Ballina welcomed Mayors and regional leaders from across New South Wales last week for the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Regional Meeting. They explored a range of issues shaping communities across the state, including roads, transport, disaster recovery and infrastructure investment.
Hosted by Ballina Shire Council, the program featured keynote presentations from NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison, NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin, Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Reconstruction Authority Kate Fitzgerald, and NSW Shadow Minister for Regional NSW and Leader of the NSW Nationals Gurmesh Singh. Discussions focused on issues affecting regional communities, including transport, disaster recovery and infrastructure investment.
Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said hosting the meeting provided an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration between regional councils while ensuring the voices of regional communities were heard by State decision-makers.
"It was a privilege to welcome delegates from across regional New South Wales to Ballina and facilitate important discussions on the issues affecting regional communities," Mayor Cadwallader said.
"Hosting the meeting also gave us the opportunity to showcase the significant investment taking place across our shire and the projects helping shape Ballina's future."
Delegates participated in a guided tour led by Ballina Shire Council General Manager Paul Hickey and Director of Civil Services Troy Anderson, visiting major infrastructure projects and visitor destinations including the Ballina Bridges Duplication project, Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, Southern Cross Industrial Estate, the upgraded Sharpes Beach carpark, Pat Morton Lookout and the iconic Big Prawn.
The program also included a demonstration of Essential Energy's new emergency response vehicle, equipped with Starlink satellite connectivity and other technology to support frontline crews and communities during natural disasters and extended power outages.
Ballina Shire Council's Acting Coordinator Destination and Economy Lisa O'Meara said hosting conferences and business events delivered lasting benefits for the region.
"Business events like this generate direct economic benefits for local accommodation providers, restaurants and tourism operators, while giving decision-makers the opportunity to experience Ballina and connect directly with our community," Ms O'Meara said.
"When delegates experience Ballina first-hand, they leave with a greater appreciation of everything our region has to offer and are more likely to return as visitors with family, friends or colleagues."
The event concluded with strong positive feedback from delegates, reinforcing Ballina's reputation as a welcoming destination and capable host for conferences and business events.
