Investigation underway following fire – Ballina

An investigation is underway following a fire at business in Ballina earlier this morning.

About 3.30am (Wednesday 23 October 2024), emergency services were called to River Street, Ballina, following reports of a building fire.

On arrival, officers attached to Richmond Police District located a silver Mercedes sedan inside a shopfront, well alight.

Police were told the sedan drove into the business before the vehicle caught fire, with the occupants of the vehicle leaving the scene prior to police arrival.

FRNSW firefighters attended and extinguished the blaze; however, the building was extensively damaged.

Surrounding units were evacuated and two other vehicles were damaged by the blaze.

No injuries have been reported as a result of the incident.

A crime scene has been established and an investigation into the incident has commenced.

As inquiries continue, anyone with information or footage in relation to the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Ballina Shire Council Introduces Reusable Products Rebate for Residents

By Robert Heyward

Ballina Shire residents can now take advantage of the Council’s new Reusable Products Rebate, offering up to 50% off the purchase price of reusable nappies, period products, and continence management items. This initiative is designed to help residents make more sustainable choices, reducing both the environmental and economic impacts of disposable hygiene products.

The rebate is part of the Council’s ongoing effort to address waste management, recognizing that disposable nappies, period products, and continence items are a significant contributor to household landfill. According to Justine Rowe, Resource Recovery Education Officer, these products are the fourth largest waste stream by weight in household bins across Ballina Shire.

“Every day, people of all ages use these essential hygiene products. By switching to reusable alternatives, residents can make a real difference not only for the environment but also for their own health,” said Ms. Rowe.

The Reusable Products Rebate is funded by the Council’s 2024/25 Resource Recovery budget, with $10,000 allocated for the initiative. Importantly, this funding is independent of rates income, reinforcing the Council’s commitment to sustainability without increasing financial burdens on residents.

Why Make the Switch? Disposable hygiene products are not only resource-intensive to produce but also take centuries to decompose in landfills.

For example:

• Disposable nappies can take up to 500 years to break down.
• The average child uses around 1,825 disposable nappies annually, costing families about $3,500 per year, compared to $500-$1,500 for reusable alternatives.
• Reusable period and continence products offer even greater long-term savings.

By opting for reusable products, families can significantly reduce waste. If 100 families participate in the rebate program, over 180,000 nappies could be diverted from landfill annually. Similar waste reductions can be achieved with reusable period and continence products, which are often used over longer periods than nappies.

“I switched to reusable period products two years ago and wish I’d done it sooner,” Ms. Rowe shared. “On average, Australians who menstruate spend $10,000 over their lifetime on period products. By making the switch, I’m saving money and using natural fibres instead of plastics, which feels much better.”

Rebate Details

Ballina Shire residents can apply for rebates of 50% of the purchase price on the following products:

• Reusable nappies: Up to $150 per household
• Reusable period products: Up to $100 per household
• Reusable continence management products: Up to $100 per household

To apply, residents must provide proof of purchase and proof of residency within Ballina Shire by completing an online form available on the Council’s website.

For more information and to apply, visit Ballina Shire Council’s Reusable Products Rebate page.

Free Bike Safety and Maintenance Workshops This October

Jeff Gibbs

Ballina Shire Council is offering two free bike safety workshops during the upcoming school holidays on Wednesday, October 2, and Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, these workshops provide the perfect opportunity to have your bike inspected by professionals, receive valuable safety tips, and get answers to any questions you may have about bike maintenance and road safety.

The workshops will cover:

• Comprehensive bike safety checks (please note that no repairs will be conducted onsite, and no parts will be supplied)
• Basic bike maintenance tips and advice
• Proper helmet fitting techniques
• Guidelines for riding on roads, shared paths, and rail trails
• E-bike regulations
• Safety tips for cycling with children

Photo credit Copyright State of New South Wales (Transport for NSW)

Workshop Details:

• Wednesday, October 2, 2024
  Location: Lennox Head Cultural Centre, Meeting Rooms 1, 2 & 3
  Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
  Address: 1 Mackney Lane, Lennox Head
  Registration: Click here.
• Wednesday, October 9, 2024
  Location: Richmond Room, Ballina
  Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
  Address: 5 Regatta Avenue, Ballina
  Registration: Click here.

Each workshop is limited to 30 participants and will run for approximately two hours. Don’t forget to bring your own bike and any safety-related questions you might have!

For more information on the free Bike Safety Workshops, please contact Helen Carpenter, Road Safety Officer, at 1300 864 444 or email council@ballina.nsw.gov.au.

For more local Ballina news, click here.