It's been another turbulent year for local Greens councillors Kiri Dicker and Simon Chate, as Ballina Council struggles to balance the needs of a fast-growing population with a fragile coastal environment.

Yesterday the NSW Planning Panel unanimously rejected Gemlife’s proposal for a major 'seniors living' development on a flood prone site on Burns Point Ferry Road, West Ballina.

Ballina Council's October meeting was a bruising affair, with Mayor Sharon Cadwallader using her casting vote to force her way in two contentious decisions which split councillors evenly.

Yesterday's Ballina Shire Council meeting saw accusations and insults hurled across the chamber as councillors split down the middle on the contentious issue of conservation zones.

On Monday at 4pm there will be a briefing from Ballina Council staff to councillors about proposed Conservation Zones for Ballina Shire. The briefing is also open to the public, but there will be no opportunities for two way debate with councillors, as this is an educational opportunity about what is on the table and potential routes forward.

Ballina Shire Council's epic June meeting began with 48 people in the public chamber. All councillors were in attendance, but there wasn't much discussion of roads, rates or rubbish this time round.