Community Connect Issue 49 December 2022

Out and about with our Rangers

Council Rangers have a new way to patrol our shire, with two e-bikes now part of the fleet.

With each bike able to travel up to 120km per charge, the electric assisted all-terrain e-bikes will provide better access to hard-to-reach areas, from our beautiful beaches and coastal paths to headland areas and walking tracks.

This will make it easier for the team to patrol problem spots, particularly during the summer months.

“As the weather warms up and the days get longer, more people are out and about walking their dogs of an evening, and that’s when we start to see an increase in dogs off lead or people not picking up after their dogs,” said Ranger James.

“With the e-bikes we can increase our visibility and reach in areas that previously took hours to patrol on foot, such as North Wall or the Coastal Shared Path.”

As well as increasing visibility and reaching more of the shire, the e-bikes provide more opportunities to interact with the community.

“When we’re in a car it’s not easy for people to flag us down or approach us. We’re more accessible on the e-bikes, and that’s how we want it to be,” said Ranger James.

“While rangers have an important job to do in enforcing public health and safety rules, a huge part of our role is community education. We’d much rather be answering questions about the shire’s on-leash and offleash areas and explaining why it’s important to follow these rules, than just hand out fines. The more we can educate people and help them to understand how their actions can have an impact on others, the more our whole community benefits.”

As well as increased visibility and accessibility, the e-bikes have environmental and cost-saving benefits.

The bikes have a low carbon footprint and minor environmental impact on coastal headlands, beaches and reserves compared with vehicle use.

In an eight-month period, rangers travelled an average of 35,000km in their vehicles, resulting in significant diesel fuel and servicing costs. The e-bikes will reduce reliance on these vehicles and help to cut Council’s emissions.

“We’re looking forward to getting out there on the e-bikes, they just make perfect sense in our coastal areas and we hope this initiative is welcomed by the community.”

Meet the team

Our rangers work hard to keep our community safe. Their daily tasks are much more than just dogs and parking. They monitor and respond to abandoned cars, signage, illegal camping, illegal dumping, 4WDs on beaches and straying livestock. But when they clock off work they are community members like everyone else and are passionate about keeping Ballina Shire enjoyable for all.

Ranger Joe

Do you have any pets?

I have two dogs. Eddie is a 14-year-old Shi Tzu x and Ollie is an 18-month-old Poodle. Both had been surrendered to Northern Rivers Animal Service.

Growing up I wanted to be… a chef/cook.

Ranger James

Why did you become a ranger?

I wanted to broaden my knowledge and use my background to increase the usability of shared public spaces so everyone can enjoy a stress-free day out. My love for animals came from my previous career as a zookeeper at the Macadamia Castle.

What’s your favourite place/activity in Ballina Shire?

The Shaws Bay area - accessing the shared pathways, break wall, off-lead dog park and swimming makes for a great day out in Ballina.

Ranger Jhy

How long have you worked with Council?

I have worked for council for 6 weeks now, and prior to this I was working as a manager in retail.

What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?

The scariest thing I’ve ever done would probably be sky diving.

Ranger Garry

What attracted you to the Northern Rivers?

I moved here from Sydney 29 years ago (not quite a local but close!). Ballina ticked all the boxes for us being family friendly, coastal, excellent schooling choices, and having a golf course in town was an added bonus!

Career wise, what advice would you give to your younger self or someone just starting out?

Have a respect and love for animals, always work on your people skills, be considerate of each person’s particular situation, be consistent and fair, and present in a professional manner.

Ranger Mal

Why did you become a ranger?

After 20 years of working in an inside job I really wanted to be outdoors and still apply my customer service skills. The best part is beach patrol and talking with people.

What’s the best place you’ve travelled to?

Portugal was a great location, nice beaches on the west coast and great surf.

Keep your dog on its 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:

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

Lake Ainsworth and surrounding foreshore/ reserve

Seven Mile Beach (from beach access track located north of the Surf Club to southern end of Seven Mile Beach)

Fire Trail at the end of Camp Drewe Road, Lennox Head

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 penalty infringement notice of $330 by taking your dog to a ‘no-go’ area.

Further information

www.ballina.nsw.gov.au/exercising-your-dog