NEWS

Student careers ready for take-off

In May, secondary students from across the Northern Rivers gained first-hand experience of what a career in aviation looks like.

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport’s Aviation Expo gives years 10, 11 and 12 students an glimpse into the exciting and diverse career opportunities in the aviation industry.

The Aviation Expo, now in its fourth year, is an initiative between the NSW Department of Education (Educational Pathways Program & Regional Industry Education Partnerships) and Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.

There were representatives from across the aviation industry including the Australian Defence Force, TAFE NSW, Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting, Southern Cross University, Avisure, Fulton Hogan, Qantas Group Pilot Academy, AusFlight Handling and Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.

Students from Alstonville High School, Ballina Coast High School, Evans River K-12 School, Mullumbimby High School, Murwillumbah Learning Community High School, Southern Cross Distance Education, Tweed River High School, Clarence Valley Anglican School and the Living School experienced virtual reality flight simulators supplied by the Australian Navy’s Naval Auxiliary Patrol.

Aviation Rescue Fire Fighters also provided a demonstration of their specialist truck in action, followed by a tour of Ballina Byron Gateway Airport terminal and runway.

Thank you to all the exhibitors and schools who attended, we look forward to growing this event each year.

For more information about career opportunities at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/careers

PLAYGROUND UPGRADES

COMPLETED PROJECTS

ELEVATION PARK, LENNOX HEAD

CUMMINGS PARK, CUMBALUM

CURRENT PROJECTS

FITZROY PARK, WARDELL

JOHN KEARNEY PARK CATHERINE CRESCENT, BALLINA

CHICKIBA PARK, EAST BALLINA

MADDEN PARK, BALLINA HEIGHTS

BASKETBALL COURT SWIFT STREET, BALLINA

BASKETBALL COURT, BALLINA HEIGHTS

OCEAN BREEZE RESERVE, LENNOX HEAD

Playgrounds in Ballina Shire are renewed in accordance with the Playground Upgrade and Management Plan. Council’s budget for playground upgrades over the next four years can be found in Council’s Delivery Program and Operational Plan.

To find a playground near you visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/playgrounds

Workshop spaces for hire enquire now

Did you know Ignite Studios has two workshop spaces for shortterm hire?

For more information, or to arrange a booking, visit nrcgballina.com.au or contact our Creative Programs Producer on 02 6686 1217

2023

Visit nrcgballina.com.au and sign up to eNews or follow us on Facebook or Instagram @nrcgballina workshop space

current exhibitions

Exhibition Dates: 1 May - 23 June 2024

Coastal biome

LeAnne Vincent

An exploration of human consumption and development along the East Coast of Australia using multiple cyanotype photograms on fabric drawing imagery from flora, fauna, sand, engineered objects, and digital negatives.

Image: LeAnne Vincent Storylines, 2024

The Importance of Unassuming Things Susan Gourley

Drawing upon the still life genre, this visual response reflects Susan’s expanding practice into the material, symbolic and metaphoric capacities of rubbish to explore ideas and impacts of consumption and waste.

Image: Susan Gourley Mushroom and Sponge Stack, 2021

Earthly Threads Billie Baker

Across a suite of textile works, Baker reproduces patterns in nature through weaving, painting, sewing and photographic processes – organic shapes and lines combining the scientific, topographic, mystical and erotic.

Image: Billie Baker Dune Dwelling, 2023

Re-present Lyndall Phelps

Investigating nineteenth century Australian botany and ornithology, Re-present includes textiles, sculpture and works on paper, highlight local bird species classified as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.

Image: Lyndall Phelps Re-present Lathamus discolor (Swift Parrot), 2020-23

Image: Ignite Studios Engine Room, Miles Away Media

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Special occasions

at

Ballina Surf Club

Need a breathtaking backdrop for your next function?

There’s nowhere quite like the Ballina Surf Club!

Whether you’re organising an intimate family gathering, hosting a banquet, or throwing a cocktail party, everything you need is right here.

The spacious, light and airy function rooms can accommodate a variety of capacity and style options, and features an inbuilt audiovisual system, and breathtaking floor to ceiling views of Lighthouse Beach and North Wall.

Catering is a breeze with Capiche Restaurant (located onsite) now providing a range of catering options to suit your needs. Whether it’s celebrants, florists, or other entertainment, our team can provide a list of local suppliers who can help you craft your dream event.

Contact the Community Spaces team - with venues like the Richmond Room, Ballina Surf Club and Lennox Head Cultural Centre - we can help with all your function enquiries.

For bookings and an obligation free quote call 02 6681 0599 or visit communityspaces.com.au

Pickleball tournament

Ballina Indoor Sports Centre (BISC)

2 - 4 August 2024

Northern Rivers Pickleball Club is busy planning for the 2024 Regional Doubles Tournament to be held at the BISC. Over 180 players from several states are expected to take part in more than 30 graded events across eight courts. Spectators welcome - come along and see some great pickleball!

For further information on the tournament contact Brian on 0428 785 857 or visit nrpickleball.net.au

Lennox Head Cultural Centre What’s On?

MIDNIGHT TRAVELER FILM SCREENING

7.30pm Tuesday 18 June 2024

Lennox Head Cultural Centre

A fundraising screening for Ballina Region for Refugees. Tickets $25. Tickets available at the door or at humanitix.com.au

LET’S PLAY TOGETHER PLAY SCHOOL CONCERT

10am, 12noon Sunday 4 August 2024

Lennox Head Cultural Centre

Immerse yourself in the wonders of delightful games, catchy songs, and enchanting stories; this adventure is bound to create lasting memories for children and parents alike. Book now at communityspaces.com.au/tickets

Fire Ant treatment

The National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP) is carrying out targeted treatment in the Wardell area.

To ensure eradication success, the NFAEP program will deliver critical eradication treatment in the Wardell area, regardless of whether fire ants are visible or not.

Fire ant treatment will be delivered using aircraft, utility terrain vehicles, and ground teams with handheld spreaders. Aerial treatment proves to be one of the quickest and most cost-effective methods, enabling fire ant teams to treat large areas efficiently.

This first stage of treatment follows dedicated efforts by the NFAEP, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Ballina Shire Council to prevent fire ants from taking hold in NSW. The NFAEP require consent of landowners to access properties and have recently conducted information days in Wardell.

Fire ant treatment is safe for people, animals and the environment and is approved by the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority. The treatment contains the same active ingredients commonly found in household and agricultural pest control products, but at a much lower concentration.

To learn more about fire ant treatment visit fireants.org.au

To report a sighting of fire ants visit dpi.nsw.gov.au/fire-ants

Can you use a fire pit this winter?

Everyone enjoys watching the ‘bush telly’ during the cooler months, and Council often gets asked – can I have a fire pit in the backyard?

The short answer is yes, but it’s useful to take a look at Council’s Backyard Burning Policy.

The policy aims to prevent air pollution and unwanted smoke generated by backyard fires. Under the policy, residents in our towns and villages can enjoy a backyard fire for cooking or recreational purposes, but not to burn vegetation or other waste. Instead, garden waste should be put in your green organics bin, composted or reused in your garden.

If you do have a backyard fire you need to make sure you only burn dry seasoned timber and manage the fire to minimise smoke and impacts on your neighbours. It is also important to check with NSW Fire and Rescue or the Rural Fire Service as a fire permit may be required.

Fire and Rescue Ballina require that backyard fires must: be in a purpose built area/device have a minimum cleared area of 2 metres pose no threat to life or property.

For more information contact Council’s Public and Environmental Health Division on 1300 864 444 or visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/air-pollution

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Keep your dog on it’s lead!

Dogs are allowed on Angels Beach, Sharpes Beach and the coastal pathway but they must be on a lead.

Check the signs in public places to see if dogs are allowed in that location. Dog ‘No-Go’ areas include:

SHELLY BEACH, EAST BALLINA

LIGHTHOUSE BEACH, EAST BALLINA

THE SERPENTINE, EAST BALLINA

SHAWS BAY, EAST BALLINA

CHICKIBA LAKE, EAST BALLINA north/eastern corner surrounding migratory and shorebirds roosting area

FLAT ROCK REEF, SKENNARS HEAD

SHARPES BEACH, SKENNARS HEAD northern end during surf patrols

SEVEN MILE BEACH from beach access track located north of the Surf Club to southern end of Seven Mile Beach

LAKE AINSWORTH and surrounding foreshore/reserve CAMP DREWE ROAD, LENNOX HEAD FIRE TRAIL

The ‘no-go’ areas are in place because of the popularity of some beaches and the presence of migratory and shorebirds. Don’t risk a fine of $330 by taking your dog to a ‘no-go’ area.

To find a dog-friendly exercise area near you, visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/ exercising-your-dog

Ballina War Memorial Pool is closed for the month of June for essential annual maintenance and then the Alstonville Aquatic Centre is closed for July.

But you don’t have to miss out on your winter exercise! Passholders are reminded that passes can be used at both the Alstonville and Ballina pool facilities.

For more information visit ballina. nsw.gov.au/communityswimming-pools

Lee and Vicki Fitzgerald 02 6686 3771

Opening Hours:

Monday - Friday 5.30am - 7pm

Saturday 7am - 6pm Sunday 8am - 5pm

Greg and Kelly Fettell 02 6628 0826

Opening Hours:

Monday - Friday 5.30am - 7pm

Saturday 7am - 5pm

Sunday 10am - 5pm Find them on Facebook

WATER AND WASTEWATER PROJECTS

COMPLETED PROJECTS

WOLLONGBAR SPORTS FIELD

Recycled Water Main

ALSTON AVENUE, ALSTONVILLE

Water Main Replacement

CURRENT PROJECTS

STONEYHURST DR, LENNOX HEAD

Reservoir Construction

SEWERAGE PUMP STATION Access

Track & Switchboard Upgrades

WASTEWATER RELINING PROGRAM

SKENNARS HEAD

Pressure Reduction Valve

KELLIE-ANN CR, LENNOX HEAD

Recycled Water Booster Pump

TEMPLE STREET, BALLINA

Water Main Replacement

BALLINA WASTEWATER TREATMENT

PLANT Membrane Replacement

FUTURE PROJECTS

NORTH CREEK ROAD, LENNOX HEAD

Pressure Zone Extension

CRANE STREET, BALLINA

Water Main Replacement

FERNGROVE TO BALLINA WWTP

Recycled Water Main Upgrade

WATER TALK

Who is responsible for water meter repairs?

Repairs to water meters are Council’s responsibility if they are on the Council side of the meter assembly, as depicted in the above diagram.

However, if the damage is caused by the property owner, contractor, or individual, Council may invoice you for the cost to repair or replace the meter.

If you are unsure if the issue with your meter is Council’s responsibility or yours, it is best to check with our Water Team before engaging a plumber as we are unable to reimburse costs incurred when Council has not been contacted to inspect.

Contact Council’s Water and Wastewater team on 1300 864 444 or after hours 6626 6954

Make sure your water meter is visible

Water meters can easily be run over by lawn mowers, damaged during construction or landscaping earthworks. Try putting a stake in the ground next to the meter to clearly mark its location in your yard.

Council’s water meter readers also need to access your meter. Where a water meter is inaccessible for reading due to being overgrown with vegetation or in a locked area, Council will send a warning letter to the property owner requesting access. If the meter continues to be inaccessible, additional charges may apply as per Council’s fees and charges. If a meter cannot be accessed on a regular basis, the property owner can apply for a remote reading device to be connected.

For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/water

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WASTE WATCH

Plastic Free July get involved in 5 easy steps

Together, every small step to avoid single-use plastic adds up to make a big difference!

Register for the challenge at plasticfreejuly.org participants receive weekly tips to help keep them motivated and enjoy stories from others around the world who are reducing plastic waste.

Take the online Pesty Plastics Quiz to find plastics you can easily swap.

Download some posters to share at work or at your local café.

Choose to refuse single use and practice making sustainable swaps!

Register for an event, online or in person. Keep an eye on Council socials for events and workshops we’ll be hosting throughout June and July.

Join the PLASTIC FREE JULY challenge and choose these simple swaps

For more information visit plasticfreejuly.org

We’ve got new free resources to help our urban residents use the 3-bin system properly:

UPDATED KERBSIDE BIN STICKERS

UPDATED KITCHEN CADDY STICKER

3-BIN GUIDE FRIDGE MAGNET

Collect yours from Council’s Customer Service Centre at 40 Cherry Street, Ballina, the Resource Recovery Centre at 187 Southern Cross Drive, Ballina or from Alstonville, Ballina or Lennox Head libraries.

Whale watching season begins!

Experience the beauty of nature as whale watching season begins with Out of the Blue Adventures in Ballina.

Embark on an unforgettable journey along our stunning coastline, where majestic whales breach and play in their natural habitat.

Departing daily (weather permitting) from Ballina Wharf in Fawcett Street, Out of the Blue Adventure’s passionate marine biologist will share in-depth knowledge about the marine life and our region.

Prepare to be amazed as you create memories that will last a lifetime.

Book your adventure today at Ballina Visitor Information Centre or online at discoverballina.com.au

Volunteers dig deep

Our 19th annual Tree Planting Day was another successful event!

Community members, including local school children, gathered at the Lennox Headland to plant native seedlings during the special day in May. The seedlings are littoral rainforest species, which help to restore what was once present on the headland pre-1800s.

This year 122 volunteers planted 1,100 plants. Each year the event continues to grow, and since the GeoLINK - Ballina Shire Council planting partnership began in 2003, 1,772 volunteers have planted over 14,100 seedlings.

Ballina Shire Council supplied trees, mulch, water, and some tools for this year’s event. Wire cages were also placed over all plants to help protect the seedlings from wallabies. Ballina Shire Council, Rous County Council and GeoLINK provided talks and support at the event. The Lennox Head Lions Club, the business community and volunteer groups all got involved by donating food and refreshments and cooking up a barbecue for the hungre planters.

Thank you to everyone who got their hands dirty to help our environment!

For more information on trees in Ballina Shire visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/trees-and-vegetation

NEED VISITOR GUIDES?

Does your business have a waiting room?

Contact the Ballina Tourism Team for free copies of the Ballina Coast and Hinterland Visitor Guide - a stunning guide to display filled with beautiful imagery, information on our towns and villages, walks and cycleways, beaches and local businesses.

Image credit: Out of the Blue Adventures

Image credit: Sanne Wissels

PREPARE FOR THE NSW LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

Saturday 14 September 2024.

The NSW Local Government elections are coordinated by the NSW Electoral Commission, and they will be publishing information and resources in the lead-up to the elections.

Keep an eye out on elections.nsw.gov.au

Prospective Candidates

Are you considering representing your community and running for the role of Councillor?

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities and commitments involved by attending our Pre-election Candidate Briefing Sessions. Led by Local Government NSW, these sessions will equip you with essential insights to make informed decisions about candidacy

Key focus areas:

Understanding the importance of local government

Clarifying the roles of council and councillors

Explaining council structures and challenges

Highlighting the significance of diverse representation

Providing guidance on speaking out confidently

Explaining meeting procedures and support resources

Choose from the following candidate information sessions:

MONDAY 22 JULY 2024

6pm - 9pm Ballina Indoor Sports Centre (BISC) Meeting Rooms

TUESDAY 23 JULY 2024

6pm - 9pm Byron Shire Council Chambers

For further information and to register for a candidate briefing session visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/elections

For further information on the election process, visit elections.nsw.gov.au or contact the NSW Electoral Commission on 1300 135 736.

What’s On?

for more details of local events, visit discoverballina. com.au

RAINBOW DRAGONS REGATTA COMMUNITY TEAMS CHALLENGE

SUNDAY 25 AUGUST 2024

Shaws Bay, East Ballina FREE ENTRY for community teams. WIN $500 for your chosen charity. A fantastic team building opportunity with training sessions and equipment provided. The hardest decision is choosing a team theme. Contact Carmel 0402 235 602 or Sue 0418 789 126.

CREATIVE COMPASSION

TUESDAY 11 JUNE 2024

9am - 2pm St Patrick’s Church, Wardell

An opportunity for women to connect and learn the art of creative self-compassion through mindfulness and art. This program has been designed and facilitated by a qualified social worker. Lunch and refreshments provided. Delivered by Northern Rivers Women and Children Service (NORWACS). Bookings essential. For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov. au/community-wellbeing

extreme weather conditions where to get info...

LOCAL ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS

LIVE TRAFFIC NSW livetraffic.com.au or download the Live Traffic NSW app

Download the HAZARDS NEAR ME app

Follow SES BALLINA on Facebook

RADIO STATIONS

ABC North Coast 94.5

(National Emergency Broadcaster)

Paradise FM 101.9

ZZZ FM 100.9

SPORTS FIELD CLOSURES

Contact your sporting club

WEATHER CONDITIONS

bom.gov.au Bureau of Meteorology

BALLINA BYRON GATEWAY AIRPORT

Your local airline for flights to and from Ballina: Jetstar 13 15 38 jetstar.com

Virgin Australia 13 67 89 virginaustralia. com.au

Qantas 13 13 13 qantas.com

FlyPelican 02 4965 0111 flypelican.com.au

ACTIONS TO TAKE

Alerts are issued via Council’s website ballina.nsw.gov.au and via your local radio station

Delay any unnecessary travel until conditions have cleared

Look out for your neighbours

If water is overflowing street stormwater drains, refrain from using internal water e.g. washing machines, dishwashers, baths, showers and flushing of toilets

Watch for Council, SES and other State Government agency updates

KEY CONTACT NUMBERS

SES 132 500

Ballina Shire Council 1300 864 444 or emergency after hours 02 6626 6954

Emergency Services

Police, Ambulance, Fire Brigade Triple zero 000

Cr Sharon Cadwallader phone 0428 339 023 sharon.cadwallader@ballina.nsw.gov.au

Cr Phillip Meehan phone 0408 349 833 phil.meehan@ballina.nsw.gov.au

Cr Rod Bruem phone 0419 508 753 rod.bruem@ballina.nsw.gov.au

Cr Stephen McCarthy phone 0435 759 987 stephen.mccarthy@ballina.nsw.gov.au

Cr Jeff Johnson phone 0428 970 112 jeff.johnson@ballina.nsw.gov.au

Cr Eva Ramsey phone 0419 542 905 eva.ramsey@ballina.nsw.gov.au

Cr Kiri Dicker phone 0419 493 898 kiri.dicker@ballina.nsw.gov.au

Cr Eoin Johnston phone 0407 416 149 eoin.johnston@ballina.nsw.gov.au

Cr Simon Chate phone 0419 593 233 simon.chate@ballina.nsw.gov.au

Cr Nigel Buchanan phone 0419 590 661 nigel.buchanan@ballina.nsw.gov.au

contact council

Ph 1300 864 444

Email council@ballina.nsw.gov.au

Web ballina.nsw.gov.au

Street Address 40 Cherry Street, Ballina

Postal Address PO Box 450, Ballina 2478

Office Hours 8.15am to 4.30pm Mon-Fri (excluding public holidays)

After hours contact 02 6626 6954

Meeting agendas and documents on exhibition can be viewed on Council’s website ballina.nsw.gov.au

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ISSN: 2652-7243 (PRINT)

Information, including dates and times is correct at time of printing.

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