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Byron Shire
June 3, 2026
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Ballina locals invited to have their say on new housing strategy

By Paul Bibby

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Ballina Shire Council is preparing a new housing strategy to help meet the demands of future population growth.

‘Like a lot of Australian communities, Ballina Shire is feeling the pressure from the lack of affordable housing,’ said Ms Tara McGready, Ballina Shire Council’s Manager of Strategic Planning.

‘This new housing strategy will consider where and how projected growth may be accommodated to the year 2040. Once finalised, it will help guide future planning at a local and state level.’

Luxury housing construction in Ballina Shire. Photo David Lowe.

To help develop the new strategy, Council is inviting locals to share their housing experiences via a short online survey or by attending one of our upcoming workshops.

The housing survey asks respondents to consider what their future housing needs may be in the next 10 to 20 years, and what they think are the most pressing housing challenges facing the shire.

‘The survey takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete which is a small amount of time to give when you consider the significant impact this can have to help us get this strategy right for our community,’ Ms McGready said.

‘We’re also holding a series of face-to-face housing workshops, with the first one being held at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre this Wednesday 26 October. We urge residents to jump at this opportunity to provide their feedback for the future of our shire.’

The workshop sessions are as follows:

  • Wednesday 26 October 2022, 6pm-8pm, Lennox Head Cultural Centre
  • Monday 14 November 2022, 6pm – 8pm, Wollongbar Hall
  • Wednesday 30 November 2022, 6pm – 8pm, Ballina Surf Club

The workshops will include a short presentation from Council staff followed by activities that will canvas views on what our current and future housing needs are.

The outcome of the workshops and the survey will be incorporated into a draft housing strategy which will be exhibited for further community feedback early to mid-2023.

To take the housing survey or register for a workshop visit www.yoursayballina.com.au/housing-strategy

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