Thursday, 07 Mar 2024
Ballina Byron Gateway Airport’s runway has been upgraded to meet future aviation demands.
The $20.68 million upgrade which opened today, will support growth for local tourism and businesses as well as provide career opportunities for residents.
The airport was upgraded by overlaying the existing runway surface, replacing the visual approach slope indicator system and improving the runway edge lighting using more energy efficient LED lights.
These works included the design and construction of the 80mm overlay with full width grooving, the installation and repair of surrounding landscaping, and line marking on the runway and taxiway. It also included the installation of runway edge lights and bases, a pit and duct runway lighting cable system, and a precision approach path indicator.
Emergency support aircraft will also benefit from the upgraded runway as they continue to service the Northern Rivers Region.
Emergency aircraft were used across the region during the flood response twice in early 2022 and bushfire response in 2019 and late 2023.
The Australian Government provided $5.5 million to this project and the Ballina Shire Council provided the remainder.
For more information about the project, including FAQs, visit ballinabyronairport.com.au/at-the-airport/projects.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“The Australian Government is committed to bolstering connections from Australia’s regions to domestic and global market opportunities.
“Since the grant was awarded, Ballina Byron Gateway Airport has supported a record-breaking number of flights following the pandemic and is exceeding passenger numbers prior to COVID. The upgrades will continue to support this growth.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot:
“As the local MP, I’m proud to have delivered federal funding for this important upgrade to the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.
“The upgrade will boost economic activity and jobs right across our region.
“This Ballina Airport upgrade has supported 186 jobs during construction and has now created 74 ongoing jobs to support the local economy. “I congratulate Ballina Shire Council on this project that will continue to deliver a tourism gateway to our beautiful region.”
Quotes attributable to Ballina Byron Gateway Airport Manager Julie Stewart:
“Each year, our busy regional airport supports around 635,000 commercial passengers – this is expected to increase to over 900,000 by 2040.
“Strengthening this important piece of airport infrastructure will extend the runway’s lifespan by up to 10 years.
“Our airport is a key gateway for visitors to the beautiful Northern River Region, but the airport is also essential to support emergency service aircraft during regional disasters.”
Quotes attributable to Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader:
“An investment in the airport, is an investment in our community and its economy.
“The runway upgrade will ensure the community have continued reliable and safe air services into the future for local tourism and business, while also providing aviation jobs and career opportunities for local residents.”
This is a joint media release from Ballina Shire Council, The Hon Catherine King MP, The Hon Justine Elliot MP.
Monday, 18 Mar 2024
Ballina Shire Council wishes to advise that essential water main works will be carried out in a section of Alstonville overnight on Thursday 21 March 2024.
Friday, 15 Mar 2024
The Northern Rivers community will have an opportunity to learn from leading burnout experts across March and April in a series of free workshops presented by Ballina Shire Council
Thursday, 07 Mar 2024
Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads.
Thursday, 07 Mar 2024
Ballina Byron Gateway Airport's runway has been upgraded to meet future aviation demands
Friday, 01 Mar 2024
Ballina Shire Council wishes to advise that the next stage of safety upgrades to Ross Lane will commence from Monday 11 March 2024 and continue until the end of June 2024, weather and site conditions permitting.
Friday, 01 Mar 2024
Ballina Shire Council will be upgrading the Tamar Street Bus Interchange in Ballina's CBD from Monday 11 March 2024.
Tuesday, 27 Feb 2024
The Yabby Trap Roundup is collecting all old, illegal and unwanted Opera House style yabby traps to protect the future of fishing and the health of our waterways.
Tuesday, 27 Feb 2024
Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) presents four new exhibitions this March that showcase explorations of place and identity in a variety of forms
Monday, 26 Feb 2024
New green bin rules mean it's easier than ever for Northern Rivers residents to sort out their waste.
Wednesday, 07 Feb 2024
Repairs to the flood-damaged Wardell Wharf will commence Thursday 15 February 2024. Council has engaged contractor, Hunter Wharf and Barge, to carry out the remediation works, which will include: Repairs to the damaged wharf and boardwalk piles and Installation of armouring along the riverbank near Wardell Wharf.
Tuesday, 06 Feb 2024
Ballina Shire Council has prepared a Draft Housing Strategy to help meet housing demand over the next 20 years in Ballina Shire.
Thursday, 01 Feb 2024
Council will be carrying out essential maintenance and repairs to sections of the Coastal Shared Path and Coastal Recreational Walk from Monday 5 February.
Friday, 26 Jan 2024
Ballina Shire Council hosted the official ceremony at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre, which featured a Welcome to Country, citizenship ceremony and the announcement of the highly anticipated Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards.
Wednesday, 24 Jan 2024
Ballina Shire Council is preparing a Draft Master Plan for part of Hampton Park Reserve and is seeking the community's insights.
Thursday, 18 Jan 2024
The Ballina Tourism Team is thrilled to unveil the new Ballina Coast and Hinterland Visitor Guide, a comprehensive A4 publication showcasing the region's unmissable experiences through captivating imagery, insightful editorials, and essential visitor information.
Tuesday, 09 Jan 2024
Whether you're a long-time local, new to the shire, or visiting our patch of paradise, everyone is welcome to join us for this year's Ballina Shire Australia Day Ceremony at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre on Friday 26 January 2024, from 9am.
Tuesday, 09 Jan 2024
Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads.
Tuesday, 02 Jan 2024
Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) launches its 2024 annual exhibition program, presenting four exhibitions this January.
Tuesday, 19 Dec 2023
There are no changes to bin collection days over the Christmas period, even if bin collection falls on a public holiday.
Wednesday, 13 Dec 2023
This year, Ballina Shire Council supported participating schools to wage their own 'war on waste' through the Let's Get It Sorted School Challenge.
Monday, 11 Dec 2023
Ballina Shire Council is asking the community to provide feedback on plans to upgrade Sharpes Beach Carpark.
Tuesday, 05 Dec 2023
Ballina Shire Council will temporarily close sections of Fawcett Street and Fawcett Park on Thursday 7 December 2023, to reinstall steel sculptures within the park.
Tuesday, 05 Dec 2023
Stage two of the Pop Denison Park playground is now complete, and the playground is open just in time for Christmas!
Thursday, 30 Nov 2023
Ballina Shire Council wishes to advise that a section of Airport Boulevard will be temporarily closed on Monday 4 December and Tuesday 5 December 2023.
Wednesday, 29 Nov 2023
A number of Council facilities and services will change over the Christmas period.
Wednesday, 29 Nov 2023
A flood-damaged pontoon at Lance Ferris Wharf in Fawcett Park, Ballina is being replaced.
Monday, 27 Nov 2023
Ballina Shire Council advises the Rotary Club of Ballina on Richmond is holding a community awareness walk against Domestic and Family Violence on Friday 1 December 2023.
Friday, 24 Nov 2023
Ballina Shire Council wishes to advise that Ross Lane in Lennox Head will be reduced to one lane from Monday 27 November for approximately two weeks.
Thursday, 23 Nov 2023
Eltham Road has reopened to traffic following a month-long closure for the Pearces Creek Bridge replacement project.
Wednesday, 22 Nov 2023
Don't miss the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes in our community. Nominations for the 2024 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards will close Monday 27 November 2023.
Friday, 17 Nov 2023
The recent release of the federal government's infrastructure spending review brings with it a disheartening revelation for the Ballina Shire and the Northern Rivers region. In particular, the significant funding loss for the crucial Bruxner Highway - Wollongbar to Goonellabah project, which initially held a federal commitment of $6.8 million.
Thursday, 16 Nov 2023
Water supply is temporarily unavailable to some properties in Lennox Head village due to a water main break that occurred this afternoon.
Tuesday, 24 Oct 2023
Sprung Integrated Dance Theatre's new annual disability community ball, Dis-Co Ball, will light up the Lennox Head Cultural Centre on Sunday 12 November 2023.
Wednesday, 18 Oct 2023
Mark Friday 10 November 2023 in your diary as that's when Steve Banks and The Sidemen are coming together for one night only at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre.
Wednesday, 11 Oct 2023
Flood-damaged pontoons at Lance Ferris Wharf in Fawcett Park, Ballina and at Keith Hall are being replaced.
Tuesday, 10 Oct 2023
Ballina Shire Council wishes to advise that vehicle access to Camp Drewe Road in Lennox Head will be temporarily closed for The Ox Charity Fundraiser 24 hour running event.
Monday, 09 Oct 2023
Following extensive community consultation, Ballina Shire Council has developed a Draft Master Plan to help revitalise Wardell village centre.
Friday, 06 Oct 2023
The inaugural Ballina Contemporary Art Market (BCAM) is a free, one-day, fun-filled arts and cultural event taking place on Saturday 14 October from 10am-7pm at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) & Ignite Studios creative precinct in Ballina, showcasing the creative talent of the region.
Thursday, 05 Oct 2023
Ballina Shire Council wishes to advise the community of two temporary closures of the North Wall shared path in East Ballina.
Wednesday, 27 Sep 2023
Ballina Shire Council wishes to advise that Stage 7 of the Lennox Village Vision project, the Lennox Park Upgrade, will commence on Monday 9 October 2023.
Wednesday, 27 Sep 2023
Ballina Shire Council wishes to advise residents and motorists that Eltham Road, at Pearces Creek Bridge, will be temporarily closed for one month from Monday 23 October 2023.
Wednesday, 27 Sep 2023
Friday, 22 Sep 2023
The NSW Budget 2023-24, released on Tuesday 19 September, has outlined several key projects and funding for Ballina Shire and the Northern Rivers region.
Friday, 22 Sep 2023
Ballina Shire Council's water team will be carrying out repairs to a water main in Skennars Head on Friday 22 September 2023, from 9.30am to 3pm.
Wednesday, 20 Sep 2023
Prepare to embark on a shopping adventure with the much-anticipated 'Lennox Head Golden Ticket: Shop to Win Campaign!'
Wednesday, 20 Sep 2023
Monday, 18 Sep 2023
Ballina Shire Council is pleased to announce the Festival and Event Sponsorship Program is now open.
Wednesday, 13 Sep 2023
Arts, crafts, creatures and a laneway party!
Monday, 11 Sep 2023
An emergency exercise will be held at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport on Wednesday 13 September 2023 from 8.30am to 12noon.
Monday, 11 Sep 2023
Two new sets of traffic lights have been switched on, marking the completion of two major intersection upgrades.
Thursday, 07 Sep 2023
Burns Point Ferry will recommence services from 5.30am Saturday 9 September 2023. The ferry has been in a dry dock slipyard for its annual major maintenance works program.
Thursday, 07 Sep 2023
Get ready for an extraordinary shopping experience as Lennox Head village prepares to launch the much-awaited 'Lennox Head Golden Ticket: Shop to Win Campaign.'
Tuesday, 05 Sep 2023
Ballina Shire Council will be hosting two free safety workshops on Saturday 7 October 2023 for motorcycle riders.
Tuesday, 05 Sep 2023
Ballina Shire Council's crews will be upgrading a section of footpath along Pearces Creek Road, Alstonville, with work expected to commence from Monday 11 September 2023.
Tuesday, 05 Sep 2023
The Salvage Shed is hosting a Recycled Art Competition, offering a fun and inclusive way for community members to redesign and repurpose materials that may otherwise be sent to landfill or left hidden in a shed.
Thursday, 31 Aug 2023
Flood-damaged pontoons at Fishery Creek, West Ballina and in Wardell will be replaced next week.
Thursday, 31 Aug 2023
The Ballina Street and Park Lane intersection upgrade in Lennox Head is nearing completion and Ballina Street has reopened to traffic in both directions.
Tuesday, 29 Aug 2023
Ballina Shire Council's crews will be conducting tree replacement planting on Main Street, Alstonville from 7am -10am on Thursday 31 August 2023.
Friday, 25 Aug 2023
From Monday 28 August 2023, Ballina Shire Council and Lismore City Council will introduce a reduced load limit for Pearces Creek Bridge on Eltham Road, Pearces Creek. The new load limit will be 4.5 tonnes
Thursday, 17 Aug 2023
From 21 to 23 August 2023 Ballina Shire Council will be spotlighting safety on bikes.
Wednesday, 16 Aug 2023
Ballina Shire Council is on a mission to dive deep into our community and celebrate both individuals and groups who quietly make an extraordinary impact on our shire. Nominations are invited for those outstanding community members who may otherwise go unnoticed, individuals and groups who dedicate themselves to community-based activities, sports, the environment, or the arts.
Wednesday, 16 Aug 2023
Learn professional secrets of watercolour painting in a one-day immersive workshop with local artist Karena Wynn-Moylan on Saturday 26 August from 10am-4pm.
Tuesday, 15 Aug 2023
The Burns Point Ferry will be taken to a dry dock slip yard for maintenance works from Friday 18 August to Saturday 9 September 2023.
Monday, 14 Aug 2023
Following extensive community consultation, Ballina Shire Council has developed the Draft Lennox Head Strategic Plan 2023-2043.
Friday, 11 Aug 2023
Ballina Shire Council's crews are attending to a water main break that has occurred at Fig Tree Hill Drive in Lennox Head this morning.
Thursday, 10 Aug 2023
On Thursday 17 August from 5-7pm at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) in Ballina, acclaimed author, journalist, and photographer Mark Isaacs will join award-winning writer, director, and paramedic Benjamin Gilmour in conversation.
Tuesday, 08 Aug 2023
Ballina Shire Council is inviting residents to have their say on the preferred route for a new Shared Path between Park Lane and Cooper Close, Lennox Head.
Tuesday, 08 Aug 2023
Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) presents four exhibitions this August drawing on themes of beauty and resilience found in our environment and communities as well as our personal relationships with our place in the world.
Monday, 07 Aug 2023
Individuals, community groups and organisations are invited to apply for a new community grant that will support resource recovery initiatives within Ballina Shire.
Thursday, 03 Aug 2023
Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) & Ignite Studios is delivering a one-day contemporary art market in the heart of Ballina on Saturday 14 October 2023.
Tuesday, 01 Aug 2023
Ballina Shire Council and the Northern Rivers Community Gallery want to hear from artists who would like to participate in a public street art project.
Friday, 28 Jul 2023
Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads.
Thursday, 13 Jul 2023
With the Byron Street/Ballina Street intersection now complete and fully reopened, Ballina Shire Council's crews will focus on Stage 5 of the Lennox Village Vision project at the Ballina Street and Park Lane intersection from Monday 17 July 2023.
Friday, 07 Jul 2023
Ballina Shire Council wishes to advise that our Water team will be renewing the recycled water main along Angels Beach Drive, Ballina from Tuesday 11 July 2023.
Wednesday, 05 Jul 2023
Lismore-based printmaker, artist, and educator Christine Porter will run a two-day immersive drypoint etching workshop at Ignite Studios in Ballina.
Monday, 03 Jul 2023
Ballina Shire Council wishes to advise that vehicle access to part of Pacific Parade in Lennox Head will be closed for the annual Skullcandy Oz Grom Open surfing competition.
Friday, 30 Jun 2023
Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads.
Friday, 30 Jun 2023
NAIDOC Week is a special time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements and is an opportunity to recognise the contributions Indigenous Australians make to our country and society.
Tuesday, 27 Jun 2023
As part of the Lennox Village Vision project, Ballina Shire Council is continuing rejuvenation works in surrounding areas of the Lennox Head town centre.
Tuesday, 27 Jun 2023
Monday, 26 Jun 2023
Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) presents four diverse exhibitions this July from local and interstate artists. The exhibitions include a photographic journey through Afghanistan, explorations upon the essence of landscape, traditional textile art and cultural practices of Iran and a collection of artworks celebrating the 12th Annual Grace Cruice Memorial Exhibition.
Friday, 23 Jun 2023
Ballina Shire Council's crews will be reconstructing a section of Moon Street in Ballina, between Bangalow Road and Fox Street, from Monday 26 June 2023.
Wednesday, 21 Jun 2023
The member councils of the Richmond Tweed Regional Library service have recently established a new Deed of Agreement to uphold the provision of public library services throughout the Lismore, Tweed, Ballina, and Byron local government areas by leveraging a regional library model.
Tuesday, 20 Jun 2023
The Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) & Ignite Studios invites the community to celebrate the opening of the Commemorative Flood Recovery Community Art Exhibition
Friday, 16 Jun 2023
Are you a parent, carer, teacher, or youth worker? Or maybe you have another support role in a young person's life? Come along to the E-Safety and Young People Community Forum at Lennox Head Cultural Centre next Thursday 22 June 2023 from 6pm.
Friday, 09 Jun 2023
The Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) & Ignite Studios is pleased to announce a special artist talk with local exhibiting artists Michelle Walker and Jude White, in conversation with visual artist and educator Virginia Reid, as part of their exhibition Ash, Mud & Tears, currently on show at NRCG until 25 June 2023.
Friday, 09 Jun 2023
Local artist and filmmaker Angus McDonald is bringing his first feature film, Freedom is Beautiful, to Lennox Head Cultural Centre, fresh from its Sydney Film Festival premiere.
Friday, 09 Jun 2023
Ballina Shire Council wishes to advise that roadworks will commence at the intersection of Rous Road and Wardell Road, Lynwood, from Tuesday 13 June 2023 and continue for approximately two weeks (weather permitting).
Friday, 02 Jun 2023
Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads.
Tuesday, 30 May 2023
Friday, 26 May 2023
Ballina Shire Council will close the Ballina War Memorial Pool for the month of June and the Alstonville Aquatic Centre for the month of July for essential annual maintenance.
Friday, 26 May 2023
Ballina Byron Gateway Airport's runway will soon be overlayed as part of an essential maintenance program.
Wednesday, 24 May 2023
Ballina Shire Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on the future management of Shaws Bay in East Ballina.
Tuesday, 23 May 2023
As part of the ongoing flood recovery efforts across our region, the NSW Government has provided funding to Ballina Shire Council to support Commemorative Flood Recovery projects until June 2023.
Tuesday, 16 May 2023
Several roads across the shire are closed due to flooding, with cautions in place for others.
Monday, 15 May 2023
After a four-year hiatus, the annual Lennox Head Community Tree Planting Day will return Friday 9 June 2023.
Thursday, 11 May 2023
Ballina Shire Council wishes to advise that essential water main renewal works will be carried out in West Ballina on Tuesday 16 May 2023.
Tuesday, 09 May 2023
Essential recycled water main repairs will be carried out in the Aureus Estate, Skennars Head on Wednesday 10 May 2023.
Friday, 05 May 2023
Thursday, 04 May 2023
The Ballina Tourism Team is excited to announce the arrival of its newest merchandise line - Ballina Fishing Shirts!
Tuesday, 02 May 2023
Ballina Shire Council is partnering with various agencies and community groups to provide mobile flood recovery services in Wardell and West Ballina in May.
Friday, 28 Apr 2023
Ballina Shire Council's crews are attending to a water main break that has occurred on Richmond Avenue, Ballina this morning.
Wednesday, 01 Feb 2023