Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2025/26

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Consultation has concluded. Submissions closed 6 June 2025. Consultation regarding the proposed special rate variation in 2026/27 will continue in more detail if Council endorses the change at the June 2025 Ordinary meeting.

Council is inviting feedback on our draft Integrated Planning documents for 2025/26 and beyond. These documents outline how we plan to deliver services, manage spending, and prioritise projects across Ballina Shire and now we’re checking in with the community.

What’s on exhibition?

These plans guide Council’s day-to-day operations and long-term direction, covering services such as roads, parks, waste, water, footpaths, and community facilities.

Council is inviting feedback on our draft Integrated Planning documents for 2025/26 and beyond. These documents outline how we plan to deliver services, manage spending, and prioritise projects across Ballina Shire and now we’re checking in with the community.

What’s on exhibition?

These plans guide Council’s day-to-day operations and long-term direction, covering services such as roads, parks, waste, water, footpaths, and community facilities.

We’re continuing our commitment to previously announced projects including:

Proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV) from 2026/27

The cost of delivering services and looking after infrastructure like roads, footpaths and public buildings is rising faster than the income Council receives. This gap makes it harder to maintain the services and facilities our community relies on.

While we continue to be careful and conservative in how we manage our budget, Council is proposing a gradual rate increase from the 2026-27 financial year. This would support the delivery of essential services and help ensure long-term financial sustainability.

The proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV) would allow for:

  • Increased investment in capital renewal including roads, footpaths, stormwater, open spaces, sporting fields, and community facilities.
  • Improved operational funding to maintain public spaces, roads, community facilities, and support for initiatives in crime prevention, biodiversity, and waterways.

Over the four-year period (2026/27 to 2029/30), Council proposes to increase general rates by 6% per year (made up of an estimated 3.25% rate peg + 2.75% additional increase). This means by 2029/30, a typical residential ratepayer would pay approximately $166 more per year, or an additional $3.19 per week (see FAQs for more detail). This cost relates to the SRV component only and does not include the annual rate peg.

If approved by IPART, this increase would be built into the rate base and retained permanently.

Refer to the following pages in the Delivery Program and Operational Plan for full details:

  • SRV impact on ratepayers (pages 11–12)
  • Comparison scenarios (pages 51–54)
  • Revenue policy detail (pages 59–61)
  • Appendix B: funding breakdown with and without SRV (pages 76-84).

Read our Special Rate Variation FAQs

How to get involved

  • Review the draft documents
  • Read the SRV FAQs on this page for more information about the rate variation proposal
  • Ask a question below - responses will be published on this page
  • Submit your feedback using the online form below.

Submissions close: Friday 6 June 2025

Consultation has concluded. Submissions closed 6 June 2025. Consultation regarding the proposed special rate variation in 2026/27 will continue in more detail if Council endorses the change at the June 2025 Ordinary meeting.

Do you have a question you would like answered by Council? 

A response to your question will be published here as part of an online community information session. 

Please note questions posted here will not be considered as a formal submission. To make a submission please use the feedback link.

  • Share I object to the movement to a fortnightly rubbish collection similar to what Gabrielle has expressed in relation to the attraction of vermin, the stench of the bins and having to freeze waste in preparation for rubbish day and I will not have freezer space for for two weeks. I have neither the time nor the interest in operating a composting system so am asking council to reconsider on Facebook Share I object to the movement to a fortnightly rubbish collection similar to what Gabrielle has expressed in relation to the attraction of vermin, the stench of the bins and having to freeze waste in preparation for rubbish day and I will not have freezer space for for two weeks. I have neither the time nor the interest in operating a composting system so am asking council to reconsider on Twitter Share I object to the movement to a fortnightly rubbish collection similar to what Gabrielle has expressed in relation to the attraction of vermin, the stench of the bins and having to freeze waste in preparation for rubbish day and I will not have freezer space for for two weeks. I have neither the time nor the interest in operating a composting system so am asking council to reconsider on Linkedin Email I object to the movement to a fortnightly rubbish collection similar to what Gabrielle has expressed in relation to the attraction of vermin, the stench of the bins and having to freeze waste in preparation for rubbish day and I will not have freezer space for for two weeks. I have neither the time nor the interest in operating a composting system so am asking council to reconsider link

    I object to the movement to a fortnightly rubbish collection similar to what Gabrielle has expressed in relation to the attraction of vermin, the stench of the bins and having to freeze waste in preparation for rubbish day and I will not have freezer space for for two weeks. I have neither the time nor the interest in operating a composting system so am asking council to reconsider

    Deborah asked about 1 month ago

    Thanks for your feedback on the proposed rural rubbish collection changes from 1 October 2025.

    The move to fortnightly landfill bin collection follows a detailed review, trial results, and alignment with neighbouring councils. The trial showed up to 58% of rural landfill waste is compostable or recyclable. The change encourages better waste separation and supports state targets to halve organic waste to landfill by 2030.

    While composting isn’t for everyone, it can be as simple as using a compost bin or teaming up with a neighbour. Workshops and resources are available on Council’s website.

    To manage odours and vermin, keep bins shaded, ensure lids close properly, use odour control (like bicarb or eucalyptus oil), and wash bins with boiling water.

    We’ll keep you informed as the 1 October date approaches. Learn more at: ballina.nsw.gov.au/RuralWasteChanges

  • Share Why/why not can there be a ballina shire app like the Lismore app on Facebook Share Why/why not can there be a ballina shire app like the Lismore app on Twitter Share Why/why not can there be a ballina shire app like the Lismore app on Linkedin Email Why/why not can there be a ballina shire app like the Lismore app link

    Why/why not can there be a ballina shire app like the Lismore app

    Dash asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your suggestion. The Lismore App is a privately run digital news platform funded through advertising. Ballina Shire Council provides official council communication through print (Community Connect), our website, social media, and the Ballina Emergency Dashboard. All of these channels are available on both mobile and desktop devices. These channels are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain accessible and effective. At this stage, Council does not plan to develop a separate digital news app, as our focus is on maintaining cost-effective ways to keep our community informed.

  • Share Why is the change to fortnightly bin collection being applied to rural customers only and not urban customers? Urban customers already get the benefit of a green waste bin for organic waste that rural customers do not have so why do rural customers have to compost there organic waste but urban do not? Is council aware of the demographic of the bins that were audited? I have a family of 6 that has a bin full of waste each week and all our organic waste is already fed to chickens so we will have an overflowing bin if emptied fortnightly. You also note that we will have a reduced fee from $391 to $340, so rural customers are effectively getting a 33% reduction in the service but only a 13% reduction in costs? And if I need to get a second bin so that my bin isn't overflowing and attracting vermin I would be charged an additional $140, so I would effectively have to pay $89 more per annum to get the same level of service I currently receive. This policy doesn't seem reasonable for residents that have non-average size families. on Facebook Share Why is the change to fortnightly bin collection being applied to rural customers only and not urban customers? Urban customers already get the benefit of a green waste bin for organic waste that rural customers do not have so why do rural customers have to compost there organic waste but urban do not? Is council aware of the demographic of the bins that were audited? I have a family of 6 that has a bin full of waste each week and all our organic waste is already fed to chickens so we will have an overflowing bin if emptied fortnightly. You also note that we will have a reduced fee from $391 to $340, so rural customers are effectively getting a 33% reduction in the service but only a 13% reduction in costs? And if I need to get a second bin so that my bin isn't overflowing and attracting vermin I would be charged an additional $140, so I would effectively have to pay $89 more per annum to get the same level of service I currently receive. This policy doesn't seem reasonable for residents that have non-average size families. on Twitter Share Why is the change to fortnightly bin collection being applied to rural customers only and not urban customers? Urban customers already get the benefit of a green waste bin for organic waste that rural customers do not have so why do rural customers have to compost there organic waste but urban do not? Is council aware of the demographic of the bins that were audited? I have a family of 6 that has a bin full of waste each week and all our organic waste is already fed to chickens so we will have an overflowing bin if emptied fortnightly. You also note that we will have a reduced fee from $391 to $340, so rural customers are effectively getting a 33% reduction in the service but only a 13% reduction in costs? And if I need to get a second bin so that my bin isn't overflowing and attracting vermin I would be charged an additional $140, so I would effectively have to pay $89 more per annum to get the same level of service I currently receive. This policy doesn't seem reasonable for residents that have non-average size families. on Linkedin Email Why is the change to fortnightly bin collection being applied to rural customers only and not urban customers? Urban customers already get the benefit of a green waste bin for organic waste that rural customers do not have so why do rural customers have to compost there organic waste but urban do not? Is council aware of the demographic of the bins that were audited? I have a family of 6 that has a bin full of waste each week and all our organic waste is already fed to chickens so we will have an overflowing bin if emptied fortnightly. You also note that we will have a reduced fee from $391 to $340, so rural customers are effectively getting a 33% reduction in the service but only a 13% reduction in costs? And if I need to get a second bin so that my bin isn't overflowing and attracting vermin I would be charged an additional $140, so I would effectively have to pay $89 more per annum to get the same level of service I currently receive. This policy doesn't seem reasonable for residents that have non-average size families. link

    Why is the change to fortnightly bin collection being applied to rural customers only and not urban customers? Urban customers already get the benefit of a green waste bin for organic waste that rural customers do not have so why do rural customers have to compost there organic waste but urban do not? Is council aware of the demographic of the bins that were audited? I have a family of 6 that has a bin full of waste each week and all our organic waste is already fed to chickens so we will have an overflowing bin if emptied fortnightly. You also note that we will have a reduced fee from $391 to $340, so rural customers are effectively getting a 33% reduction in the service but only a 13% reduction in costs? And if I need to get a second bin so that my bin isn't overflowing and attracting vermin I would be charged an additional $140, so I would effectively have to pay $89 more per annum to get the same level of service I currently receive. This policy doesn't seem reasonable for residents that have non-average size families.

    Ben. asked about 1 month ago

    Thanks for your question about the proposed rural rubbish collection changes from 1 October 2025. Our urban residents already have a fortnightly landfill bin collection.

    The shift to fortnightly landfill bin collection for rural properties follows a detailed review, local trial, and alignment with neighbouring councils – all of which already collect landfill bins fortnightly. Our trial showed up to 58% of rural landfill bin contents were compostable or recyclable.

    Ballina’s proposed 2025/26 rural waste charge is $340 – significantly lower than Byron ($638), Lismore ($530), and Tweed ($498). The lower charge reflects the reduced service cost and supports better waste practices.

    Due to the large geographic area and low number of rural households, introducing an organics collection service is not financially viable. Council uses a user-pays model to keep rates low and encourage waste reduction – those who generate more waste pay for additional collections.

    If your household needs more capacity, you can order an extra additional landfill bin for $140 or an additional recycling bin for $114 (serviced fortnightly), based on the proposed 2025/26 fees and charges. You can find more info on the proposal at ballina.nsw.gov.au/RuralWasteChanges.

  • Share Hi, I have great concerns over the Proposed Special Rate Variation. You have a Monopoly. We can't go to another provider without selling up and moving on. What productivity and efficiency gains have you made over the past 3 years? As the Shire grows with more residencies and businesses what financial benefits have you gains through a greater economies of scale? How do your wages , salary packages and staffing numbers compare with other councils in NSW and other states and how do they compare with the Private Sector? on Facebook Share Hi, I have great concerns over the Proposed Special Rate Variation. You have a Monopoly. We can't go to another provider without selling up and moving on. What productivity and efficiency gains have you made over the past 3 years? As the Shire grows with more residencies and businesses what financial benefits have you gains through a greater economies of scale? How do your wages , salary packages and staffing numbers compare with other councils in NSW and other states and how do they compare with the Private Sector? on Twitter Share Hi, I have great concerns over the Proposed Special Rate Variation. You have a Monopoly. We can't go to another provider without selling up and moving on. What productivity and efficiency gains have you made over the past 3 years? As the Shire grows with more residencies and businesses what financial benefits have you gains through a greater economies of scale? How do your wages , salary packages and staffing numbers compare with other councils in NSW and other states and how do they compare with the Private Sector? on Linkedin Email Hi, I have great concerns over the Proposed Special Rate Variation. You have a Monopoly. We can't go to another provider without selling up and moving on. What productivity and efficiency gains have you made over the past 3 years? As the Shire grows with more residencies and businesses what financial benefits have you gains through a greater economies of scale? How do your wages , salary packages and staffing numbers compare with other councils in NSW and other states and how do they compare with the Private Sector? link

    Hi, I have great concerns over the Proposed Special Rate Variation. You have a Monopoly. We can't go to another provider without selling up and moving on. What productivity and efficiency gains have you made over the past 3 years? As the Shire grows with more residencies and businesses what financial benefits have you gains through a greater economies of scale? How do your wages , salary packages and staffing numbers compare with other councils in NSW and other states and how do they compare with the Private Sector?

    PhilT asked about 1 month ago

    Thanks for your feedback and questions about the proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV). 

    Council is proposing the SRV because the cost of delivering services and maintaining infrastructure is rising faster than our income. Our average residential rates are lower than neighbouring councils and at least 11% below similar-sized councils in NSW.

    Ballina Shire Council operates with a lean staffing structure — approximately 378 staff for over 47,000 residents, or one staff member per 125 residents, which is a much lower ratio than comparable councils in NSW.

    You can explore further comparisons on the NSW Government’s Your Council website: yourcouncil.nsw.gov.au. 

    You can lodge a form submission on the SRV proposal via the Feedback tab until Friday 6 June 2025.

  • Share What is happening with the Cumbalum local shops, and Is there a timeframe for completion of the project? on Facebook Share What is happening with the Cumbalum local shops, and Is there a timeframe for completion of the project? on Twitter Share What is happening with the Cumbalum local shops, and Is there a timeframe for completion of the project? on Linkedin Email What is happening with the Cumbalum local shops, and Is there a timeframe for completion of the project? link

    What is happening with the Cumbalum local shops, and Is there a timeframe for completion of the project?

    InesM asked about 1 month ago

    The construction of shops at Cumbalum is a private development. Council is currently assessing two development applications for the development as follows:

    • Stage 1 (DA 2023/270):  11 commercial tenancies and associated infrastructure including car parking.
    • Stage 2 (DA 2023/535):  2 tenancies for the purpose of retail premises (the applicant foreshadows a small supermarket space and bottle shop).


    Assessment of these applications is nearing completion.  Further information about the two development applications can be found by searching the above DA numbers on Council’s DAs online www.da.ballina.nsw.gov.au

    Construction of the stages of the development can proceed once development consent is in place. The timing for construction works is something that will be determined by the developer.

  • Share If the refund for taking one bin away is $40 the cost of adding a bin should be $40. Where does the additional $100 come from? on Facebook Share If the refund for taking one bin away is $40 the cost of adding a bin should be $40. Where does the additional $100 come from? on Twitter Share If the refund for taking one bin away is $40 the cost of adding a bin should be $40. Where does the additional $100 come from? on Linkedin Email If the refund for taking one bin away is $40 the cost of adding a bin should be $40. Where does the additional $100 come from? link

    If the refund for taking one bin away is $40 the cost of adding a bin should be $40. Where does the additional $100 come from?

    Lucy asked about 1 month ago

    The proposed changes do not take a bin away – just reduce the servicing of the landfill bin to a fortnightly collection frequency.

    The reduction in the annual charge is proportional to the proposed reduction for the full rural bin collection service. The detail on how this reduction is calculated can be found on our website at www.ballina.nsw.gov.au/RuralWasteChanges

    The proposed annual cost of $140 for an additional landfill bin accounts for the provision of a second landfill bin collected every fortnight, which will now be aligned with the additional urban landfill bin cost and service frequency (which has been fortnightly for over 10 years).


  • Share Is the council happy with the service provided by Rous County Council Weeds? Is there any accountability by RCC Weeds to BSC?, Do you think BSC is getting value for ratepayers money? on Facebook Share Is the council happy with the service provided by Rous County Council Weeds? Is there any accountability by RCC Weeds to BSC?, Do you think BSC is getting value for ratepayers money? on Twitter Share Is the council happy with the service provided by Rous County Council Weeds? Is there any accountability by RCC Weeds to BSC?, Do you think BSC is getting value for ratepayers money? on Linkedin Email Is the council happy with the service provided by Rous County Council Weeds? Is there any accountability by RCC Weeds to BSC?, Do you think BSC is getting value for ratepayers money? link

    Is the council happy with the service provided by Rous County Council Weeds? Is there any accountability by RCC Weeds to BSC?, Do you think BSC is getting value for ratepayers money?

    lizh asked about 2 months ago

    Ballina Shire Council works collaboratively with Rous County Council in relation to weed management.  This includes the address of weeds in Ballina Shire as well as the region more broadly as the County Council undertakes weed management programs across multiple local government areas.

    Funding to Rous County Council in relation to weed management is considered each year by Council as part of the Long Term Financial Plan and Budget.

  • Share If council adopted the change to rubbish collection will there be any reduced fees or access to the refuse centre? We have a family of 7 at our home and rubbish collection weekly is something essential. We will have excess rubbish that will need to be delt with. Also the vermin that is attracted to the composte site will be an issue. We have experience this before an then baiting is required. Is this something council is considering when making this change? on Facebook Share If council adopted the change to rubbish collection will there be any reduced fees or access to the refuse centre? We have a family of 7 at our home and rubbish collection weekly is something essential. We will have excess rubbish that will need to be delt with. Also the vermin that is attracted to the composte site will be an issue. We have experience this before an then baiting is required. Is this something council is considering when making this change? on Twitter Share If council adopted the change to rubbish collection will there be any reduced fees or access to the refuse centre? We have a family of 7 at our home and rubbish collection weekly is something essential. We will have excess rubbish that will need to be delt with. Also the vermin that is attracted to the composte site will be an issue. We have experience this before an then baiting is required. Is this something council is considering when making this change? on Linkedin Email If council adopted the change to rubbish collection will there be any reduced fees or access to the refuse centre? We have a family of 7 at our home and rubbish collection weekly is something essential. We will have excess rubbish that will need to be delt with. Also the vermin that is attracted to the composte site will be an issue. We have experience this before an then baiting is required. Is this something council is considering when making this change? link

    If council adopted the change to rubbish collection will there be any reduced fees or access to the refuse centre? We have a family of 7 at our home and rubbish collection weekly is something essential. We will have excess rubbish that will need to be delt with. Also the vermin that is attracted to the composte site will be an issue. We have experience this before an then baiting is required. Is this something council is considering when making this change?

    Gabrielle asked about 2 months ago

    Thanks for your question about the proposed rural rubbish collection changes from 1 October 2025. We understand every household is different, especially larger families like yours.

    The change to fortnightly landfill bin collection is based on a detailed review of our current service, including audits, a recent trial, and comparison with neighbouring councils – all of which already collect landfill bins fortnightly. Our recent trial showed up to 58% of landfill bin contents in rural areas are compostable or recyclable.

    Larger households may create more waste, but Council’s standard bin service is designed for average-sized homes. If your household needs more capacity, you can order extra bins – an additional landfill and/or recycling bin (serviced fortnightly) will each cost $140 per year.

    We’re not offering fee reductions for using the Resource Recovery Centre, but many items – like batteries, e-waste, and scrap metal – can already be dropped off for free. These should never go in the landfill bin.

    To help households manage waste better, we’re offering free composting workshops and online advice which includes simple ways to prevent pests in compost bins. If there are other ways we can support your household, please let us know. You can also find further information on the proposal at www.ballina.nsw.gov.au/ruralwastechanges