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Byron Shire
July 16, 2026

What is your vision for Ballina Shire?

Latest News

Renewables and battery storage stable amid global uncertainty

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, in partnership with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) today released the GenCost 2025–26 Final Report, finding renewable energy supported by storage is helping to protect Australia against global energy shocks and continues to provide the lowest cost pathway for Australia’s electricity system to achieve net zero emissions.

Other News

‘All That’s Left of You’ coming to Murwillumbah

The intimate story of eight decades of Palestinian life is explored in the acclaimed new feature by Cherien Dabis, All That’s Left of You, screening at the Regent Cinema in Murwillumbah on Thursday, 16 July at 6pm.

Sign up for Mullum’s Chinny Charge race

Ready to race up the mountain? That’s right, the Chinny Charge is open for registration for runners and walkers who want to take the once a year chance to race and stroll up the mountain.

Oz Grom Open wraps up in Lennox

The 2026 Soundboks Oz Grom Open saw a fairytale finish to competition yesterday with huge performances, bluebird skies and local wins in dreamy two-foot conditions.

Music comes to Mullum this weekend!

Wild Rocket blast into Mullum as Mullum Roots Festival lights up the town this coming weekend. Three venues around Mullum will host music, while songwriting workshops will happen at the Drill Hall Theatre on Sunday.

Data shows biggest danger to wildlife is people, not cats

Human-created hazards are responsible for most wildlife rescues in New South Wales, and researchers are calling for more prevention strategies to save threatened species.

Jeff Dawson captures Mullum Roots Festival

Did you make it to Mullum Roots Festival on the weekend?

With five new councillors on the Ballina Shire Council (BSC) residents and businesses are being asked to share their vision of the future of their areas with councillors. 

‘With five new Councillors joining the elected Council, adding fresh energy to the enthusiasm and experience of the existing five, and supported by the dedicated employees of Ballina Shire Council, we’re eager to chart a course guided by what matters most to you,’ said a BSC spokesperson. 

‘The Community Strategic Plan (CSP) is your opportunity to shape the next decade. It’s a blueprint that outlines how Council will act as a service provider, collaborator, and advocate to deliver the infrastructure, programs, and services that reflect the community’s priorities.’

Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said that is is a chance for locals to let them know what kind of future they want for Ballina Shire. 

‘This is your chance to tell us what matters. Should Council prioritise infrastructure, or green space or community services? We want to hear from you,’ she said. 

Already open

Council’s CSP engagement process is already underway. A random survey of 500 residents has provided initial insights into community priorities, and Council has partnered with the Advocate for Children and Young People to deliver tailored engagement with young people. Now, the broader community is invited to participate by completing the online surveys.

The more input that the council gets about the communities preferences the more effectively they can prioritise what’s most important and ensure they are delivering on the needsof the community.

Community feedback, survey results, along with other engagement activities undertaken by Council, will shape the new Community Strategic Plan (CSP). The draft CSP will be exhibited for public comment in May 2025.

Visit yoursayballina.com.au/csp2035 to complete the survey, share your ideas, and register for updates on the CSP process. Your voice will help shape the future of Ballina Shire.

The survey closes on Monday 3 February 2025.



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Lismore Boulevard Project announced

Design concept plans for the Lismore Boulevard – Shared User Path project are now available for community consultation, following Lismore City Council securing $2,383,030 in funding through the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active 2025–2026 program, administered by Transport for NSW (TfNSW).

Community responds to detention dams proposal

More than 110 residents gathered at Rock Valley Hall on Sunday 12 July and rejected claims that the recently released CSIRO report on flood mitigation was informed by strong community consultation.

Data shows biggest danger to wildlife is people, not cats

Human-created hazards are responsible for most wildlife rescues in New South Wales, and researchers are calling for more prevention strategies to save threatened species.

Try pickleball and support a great cause

Northern Rivers Pickleball Club are holding a marathon day of pickleball on Sunday, 19 July at the Goonellabah Tennis and Pickleball Club on Reserve Street, Goonellabah.