Thursday, 19 Sep 2024
Ballina residents can now receive rebates of up to 50% of the purchase price on reusable nappies, period products and continence management items as part of Council’s Reusable Products Rebate.
The rebate aims to assist residents in making realistic, sustainable swaps to reduce the environmental and economic impact of sending disposable items to landfill. Council recognises hygiene products as an essential item, and this rebate allows people to choose quality reusable products, better for their own health and for the environment.
“Disposable nappies, period products and continence management items are the fourth most prevalent waste stream by weight in household landfill bins across Ballina Shire. These items are used every day by people of all ages,” said Justine Rowe, Resource Recovery Education Officer.
Council is allocating $10,000 from the 2024/25 Resource Recovery budget to this scheme, which is not related to rates income. The rebate aims to encourage the purchase of reusable products over disposable and to help ease cost of living pressures for these routine items.
Disposable hygiene products require more land and energy to produce than reusables, then end up in landfill where they can take up to 500 years to decompose.
The rebate could provide a reduction on average of:
1,825 disposable nappies per child per year 240 disposable period products per user per year 1,800 disposable incontinence pads per user per yearWhile reusable versions of these everyday products often have a higher initial cost than disposables, the long-term savings are usually about 50%. For example, a child will use on average 1825 disposable nappies per year, totalling approximately $3,500, whereas investing in reusable nappies can cost between $500 and $1,500 in total.
As well as the cost saving, if 100 families use the rebate, at least 180,000 nappies will be diverted from landfill each year. The savings can be even greater for period products and continence management items which are used for longer than nappies.
“I switched to using reusable period products two years ago and only wish I switched sooner. The average Australian who menstruates will spend $10,000 in their lifetime on period products like pads and tampons. I’m saving money and I feel better knowing I’m using products made from natural fibres rather than plastics,” Ms Rowe adds.
Ballina Shire residents are eligible to apply for one of each of the following rebates of 50% of the purchase price on:
Reusable nappies – 50% of the purchase price, up to $150 per household Reusable period products – 50% of the purchase price, up to $100 per household Reusable continence management products – 50% of the purchase price, up to $100 per household.To apply for the rebate, you will need to provide proof of purchase receipts along with proof of Ballina Shire residency when you complete the online form available on Council’s website at ballina.nsw.gov.au/reusable-products-rebate
Monday, 04 Nov 2024
Ballina Shire Council will be reconstructing a section of The Coast Road, between Pat Morton Lookout and the North Creek Road/Byron Bay Road roundabout from Tuesday 19 November 2024.
Friday, 01 Nov 2024
Ballina Shire Council is urging residents not to put hazardous materials in any kerbside bin, following a fire at the Resource Recovery Centre last weekend.
Friday, 25 Oct 2024
A new kerbside charging station has been installed in Cherry Street Ballina.
Wednesday, 23 Oct 2024
There will be a temporary road closure on Byron St, Lennox Head, between Gibbon St and Park Lane on Thursday 24 October.
Monday, 21 Oct 2024
Ballina Shire Council is excited to announce the completion of the Lennox Village Vision, a $11.5m revitalisation project that has transformed the heart of Lennox Head, while preserving its coastal village charm.
Friday, 18 Oct 2024
The Wardell Bridge underpass has been brought to life with the installation of a striking new public artwork that celebrates the unique spirit of the river town.
Tuesday, 15 Oct 2024
Ballina Shire Council is preparing a streetscape master plan for Newrybar and the community is invited to get involved!
Friday, 11 Oct 2024
NRCG presents a treasure trove of contemporary art this November, celebrating four high calibre exhibitions from three emerging artists and captivating superhero portraits from the acclaimed Sprung Dance Theatre ensemble.
Thursday, 10 Oct 2024
Ballina Shire Council advise vehicle access to Camp Drewe Road in Lennox Head will be temporarily closed for The Ox Charity Fundraiser 24 hour running event on the weekend of 12 and 13 October.
Thursday, 10 Oct 2024
On 14 and 15 October Ballina Shire Council will be spotlighting safety on bikes.
Thursday, 10 Oct 2024
Ballina Shire Council will temporarily close a section of Bridge Drive, Wardell from Monday 14 to Wednesday 16 October 2024. The road will be closed between Cedar Street and Sinclair Street from 9am to 3pm, each day.
Thursday, 03 Oct 2024
Wednesday, 02 Oct 2024
Ballina Shire Council has identified a mature Eucalyptus tree to be urgently removed from the corner of Cherry St and Bentinck Street due to storm and wind damage causing unacceptable safety risks.
Tuesday, 01 Oct 2024
Ballina Shire Council wishes to advise that Ross Lane is now open in both directions. Motorists are advised to drive slowly through the Deadmans Creek section of Ross Lane.
Monday, 30 Sep 2024
Ballina Shire Council is asking all motorists to be vigilant during the heavy rainfall. Council staff check the road network and signpost flooded roads. Not all roads can be signposted so please be aware of changing conditions in your local area.
Monday, 30 Sep 2024
Tamarind Drive will be closed between the intersection of North Creek Road and Ballina Heights Drive for one hour between 10pm and 11pm on Tuesday 1 October.
Thursday, 26 Sep 2024
Reinforcing a commitment to a vibrant event schedule in our region, Ballina Shire Council has opened the Festival and Event Sponsorship Program for the 2025/2026 financial year.
Wednesday, 25 Sep 2024
We want to celebrate the individuals and groups who make a remarkable impact on our shire. But most importantly, we want to thank them for all that they do.
Thursday, 19 Sep 2024
This Saturday 21 September, be sure to add pre-loved treasure hunting to your weekend agenda, as the North Coast community roll up their garage doors for Second Hand Saturday.
Thursday, 19 Sep 2024
Ballina residents can now receive rebates of up to 50% of the purchase price on reusable nappies, period products and continence management items as part of Council's Reusable Products Rebate.
Tuesday, 17 Sep 2024
Are you ready to let your imagination run wild? The Salvage Shed is again running their Recycled Art Competition alongside Ballina Shire Council, offering a fun way to keep 'trash' out of landfill while supporting a local not-for-profit business.
Tuesday, 10 Sep 2024
Ballina Shire Council will be running two free bike safety workshops during the school holidays on Wednesday 2 October and Wednesday 9 October 2024.
Monday, 02 Sep 2024
Ballina Shire Council is about to begin the first stage of the Wardell Village Centre Revitalisation project, focused on creating a community green space at the end of Richmond Street.
Tuesday, 27 Aug 2024
Worried about the cost of living? Join the reuse revolution on Saturday 21 September 2024 as we welcome the North Coast's largest day of garage sales - Second Hand Saturday!
Monday, 26 Aug 2024
A brand-new take on an original surf classic will hit the screens at Lennox Head Cultural Centre this Friday 30 August 2024.
Friday, 16 Aug 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.
Monday, 12 Aug 2024
Ballina Shire Council is asking all motorists to be vigilant during the heavy rainfall. Council staff check the road network and signpost flooded roads. Not all roads can be signposted so please be aware of changing conditions in your local area.
Saturday, 10 Aug 2024
Ballina Shire Council has made Alstonville's furry residents very happy this morning with the official opening of a new dog off-leash exercise area on Gap Road in Alstonville
Friday, 09 Aug 2024
Northern Rivers Community Gallery presents four exciting new exhibitions this September addressing a range of diverse themes including culture, time, memory, and our natural environments.
Tuesday, 06 Aug 2024
Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is thrilled to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of its partnership with airline partner Virgin Australia, marking a significant milestone in regional aviation history and for the Northern Rivers NSW region.
Friday, 02 Aug 2024
Ballina Shire Council is thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of local tourism businesses and initiatives at the 2024 North Coast Tourism Awards.
Tuesday, 30 Jul 2024
Council is excited to announce that it has been awarded $198,376 to upgrade Ballina Library facilities.
Wednesday, 24 Jul 2024
Ballina Shire Council is inviting the community to celebrate the opening of the new dog off-leash park on Gap Road, Alstonville. Dog owners and their pooches are invited to unleash the fun and come along between 9.30am and 12.30pm on Saturday 10 August 2024 to try out the new agility park.
Friday, 19 Jul 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, 09 Jul 2024
Ballina Shire Council has once again signed up for Plastic Free July and we are encouraging our community to join us!
Wednesday, 03 Jul 2024
Changes to 4WD access at Lennox Head's Seven Mile Beach came into effect on Monday 1 July 2024. The changes promote safe beach access and seek to minimise impacts on key environmental attributes of the beach, dunes, and surrounding areas.
Tuesday, 02 Jul 2024
Ballina Shire Council will commence the next stage of the Main Street and The Avenue Intersection Upgrade in Alstonville from Monday 8 July 2024.
Tuesday, 02 Jul 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, 27 Jun 2024
Wonderful Wardell is a fun one day event on Sunday 30 June 2024, offering the community an opportunity to get creative, catch some tunes and share time with family and friends.
Thursday, 27 Jun 2024
Although Council elections are in September this year, its business as usual as Ballina Shire Council adopts a $78 million capital expenditure budget for 2024/2025, featuring investment for the Alstonville Cultural Centre, Fishery Creek and Canal Bridge Duplication, Sharpes Beach and Kingsford Smith Pump track.
Wednesday, 26 Jun 2024
Ballina Shire Council will close the Alstonville Aquatic Centre for the month of July for essential annual maintenance.
Wednesday, 26 Jun 2024
Ballina Shire Council wishes to inform residents and visitors that Pacific Parade in Lennox Head will be temporarily closed to motorists from Thursday 4 July to Sunday 7 July 2024, between 7am - 4.30pm daily
Friday, 21 Jun 2024
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.
Friday, 21 Jun 2024
Council is upgrading a section of footpath on Compton Drive at East Ballina commencing Monday 24 June 2024 and continuing to Friday 5 July 2024. During these works a section of Compton Drive will be reduced to one lane from 7am to 3.30pm on weekdays.
Friday, 21 Jun 2024
Water will be temporarily unavailable from 9am to 3pm Wednesday 26 June 2024 to all properties within Ballina Heights. Residents have been advised of this outage via VMS boards on entrance to Ballina Heights. During this time no water will be available via residents' internal or external water outlets.
Wednesday, 19 Jun 2024
Ballina Shire Council is upgrading two popular local dog off-leash exercise areas.
Tuesday, 18 Jun 2024
Ballina Shire Council is looking to improve diversity in the residential housing market and has commenced the design process for medium density housing options on Council-owned land on Dundee and Elsa Avenues in Wollongbar.
Friday, 14 Jun 2024
Play school live is coming to the Lennox Head Cultural Centre this August!
Friday, 14 Jun 2024
Are you a local builder, plumber, landscaper, contractor or earthmover? Ballina Shire Council is inviting the local construction industry to a FREE erosion and sediment control training workshop on Tuesday 2 July to help protect our environment and beautiful waterways.
Thursday, 13 Jun 2024
Ballina Shire Council will be carrying out essential maintenance and repairs to a section of the Coastal Recreation Path near Angels Beach commencing Monday 17 June and continuing to Wednesday 19 June 2024.
Friday, 07 Jun 2024
Ballina Shire Council is delighted to announce that several local tourism businesses and initiatives have been named finalists in the prestigious 2024 North Coast Tourism Awards.
Friday, 07 Jun 2024
Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) presents four new exhibitions this July 2024 - Celebrating community, culture, and the environment.
Monday, 03 Jun 2024
Wonderful Wardell is a fun one-day event on Sunday 30 June 2024, offering the community an opportunity to get creative, catch some tunes and share time with family and friends.
Monday, 03 Jun 2024
Ballina Shire Council is seeking feedback on the concept design for the Martin Street Boat Harbour Upgrade.
Friday, 31 May 2024
Ballina Shire Council wishes to advise that the upgrade of Tamar Street Bus Interchange in Ballina's CBD will be starting from Monday 3 June 2024.
Thursday, 30 May 2024
The Ballina Tourism Team is thrilled that Ballina has been awarded silver at the prestigious NSW Top Tourism Town Awards, hosted by Business NSW and the NSW Tourism Industry Council.
Wednesday, 22 May 2024
Drop in and chat to the fire ant eradication team to find out how you can play an active role in our fight against fire ants on Thursday 23 May and Friday 24 May 2024 at the Wardell & District War Memorial Hall
Tuesday, 21 May 2024
Monday, 20 May 2024
The Ballina War Memorial Pool will be closed for the month of June and the Alstonville Aquatic Centre for the month of July for essential annual maintenance.
Wednesday, 15 May 2024
Ballina Shire Council's Mayor Sharon Cadwallader shared her reflections on the Federal Budget 2024/25, highlighting the implications for Ballina Shire. The commitment of $27.7 billion is a significant allocation towards various projects aimed at improving the quality of life for Australians, Mayor Cadwallader acknowledges the budget's emphasis on cost-of-living relief, education, and healthcare as crucial pillars for community well-being.
Thursday, 09 May 2024
Ballina Shire Council wishes to advise that one lane of Tamarind Drive (across Canal Bridge) will be temporarily closed overnight on Friday 10 May and Saturday 11 May 2024.
Monday, 06 May 2024
Ballina Shire Council is seeking the community�s feedback on our draft plans for the years ahead. The Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2024 - 2028 is now on exhibition until Wednesday 5 June 2024.
Monday, 06 May 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.
Friday, 03 May 2024
The annual Lennox Head Community Tree Planting Day is occurring again Friday 10 May 2024.
Thursday, 02 May 2024
Ballina Shire Council issues an urgent call to our community members and leaders to take a stand against domestic violence. 4pm Sunday 5 May 2024 at the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre (63 Cherry Street, Ballina)
Wednesday, 01 May 2024
The Ballina Tourism team is thrilled to announce that Ballina has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious NSW Top Tourism Town Awards, which is hosted by Business NSW and the NSW Tourism Industry Council. This notable nomination places Ballina among the top nine contenders in the category for towns with a population over 5,000 residents.
Wednesday, 01 May 2024
Ballina Shire Council is preparing to construct a new permanent roundabout at the intersection of Ballina Street and Allens Parade, Lennox Head, from Monday 13 May 2024.
Wednesday, 17 Apr 2024
Ballina Shire Council has started preliminary investigation works at Fishery Creek Bridge, on River Street, and Canal Bridge, on Tamarind Drive, as part of their plan to duplicate both bridges. The project also involves raising portions of the roadway on sections of River Street and Tamarind Drive.
Friday, 12 Apr 2024
Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) presents four new exhibitions this May that showcase explorations of place and identity in a variety of forms
Friday, 12 Apr 2024
On Saturday 11 May the Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) is teaming up with artist and educator Claudie Frock and the Ballina Shire Council Community Recovery Team to deliver TOGETHER Arts and Community Wellbeing Day - a free, fun-filled arts and cultural event in the heart of Ballina
Tuesday, 09 Apr 2024
Road status information during wet weather conditions.
Monday, 08 Apr 2024
Road status information during wet weather conditions.
Sunday, 07 Apr 2024
Road status information during wet weather conditions.
Friday, 05 Apr 2024
Road status information during wet weather conditions.
Thursday, 04 Apr 2024
Ballina Byron Gateway Airport has continued its longstanding commitment to Byron Bay Bluesfest after expanding its partnership with its highly innovative VIP Lounge concept at the 2024 festival.
Wednesday, 27 Mar 2024
The Lennox Park upgrade is now complete, and the park fully reopened following a major overhaul.
Tuesday, 26 Mar 2024
Ballina Shire Council and Lismore City Council have officially opened the new Pearces Creek Bridge. The aging wooden bridge has been replaced with a two-lane, concrete structure that meets the needs of today's road users.
Thursday, 21 Mar 2024
Ballina Shire Council has rolled out a new Beach Safety Program to improve the safety and first aid infrastructure available along the shire's beaches
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.
Monday, 18 Sep 2023
Ballina Shire Council is pleased to announce the Festival and Event Sponsorship Program is now open.
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.
Wednesday, 01 Feb 2023