BREAKING: The Ballina Shire Council has just adopted a new streetscape master plan for Newrybar and approved controversial council spending on alcohol at events. The decisions, made during a lengthy meeting on July 29, 2025, have sparked significant debate among local councillors and residents alike.
The council’s approval of the streetscape master plan was met with enthusiasm from Cr Kiri Dicker, who described it as “a really great outcome.” Mayor Sharon Cadwallader echoed this sentiment, stating, “I think it’s a fabulous plan,” highlighting its potential to reinvigorate the Newrybar Village Centre after recent challenges.
In a unanimous vote, council members also endorsed a $4,588,160 tender for a new SES building on Bangalow Road. While the upgrade is seen as crucial for local emergency services, it will come at a cost to several significant trees in the area, raising environmental concerns among community members.
In a surprising twist, the council voted to allow ratepayers to cover the cost of alcoholic beverages for councillors at official events. This decision has divided opinions. Cr Phil Meehan defended the practice, claiming it aligns with Australian social norms, while Cr Kiri Dicker argued against using taxpayer money for alcohol, stating, “I don’t need alcohol to collaborate with my colleagues.”
Cr Erin Karsten added a generational perspective, emphasizing a growing trend toward non-alcoholic alternatives in social settings. “Most of us can afford to pay for our own alcohol beverages… it’s just unreasonable to ask our ratepayers to support us having a drink,” she asserted.
The council’s lengthy discussion about naming policies for council facilities also raised eyebrows. Cr Meehan suggested only naming facilities after deceased individuals, sparking debate about the relevance of honoring living persons. The council ultimately agreed to consider public comments on this issue.
With a focus on community and environmental sustainability, the council’s draft Place and Public Realm Framework received unanimous support. This document aims to enhance public spaces and connectivity, as noted by Cr Therese Crollick. “It just ticks so many boxes,” she stated, emphasizing its potential to improve urban livability.
As the Ballina Shire Council moves forward with these significant plans, residents are encouraged to stay engaged and participate in upcoming discussions regarding public exhibitions and the new naming policy. The implications of these decisions will unfold in the coming weeks, and community feedback will be crucial in shaping the future of Ballina.
