The below information comes directly and verbatim from a Ballina Shire Council media release issued Monday 10 March 2025.
Council continues to monitor conditions across the Ballina Shire, identifying any emerging issues and prioritising repairs to ensure public safety and service restoration as we shift focus to recovery efforts. From Monday 10 March, most Council facilities have reopened, and essential services will resume, with some exceptions where further assessments and repairs are required.
Council facilities
The following Council facilities and services returned to normal operating hours from Monday 10 March:
- Ballina Shire Council Resource Recovery Centre
- Ballina Shire Council Customer Service Centre
- Alstonville Aquatic Centre and Ballina Memorial Swimming Pool
- Ballina Indoor Sports Centre
- Lennox Head Cultural Centre
- Visitor Information Centre
The Northern Rivers Community Gallery will reopen as usual on Wednesday 12 March.
Please note, all Ballina Area Libraries (Alstonville, Ballina and Lennox Head) will remain closed on Monday 10 March.
The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is open. However, Council is urging passengers to allow extra time when travelling to the airport and travellers should check directly with their airline for their flight status and to manage bookings.
Waste disposal and bin collection update
The Ballina Resource Recovery Centre will be open daily from 8am to 4pm. Council has implemented free storm waste drop-off and supplementary bin collection services to assist residents impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Detailed information relating towaste collection services can be found here.
Road and ferry update
While the most severe weather has passed, some roads may remain flooded or hazardous. Council crews are inspecting and clearing roads where it is safe to do so, but conditions can change rapidly. Check livetraffic.com for updates and never drive through floodwater.
Ross Lane remains closed. Council understands prolonged roads closures are an inconvenience to the community, however it is to ensure public safety. Once the water on Ross Lane recedes, Council’s crews will inspect the road to ensure it is safe to travel on before it is reopened.
The Burns Point Ferry remains closed until further notice while Council monitor river conditions. As an alternate route, motorists should travel via the Pacific Highway and River Drive, Wardell.
Public Safety Message
While weather conditions are improving, many hazards remain. People should remain cautious, as fallen branches, unstable trees, and damaged infrastructure may still pose risks. Community members should take care in parks, bushland, and tree-lined streets, and be mindful of eroded dunes and unstable beach access points.
Avoid unnecessary travel to impacted areas, including local beaches, while emergency crews and Council teams continue recovery efforts.
Health and Mental Health Support
Health and mental health support is available for those in need. For specialist mental health care, call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 (24/7). For free health advice, contact Healthdirect at 1800 022 222, or access support in a different language via the Translating and Interpreting Service at 131 450. For crisis support, call Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800. For non-crisis support, call Beyond Blue at 1300 22 46 36.
There is also a range of online resources. Please visit Beyond Blue and Lifeline online. Young people can visit Headspace, Kids Helpline or ReachOut.
Recovery Support and Assistance Points
Starting Tuesday 11 March, the NSW Reconstruction Authority and partner agencies will begin community outreach (weather permitting), visiting key locations to assess community needs and provide important recovery information.
A Recovery Assistance Point will be open at Ballina Surf Club (65 Lighthouse Parade, East Ballina) from Thursday 13 March to Sunday 16 March, operating daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
For the latest recovery updates, visit the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s dedicated Cyclone Alfred recovery webpage atnsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery, where new information is posted daily.
Donations
Those who would like to support recovery efforts can visit GIVIT.org.au to see exactly what is needed. GIVIT has been engaged by the NSW Government to manage donations of essential goods and services for people impacted by disasters.
Residents are urged not to send or drop off unrequested donations in affected areas, as this can overwhelm recovery operations and delay essential support. GIVIT ensures that donations are coordinated efficiently, providing people with exactly what they need, when they need it.
Practical Support
Who to call?
- If a tree is blocking a local road, call Council on 1300 864 444 or after hours on 6626 6954.
- Tree impacting power lines? Call Essential Energy on 132 080.
- Tree blocking property access (front door/driveway), threatening to fall on property or driveway, roof damaged or leaking? Call SES on 132 500.
- For emergency assistance, contact the NSW SES on 132 500.
- If there is an immediate danger, call 000.
Stay informed
- Visit the Ballina Emergency Dashboard at emergency.ballina.nsw.gov.au for up to date information.
- Tune in to ABC North Coast (94.5 FM) for emergency broadcasts.
- Follow NSW SES Ballina and Northern Rivers NSW SES on Facebook.
- For road status updates visit www.livetraffic.com.
– Download the Hazards Near Me app for real-time alerts.
Council appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as recovery efforts continue. We remain focused on restoring services, clearing hazards, and ensuring public safety across the Ballina Shire. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels, follow safety advice, and reach out for assistance if needed.
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