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THE MAGAZINE OF BALLINA SHIRE COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE 32

2017/18 Stats & Facts

inside...

communityconnect Projects in the Pipeline

ENNOX HEAD - ALSTONVILLE SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB CONCEPT DESIGN ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING SCHEDULE SHEET No.

DESCRIPTION TITLE SHEET SITE PLAN - EXISTING SITE PLAN - PROPOSED GROUND FLOOR PLAN FIRST FLOOR PLAN ROOF PLAN ELEVATIONS PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES MATERIALS + FINISHES

DRAWING No. A0.01 A1.01 A1.02 A2.01 A2.02 A2.03 A4.01 A6.01 A6.02 A9.01

LAKE AINSWORTH HOLIDAY CARAVAN PARK

NEW CLUB ACCESS TO BEACH

PACIFIC PDE

BOOM GATE ACCESS

PROPOSED SURFCLUB

EXISTING SURF CLUB TO BE DEMOLISHED

EXISTING AMENITIES BLOCK TO BE DEMOLISHED

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Lennox Head Surf Club N

ROSS

Australia Day Local Heroes

Top class sporting centre coming to Ballina Thanks to $3.5 million funding from the NSW Government along with approximately $5 million from Ballina Shire Council, our community will have indoor sporting facilities to enjoy for generations to come. See page 3 for details…

from the mayor's desk

From the Mayor's Desk The recent rain has added to our tanks and helped to green-up our shire but we are still thinking about our rural neighbours who continue to do it tough. I’m proud of our local community who has generously donated materials and money to support country communities. Our Councillors have also made a contribution, by reducing councillor allowances, to donate $5,000 to the drought relief, and council staff raised over $600 at a recent morning tea. I have been amazed at the community patronage and praise since the reopening of the new pools. More good news came with Council’s decision to offer reciprocal passes, which means pass holders can access both facilities. I hope to see the pool lanes full as Spring brings warmer weather. I am pleased to say council is currently working on a range of other facility and amenity upgrades for our community. These include the airport expansion, Airport Boulevard, Ballina Indoor Sports Centre, the Ballina Surf Club storage building and the coastal pathway and walk. After much discussion, Council approved the Lake Ainsworth Part V application. Works on the southern road and the sealing of the western road are expected to be completed by Christmas. Eastern foreshore works will not begin until February, 2019. I understand parking has been a community concern which is why Council has made this a priority and is looking for new opportunities to include extra parking in the precinct. This time next year our community will be by the Lake relaxing with family and friends enjoying the new BBQs, picnic areas, seating, landscaping and water quality. Surf patrols will commence these school holidays, see page 21 for details about increased patrols and joining your children in nippers at your local surf club. Enjoy Spring!

Cr David Wright

communityconnect | T H E M A G A Z I N E O F B A L L I N A S H I R E C O U N C I L

contents engaged leadership Top class sporting facility coming to Ballina Achievements 2017/2018 2017/2018 Stats and Facts Projects in the Pipeline for 2018/2019 Playgrounds Update Road Projects / Civil Projects Lake Ainsworth – foreshore improvements works Lennox Surf Club moves forward Safer roads program of works Pools pull in large crowds Lennox Village Vision – project update Mobility Scooters on the right path

3 4–5 6–7 8 8 9 10 – 11 12 12 13 14 15

prosperous economy 30 Years of Food Surveillance in Ballina Food Safety Champion The latest news from the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport Ballina Coast and Hinterland

16 17 18 19

connected community Community Events – What's on? Beach Open Season Australia Day Awards Program – what our local heroes have been up to Arts Connect – Northern Rivers Community Gallery

20 21 22 – 23 24 – 25

healthy environment Waste Watch – Issue 22 Water Talk – Issue 42 Healthy Waterways Gardening isn't always environmentally friendly Feeding Birds Ballina Koala Watch Teaching technology is a win-win Drones fly Council into the future Planning ahead Market Calendar

Community Connect eNews is Ballina Shire Council’s electronic newsletter. Sign-up today to receive your Community Connect and other Council news via email. To subscribe visit ballina. nsw.gov.au (search eNews).

26 – 27 28 – 29 30 – 31 32 33 33 34 35 35 35

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Top class sporting facility coming to Ballina A 00-00 DRAWING LIST

SHEET NUMBER

4-03 4-04 4-05 4-06 5-01 5-20 5-21 5-41 5-81 5-82 6-01 0-01

SHEET NAME

REVISION

INTERNAL JOINERY DETAILS SHEET 3 INTERNAL JOINERY DETAILS SHEET 4 INTERNAL JOINERY DETAILS SHEET 5 INTERNAL JOINERY DETAILS SHEET 6 DOOR SCHEDULE SHEET 1 DOOR DETAILS TYPICAL CIRCULATION AS1428.1_2009 DOOR DETAILS SHEET 1 DOOR JAMB DETAILS SHEET 1 DOOR PANEL DETAILS SHEET 1 DOOR PANEL DETAILS SHEET 2 WINDOW & LOUVRE SCHEDULE SHEET 1 SIGNAGE DETAIL SHEET 1

3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

A 00-00 DRAWING LIST SHEET NUMBER

A 00-01 A 00-02 A 01-01 A 01-02 A 01-03 A 01-04 A 01-05 A 01-11 A 01-12 A 02-01 A 02-21 A 02-22 A 02-23 A 02-24 A 02-25 A 03-01 A 03-02 A 03-31 A 03-32 A 04-01 A 04-02 A 05-01 A 05-02 A 05-03 A 05-10 A 05-21 A 05-31 A 06-01 A 06-02 A 06-03 A 06-04 A 06-06 A 06-07 A 06-10 A 07-01 A 07-02 A 08-01 A 09-01 A 09-10 A 09-11 A 09-12 A 09-13 A 09-14 A 11-01 A 11-02 A 11-03 A 11-04 A 11-05 A 12-01 A 12-02 A 12-03 A 12-04 A 12-05 A 14-01 A 14-02

SHEET NAME

COVER SHEET & DRAWING LIST LEGENDS SHEET LOCALITY PLAN SITE PLAN OVERALL SITE PLAN - SHEET 1 SITE PLAN - SHEET 2 SITE GRID SETOUT PLAN SOLAR STUDY - EXTERNAL SOLAR STUDY - INTERNAL EXISTING & DEMOLITION PLAN GROUND GENERAL ARRANGEMENT PLAN (PART A) GENERAL ARRANGEMENT PLAN (PART B) GENERAL ARRANGEMENT PART PLAN - LINK ROOF PLAN (PART A) ROOF PLAN (PART B) SLAB SETOUT PLAN (PART A) SLAB SETOUT PLAN (PART B) PARTITION SETOUT PLAN (PART A) PARTITION SETOUT PLAN (PART B) REFLECTED CEILING PLAN (PART A) REFLECTED CEILING PLAN (PART B) FLOOR FINISHES PLAN (PART A) FLOOR FINISHES PLAN (PART B) COURT MARKING PLAN WALL FINISHES PLAN (SHEET 1) JOINERY PLAN (SHEET 2) FURNITURE PLAN (SHEET 3) OVERALL BUILDING ELEVATIONS - SHEET 1 OVERALL BUILDING ELEVATIONS - SHEET 2 INTERNAL BUILDING ELEVATIONS - SHEET 1 INTERNAL BUILDING ELEVATIONS - SHEET 2 DETAIL ELEVATIONS DETAIL ELEVATIONS DETAIL ELEVATIONS OVERALL SECTIONS - SHEET 1 OVERALL SECTIONS - SHEET 2 DETAIL FLOOR PLAN - BIN ENCLOSURE DETAIL WALL TYPES DETAIL SECTION SHEET 1 DETAIL SECTION SHEET 2 DETAIL SECTION SHEET 3 DETAIL SECTION SHEET 4 DETAIL SECTION SHEET 5 WET AREAS DETAILS SHEET 1 WET AREAS DETAILS SHEET 2 WET AREAS DETAILS SHEET 3 WET AREAS DETAILS SHEET 4 WET AREAS DETAILS SHEET 5 CONSTRUCTION DETAILS SHEET 1 CONSTRUCTION DETAILS SHEET 2 CONSTRUCTION DETAILS SHEET 3 CONSTRUCTION DETAILS SHEET 4 CONSTRUCTION DETAIL SHEET 5 INTERNAL JOINERY DETAILS SHEET 1 - TYPICAL DETAILS AND NOTES INTERNAL JOINERY DETAILS SHEET 2

Ballina Shire Council has received $3.5 million in funding from the NSW Government for the new Ballina Indoor SHEET NAME REVISION Sports Centre.

A 00-00 DRAWING LIST REVISION

8 2 8 9 6 9 2 4 2 2 8 9 4 8 8 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 2 2 1 8 8 7 4 2 2 2 8 8 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 3

SHEET NUMBER

A 14-03 A 14-04 A 14-05 A 14-06 A 15-01 A 15-20 A 15-21 A 15-41 A 15-81 A 15-82 A 16-01 A 20-01

3 Nationals Parliamentary Secretary for Northern NSW Ben 3 3 Franklin made the announcement, which will allow Ballina Shire 2 Council to construct two indoor 2 courts at the new Ballina Coast 2 High School site. 2 2 This two-court facility will adjoin another two-court facility, 2 2 the NSW Department of currently under construction, by 2 Education.

communityconnect

BALLINA INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE

The two facilities will be linked by an enclosed passageway and combined they will form a four-court regional scale sports facility. Sports infrastructure is essential for creating an active community and will boost participation in sports such as basketball, netball and futsal. “This is very welcome news for Ballina Shire Council. To have the Centre part funded by the NSW Government means we can build a state-of-the-art indoor sports facility at a reduced cost to our ratepayers,” said Mayor David Wright. The new council facility, which is estimated to cost in excess of $8 million, will house two full sized indoor sports courts, spectator areas, operations room, foyer/reception area, multipurpose meeting space, kitchen space, first aid room, change rooms and amenities. These council constructed courts will be available for community use during school hours and the whole four court centre will be available for the community to use outside of school hours. The council facility has development approvals in place, is ‘shovel ready’ and is expected to be open by Christmas 2019. The building plans and concept video can be viewed on council's website ballina.nsw.gov.au (search sports centre).

SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE 32

achievements 2017/2018 This is a snapshot of achievements in Ballina Shire for 2017/2018, it includes works commenced and completed. For a complete look at our progress visit ballina.nsw.gov. au (search delivery program).

connected community

prosperous economy

We feel safe

We attract new business and visitors

• Undertook quarterly audit of unregistered dogs and cats and increased patrols at known hot-spots of dog-owner non-compliance with regulations.

• Delivered ‘Get lost in the moment’ marketing campaign targeting couples in Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle.

• Implemented a Compliance Program including an audit of major developments in the shire, identified development consents and all development consents in the Russelton Estate. Main breaches being unauthorised second and third dwellings on rural land, and investigating tourism and function centre complaints in rural areas.

• Implemented interactive displays at the Visitor Information Centre to engage visitors and encourage exploration.

• Inspected all mandatory (high risk) pools

• Implemented the Regional Boating Strategy with pontoon installations at Captain Cook Park, Fishery Creek, Faulks Reserve, Keith Hall and East Wardell. • Undertook initial community consultation with the Lennox Village Vision to guide planning and development in the village centre. • Developed the Ballina Marina Master Plan to encourage and facilitate redevelopment of the West Ballina Trawler Harbour site, inclusive of enhanced marine infrastructure.

My business can grow and diversity • Adopted the Regional Economic Development Strategy.

We feel connected to the community Provided the Festival and Events Program of $120,000 to: • Ballina Country Music Festival • Love Lennox Festival • Skullcandy Oz Grom Fest • Ballina Fine Wine and Food Festival • Quota Club of Alstonville Craft and Garden Fair • Alstonville New Year’s Eve Family Event. Provided $80,000 to various community and sporting groups, with the major beneficiaries being: • Ballina Jet Boat Surf Rescue • Meerschaum Vale Community Hall • Lennox Head, Riverside and Alstonville Carols • Rous Mill and District Memorial Hall • Ballina Shire Concert Band • Ballina Hockey Club Men’s Masters.

Services to meet your needs • Completed the $15 million Alstonville Aquatic Centre and Ballina Memorial Pool redevelopment. • Opened the $8 million Wollongbar Sportfields; includes netball courts, tennis courts, rugby union fields and clubhouse amenities. • Launched Ignite Studios @ the Northern Rivers Community Gallery as shared work space for arts and arts learning. • Designed and lodged the development application for the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre. • Installed a multi-court facility at Porter Park, West Ballina and replacement of Fawcett Park playground, Ballina. • Adopted the Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP). • Launched new cycleway touring map.

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• Supported rural food tourism with small scale road side stalls, that meet planning and road approvals, able to operate without a development application (see page 17 for details). • Launched NSW Government’s 'Easy to do Business' program to remove red-tape for cafes and restaurants to establish in Ballina Shire.

Improve liveability in Ballina Shire • Continued to support growth of the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, with commencement of $8.5 million Terminal Expansion Project. • Progressed the development of land on Boeing Avenue, Southern Cross Industrial Estate. • Sold 18 lots at Stage 2 Wollongbar Residential Land. • Provided infrastructure to support growth areas, purchased land to progress extension of Hutley Drive (north) to connect residential estates to the Lennox Village.

healthy environment

Our council works with the community

We understand the environment

• Continued four-yearly reviews of all council policies to ensure they are contemporary and reflect best practice and legislation.

• Implemented Floodplain Management Plans, investigated isolated rural properties, and a detailed investigation of Ballina Island and West Ballina.

• Increased community awareness of council services and projects through the use of traditional and digital media.

• Implemented our Environmental Action Plan, with implementation of Healthy Waterways program and installation of 134kw solar panels at the community pools.

• Representations made to state ministers regarding rural road upgrades and responsibilities of South Ballina and Patches Beaches.

Council’s finances and assets are well managed • Implemented innovative electronic onboarding for new employees with eLearning and training modules. • Achieved operating surplus and an asset renewal ratio of 100%. Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) forecasts shows that Council is Fit for the Future. • Implemented Skype for Business to 200 end-users providing call analytics and reporting. • Completed drone training to collect and analyse asset data, vegetation management, modelling, planning, and promotions and marketing.

• Implemented the Richmond River Estuary Coastal Zone Management Plan • Launched the ‘Love It or Lose It’ animations to educate how to keep the Richmond River catchment waterways clean. Won the LGNSW Excellence in Communication Award. • Delivered Erosion and Sediment Control workshops for builders and staff. • Improved the health and recreational value of Shaws Bay through CZMP improvement works including control bank erosion and siltation, dredging, improvements to Compton Drive Foreshore with improved parking, access ramp, shower facilities, seating and stormwater treatment. • Implemented the Urban Stormwater Management Plan with a trial section of Alstonville Creek at Tanamera Drive.

• Continued to develop centralised electronic registers to reduce ‘silo’ data sets held in spreadsheets. • Enhanced online purchase requisitions to reduce paper and improve efficiencies and auditing. • Aligned risk management practices with insurer and legislative requirements to improve our safety record and insurance premiums.

engagedleadership

engaged leadership

We use our resources wisely • Upgraded the SCADA (the computer system that monitors and controls processes at the Wastewater Treatment Plans) resulting in improved aeration rates and consistent and efficient data collection. • Implemented Touchpoint Technology to monitor phone call data and allocate resourcing according to customer needs. • Implemented the Corporate Reporting Module to monitor service delivery indicators in the Delivery Program/Operational Plan.

Our built environment blends with the natural environment We are all valued citizens • Expanded workforce skills with the review of the Resourcing Strategy and focus on developing skills in information technology and leadership. • Improved our corporate financial reporting with improvements made to Business Information System reporting and the establishment of a Project Management Framework.

• Developed the Alstonville Strategic Plan 2017 – 2037 to guide decision making in the village. • Adopted Killen Falls and Tosha Falls Management Plans to guide the long term planning of these popular but sensitive sites. • Implemented the On-site Sewage Management Plan, with 90% of outstanding approvals issued. • Delivered projects under the Koala Management Strategy including mapping of koala habitat and feed trees in the road reserves managed by council and mapping of potential Crown road reserves as koala movement corridors.

SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE 32

communityconnect

2017/2018 stats & facts engaged leadership

connected community 43,064

POPULATION

108

DOG ATTACKS

FOOD PREMISES

INVESTIGATED

485km2 TOTAL AREA

0.89

PEOPLE PER HECTARE

667km OF ROADS IN BALLINA SHIRE

NEW AUSTRALIAN

CITIZENS FROM 8 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

63.6%

INSPECTED

101 BARKING DOGS COMPLAINTS

92%

14,100

REQUESTS RESOLVED WITHIN

READ FOUR TIMES PER YEAR

SERVICE DELIVERY TARGETS

67 REHOMED

408

OWNERS AND

7 DOG OFF

INVOLVED IN THE

23%

PROGRAM

SCHOOLS 1000WORDS NRCG

369,570

LIBRARY LOANS

NSW AVERAGE IS 20%)

SCHOOL ZONES PATROLLED TO

20,212

ACTIVE LIBRARY

MEMBERS

ENSURE CHILD SAFETY

communityconnect | T H E M A G A Z I N E O F B A L L I N A S H I R E C O U N C I L

104

HOURS LOST DUE

TO WORKERS

COMPENSATION

90%

DETERMINED UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY

VISITORS TO THE

NORTHERN RIVERS COMMUNITY GALLERY NRCG

WATER METERS

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

24,950

BALLINA SHIRE

VOLUNTARY WORK (REGIONAL

COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS

LEASH AREAS

RESIDENTS PROVIDE

CUSTOMER

DOGS AND CATS RETURNED TO

RESIDENTS LIVE

AND WORK IN THE

100%

18,389

RATEABLE PROPERTIES

$20.897M

100% COMPLYING

DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATES ISSUED IN 10 DAYS

(ORDINARY) RATES INCOME RECEIVED FOR 2017/2018

$8.021M

(CAPITAL + OPERATING)

GRANTS RECEIVED

10,669 METRES OF ROADS

CONSTRUCTED/ RECONSTRUCTED

healthy environment

$2.2M

1,447

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

HOMES CONNECTED TO RECYCLED

WATER (10% OF THE

REVENUE GENERATED

SHIRE)

$204M WORTH OF

DEVELOPMENT APPROVED

529,000

PASSENGERS

THROUGH THE BALLINA BYRON GATEWAY AIRPORT

10th

RANKED REGIONAL

AIRPORT IN

$41.847M CAPITAL EXPENDITURE (NEW ASSETS)

$17.601M LOAN REPAYMENTS

5,000

NATIVE SEEDLINGS PLANTED

BY VOLUNTEERS, INCLUDING 1,000 ON LENNOX HEADLAND

38,000

KERBSIDE (URBAN, RURAL + COMMERCIAL) BINS

179kl

OF WATER PER HOUSEHOLD (WELL BELOW 200KL TARGET)

251

INSTANCES OF

ILLEGAL DUMPING INVESTIGATED

COLLECTED

EVERY WEEK

engagedleadership

prosperous economy

AUSTRALIA

189,370

INTERNATIONAL VISITOR NIGHTS TO BALLINA SHIRE

1,020,948 DOMESTIC VISITOR NIGHTS TO BALLINA SHIRE

$24.379M CAPITAL EXPENDITURE (ASSET RENEWAL)

$1.228B

OF NET ASSETS

Want to know more Visit the following sources:

forecast.id.com.au/ballina profile.id.com.au/ballina economy.id.com.au/ballina atlas.id.com.au/ballina Ballina Shire Council 2017/2018 Annual Report (to be published 30 November) discoverballina.com.au

SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE 32

communityconnect

Projects in the Pipeline for 2018/2019

There are many major projects planned to commence in 2018/2019:

COMMENCE BALLINA INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE EXPAND THE BALLINA BYRON GATEWAY AIRPORT TERMINAL DELIVER COMMEMORATION PARK – EXERCISE PLAYGROUND EXPAND SKENNARS HEAD SPORTS FIELDS CONSTRUCT COASTAL WALK AND COASTAL SHARED PATH IMPLEMENT THE SHAWS BAY COASTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN DELIVER LAKE AINSWORTH PRECINCT IMPROVEMENTS BEAUTIFY RIVER STREET (MOON TO GRANT STREET) EXTEND HUTLEY DRIVE (NORTH). Capital expenditure allocations planned for 2018/2019:

$23.3 MILLION ROAD/BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION AND RESEALING PROGRAMS $8.4 MILLION COMMUNITY FACILITIES $3.7 MILLION FOOTPATHS AND SHARED PATHS $2.3 MILLION OPEN SPACE – SPORTS FIELDS $3.3 MILLION WATER INFRASTRUCTURE $5.9 MILLION WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE. These projects and capital expenditure allocations are included in the Delivery Program/Operational Plan. This document is reviewed annually and reported on a quarterly basis. To view the document visit council's website ballina.nsw.gov.au (search integrated planning and reporting).

Playgrounds Update Two playgrounds have recently been upgraded. Porter Park in West Ballina received a multigoal facility which caters for sports such as basketball, soccer, netball, hockey and whatever else children (or adults) can dream up. The new boat themed playground in Fawcett Park in Ballina has also been popular since its upgrade. Here is what you had to say about the new playground on Facebook:

“It’s pretty cool” BRAYDEN “Wow, looks awesome” KATE “Great project” BRIAN “Looks smaller than the other, but like the swing and the space, looks good” KAT “Coffee and ice-cream close by” LEANNA “Wow! that is super!!! well done BSC... best council in the Northern Rivers!” SUSAN We also received other comments that the playground is not fully fenced and not as large as some other city or regional areas. The decision to not fully fence the playground is in line with risk assessments carried out for insurance and safety purposes and is considered best practice, even considering the playground’s proximity to the river. The new fencing will provide a larger space for contained and active play while being an inclusive and socially responsible play space. However active supervision of children is encouraged at all times. With regards to the size of the playground, we are looking to provide regional sized playgrounds where space allows, such as Pop Denison Park at Shaws Bay, in the near future. These installations are part of the Ballina Shire Playground Upgrade Plan, for more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au (search playgrounds).

communityconnect | T H E M A G A Z I N E O F B A L L I N A S H I R E C O U N C I L

update

COMPLETED PROJECTS

Ballina Surf Club Storage Building

HOUGHLAHANS CREEK ROAD, TEVEN Culvert replacement and flood damage repairs.

RIVER DRIVE, EAST WARDELL, Seg 140 – Road reconstruction. BURNET STREET, Seg 80 – Road reconstruction. TAMAR STREET, Seg 30 – Road reconstruction. FAWCETT LANE, Seg 10 – Road reconstruction.

CURRENT PROJECTS BYRON BAY ROAD (North of the Ross Lane Roundabout) As part of the Ross Lane $1.9 million Australian Black Spot funding, three kilometres of works will include curve correction, pavement rejuvenation and general safety improvements. Expected to be completed late September.

Byron Bay Road

BALLINA SURF CLUB STORAGE BUILDING Council anticipates the building will be ready for the Ballina Lighthouse and Lismore Surf Life Saving Club 2018/2019 summer patrol season in early October.

BALLINA INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE Architects have completed the detailed design, which has been reviewed by Council. Construction tenders have been called, with a selection report to be tabled at the September Council Meeting.

FUTURE PROJECTS (JULY – SEPT 2018) SIMMONS STREET, Seg 20 – Road reconstruction.

engagedleadership

road projects / civil projects

DUCK CREEK MOUNTAIN – Bike Park Entrance. Driveway construction (on behalf of RMS).

CHERRY STREET, Seg 20 – Road reconstruction. WARDELL ROAD, Seg 70-80 – Road reconstruction.

For updates on road closures visit myroadinfo.com.au

LAKE AINSWORTH FORESHORE IMPROVEMENT WORKS – see pages 10-11 for details.

Wollongbar Skatepark At its August meeting Council considered a proposal to build a new skatepark at the Wollongbar sportfields. This was heavily debated and concerns were raised over the lengthy pedestrian access, noise impacts and matters raised by the NSW Police. After considering these issues, Council resolved not to approve the application and look to other sites. Council is committed to providing a skatepark for the Alstonville and Wollongbar community, and has been engaging with TAFE NSW regarding the feasibility of co-locating the skatepark at Wollongbar TAFE.

SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE 32

Lake Ainsworth foreshore improvement works

communityconnect

In September 2018, Council resolved to approve the Lake Ainsworth precinct project. Once completed, the $1.7M investment will include additional barbeques, pathways, picnic tables, formalised parking, erosion rehabilitation and landscaping.

Car parking To address car parking needs for the popular area, council: • has completed a carparking analysis • has upgraded Ross Street to provide additional parking (31 spaces) • has constructed carparking in Pacific Parade opposite the Lennox Head - Alstonville Surf Life Saving Club (58 spaces) • will formalise existing parking along the southern road • will provide new disabled parking facilities

Disabled access The upgrade will provide improved access for disabled and mobility impaired people. The Lake Ainsworth upgrades have been designed in consultation with Council’s Community Access Reference Group. On completion, the works will include pathways, dedicated disabled access and car parks all designed to contemporary standards. This includes a three metre wide accessible path and Lake access ramp. New disabled parking facilities will be provided on the southern road and in the area adjacent to the junction of the eastern path and southern road.

Camp Drewe Road Vehicles wanting to access the Sport and Recreation Centre will need to use Camp Drewe Road on the western side of Lake Ainsworth. The closure of the eastern road is also likely to redirect traffic along the southern road and Camp Drewe Road. To address this anticipated demand, council will seal Camp Drewe Road.

Dogs off-leash access Dog owners are encouraged to access the dog offleash area on Seven Mile Beach north of the Lennox Head Alstonville Surf Life Saving Club. However, the eastern road will remain open for pedestrian access wherever possible during construction. In this area dogs must be restrained on a leash until the designated off-leash area of Seven Mile Beach. Dog owners will be able to drive, on the bitumen seal, to the 4WD access park, and immediately access the off-leash beach area.

Stage 1: southern road precinct This stage will introduce additional parking for visitors and be completed before the eastern road is closed. Other works include: • southern road reconstruction and formalisation of the roadside carparking • bitumen sealing of Camp Drewe Road Budget: $900,000 Anticipated timeline: October - December 2018

Stage 2: eastern road precinct The road closure of the eastern road precinct will comprise water main relocation followed by path construction and landscaping. The path will be completed in sections to ensure the space is still accessible and usable for pedestrians. Other works will include: • closure of the Lake Ainsworth eastern road to vehicles • 3m wide accessible pathway • BBQ facilities and picnic areas • sandstone block seats amongst open spaces • increased grassed areas • improved stormwater quality management systems • restoration and revegetation of the eroded foreshore areas. Budget: $880,000 including Stage 3. Anticipated timeline: February - June 2019

Stage 3: roundabout construction The third stage will ensure better traffic flow, and include: • roundabout construction adjacent to the Lennox Head - Alstonville Surf Life Saving Club • architectural features for road and path surfacing. Budget: Included with Stage 1. Anticipated timeline: May - June 2019

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Ballina Shire Council, Civil Services Group on 1300 864 444. To view the full concept plans visit council's website ballina.nsw.gov.au (search Lake Ainsworth).

communityconnect | T H E M A G A Z I N E O F B A L L I N A S H I R E C O U N C I L

Existing public toilet facilities to be retained Existing road pavement to be removed and replaced with grassed open reserve incorporating picnic tables, pathways, shelters and seating facilities Bitumen seal of Camp Drewe Road

New pathway providing access/mobility linkage between new recreational facilities and disabled parking and existing pathway network

P DR CAM

Lake access to be upgraded. Wheelchair ramp to lake beach/water

EWE D

ROA

Melaleuca trees to be retained along corridor

Pathway and 6m wide clear corridor to be made available for emergency vehicles

Existing recreational area to include new BBQ facilities catering for access/mobility and linkage to nearby disabled parking Existing recreational space and facilities to be retained x3

Vehicle turnaround area

SOUTH

SEVEN MILE BEACH

Deep parking spaces for launching water craft

Existing road to be removed and grassed to connect existing green spaces

Off road pedestrian linkage between open space areas by low-impact boardwalk

ERN R

OAD

Restricted vehicle access to be maintained at new roundabout

Southern road reconstruction incorporating formalisation of existing roadside parking (75 spaces)

Carpark extension completed 2015 (31 spaces)

ROSS

PACIFIC PARADE

Ross Street roadside parking completed 2016 (39 spaces)

engagedleadership

Lake Ainsworth south eastern precinct project

STREE

legend

NEW PICNIC TABLES

OFFSET PARKING AREAS

BBQ FACILITIES

DISABLED PARKING SPACES

LOW IMPACT BOARDWALK PEDESTRIAN LINKAGES

GRASSED PUBLIC RESERVE EXTENSION

PUBLIC TOILETS

EMERGENCY VEHICULAR ACCESS

LAKE BEACH/WATER ACCESS LOCATIONS

PATHWAY LINKAGES & MOBILITY ACCESS

*Subject to change

SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE 32

EXISTI T

ROOF PLAN ELEVATIONS PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES MATERIALS + FINISHES

A2.0 A4.0 A6.0 A6.0 A9.0

LAKE AINSWORTH HOLIDAY CARAVAN PARK

NEW CLUB ACCESS TO BEACH

PACIFIC PDE

BOOM GATE ACCESS

PROPOSED SURFCLUB

EXISTING SURF CLUB TO BE DEMOLISHED

5 6 7 8 9

N ROSS

LENNOX HEAD SURF LIFE SA CONCEPT

LOCATION PLAN

Lennox Surf Club moves forward A new Lennox Head Surf Club is one step closer with Council resolving to support the concept plans at its August meeting.

SH NORTH EAST PERSPECTIVE

EXISTING SURF CLUB TO BE DEMOLISHED

EXISTING AMENITIES BLOCK TO BE DEMOLISHED

Once constructed council plans to introduce the same model currently in place for the Ballina Surf Club. This model would involve constructing a community building which is multi-purpose while providing all the facilities needed for the surf lifesaving club to operate effectively.

PROPOSED SURFCLUB

Consultation has been ongoing with representatives of the Lennox Head Alstonville Surf Life Saving Club.

For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au (search Lennox Surf Club).

Safer roads program of works

N ROSS

LOCATION PLAN

Council is proud of the quality of our road network. We are committed to safe and well-maintained roads that help create a more connected community. To maintain this standard, council carries out a number of capital and upgrade works. Shortly, we will commence this financial year’s Bitumen Reseal Program, which has been partly funded from the recent Fit for the Future special rate variation. Council’s spray seal contractor, NSW Spray Seals, will start works in September in an attempt to finish the larger program before the seasonally wetter months in early 2019. The following roads will be resealed in 2018/2019:

ALSTONVILLE

TAMAR STREET

LINDENDALE ROAD

COMMERCIAL ROAD

WEBSTER LANE

LISMORE ROAD

JOHNSTONS ROAD

LENNOX HEAD/ SKENNARS HEAD

NORTH TEVEN ROAD

PARK AVENUE (EAST) PARKLAND DRIVE WHIPPS AVENUE BALLINA BAGOT STREET

PACIFIC PARADE SKENNARS HEAD ROAD NORTH CREEK ROAD SOUTH BALLINA

PICADILLY ROAD PIMLICO ROAD ROUS MILL ROAD ROUS ROAD TEVEN ROAD

BORTON STREET

SOUTH BALLINA BEACH ROAD

BRUNSWICK STREET

WOLLONGBAR

TUCKOMBIL LANE

BURNET STREET

SNEATHS ROAD

URALBA ROAD

CAMDEN LANE

WARDELL

WARDELL ROAD

CARLISLE STREET DEADMANS CREEK ROADPERSPECTIVE NORTH EAST

PACIFIC PDE

BOOM GATE ACCESS

Now this initial concept has been supported, council will seek planning approvals and pursue grant funding opportunities to invest in the project.

NEW CLUB ACCESS TO BEACH

A new two-storey building, located south of the existing facility, has been identified as the preferred option after looking at a number of options.

LAKE AINSWORTH HOLIDAY CARAVAN PARK

communityconnect

community connect

HAYMAN STREET

RICHMOND STREET

HOLDEN LANE

SINCLAIR STREET

KINGSFORD SMITH DRIVE

SNEESBYS LANE

NORTON STREET

RURAL

OWEN STREET

BROKEN HEAD ROAD

REGATTA AVENUE

DALWOOD ROAD

RIVER STREET

ELLIS ROAD

RIVERSIDE DRIVE

FERNLEIGH ROAD

RIVERVIEW AVENUE

HINTERLAND WAY

SWIFT STREET

KIRKLANDS LANE

communityconnect | T H E M A G A Z I N E O F B A L L I N A S H I R E C O U N C I L

TINTENBAR ROAD

WATSONS LANE WHITES LANE

This year’s program has been increased by 63,000 square metres of spray seal for local urban and rural roads.

engagedleadership

Pools pull in large crowds The Alstonville and Ballina Pools are proving to be a major hit with the community, with levels of usage surpassing expectations. In the first four weeks of operations there has been over 10,000 people through the two swimming facilities. Ballina Shire Council’s Manager of Community Facilities, Craig Brown said, “We already have quite a few regular users who are purchasing season or multiple entry passes. As well as being great value, pass holders now have better choice, with Council recently resolving to provide reciprocal arrangements. This means pass holders can access both pool facilities, regardless of which pool they purchased their pass.” The reciprocal arrangements include all season passes: adults, children, families, concession annual, three month and ten-ticket passes. “It’s been really pleasing to see so many people using the shire’s new facilities, and each pool is offering a range of fitness and recreational activities.” “Both pools provide learn to swim, squad training and stroke correction. Ballina is also hosting a number of fitness activities in and out of the pool, and Alstonville is renowned for Water Polo,” said Mr Brown. Ballina Pool operators Lee and Vicki Fitzgerald are also pleased to have the waterslides up and running in time for the September/October school holidays. The $15 million community investment ensures the modern facilities will be enjoyed for generations to come, and the heated pools mean the community can enjoy the early swimming season. The season will remain open until 31 May 2019. For information relating to pool access or activities, contact the pool operators or visit council’s website ballina.nsw.gov.au (search pools).

Ballina Memorial Pool & Waterslide Lee and Vicki Fitzgerald | 02 6686 3771 Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 6am - 7pm Saturday 8am - 6pm Sunday 9am - 5pm Find them on Facebook

Alstonville Aquatic Centre Greg and Kelly Fettell | 02 6628 0826 Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 6am - 7pm Saturday 8am - 6pm Sunday 10am - 6pm Find them on Facebook

SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE 32

communityconnect

lennox VILLAGE vision The Lennox Head community has provided feedback to Council on the priorities for future renewal works in the village centre. A series of meetings with community groups informed the design of the survey, and additional and supporting information such as preliminary streetscape designs and concepts formed part of the material.

project update

There were 502 respondents to the survey, with the data independently reviewed by Dr Liz Baker who has reported a number of key findings: • The essential character and experience of the village centre is highly valued. • Traffic and parking issues are recognised but residents do not think these should take precedence over the needs of the community. It’s people who use the village centre, not cars. • There is no consensus about how traffic and parking issues should be addressed. There is solid support for the investigation of a one-way traffic flow, however, there is also strong feeling against this option and its impact on specific businesses and community activities. • There is strong support for overall improvements to be made, especially in the areas of facilities, particularly toilets and seating; green spaces and greening generally; playgrounds; and pedestrian accessibility. • Beautification of the village centre is welcomed on the understanding any upgrades or changes keep with the small, beach-side atmosphere and do not reflect a generic, off-the-shelf coastal stereotype. • The shops and businesses and the access to goods, services and experiences they provide are valued by the people who use the village centre. The ‘localness’ of the shops and business is a positive feature. There is a desire for more diverse shops. Traffic counters were installed within the study area over April and May 2018 to provide information on the average vehicles per day (VPD), the peak and low dates for VPD, and the peak vehicle per hour (VPH) reading for locations around the village. Community survey feedback, traffic counts and estimated costs of future upgrade works will now help inform Council’s decision making for the future steps of the Lennox Village Vision project. Future steps could include the trial of one-way traffic flow for the village centre, traffic modelling and more detailed design work. Council will continue to consult with the community to ensure the best outcome for the village, its residents and businesses. Visit ballina.nsw.gov.au (search Lennox Village Vision).

rates & charges notice

01/07/2017 - 30/06/2018

payments ph 1300 276 468

Making it easier to pay your rates and charges

Thanks to BPAY there are now more ways to pay your rates and charges. BPAY's new credit card payment option means you can pay your rates and charges via credit card from your internet banking. And the best part is, these payments are surcharge free! See your next rates and charges notice for more details or see the payments page on our website ballina.nsw.gov.au

40 cherry street, po box 450, ballina nsw 2478 rating team ph 02 6686 1299 general enquiries ph 02 6686 4444 council@ballina.nsw.gov.au abn 53 929 887 369 ballina.nsw.gov.au

assessment number

rating category

property details

first

second

area

fourth

notice total: due this quarter: date due: Instalments 2, 3 & 4 do NOT include future water based charges

your payment options Call 1300 276 468 to make payments using Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

BPAY this payment via internet or phone banking

Biller Code: 20404 Reference No:

www.ballina.nsw.gov.au Make payments online using Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

An authority form is available by phoning 02 6686 4444, or by visiting www.ballina.nsw.gov.au

*Service fee applies

BPAY View View and pay this bill using internet banking (Credit cards not accepted)

Completed authority forms must be received by Council two weeks before the next rate due date.

*credit card payments will incur a surcharge of around 0.5%.

communityconnect | T H E M A G A Z I N E O F B A L L I N A S H I R E C O U N C I L

third

messages

*Service fee applies

valuation amount

billing details

Any Post Office throughout Australia. Cash, cheque and EFTPOS only. Alternatively, register online to receive and pay your notices digitally with your MyPost Digital Mailbox www.digitalmailbox.com.au Detach slip at the perforation and post your cheque payable to Ballina Shire Council to the PO Box above, or pay at our Customer Service Centre. If paying by mail, please tick if receipt is required.

name: assessment: total amount: first instalment:

mo paymree optionsnt

Less mobile people use mobility scooters to help them get to everyday places such as the local shops and appointments.

Under the NSW Road Rules: • mobility scooter users are classed as pedestrians • you do not need a NSW driver licence to operate a mobility scooter • mobility scooters must not travel at more than 10km/hour.

To use a mobility scooter, you need these basic skills:

Stay left, give way to other pedestrians and: • travel away from shop-fronts to make it safer for pedestrians exiting the shops • cross the road at safe places, such as pedestrian crossings and refuges • approach kerb ramps straight-on, never on an angle • slow down before turning

Strength – for steering

• avoid hills if possible; they drain the battery and can strain brakes

Balance – to stay upright on hills and uneven ground

• slow down when crossing driveways

Coordination – to change between the accelerator and the brake, while steering Good Eyesight – to avoid obstacles, people and vehicles Perception – to judge your speed and distances to obstacles, people and vehicles.

Safe riding by: • planning a safe route on the footpath or shared path wherever possible • riding at walking speed (2-3km/hour) in busy pedestrian areas.

• make sure you’re visible to cars and pedestrians; use a flag, reflectors and wear bright clothes • ensure any parcels or bags you are carrying will not over-balance your scooter, and will not interfere with controls or vision • the load capacity, performance and stability of your scooter may change depending on the type of ground the scooter is used on (check with suppliers and manufacturers) • health and medications may affect your ability to use your scooter; check with your doctor or pharmacist.

engagedleadership

Mobility Scooters on the right path

NORTHERN NSW RENEWABLE ENERGY FORUM Where: Ballina RSL When: 3pm – 5pm for community members Monday 8 October 2018 Host: The Hon Ben Franklin MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Renewable Energy and Northern NSW. Register at: ballinarenewableenergyforum. eventbrite.com

SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE 32

Ballina Shire Council has a solid history in food surveillance with the food inspection program having commenced over 30 years ago. Ballina has maintained a strong presence in the community and council has continued to support the program that helps to reduce foodborne illness in the community. Over the years, this program has developed and council has seen many improvements in food safety awareness, practices and outcomes across local food outlets. Council congratulates local food businesses for their community contribution and their commitment in achieving above average food safety compliance! Ballina’s Public and Environmental Health Section is responsible for conducting health premise inspections, food inspections, addressing public health enquiries and complaints, environmental assessments, water sampling and onsite sewage management programs. Council’s Environmental Health Officers carry out routine inspections on 256 retail food shops and a proportion of the 113 market food stalls. The following graph shows the types of retail food premises that operate in Ballina Shire. Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food shops are the most common types of retail food service businesses.

Other

Takeaway

Motel

Restaurant / Café

Mobile Food

Lic Club / Hotel

Supermarkets

Health Food

Fruit Veg

Gen Store / Servo

100

Canteen / Childcare

NO. OF SHOPS

Bakery

communityconnect

30 Years of Food Surveillance in Ballina!

To help empower our local food business owners, Ballina participates in the voluntary Scores on Doors (SoD) food safety rating program for retail food businesses such as cafes, restaurants, takeaway shops, clubs and bistros. The program rates a food shop’s compliance with the food safety requirements and gives them a ‘score’ and certificate to display to their customers in their shop front. Shops can be awarded a three, four or five star rating depending on their level of compliance. This rating can be a point of difference in promoting their food business and showcases their commitment to food safety and hygiene standards. Scores on Doors rewards good performance and is a good balance to the enforcement action that councils take in order to achieve compliance. The food safety outcome scores over the last two years are shown in the graph below along with the NSW state average in 2016-2017.

FOOD SAFETY OUTCOME SCORES

NSW Average 2016-17 2016-2017 2017-2018

180

20 10

160

140 120

Scores on Doors

100 80

The food service sector is complex because of the variety of potentially hazardous foods and food handling activities, so Environmental Health Officers focus on critical food safety practices during their inspections, such as: • cleaning and sanitising • pest control • personal hygiene • safe food handling practices • food safety supervisor requirements.

60 40 20 0

5 STAR

4 STAR

3 STAR

NO AWARD

Thanks to council and businesses’ commitment to food safety, our local food safety outcome scores are better than the NSW average. We’ve also seen that in the last two years an increase in the number of local businesses achieving the five-star rating – congratulations to all food service providers in Ballina Shire!

Roadside Stalls

The Ballina Coast & Hinterland is renowned for local produce and hand crafted goods. Our scenic drives entice visitors and locals to explore all our beautiful shire has to offer. Council recently made it easier for small-scale roadside stall holders to set up shop following changes to the Ballina Local Environmental Plan 2012. Vendors may no longer have to lodge a development application and can seek approval under the Roads Act 1993 provided they meet road safety, location and stall size criteria. For a factsheet regarding the approval of roadside stalls in Ballina Shire visit council's website ballina.nsw.gov.au (search roadside stalls, view documentation under ‘economic development’)

communityconnect | T H E M A G A Z I N E O F B A L L I N A S H I R E C O U N C I L

D SAFETY

this edition's profile

Coast @ Lennox Head We invited local food premises who pride themselves as Food Safety Champions to be profiled in the Community Connect. Libbe and Frank took over Coast @ Lennox over two years ago and are this edition's Food Safety Champions. Chef, Libbe McWilliams Gray is passionate about food safety, and partner Frank McWilliams takes care of the front of house looking after their guests.

Tell us a bit about your style of cuisine? Old school with a modern twist; I try and stay along the lines of traditional Aussie fare, but I’m very old school when it comes to cooking using my French training and Mediterranean influences, but using the best Australian produce. We’ve branched out into evening dining, and we love matching the food with our lovely wine list. Our coffee has to be good, because everyone does good coffee in Lennox.

What is the most popular dish on your menu? Flame tail snapper with sweet potato puree, roasted baby tomatoes, goats cheese and fried capers. Like a picture on the plate, it’s beautiful!

How do you find the process of working with Sue Anderson our Environmental Health Officer? Sue is informative, approachable and completely professional. I had quite a few questions when I first took over Coast @ Lennox because regulations in England are

champion

quite different. Anyone who needs food safety guidance or is starting out should contact Sue.

What are the main differences in food safety to what you have experienced overseas? Interestingly cooking temperature and time limits are different; it’s been a bit of change converting to the new levels. Paying for food registration is not done in England – and I think it should, otherwise anyone can set up a café, cart or restaurant with no training or regulations, and it puts the public at greater risk of food poisoning. At least in Australia, and particularly in Ballina Shire, the public can be confident in having a nice and safe dining experience. And if things do go wrong, the operator can be reported.

How has food safety changed in the time since you’ve been running kitchens? The increased use of pesticides and chemicals in food production, demand for convenience food, intense farming practices all impact food safety. There has also been a dramatic increase in food allergies and intolerances.

Are you a Northern Rivers food manufacturer? This is your chance to provide valuable industry knowledge to future industry infrastructure. Council is investigating the feasibility of developing a food manufacturing precinct for Northern Rivers businesses. To help with this research council has created a short online survey for regional manufacturers. The survey aims to inform government regarding the needs and challenges facing the food manufacturing industry and assist the development of programs and projects to support the growth of the industry throughout the region. The survey should only take 10 minutes to complete and will be open until 30 September 2018. To complete the survey, visit surveymonkey.com/r/ F7KDRMK For more information regarding the survey or this project please contact Ballina Shire Council Strategic Planner, Simon Scott on 1300 864 444.

prosperouseconomy

northern rivers regional food industry survey

What makes you a Food Safety Champion? All my staff use safe food practices. If they find it a chore I show them the door! Being safe is for the customer’s benefit, without good hygiene we can’t have good food. It’s a massive priority for me. Coast @ Lennox 2/63-65 Ballina Street, Lennox Head 02 6687 6109 Find them on Facebook

Note: The Food Safety Champion profile will run in the next four editions of Community Connect.

SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE 32

communityconnect

LATEST NEWS FROM

ballina byron gateway airport

Go behind the scenes of the airport upgrade The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is now the third busiest airport in New South Wales after Sydney and Newcastle, with 529,000 passengers as at June 2018 reflecting a growth rate of 8% since June 2010. To cater for this rapid increase in growth and provide an improved travelling experience for passengers, the BBGA passenger terminal and carpark is being expanded. The current phase of works includes the expansion of the cafe and addition of a bar, plus new toilet facilties and expanded arrivals and departures concourse. The major features of the terminal upgrade include: • larger terminal building from about 2,000m2 to 3,000m2, an increase of 50% • increased seating capacity in the departure lounge from 160 to 360 seats to cater for the increasing number of passenger jets • an expanded café and bar • a news and gifts retail outlet • new toilet facilities, upgraded disabled toilets and parents room • improved building features such as air-conditioning and building management systems. The progress of the project is being recorded on time lapse video and can be viewed on the BBGA website ballinabyronairport.com.au/expansion-projects/ The project has been allocated $4.5 million from the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Infrastructure Program, established under the Restart NSW fund, and $2.4 million in loan funding from Ballina Shire Council. The growth in passenger numbers and the expansion of the airport is critical to increasing tourism, employment and business opportunities within the Northern Rivers Region.

communityconnect | T H E M A G A Z I N E O F B A L L I N A S H I R E C O U N C I L

View time lapse video of construction at: https:// vimeo.com/287419242

coast & hinterland

The Northern Rivers is home to fresh seafood and an abundance of locally grown produce. As locals, we are really spoilt for choice! Showcased below are just a few unique experiences and flavours that visitors can enjoy in our region. As a local you have these experiences in your backyard so we encourage you to play like a visitor and explore what our region has to offer.

Private dining under the pecan trees

Enjoy an intimate meal at your private table set on a pecan orchard at the picturesque Eltham Valley Pantry. This stunning property offers local produce and private dining experiences for both breakfast and lunch! The breakfast includes freshly baked croissants, petite Danish pastries, pecan granola with vanilla bean yoghurt, seasonal compote, fresh juice, tea, or coffee and a glass of champagne from $72 per couple.

Exclus iv Offer e

The lunch includes a ploughman’s style platter, homemade relishes and pickles, local artisan cheeses and cured meats, fresh dips, spiced pecans, grilled vegetables and marinated olives. Complete with sparkling water, beer or wine from $88 per couple. Both dining experiences are available Wednesday to Sunday. This is a beautiful experience for yourself or perhaps a gift for someone special.

Gin tasting tour and take home pack

Visit the Cape Byron Distillery, the latest venture by the Brook family, the founders of Brookfarm. Enjoy a visit to their family property with a welcome gin and tonic on arrival, a guided rainforest tour and tasting of their dry gin and slow gin. See how gin is distilled back at the distillery and cellar door. You will also be treated to a take home gift pack which features a 50ml bottle of Brookie's Byron Slow Gin, a 50ml bottle of Brookie's Byron Dry Gin, a 250ml bottle of Capi Premium Tonic Water and a delicious blend of premium nuts from Brookfarm. Tours and tastings are available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11am and 2.30pm from $65 per person.

Six course chefs banquet dinner with wine

prosperouseconomy

ballina

Relax and dine in elegant coastal style at Shelter Lennox and let the chef design six seasonal courses for you to enjoy along with a bottle of natural wine. The menu is always dynamic, fresh and seasonal. You’ll be treated to only the best ingredients sourced locally, sustainably and with organic farming principles in mind. This experience is available for dinner, seven days a week from $170 per couple. To enquire or book any of these experiences telephone the Ballina Visitor Information Centre on 1800 777 666 or visit discoverballina.com. Gift Vouchers are also available - go on, treat someone special!

For more exclusive offers, gift ideas and experiences for you and your visitors, pick up a copy of the new Experience the Unique guide from the Ballina Visitor Information Centre.

Exclus iv Offer e

The Nor thern Rive

EXPERIENCE THE UNIQUE

SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE 32

communityconnect

What’s on? COMMUNITY EVENTS are celebrating 25 years and the 20th annual Big Scrub Rainforest Day.

BACCI SPRING ART EXHIBITION AND ART COMPETITION 28 - 30 SEPTEMBER 2018 Ballina Masonic Centre | Cherry Street

The 2018 event will include the usual format of walks, talks, workshops, presentations, stalls, information in a festival style day at the stunning location of Rocky Creek Dam. Learn something new, catch up on the latest developments in rainforest restoration, go on a guided walk and talk through the Rainforest & Water Reserve at Rocky Creek Dam.

bacci.com.au The Ballina Arts and Crafts Centre Inc (BACCI) Annual Spring Exhibition in conjunction with its Spring Art Competition will be launched with a Gala Opening and Awards Presentation on Friday 28 September commencing at 6pm. Gala Opening entry is $5 per person and includes refreshments and lucky door prizes. The exhibition continues through the weekend from 9am to 3pm Saturday and Sunday, with FREE entry and refreshments and raffles on offer. Funds raised will aid Motor Neurone Disease NSW. Credit image: Wanda Hitch, Red Poppies.

20TH ANNUAL BIG SCRUB RAINFOREST DAY 21 OCTOBER 2018 Rocky Creek Dam bigscrubrainforest.org

WALK 4 BRAIN CANCER 2018

To register or donate visit

www.walk4braincancer.com.au/events/128/w4bc-lennox-head

2 – 4 NOVEMBER 2018 Various venues ballinacountrymusic.com Put on your hat, dust off your boots and tell your friends to make their way to Ballina for the 7th Ballina Country Music Festival. The three day festival will feature 100 acts in various venues across Ballina.

130TH ALSTONVILLE AGRICULTURAL SHOW 26 – 27 OCTOBER 2018 Alstonville Showgrounds Like us on Facebook Celebrating 130 years of agriculture and community. Join in two days of nonstop activities at the Alstonville Showground. Enjoy live entertainment, Monster Trucks, bull ride, mini pig racing, Ashton Circus, reptile awareness, wood chop, poultry show, working dog trials, horse events, barnyard babies, music, fireworks, pavilion hall displays and of course side show alley and rides. The Alstonville Agricultural Show is a community building event commemorating our agricultural past and celebrating our present. Come along for a great time for the entire family.

This year Big Scrub Landcare

7TH BALLINA COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

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The Festival Benefit Concert on Friday will feature the ‘Walk the Line Johnny Cash Show’. The major feature concert on Saturday will host Adam Brand’s Milestone 20-Year Anniversary Tour. Both these concerts will be at the Cherry Street Sports Club with a nominal cover charge. There will also be FREE entertainment at the following venues on Saturday and Sunday - Cherry Street Sports Club, Henry Rous Hotel, Westower Tavern and the Shaws Bay Hotel. Cherry Street will be closed to traffic from 10am to 4pm for the main stage, market and food stalls, plus kids’ activities. This year’s festival is proudly supported by the Ballina Shire Council, with the major sponsor Cherry Street Sports Club, the NSW Government, True Sound Productions and participating venues.

4 NOVEMBER 2018 www.walk4braincancer.com. au/events/128/w4bc-lennoxhead David Greiner, facilitator of Walk4BrainCancer Lennox Head to Ballina, lost his adored wife Christine to brain cancer in 2015. Each year since David and the Lennox Head Lions Club have run this event to raise awareness and funds for brain cancer research. The course is approximately 20km return, and the Walk/ Run is along the scenic coastal walk from Lennox to Shelly Beach in Ballina. The course starts at the Lennox Head Community Centre and continues up to the Pat Morton lookout along the coastal headlands past Boulders Beach, Sharpes Beach, Angels Beach then on to Shelly Beach where participants turn around and take the same route back to Lennox Head for the Lions BBQ. Register online or on the day at 6.00am. The Walk commences at 6.30am.

Events listed ar e correct at time of publ ication. For details on these and other events vi sit discoverballi na.com or call 1800 777 666.

Beach Safety - increased patrols at our beaches Going to the beach is a popular pastime for all ages, visitors and locals alike. Council has been monitoring the popularity of our beaches to improve the safety of beach goers. This swimming season there will be an extra lifeguard at Sharpes Beach who will also provide roving patrols at Flat Rock.

Patrols for 2018/2019 Swimming Season BEACH

PATROLS START

PATROLS FINISH

DETAILS

Seven Mile Beach Lennox Head

29/09/2018

28/04/2019

9am – 5pm Professional Lifeguards Mon-Fri (5 days) Volunteers on weekends and public holidays

New Tower

Flat Rock East Ballina (roving guard)

29/09/2018 22/12/2018 13/04/2019

14/10/2018 28/01/2019 28/04/2019

9am – 5pm Professional Lifeguards 7 days a week

A new observation tower has been erected at Sharpes Beach. The tower will provide shelter and improved vision for the lifeguards that patrol Sharpes Beach.

Sharpes Beach Skennars Head

29/09/2018 22/12/2018 13/04/2019

14/10/2018 28/01/2019 28/04/2019

9am – 5pm Professional Lifeguards 7 days a week

Shelly Beach East Ballina

29/09/2018 22/12/2018 13/04/2019

14/10/2018 28/01/2019 28/04/2019

9am – 5pm Professional Lifeguards 7 days a week

Lighthouse Beach Ballina

29/09/2018 22/12/2018 13/04/2019

14/10/2018 28/01/2019 28/04/2019

9am – 5pm Professional Lifeguards Mon-Fri (5 days) Volunteers on weekends and public holidays

The creation of the tower will improve the ability for lifeguards to monitor and manage the safety of all beach users at this popular location. Funding of the tower is thanks to almost $40,000 from the NSW Department of Primary Industries through the Observation Towers Funding Program, with Ballina Shire Council also contributing $40,000 to the project.

Become a Nipper

connectedcommunity

Beach Open Season

Surf lifesavers don’t just patrol the beach, your local surf club plays a much bigger role in the local community.

Volunteer Lifesavers + Professional Lifeguards Surf lifesavers are trained volunteers who patrol our beaches on weekends and public holidays during the warmer months. In Ballina Shire volunteer lifesavers are members of the Ballina Lighthouse and Lismore Surf Lifesaving Club or the Lennox Head Alstonville Surf Lifesaving Club. In comparison professional lifeguards are employed by the NSW Australia Lifeguard Service and provide safety services to Ballina Shire Council during the week.

Looking to joining Surf Life Saving in NSW? There is a role for everyone at your local surf club – whether you like competing, patrolling, education and of course becoming a Nipper. First day of Lennox Nippers – 7 October 2018 First day of Ballina Nippers – 21 October 2018 Head online to register: Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore Surf Lifesaving Club ballinasurfclub.com Lennox Head Alstonville Surf Lifesaving Club lennoxsurfclub.com

SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE 32

communityconnect

Australia Day 2019

What our local heroes have been up to… In this issue of Community Connect we continue to profile our Citizen’s of the Year from 2011 to 2018. These community-minded Ballina Shire residents epitomise what it means to be named Citizen of the Year! They continue to make a significant contribution to through their involvement with various community groups, organisations and events. Read what they have been up to, and get behind their great initiatives and events.

Sheila Aveling, 2011 What does it mean to receive the Citizen of the Year Award? Very humbling and a great honour. Doing voluntary work is not about winning it is about helping and working together with others to fulfil whatever needs to be done for the community. What community involvement did you continue since receiving your award? The Tintenbar Hall has been an ongoing passion of mine for over 20 years. We have a small but hardworking committee who have resurrected the old hall and injected life into it. Fundraising is an ongoing necessity but we have several active user groups, and it also makes a special and affordable venue for weddings and functions. I am still on the board of Paradise FM – 16 years! What a great radio station and team, why would I want to leave!

I am supported by a magnificent team of highly trained members which has grown considerably from 10 members to 70-plus over my time with the service. One success story since 2013 that I am very proud to be part of is the development of a 10-week youth program for years 9 and 10 offered to all the Ballina Shire high schools, both state and independent. This program is delivered once a year for one school term and is not designed to recruit members, but to expose youth to volunteering, leadership, and emergency services. A number of students have become full members of the unit and are an inspiration to all. How can the community support your fundraising efforts? The community is a great supporter of the NSW SES Ballina Unit, with individuals, service clubs, and community groups donating. This has enabled the unit to purchase and update equipment that makes the members’ job a lot safer and easier. At present NSW SES and Ballina Shire Council are working towards a new headquarters for the Ballina Unit. The current premises is not purpose-built, and we have well and truly outgrown it. As the population continues to grow the services of the NSW SES Ballina Unit continues to grow as well.

How can the community support your fundraising efforts? Community support whether through donations or voluntary help is needed for all groups but unfortunately many people believe if they sign up for something it will take over their whole life, not so. I suggest find a group and be very specific about how much time you have to give. Volunteers are special people, give it a go we all need you!

Gerry Burnage, 2013 What does it mean to receive the Citizen of the Year Award? This is truly a humbling experience. There are so many local citizens within the Ballina Shire who are deserving of this award and to be chosen for this was an absolute surprise and honour. What community involvement did you continue since receiving your award?

I am still continuing my role with the NSW State Emergency Service as the Local Controller. I have been with the SES for 34 years, and have seen many changes in that time.

communityconnect | T H E M A G A Z I N E O F B A L L I N A S H I R E C O U N C I L

Mary O’Brien, 2015 What does it mean to receive the Citizen of the Year Award? It puts the spotlight on the causes you are passionate about and increases awareness of the many volunteer organisations within our community. It also honours all volunteers and I was both proud and humbled to receive the award on their behalf. What community involvement did you continue since receiving your award? I believe in human rights for everyone regardless of nationality, bank balance and employment. I volunteer where I feel I can make the most difference. On Mondays I help out with St Vinnies, Thursdays I’m with Ballina RSL Light House Day Club. The remainder of my time I concentrate on fundraising for

How can the community support your fundraising efforts?

Ballina Shire

It would be great to get as many people attending our fundraising BBQ on 18 November at 54 Swift Street, this will help to raise funds for the community groups I mentioned above.

2017 australia day awards

We are always looking for volunteers at St Vinnies to help with welfare and clothes sorting. Anyone interested in joining St Vinnies should contact the store in Martin Street.

Nominate a Local Hero Support asylum seekers and refugees by liking BR4R on Facebook or email admin@ballinaregionforrefugees.org.au Anyone wishing to talk about volunteering can call me on 0433 120 260.

Grahame Marlowe, 2018 What does it mean to receive the Citizen of the Year Award? I was really shocked and surprised to be named. I’m the second local Aboriginal person to be named, Bertha Kapeen was the first in 2001. It was also a really proud moment when Bertha was named, she did so much for our community. What community involvement did you continue since receiving your award? I love what I do at Ballina Coast High, helping out Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal kids with distance education. I hope I’m making a difference to their education and helping them understand and value our culture. We’re aiming to inspire them to keep on with their education. I also help out Tony Webb with announcing at Ballina Touch Football on Wednesday nights in the warmer months; it’s a great sporting community. How can the community support what you do? Get behind the new Ballina Coast High School, and make it a school the wider community can be proud of. I am grateful for the teachers I had at Ballina High School, in particular Brian Moore, he was a calming influence and I have very fond memories of school. Our community can encourage our youth to keep up their education, no matter their abilities. Education and cultural awareness are so important.

Download the previous issue of Community Connect to read profiles on Col Lee (2012), Tracey Everingham Armstrong (2014), Dawn Sword (2016) and Doug Stinson (2017). Visit ballina.nsw.gov.au (search Community Connect).

Why not add your local hero to this amazing line up.... You've read about what some of our previous Citizens of the Year have been up to, now it is time to nominate your local hero. Each year Ballina Shire Council recognises the accomplishments, generosity and contributions of our local heroes through the Australia Day Awards Program.

Categories for nomination include:

connectedcommunity

Sheraton House which is a shelter that provides temporary housing and meals for men in need, and the Ballina Region for Refugees (BR4R).

Local Hero Sportsperson Young Citizen Senior Citizen Community Event Arts/Cultural Award. The Citizen of the Year Award is selected by the Australia Day Committee from all of the nominees across the six categories. It's easy to nominate online at ballina.nsw.gov.au (search Australia Day). Nominations close Monday 3 December 2018.

SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE 32

current exhibitions Exhibition Dates: 26 September - 21 October 2018 | Launch Event: Thursday 27 September

2 0 18

Steve aims to transpose ideas that evoke the haunted spaces in culture. His practice is a process driven method and includes sound, film and drawing. Work is aligned to an ambitious paranormal investigation or a Vigil, where modern ghost stories and first hand accounts of contemporary hauntings, reflect the fanatical craze and spectral haze of culture through drawing.

O C T O B E R

VIGIL | Steve Waller

Image: Steve Waller, I Fell Through Myself, 2018

Sisters of the sea | Group Exhibition A group exhibition documenting, revealing and preserving Lennox Head. Natalie’s photos document female surfers, while Narelle’s paintings attempt to preserve original dwellings, evoking a sense of place. Kathleen captures the subtle, often overlooked, hidden patterns and landscapes on the walls and fences in Lennox Head. Image: Narelle Bretherton, Aqua House, 2018

The Colour of Light | Dave Sparkes Dave evokes a sense of whimsical, melancholy reality, suggesting a time before our interference with the landscape. A self-proclaimed daydreamer, painting places as they once were, just humming along in their heartbreakingly pristine state, hoping to give the give the viewer a sense of actually being in the scene “now”. Image: Dave Sparkes, The Estuary, 2018

44 cherry street, ballina nsw 2478 | ph 02 6681 6167 open wed – fri 10am – 4pm | weekends 9.30am – 2.30pm (closed public holidays)

communityconnect | T H E M A G A Z I N E O F B A L L I N A S H I R E C O U N C I L

workshops

Exhibition Dates: 24 October - 25 November 2018

Workshop Dates: Wednesdays 24 October – 19 December

After School Art Classes | Term 4

Between Time | Allen Koppe N OV EM B ER 2018

Between Time reflects the artist’s interest in graphic, non-figurative, geometric forms found within the natural and man-made landscape. The images sit in a place between time where beauty is realised in their simplicity. Image: Allen Koppe, Canola Field, 2016

Ignite Studios @NRCG is pleased to announce a new BrightSparks after school art program with Jeht Burgoyne.

Finding Home | Katka Adams Accepting what fades, understanding what remains, and discovering new ways to live — the struggle of holding on the relief in letting go. A personal experience touching on the migrant journey; cultural dislocation, loss of tradition, and the search for belonging. Image: Katka Adams, Nest, 2017

This exciting new art program aims to develop budding artists’ creative skills and nourish young imaginations through exploring different themes, art materials and techniques. Age: 8 – 11 years Time: 4pm – 5.30pm Day: Wednesdays | 24 October – 19 December 2018 Thursdays | 25 October – 20 December 2018 Where: Ignite Studios @ NRCG, 60 Crane Street, Ballina Cost: $220 per term (includes all materials) Bookings essential – Book online @ nrcgballina. com.au or call the Gallery 02 6681 6167 Prepayment essential to secure a place.

Allure | Carol O’Sullivan The hidden detail of the land around us makes us pause.... what we see when we look close, what we see through half closed eyes, what we feel.... Image: Carol O’Sullivan, Leaf 2, 2016

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upcoming exhibitions

20 Years - Selected Works | Kirstie Rea This exhibition of contemporary works in glass looks back over the past 20 years at the work of internationally renowned, Canberra based artist, Kirstie Rea. Kirstie’s work explores issues around place, landscape and solitude. Image: Kirstie Rea, Paddocks, 2013

NRCG is currently inviting applications for the 'Artist Studio' program at 'Ignite Studios @ NRCG'. Two 'Artist Studio' spaces #2 and #4 are available from now until February 2019, with an option to renew, on a subsidised lease to creative practitioners from all disciplines, including but not limited to, design, craft, painting, digital media, photography, filmmaking, performance, sculpture and writing. For more Information visit www.nrcgballina.com.au

SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE 32

waste

watch

ISSUE 22

communityconnect

How does kerbside collection work? Council kerbside bins are collected by a side-loading truck which uses a mechanical arm to pick up and empty bins.

Before

5am

We currently empty 19,859 bins per week across the Ballina Shire. As this number continues to grow we are reviewing our collection routes. This means the time of day your bin is collected may vary.

Why wasn’t my bin collected?

Bins should be out before 5am

Don’t overfill

Occasionally, our trucks break down and require repair. If this occurs and your bin has not been emptied, please leave it out and your waste will be collected as soon as possible.

Here are six simple rules to make collection easier: 1. Bins should be out before 5am or on the night before your collection day.

less than

60kg

2. Don’t overfill – lids must close fully. 3. Keep clear of vehicles, trees or other objects. 4. Bins heavier than 60kg can’t be lifted by the waste truck and will not be collected. 5. Place bin within one metre from the edge of the road seal, with the front of the bin facing the road.

Keep clear of vehicles, trees, objects

No heavier than 60kg

6. Leave space between the bins, onemetre apart is ideal. If the truck is unable to collect your bin for any of these reasons, you will need to make other arrangements to transport your materials to the Waste Management Centre or wait to the next collection day.

1 metre

Did you know? Glass items placed in your yellowlidded recycling bin head to Lismore and get crushed into a sand product for use in road base and pipe bedding projects. This is a great example of local recycling!

within1 metre

Place within one metre from road

At least one-metre apart

Please note: All of the images above are actual images of residents' bins.

communityconnect | T H E M A G A Z I N E O F B A L L I N A S H I R E C O U N C I L

Waste Management Centre Changes

n lowerew fees

Spring clean with the CRC

Have you visited the Waste Management Centre lately? We have reviewed our waste centre fees and charges and have removed all standard minimum fees. Fees are charged on a weight per category basis. The minimum weight measured is 20 kg (which is the accuracy of our weighbridge).

What does this mean? The following table shows how the new pricing structure will save you money. Product example

Old fee (2017/18)

New fee (2018/19)

50 kg chair (bulky waste)

$19.00

$11.80

20 kg scrap metal

$5.00

60 cents

30 kg green waste

$7.30

$2.19

It's spring cleaning time again! Make this your year to clean out your garage of potentially harmful household materials that can’t be disposed of in your kerbside bin. The solution is to drop them off free of charge to the Community Recycling Centre (CRC). The CRC, located at the Transfer Station at the Waste Management Centre, allows residents to dispose of ‘problem’ waste for free. This includes leftover or unwanted paints, oils, batteries, gas bottles, smoke detectors and light bulbs.

You may also have noticed our new Transfer Station signs providing clear guidelines on what goes where and how to move safely in and out of the facility.

By dropping off problem wastes at the CRC, we can ensure they’re reused wherever possible. For example, leftover paint ends up as an alternative fuel used in cement kilns and undamaged gas bottles are retested, restamped and returned into the hire industry. Damaged bottles and paint tins are recycled as scrap metal.

Thanks to the many residents who completed our survey seeking feedback from users of the Transfer Station. Your thoughts, ideas and suggestions are invaluable in helping us to improve your experience. For more information, please check our website or call the Waste Management Centre on 6686 1287.

You can also grab a Resource Recovery Collection Satchel for smaller problem household waste items such as batteries, CDs, mobile phones and x-rays from any local library or at Council’s Customer Service Centre at 40 Cherry Street Ballina. Resource Recovery Satchels can be placed in your kerbside recycling bin.

engaged leadership healthy environment healthyenvironment

Waste Management Centre Open 8am-4pm 7 days a week Southern Cross Drive, Ballina ph 02 6686 1287

Living Zero Waste

Striving for a zero waste lifestyle is a way to be mindful of how the earth’s resources are used and consumed. Therefore, living zero waste can be defined as avoiding buying throw away items and focuses on habits before reaching the checkout. Illustrator Sarah Lazarovic designed the popular ‘Buyerarchy of Needs’ which is based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (a theory on what motivates people). The key idea behind the graphic is that we shouldn’t buy anything until all other options are exhausted. If there is something you need, can you: • Borrow it from a friend or organisation? • Offer a swap of comparable worth? • Purchase from a reusable goods website/shop such as Ballina Junktion, located at the Waste Management Centre. Finding ways to buy less means the less waste is created and the more focus is placed on what you already have to use, reuse and repair (plus it can save money!).

SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE 32

ISSUE 42

communityconnect

EVERY DROP COUNTS FOR AUSSIE FARMERS With farmers and communities across NSW facing major drought, the value of water has never been clearer. In August, after a dry start to winter, the NSW Department of Primary Industries officially announced the entire state was facing drought. Since this announcement, NSW has rallied to offer donations and support for our farmers. Events such as this, reinforce the value of water. Water is key to survival. All living things, including us, depend on water. We need it to drink, wash, cook, clean and grow food. Our shire is lucky enough to have great water resources. But it’s also easy to take this precious resource for granted. Understanding the importance of water and making small changes at home or work can help save this precious and finite resource.

Here’s a few easy ways to save water: FLUSH LESS OR USE THE HALF FLUSH. It may not seem like much but using the half flush can save the average household 35,000 litres of water a year! USE WATER-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES SUCH AS WASHING MACHINES AND DISHWASHERS.

Look for appliances with five-star rating. Some frontload washing machines can save 50% less water! This saving is also great for your family’s finances.

FIX LEAKY TAPS AND TOILETS QUICKLY. FIND YOUR WATER METER. Knowing where your water meter is and monitoring your use could save you thousands! A water leak within your property’s plumbing can result in a hefty bill and often go undetected between billing periods. Keeping an eye on your meter will detect this unwanted water loss and cost! TURN OFF THE TAP. If you’re brushing your teeth then remember to turn off the tap! INSTALL A RAINWATER TANK. CONNECT TO RECYCLED WATER WHERE AVAILABLE. CUT YOUR SHOWER TIME. Have shorter showers or opt for a bath if you plan on showering longer than five minutes.

Alstonville’s valves set for upgrade Behind the scenes council proactively undertakes a program of capital works to upgrade water infrastructure to ensure a continuous and reliable water service. Shortly, our Water Team will start works to replace and install over 100 new water main valves across Alstonville’s network. These valves are used to isolate sections of the water network during maintenance works or after a water main break. Once completed, the new valves will help minimise water service interruptions for Alstonville residents. Local residents affected by the upgrade works will be notified. For further information telephone our Water and Wastewater Team on 1300 864 444.

communityconnect | T H E M A G A Z I N E O F B A L L I N A S H I R E C O U N C I L

21-27 OCTOBER 2018

WHY DO WE FLUSH WATER MAINS? The flow of crystal clear water from your tap doesn’t happen by accident. Our shire’s drinking water network has over 350km of pipes that deliver water to our homes and businesses. To ensure this water remains of high quality, we flush water mains at locations across the shire. Opening select hydrants allows water to flush through the system and is done with public health and safety in mind. To achieve the desired result, Council’s Water Team flushes an average of 5 kilolitres (5000 litres) of water per location – this equates to a water cost of less than $10 per flush. The flushed water is not collected in tankers due to the associated costs, which would be approximately 20 times the cost of the water itself. We are committed to water conservation and minimising wastage, so we are very selective about where and when we carry out planned flushing. Flushing accounts for approximately 0.0005% of council’s annual water use. So next time you see council flushing a main you’ll know their work is helping deliver quality water to your tap. For more information, telephone council on 1300 864 444 or visit ballinawater.com.au

Water fo water

r me,

for all

Water Week gets conversation flowing Each October, National Water Week makes a splash right across Australia, inspiring individuals, communities and organisations to work together to build community awareness and understanding around water related topics and challenges. This year we are joining the cause to empower our local community and this year’s theme is extremely relevant - Water for me, Water for all. This theme encourages young people and the wider community to think about how we use water and how we can protect it so we have it in the future.

fre toue r WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT TOUR We are opening our Wastewater Treatment Plant gates to the community to show you where your water goes and how it’s treated. This free community tour will give you the chance to go behind the scenes to see our state-of-the-art facility. WHERE: 352 North Creek Road, Skennars Head WHEN: 10am – 11am, Saturday 20 October 2018 BYO: Wear enclosed shoes, hat and bring an umbrella if it looks like rain RSVP: Numbers are limited, to book please email catherine.jost@ballina.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 864 444.

Want to be a Water Week Winner?

Enter our National Water Week Competition to Win: 1st Prize – double pass to Wet N Wild. 2nd Prize – 10-ticket pass to the Ballina Memorial Pool or Alstonville Aquatic Centre 3rd Prize – single waterslide pass at the Ballina Memorial Pool.

healthyenvironment

WATER WEEK

To enter you just need to answer a few water usage questions – like how many litres it takes to fill an average bath? To go in the draw, visit ballinawater.com. au and complete the short online survey or visit our Customer Service Centre’s Water Week display (15 October – 2 November). Entries close Friday 2 November 2018. Winners will be drawn: Monday 5 November 2018.

SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE 32

communityconnect

Love it or Lose it

Fishers for habitat The Fishers for Fish Habitat Forum held in August 2018 was a great success.

Before

The free Department of Primary Industry event saw nearly 90 participants attend who learnt about the importance of habitat. Participants were inspired by other fishers actively restoring habitats and shared ideas on future habitat restoration projects. Scientists described the latest research on the importance of healthy productive habitat for fish and the fishing communities they support. The forum bus travelled from the Richmond River estuary up to the freshwater reaches of the catchment near Kyogle letting participants see first-hand, habitat restoration in action, bank erosion control techniques and award-winning fish passage restoration. The event provided a forum for new networks, ideas and a lot of fun. For more information, visit the NSW DPI Fisheries Facebook page facebook.com/pg/NSWDPIFisherie

Lake Ainsworth Coastal Management Program Update The Lake Ainsworth Coastal Management Program project has now moved to stage two. This stage of the project includes stakeholder engagement to identify key issues and concerns, and field work has involved technical studies to fill in key information gaps. Stage 2 will continue until May 2019. Community members and other interested parties are encouraged to get involved through the project website hydrosphere.com.au/lakeainsworth

After

WHEN IS A STORMWATER DRAIN NOT A STORMWATER DRAIN? When it’s a labour of love, a coming together of minds and resources in collaboration to get a great outcome for all concerned! Who said stormwater drains can’t be attractive? Maple Drive in Alstonville is now showcasing some brand new, more environmentally friendly stormwater outlets flowing through weed free bushland to Maguires Creek. This work is a collaboration between the Alstonville Maguires Creek Landcare Group, Ballina Shire Council and the North Coast Local Land Services. The Landcare Group has been working along Maguires Creek to reinstate rainforest in various locations within Alstonville, both to enhance biodiversity outcomes and improve the creek’s water quality. This work was a big job at Maple Drive due to the large number of weeds on the banks of the creek. The stormwater drains also carry large amounts of fast flowing water during large rainfall events and this water was progressively scouring out its own path. This was eroding the creek bank and weeds were the only real plants growing in that location. Now, thanks to a collaborative effort, 1000 Big Scrub rainforest trees have been planted where there was previously a wall of weeds. The new stormwater drains slow the water moving through the reserve, allowing sediment and nutrients to drop out before they reach the creek. This helps to improve the downstream water quality of Maguires Creek. The bush regeneration work was undertaken by Bushland Restoration Services, who worked alongside the landcare group and Alstonville High School students to get some pretty great outcomes.

communityconnect | T H E M A G A Z I N E O F B A L L I N A S H I R E C O U N C I L

THE ROOF When cleaning your roof make sure that water isn’t flowing into the roadside gutter.

SWEEP, DON'T HOSE Sweep gutters, footpaths and driveways – do not hose them.

PICK IT UP

MOWING YOUR LAWN

Pick up your dog poo and put it in the bin.

Things you can do to

Mow your lawn with a catcher to stop grass entering the gutter.

help protect our waterways OIL LEAKS

BIN IT

Don’t park your car on the road if it is leaking oil.

Put litter in the bin.

EROSION CONTROL

WASHING YOUR CAR

Install and maintain effective erosion and sediment controls on building sites.

Wash your car, boat, trailer and other vehicles on the grass or car wash.

healthyenvironment

HELP PROTECT OUR WATERWAYS

Our gutters and drains are all part of a large stormwater system. When it rains, stormwater runoff from around our streets and homes can wash dirt, litter, pollutants and other nasty things into our waterways. In most cases, stormwater is not treated, which means everything going down stormwater drains flows directly from streets and gutters into waterways where fish, frogs and other precious aquatic animals and plants live. With your help, we can keep our precious waterways clean and healthy by stopping pollution entering our gutters and drains in the first place. To find out more visit loveitorloseit.com.au

SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE 32

communityconnect

Gardening isn’t always environmentally friendly

GROUNDCOVERS - WEEDS

SCRAMBLER - WEEDS

Common Name

Botanical Name

Common Name

Botanical Name

Blue Billygoat Weed

Ageratum houstonianum

Lantana

Lantana camara

Bulbil Watsonia

Watsonia meriana

Mickey Mouse Plant

Ochna serrulata

Canna Lily

Canna indica

Mysore Thorn

Caesalpinia decapetala

Cuphea

Cuphea carthagenensis

Orange Firethorn

Pyracantha fortuneana

Gardening is something many of us love to do. It’s a chance to be outdoors, get some gentle exercise and it can be quite rewarding to enjoy the fruits of our labour. So, how can it harm the environment?

Fishbone Fern

Nephrolepis cordifolia

Privet (Small Leaf)

Ligustrum sinense

Fountain Grass

Pennisetum setaceum

Glory Lily

Gloriosa superba

Senna (Winter)

Senna pendula var. glabrata

Ground Asparagus

Asparagus aethiopicus

Senna (Smooth)

Senna pendula var. floribunda

Hairy Commelina

Commelina benghalensis

Yellow Bells

Tecoma stans

Some plants that may be old favourites in your garden have escaped from backyards and are now causing havoc for our native plants. Lantana, asparagus fern, canna lilies and duranta are among the plants causing the most damage. These plants thrive because they tend to be hardy and will outcompete the natives, particularly in our sub-tropical climate.

Kahili Ginger

Hedychium gardnerianum

SMALL TREES - WEEDS

White Ginger Lily

Hedychium coronarium

Common Name

Botanical Name

Mother of Millions

Bryophyllum delagoense

African Olive

Olea africana

Resurrection Plant

daigremontianum X tubiflorum

Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

Brazilian Cherry

Eugenia uniflora

Broad-leaved Pepper

Schinus terebinthifolia

Cherry Guava

Psidium cattleianum

Where possible, council removes these insidious plants to help minimise any harm to our native bushlands but we also need your help.

VINE - WEEDS

Chinese Tallow

Triadica sebifera

Coffee

Coffea arabica

Golden Willow Wattle

Acacia saligna

Guava

Psidium guajava

Large Leaf Privet

Ligustrum lucidum

Leucaena

Leucaena leucocephala

Singapore Daisy

Wedelia trilobata

Striped Trad

Tradescantia zebrina

Trad

Tradescantia fluminensis

Common Name

Botanical Name

Aerial Yam

Dioscorea bulbifera

Asparagus Fern

Asparagus africanus

Balloon Vine

Cardiospermum grandiflorum

With just a few small changes to your gardening and mowing practices we can help keep these harmful plants at bay. Do not mow public reserves, dump your grass clippings in reserves or throw your weeds over the fence. If you don’t want it in your garden, we definitely don’t want it in our bushland either. This is particularly important near creeks and rivers.

Black-eyed Susan

Thunbergia alata

Loquat

Eriobotrya japonica

Blue Trumpet Vine

Thunbergia grandiflora

Orange Jessamine

Murraya paniculata

Bridal Creeper

Asparagus asparagoides

Umbrella Tree

Schefflera actinophylla

Cape Ivy

Delairea odorata

LARGE TREES - WEEDS

Cat’s Claw Creeper

Macfadyena unguis-cati

Common Name

Botanical Name

Climbing Asparagus

Asparagus plumosus

Cadaghi

Eucalyptus torelliana

Climbing Nightshade

Solanum seaforthianum

Camphor Laurel

Cinnamomum camphora

Coastal Morning Glory Ipomoea cairica

Chinese Celtis

Celtis sinensis

The following lists are reproduced from the Ballina Shire Urban Garden Guide and are plants which end up as weeds in your garden and our bush. It’s also important to remember that not all plants sold in nurseries are good for our local area, so check first using the below list before you start planting.

Corky Passionfruit

Passiflora suberosa

Cocos Palm

Syagrus romanzoffianum

Crabs-eye Creeper

Abrus precatorius

Golden Rain Tree

Koelreuteria paniculata

Dutchman’s Pipe

Aristolochia elegans

Honey Locust

Gleditsia triacanthos

Calico Flower

Aristolochia littoralis

Ice Cream Bean

Inga edulis

Japanese Honeysuckle

Lonicera japonica

Pine -Slash & Radiata Pinus elliottii & P. radiata

Kudzu

Pueraria lobata

Powton Tree

Paulownia fortunei

Madeira Vine

Anredera cordifolia

Princess Tree

Paulownia tomentosa

The guide also offers gardeners suggestions for alternatives to weedy plants that you can use to enhance your garden.

Moon Flower

Ipomoea alba

AQUATIC - WEEDS

Morning Glory Blue

Ipomoea indica

Common Name

Botanical Name

Morn Glory Common

Ipomoea purpurea

Glush Weed

Hygrophila costata

Moth Vine

Araujia sericifera

Parrot’s Feather

Myriophyllum aquaticum

Environmentally-friendly gardening

White Passion Flower Passiflora subpeltata SHRUB/SCRAMBLER - WEEDS

ballina shire urbaN garDe N guiDe

gardening the environmenta

lly friendly way

To read the full Ballina Urban Garden Guide visit ballina.nsw.gov.au (search urban garden guide).

Common Name

Botanical Name

Buddleia

Buddleja davidii

Butterfly Bush

Buddleja madagascariensis

Coral Berry

Ardisia crenata

Cotoneaster (Grey, Large-Leaf & Silver-Leaf)

Cotoneaster glaucophyllus franchetii, & pannosus

Creeping Lantana

Lantana montevidensis

Duranta

Duranta repens

communityconnect | T H E M A G A Z I N E O F B A L L I N A S H I R E C O U N C I L

Tell us the worst weeds and WIN

w gardein bookning s

What do you think the top five worst weeds are? Tell us by emailing council@ ballina.nsw.gov.au. All entries will go in the draw to WIN gardening books.

BALLINA KOALA WATCH FREE Community Workshop WEDNESDAY 10 OCTOBER 5PM – 7.30PM RICHMOND ROOM BALLINA Friends of the Koala is partnering with Ballina Shire Council to deliver a community workshop as part of the Koala Watch: communityled koala recovery in the Northern Rivers Project. This project is assisted by the Ballina Shire Koala Management Strategy. These projects are assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust. Come along and find out:

Feeding Birds Our local environment is home to many varieties of beautiful birds but it’s important we all enjoy them while not interfering with nature.

Why shouldn’t we feed birds? Feeding birds can make them sick and cause them to become a nuisance for you and your neighbours. If they do not eat a wide range of natural foods they can start to depend on processed seeds, feeds and other foods that are not part of their natural diet. Most people feed birds out of a misguided desire to care for them but once birds know there is a reliable food source they may converge on your home causing issues such as mess and noise. Young birds may also lose their ability to forage for natural foods and, when not fed, may starve. Hand-fed birds are susceptible to illnesses that can be transferred to other birds. Hand feeding can also affect bird breeding cycles.

• why Ballina koalas are important • how koalas use habitat across the landscape • what trees and vegetation koalas use and why • how to spot koalas in the wild • what to do if you find a koala on the ground • what you can do to help support a healthy koala population. All attendees will receive a Koala Watch Kit with information on koala watching and koala habitat.

healthyenvironment

f workree shop

Refreshments will be provided and bookings are essential. For more information or to register for the workshop contact Koala Watch Project Officer, Maria Matthes, on 0467 855 990 or maria@healinghistory.com.au or telephone Friends of the Koala on 6621 4664.

How to attract birds without harm The good news is there are other ways of attracting birds to your backyard without harming the birds or causing a nuisance to your neighbours. Plant local native trees such as Banksias, Bottlebrushes, Grevilleas and Eucalypts to provide natural foods for visiting birds or provide a nest box. If you are having trouble with your neighbour feeding birds try talking to your neighbour about your concerns and the risks associated with feeding birds. For further information contact: National Parks and Wildlife Service Office, 131 555 Visit environment.nsw.gov.au/animals/KeepingWildlifeWild Or call Council's Public and Environmental Health Section on 6686 1210.

SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE 32

communityconnect

Teaching technology is a win-win In a changing digital environment technology has the power to revolutionise local government. Ballina Shire Council is committed to embracing new technology, but first we are getting our workforce on board. We’ve partnered with TAFE NSW to offer field staff digital literacy training providing them with a brand new set of information technology skills. Ninety council staff have now completed the training which covers the use of smartphone devices, tablets, Microsoft Office software, and general internet use. The program was developed in conjunction with TAFE NSW after council undertook a thorough IT skills audit of our workforce. Workshop mechanic, Mr Daniel Boonham said the skills he has now gained will be practical in all realms. "These new skills will not only help me with my work, but also at home, as part of the training is about recognising potential internet scams,” Mr Boonham said. "Council was delighted to partner with TAFE NSW to develop this program, with the key objective being to improve the digital literacy of staff and prepare them for the roll out of new technology,” council's Manager Risk and Human Resources, Ms Kelly Brown. An added bonus is the workforce is now equipped with life skills that can be used at work and home.

DRONES FLY COUNCIL INTO THE FUTURE Council is flying high since six of their staff got their ‘wings’ graduating with their Remote Pilot License from TAFE NSW.

dollars each year,” said Manager of Information Services Mr Stewart Littleford.

“Drone technology is rapidly evolving and embracing this new technology and its advantages will save council thousands of

Earlier this year, Ballina Shire Council jumped on board the drone revolution, purchasing a DJI Phantom 3 and enrolling specific staff in TAFE NSW’s new innovative course. “We continue to discover new applications and uses for drones. This new technology will improve efficiencies and the safety of our staff,” explained Mr Littleford. The innovative drone training covered meteorology, safe flying practices, aerodynamics, navigation, legislation and gave students practical hands-on training with a range of drone technologies. Thanks to this training, the team of ‘pilots’ can now safely and confidently operate council’s new drone. Council plans to use the technology for a variety of tasks including inspections, surveys, sport field management, marketing, assessments, aerial photography, audits and 3D modelling. Council’s ‘pilots’ are now set for takeoff and it appears the limits are endless.

communityconnect | T H E M A G A Z I N E O F B A L L I N A S H I R E C O U N C I L

Market Calendar

There’s a craft market, a carboot market or a farmers market, somewhere in the Northern Rivers, every weekend.

Planning ahead... Meet Development Services, a busy section of council due to the increase in development in Ballina Shire. Manager Mr Andrew Smith gives us a run-down of their operations. The Development Services section delivers services in two key areas:

1. Advice and assessment of development applications The development assessment team has a good blend of youth and experience. The section is also supported by highly experienced administration staff who handle a high volume of customer enquiries. The team assess and respond to enquiries across a range of development activities including: • residential and industrial subdivisions • quarries and sand mining, commercial and industrial developments • rural land use and agricultural based industries • tourist accommodation and recreation based activities • medium density residential and public infrastructure. The team’s main focus is to work with applicants to ensure future development delivers on our shire’s strategic planning objectives. “What can be challenging but also very satisfying is balancing the community’s desire for economic growth and the value it places on preserving the shire’s diverse environment,” said Mr Smith.

2. Development compliance Our development compliance team respond to a significant number of complaints about illegal development throughout the shire. Whilst these investigations involve considerable time and resources, most of these are worked through with relevant parties and resolved without litigation.

The development compliance staff also continually implement an Annual Compliance Work Program. Having an active program helps maintain community confidence in a system that is fair and has adequate levels of checks and balances. Council’s development compliance officers Stephen, Jon and Scott use their considerable compliance and investigative experience to carry out their work in an even handed and considered manner.

What is your team currently working on? Some of the larger projects in recent times have been the residential subdivisions in Wollongbar, Lennox Head (EPIQ), Ballina Heights and Cumbalum and Skennars Head. To support future urban development in the shire and the Pacific Highway upgrade a number of development applications have been lodged for new and/or expanding quarries or sand mines. To support our ageing population, there has also been a number of seniors living housing development projects. New projects for the compliance team have been the swimming pool barrier inspection and certification program, the fire safety program and the inspection and approval program for all caravan parks.

How is your team improving processes? Our team has been working with other sections to implement an end-to-end electronic development application assessment process. This will start from the receipt of an application to its final determination. This will improve administrative and record keeping functions, make the overall process more efficient and will improve the customers’ experience through better online progress tracking.

Discover original artworks, handicrafts, fashion, jewellery, secondhand goods, as well as fresh local produce…or just sit back, relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of your local market.

BALLINA FARMERS MARKET (Weekly)

Every Sunday morning 7am – 11am Commemoration Park Bentinck Street, Ballina

EAST BALLINA LIONS CLUB COMMUNITY MARKET (Monthly)

Every third Sunday of the month 7am – 1pm Canal Road (between Saunders Oval and Ballina RSL Bowling Club), Ballina

LENNOX HEAD COMMUNITY MARKET (Monthly)

Every second and fifth Sunday of the month 8am – 2pm Williams Reserve, Lennox Head

View the Northern Rivers Market Guide at discoverballina.com to see where the markets are this week!

SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE 32

Cr Phillip Meehan phone 0408 349 833 phil.meehan@ballina.nsw. gov.au

Cr Stephen McCarthy phone 0435 759 987 stephen.mccarthy@ballina. nsw.gov.au

WARD A

the ballina shire is safe with a connected community, a healthy environment and a thriving economy.

Cr Nathan Willis phone 0434 154 782 nathan.willis@ballina.nsw. gov.au

Cr Sharon Cadwallader phone 0413 091 440 sharon.cadwallader@ ballina.nsw.gov.au

Cr Keith Williams phone 0418 504 644 keith.williams@ballina.nsw. gov.au

WARD B

your councillors

phone 0415 965 403 david.wright@ballina.nsw. gov.au

MAYOR

Cr David Wright

Cr Jeff Johnson phone 0407 651 948 jeff.johnson@ballina.nsw. gov.au

Cr Sharon Parry phone 0408 683 052 sharon.parry@ballina.nsw. gov.au

phone 0415 482 412 ben.smith@ballina.nsw. gov.au

WARD C

Cr Benjamin Smith

Cr Eoin Johnston phone 0407 416 149 eoin.johnston@ballina.nsw. gov.au

what ward are you in?

WARD B

LENNOX HEAD

WOLLONGBAR

CUMBALUM SKENNARS HEAD

ALSTONVILLE

BALLINA

WARD C WARD A

council contact information Ph: 1300 864 444 | Email: council@ballina.nsw.gov.au | Web: ballina.nsw.gov.au Street Address: 40 Cherry Street, Ballina Postal Address: PO Box 450, Ballina 2478 Office Hours: 8.15am to 4.30pm Mon-Fri (excluding public holidays) After hours contact: 02 6626 6954 Council’s Community Access Points: Meeting agendas and documents on exhibition can be viewed at council’s Customer Service Centre; Alstonville, Ballina and Lennox Head Libraries and Council’s website ballina.nsw.gov.au Photo contributors: Susann Wiedermann, Milestones Publicity, Lennox Head Alstonville Surf Lifesaving Club, Andrew Trease and Ben Wyeth.

WARDELL

Like us on Facebook (c) NSW Spatial Services 2018. This map is illustrative and not to scale.

ballina.nsw.gov.au