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Ballina News

BALLINA BLITZ DELIVERS $3 MILLION IN FLOOD SUPPORT

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BALLINA BLITZ DELIVERS $3 MILLION IN FLOOD SUPPORT

The latest flood recovery grants blitz has delivered $3 million to flood-affected Northern Rivers residents and business owners in just one week.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the face-to-face appointments with specialist grant assessors had been a major benefit to communities in need.

“This is the fifth deployment of our team of grant assessors , helping guide people through the application process face-to-face for as long as it takes to approve,” Ms Cooke said.

“In the space of seven days, the grants blitz team in Ballina has held more than 890 appointments with individuals, families, farmers and business owners, approving 300 grant applications totaling $3 million, with more to come.

“The week also included a dedicated session for the Cabbage Tree Island community which was well received.

“The success in Ballina follows deployments in Lismore, Casino and Evans Head, with more locations to come to ensure everyone who is eligible can access flood support funding.”

To date, the grants blitzes have resulted in more than 820 grant applications approved,with more than $10 million in support paid out.

Flood-affected individuals and business owners can receive support by calling Service NSW on 13 77 88, going online to www.nsw.gov.au/floods or visiting a Recovery Centre.

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Ballina News

NEW AND UPGRADED EQUIPMENT FOR NORTH COAST SCHOOLS

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Local MP Justine Elliot - School Upgrade Fund

NEW AND UPGRADED EQUIPMENT FOR NORTH COAST SCHOOLS

 

Local MP Justine Elliot today announced that North Coast schools are benefiting from new or upgraded facilities and equipment, thanks to funding from the Albanese Labor Government.

The projects include:

  • Ballina Coast High School – $25,000
  • Banora Point Public School – $25,000
  • Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula School – Eungella – $25,000
  • Biala Special School -Ballina – $25,000
  • Bilambil Public School – $25,000
  • Brunswick Heads Public School – $25,000
  • Goonengerry Public School – $25,000
  • Hinterland Christian College -Mullumbimby – $25,000
  • Mount St Patrick Primary School – Murwillumbah – $25,000
  • Pacific Coast Christian School – Tweed Heads South – $25,000
  • St Anthony’s Primary School – Kingscliff – $25,000
  • St Francis Xavier’s Primary School – Ballina – $25,000
  • St James Primary School – Banora Point – $25,000
  • St John’s Primary School – Mullumbimby – $25,000
  • St Joseph’s Primary School – South Murwillumbah – $25,000
  • St Joseph’s Primary School – Tweed Heads – $25,000
  • Stokers Siding Public School – $25,000
  • Upper Coopers Creek Public School – $25,000

This is all part of the Albanese Labor Government’s School Upgrade Fund which has delivered a total of $450,000 in local projects across the North Coast.

These projects are helping to build a better and fairer education for students in our community.

“As your strong voice in the Albanese Labor Government, I’m proud to have delivered this important funding for our local schools.

“From new laptops and air purifiers to upgraded outdoor sports equipment, this funding has delivered upgrades to schools that need it the most.

“I want all students to get access to a quality education, including access to great facilities to learn in, and play on.

“The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to build a better and fairer education system by investing in our schools and providing safer classrooms, playgrounds, and facilities,” Justine said.

 

For more Education news, click here.

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Ballina News

Northern Rivers popularity predicted to soar

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Ballina Byron Gateway Airport has been upgraded to support the huge increase in the flights coming in and out of the region’s busiest airport

Northern Rivers popularity predicted to soar

 

By Sarah Waters

Close to 900,000 commercial passengers are predicted to pass through Ballina Byron Gateway Airport each year by 2040, as the Northern Rivers region continues to be a popular drawcard for tourism, business opportunities and liveability.

On March 7, Ballina Byron Gateway Airport officially opened its $20.68 million runway upgrade.

Since covid, there has been a huge increase in the number of flights in and out of the airport.

Airport manager Julie Stewart said currently about 635,000 commercial passengers come through the busy regional airport each year, but these numbers are predicted to soar in the next 15 years.

“Our airport is a key gateway for visitors to the beautiful Northern Rivers region, but the airport is also essential to support emergency service aircraft during regional disasters,” Ms Steward said.

Sharpes Beach, Ballina, is one of the many attractions in the Shire for locals and visitors

Sharpes Beach, Ballina, is one of the many attractions in the Shire for locals and visitors

Population growth, post-COVID migration to regional areas and increased remote work flexibility have driven interest in the region.

Tourism has been fuelled by the popularity of the coastal areas, with the famed beaches, hinterlands and major music festivals.

According to the Northern Rivers Regional Economic Development Strategy – 2023 Update, tourism remained a key source of economic output and major employment in the region.

Spending by visitors in the region was $1.2 billion in 2021, despite significant impacts from natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Improvements to visitor accessibility to the region through investment in key transport infrastructure such as the airport, was flagged as an opportunity to support ongoing growth in the sector.

Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the investment in the airport, was an investment in the community and its economy.

“The runway upgrade will ensure the community have continued reliable and safe air services into the future for local tourism and business, while also providing aviation jobs and career opportunities for local residents,” she said.

Ms Cadwallader said the Ballina Shire alone was an attractive residential and commuter hub.

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport has been upgraded to support the huge increase in the flights coming in and out of the region’s busiest airport

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport has been upgraded to support the huge increase in the flights coming in and out of the region’s busiest airport

“The region’s Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) market, noted by Tourism Research Australia, stands as Ballina’s second-largest market source, further boosting airport traffic as local residents host visitors.

“The region has seen significant public and private investment in tourism-related products, further enhancing its appeal.

“Ballina Coast and Hinterland, though lesser known than Byron Bay, offers a rich visitor experience, striking a balance between coastal charm and a dynamic community.

“As a gateway to the Northern Rivers, Ballina, in particular, offers a relaxed pace, ample amenities and a vibrant community,” she said.

According to Economy.Id, tourism is a significant economic driver in the Ballina Shire, employing 1681 people and contributing $257.4 million to the local economy in the 21/22 period.

The forecasted growth in the region is based on historical patterns since the airport’s construction in the mid-1980s.

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport serves not only Ballina and Byron but also broader catchment areas, including southern Queensland and regions west and south of the Northern Rivers.

The increased flights experienced during/following Covid border closures heightened awareness of the airport among neighbouring regional communities.

SIDEBAR:

The Ballina Tourism Team recently unveiled the new Ballina Coast and Hinterland Visitor Guide, which highlights the region’s unmissable experiences.

The publication was made in collaboration with more than 45 local businesses.

Through a series of captivating imagery, insightful editorials and essential information, it encourages visitors to explore the region and discover the unique experiences on offer.

The guide is available at the Ballina Visitor Information Centre, 6 River Street, Ballina. Retail, tourism and accommodation businesses are welcome to collect copies. It can also be viewed online here.

 

For more local Ballina news, click here.

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Ballina News

Ballina’s bus interchange upgrade commences March 11th

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Ballina's bus interchange upgrade map.

Ballina’s bus interchange upgrade commences March 11th

 

Ballina Shire Council will commence upgrades to the Tamar Street Bus Interchange in Ballina’s CBD starting Monday, March 11th. With funding of $1.3 million secured from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure fund, the project aims to enhance the existing infrastructure by replacing the aging bus shelter with a new structure.

The redesigned interchange seeks to optimise traffic flow while prioritising passenger comfort and accessibility. Key features of the project include the addition of two bays for buses, a revamped taxi zone, improved stormwater drainage, and widened walkways to ensure pedestrian safety and accessibility.

During the construction phase, a temporary bus and taxi zone will be established nearby at the front of 76 Tamar Street (Barker Ryan Stewart offices).

Although access to the Wigmore Arcade and carpark will be maintained, there will be a temporary reduction in available parking spaces within the carpark area due to the construction zone.

Ballina's bus interchange upgrade map.

Ballina’s bus interchange upgrade map.

Completion of the works is anticipated by the end of June 2024. For further project details and updates, please visit here.

 

For more local Ballina news, click here.

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