Mayor of Ballina Sharon Cadwallader has called for a fairer airport funding partnership for the Northern Rivers, contrasting the Commonwealth’s reported $5.6 billion investment in Western Sydney Airport with Ballina Shire Council funding almost three-quarters of its airport’s recent runway upgrade.
The $20.68 million Ballina Byron Gateway Airport runway upgrade, completed in 2024, received $5.5 million from the Commonwealth. Council paid the remaining $15.18 million – approximately 73 per cent.
‘The federal contribution was welcome, but Council paid almost three dollars in every four for this essential runway project,’ Ms Cadwallader said.
‘Meanwhile, the Commonwealth reported investing $5.6 billion in Western Sydney Airport by June 2025. NSW has also committed $5.25 billion to its Metro connection, alongside major road investment.
‘These are different projects, but the funding contrast raises a clear question: why should a local council carry so much of the cost of infrastructure serving an entire region?’
Busy
Ballina Byron Gateway Airport recorded approximately 579,000 passenger movements in 2025, making it NSW’s second busiest regional airport after Newcastle.
‘Our airport serves Ballina, Byron and the wider Northern Rivers. State and federal investment should reflect those benefits,’ Ms Cadwallader said.
Ms Cadwallader called on both governments to fund the proposed terminal redevelopment and surrounding infrastructure through a coordinated agreement covering:
- Terminal redevelopment, including check-in, screening, baggage handling and accessible facilities.
- Connecting roads, intersections, parking and safe pick-up and drop-off areas.
- Better bus and shuttle connections, with sheltered waiting areas.
- Drainage, flood resilience and essential services for the airport precinct.
Business NSW’s report, Keeping Regional NSW Connected: The Future of Our Airports, launched on 2 June 2026, recommends a permanent NSW Regional Aviation Infrastructure Fund established with the Commonwealth.
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