Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader says 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.
The Bruxner Highway serves as a link between the regional centres of Ballina and Lismore, making its capacity a concern for the Northern Rivers region. The now-lost funding was intended to address capacity issues on this route.
Mayor Cadwallader expressed disappointment, emphasising the untimely setback given that route options were on the verge of public exhibition.
‘The loss of the committed funds not only undermines progress but renders the work undertaken to date futile,’ she said. ‘The Bruxner Highway, plagued by a history of accidents, poses genuine safety concerns for the stretch between Wollongbar and Goonellabah.’
Council calls on government
In light of these developments, Ballina Shire Council is calling upon the NSW government to continue the planning stage of the Bruxner Highway project, arguing that this is not just a matter of regional development, but a pressing necessity for the safety and well-being of communities in the Northern Rivers region.
‘The potential consequences of neglecting this critical project are too significant to ignore, and immediate action is imperative to ensure the security and prosperity of Northern Rivers NSW communities,’ added Mayor Cadwallader.
More stories about Ballina Shire Council:
Ballina Council finds savings in chairs
At its last meeting, as part of a long discussion about amendments to Ballina Council's delivery program and operational plan, there was a debate about whether Ballina Richmond Rotary Club should still be paid $8,000 to set up chairs for the RSL Lighthouse Day Club.
Tradie ladies graduate civil construction TAFE program
Twelve Northern Rivers residents are celebrating the completion of a groundbreaking program designed to build essential skills and unlock employment pathways for women in civil construction.
Ballina Council wrap
With local government meeting practice across the state returning to confusion following the NSW Legislative Council's recent decision, Ballina Shire Council's last meeting included a lot of unanimous decisions and an argument about the remnants of the Big Scrub, in which Mayor Cadwallader used her casting vote to squash Cr Simon Chate's motion.
Ballina Shire Council’s special rate variation approved
Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has approved Ballina Shire Council's application to increase its general income through a permanent special variation (SV) of 26.25% [in rates] over four years, from 2026-27 to 2029-30.
The Greens’ 3-way comp: Ballina Councillor vs Byron candidates for state...
Byron Greens members could expect to be asked to take the future of the Richmond River further south into account when choosing a candidate for next year’s state election.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
