11 C
Byron Shire
June 24, 2026

Ballina LGA

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So you want to be a councillor/politician?

This document was written without fear or favour, by The Echo editor Hans Lovejoy for the politically curious who are considering a tilt at public life, or those who are interested in the inner workings of local politics. My intention is to hopefully inform and engage aspiring political...

Departing Ballina Councillor Jeff Johnson’s voting recommendations

After 16 years on Ballina Council Jeff Johnson is retiring from the council playing field to concentrate on family and his solar and electrical business. Having been asked quite a few times who his recommendations are for the upcoming Ballina Council election here's his take.

What’s likely to happen with Ballina Shire Council?

On 14 September the people of Ballina will elect nine councillors plus a mayor. Unlike some parts of NSW, where there are more councillor positions than candidates, a large field of applicants are vying for the chance to represent their diverse communities across Ballina Shire, from Newrybar in the north to Cabbage Tree Island in the south, and from Wollongbar in the west to fast-growing Lennox Head in the east.

Pre-polling opens across NSW tomorrow – so how do you vote?

If you want to get in early and get your voting done for the upcoming council elections tomorrow, Saturday 7 September is your first...

Big Q&A with Ballina’s local government candidates

Council elections are rapidly approaching, but many of those seeking election in Ballina are still a mystery to potential voters. The Echo has been trying to find out what makes the latest batch of candidates tick, beyond the statements in their PR material.

Who’s standing for local government across the region?

The NSW Electoral Commission has published a list of everyone who is standing for the positions of mayor and councillor in the forthcoming local government elections. Quite a few new names are in the mix, while some familiar figures won't be contesting their positions again.

Eva Ramsey goes it alone

Ballina's B Ward Councillor Eva Ramsey appears to be distancing herself from Sharon Cadwallader's team with her latest statement in advance of local government elections, describing herself as a 'true independent'.

Affordable housing key to Ballina Greens, Kiri Dicker’s, mayoral campaign

Lennox local and sitting councillor Kiri Dicker is running for Mayor of Ballina Shire Council in the upcoming council election on September 14 and is putting affordable housing for key workers as front and centre of her campaign.

Winners of the Ballina Shire Council elections announced

Ballina Shire Council for the upcoming two years has now been determined with no Labor candidates getting elected and three of recently elected Mayor Sharon Cadwallader’s team members being elected.

Ballina’s new mayor ‘humbled and honoured’

With almost 59% of the vote after preferences were distributed, Ballina's new mayor is long-serving Councillor Sharon Cadwallader.

State of the count in Ballina

Ballina local government area residents won't know the exact makeup of their new council until next week, when preferences are distributed, but the general shape is looking clearer.

Ballina’s lead mayoral candidate determined to ‘keep politics out of the council’ despite past links to The Nationals

The lead candidate for Ballina Mayor has objected to suggestions she could be influenced by party politics.

True non-partisan leadership of Ballina Shire Council over

A reign of non-partisan leadership in the Ballina Shire may well be over, with conservative independent Sharon Cadwallader leading the mayoral vote tally by lunchtime Tuesday.

Did you try to vote with iVote in the LGA elections?

The NSW Electoral Commission says they are aware that some iVote users were unable to gain access to the system to vote on Saturday.

Cadwallader, Lyon and Krieg most likely new Far North Coast mayors

With most of the votes cast, and counting over until tomorrow, the New South Wales Electoral Commission stats would suggest that there are three clear winners of the mayoral contests in Ballina, Byron and Lismore Shires.

Last mayoral candidates Q and A: are you a landlord?

Here at The Echo we have seen and heard the word ‘housing’ come up time and again throughout the local government election campaign period, whether it’s from candidates or other voters.

Accusations of false dam claims in Cr Cadwallader’s mayoral campaign

Ballina Shire Council candidates against the idea of a new dam in Byron’s hinterland are accusing fellow candidate Sharon Cadwallader of false claims in her electoral campaign.

Outgoing Ballina independent speaks out against Dunoon Dam campaign

Outgoing independent Cr Sharon Parry has seldom contacted The Echo during her time on the council but says she felt honour bound this week.

Ballina Council agrees to consider tighter holiday let policy

The Ballina Shire Council has voted unanimously to investigate options for restricting short-term rental accommodation.

Water security needed and that means we need to think beyond the traditional dam

As two professional engineers, each with over 40 years of experience in the water industry, we support Rous County Council’s decision to start tapping into underground water resources to meet the growing water supply needs of our region.

Ballina council votes for waterfront affordable and social housing

The Ballina Shire Council has voted unanimously to ask for state government commitment on waterfront affordable and social housing as part of a marina upgrade.

Handcrafted delicious French pastries at Mullum Farmers Markets

Allie Godfrey A taste of France has arrived at the Mullumbimby Farmers Market, with local pastry chef Dan introducing his handcrafted canelés to marketgoers each...

Local farming legend retires after 23 years

Thursday, 25 June marks the end of an era for local farmer Kenrick Riley who is retiring from Byron Farmers Market after 23 years. Kenrick...

Highwayman’s Winter Whisky Feast

Highwayman’s Dan Woolley has been working with whisky for over 20 years, and started to fill his own barrels here in Byron Bay over...

Men’s XV: Byron Shire Rebels vs Lismore

The Rebels Men’s XV put in a dominant attacking display of rugby to see off Lismore 42-17, racking up six tries in a performance...