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.

Northern Rivers Election results to date

By Samantha Elley

NSW voted for their council representatives over the weekend and while results aren’t finalised, we have compiled the results so far at time of printing (Monday 16th of September).

Ballina

Residents of the coastal local government area showed they have been happy with the work Sharon Cadwallader has been doing as mayor. She is currently sitting at 45.08% of the vote with her nearest rival, the Greens Kiri Dicker. a long way back at 25.79%

A ward favourites include the Greens Erin Karsten on 20.73%, Independent Damian Loone following closely at 17.35% and ALP’s Maria Marshall on 14.07%, although Independent’s Kevin Loughrey is close on her heels at 13.52%.

B ward has larger margins with Sharon Cadwallader taking 36.12% of the vote then Kiri Dicker, much closer than in the mayoral race at 31.34%. After that the closest candidate is ALP’s Andrew Broadley on 11.65%.

C ward has the Greens Simon Chate leading the chase on 36.21%, followed by Independent Simon Kinny on 28.47% and another Independent These Crollick on 15.12%

Byron

Current mayor Michael Lyon’s recent public issues are reflected in the sad results of his race to get back in the top job, with his mayoral vote hitting a paltry 17.29% compared to Sarah Ndiaye of the Greens who is sitting on 34.71%. However, there is a chance ALP’s Asren Pugh is not discounted yet with 30.37% of the vote.

The Greens also have a chance of strong representation on council as Group D holds 40.22% of votes for their council candidates, followed by the ALP at 27.95%.

Kyogle

While it has been tradition that elected councillors in Kyogle voted for the mayor, residents of this inland local government area had the extra task of deciding in a referendum question, whether or not they wanted a popularly elected mayor and a reduction in the ward numbers or the status quo. Results at time of printing were not available.

A ward’s most popular candidate thus far is Brett McNamara with 31.15% of the vote, followed by Kieran Somerville with 26.67% and long-standing councillor Janet Wilson at 18.40%.

B ward’s winning candidate is currently Olivia Taylor with 34.03%, then current councillor John Burley 25% and Robert Cullen on 19.29%.

In C ward popular councillor and previous mayor Danielle Mulholland holds 40.88% of the vote with Tom Cooper on 21.06% coming second and Robin Harley on 13.63% holding the bronze.

Lismore

There is no doubting the popularity of current mayor Steve Krieg who looks like holding his seat with 48.38% of the vote, trailed by the Greens Vanessa Grindon-Ekins on 21.13%.

The Independent Group A look like, not only getting their mayor back in but will fill a few seats around the council table with 42.39% of votes.

They are followed by the Greens Group D with 26.77% and ALP’s Group B holding 18.77%.

Richmond Valley

It looks like business as usual for the Richmond Valley with mayor Robert Mustow holding a comfortable lead to retain his role on 38.93%. He was given a run for his money by newcomer Lyndall Murray in the early part of counting before she settled around 27.17%.

There should be a mixture of new and old faces on council with Group D, led by the current mayor, Robert Mustow receiving 41.42% of the vote and newcomers, with Lyndall Murray, Group C, second with 25.69%. Group A led by previous Richmond Valley general manager, John Walker obtained a healthy 20.51%.

Tweed

A large number of parties were vying for all council positions with the current group with most votes being the Liberals with 28.74%. ALP are a comfortable second on 14.96% and Independent Group A, led by current mayor, Chris Cherry in third with 13.42%.

To keep up to date with the Northern Rivers Elections Results, click here.

For more local elections news, click here.