Ballina Shire Council is embarking on one of its largest road reconstruction programs in recent years, with permanent flood recovery works set to rebuild 11 roads and landslips across the shire.
The Essential Public Asset Reconstruction (EPAR) Program marks a significant milestone in the recovery from the February and March 2022 flood events, which caused widespread damage to roads and public infrastructure.
While some damage was immediately visible, other impacts beneath the road surface required detailed investigations and engineering assessments to determine the most effective long-term solution.
"Reaching the construction stage is a significant milestone and the culmination of years of work by Council staff to investigate the damage, undertake engineering assessments and develop the permanent reconstruction solutions we're now ready to deliver," said Ballina Shire Council Director of Civil Services, Troy Anderson.
"Where possible, we're incorporating resilience improvements, so roads are better able to withstand future extreme weather events. The result will be a stronger transport network that helps keep our communities connected when it matters most," he said.
Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the commencement of the EPAR Program marked a significant milestone in Ballina Shire's recovery from the 2022 floods.
"It's been a long road since the devastating floods, and reaching this point reflects years of planning, investigations and engineering work to ensure these permanent reconstruction projects deliver the best long-term outcomes for our community.
"This program represents an important step forward in our flood recovery, and I'd like to thank the Australian and NSW Governments for their support, as well as our community for their patience as we continue rebuilding for the future."
While construction may result in temporary traffic changes, these works represent a long-term investment in safer, stronger and more resilient infrastructure for the Ballina Shire community.
Program of works
The Ballina Shire EPAR Program will be delivered in stages through to late 2028, as contracts are awarded and construction schedules are confirmed.
Project information, construction updates and traffic impacts will be published as each project progresses.
For the full program of works and latest updates, visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/EPAR
Upcoming works and road closures
Reconstruction works on Duck Creek Mountain Road are scheduled from Monday 21 September to Friday 2 October 2026, weather permitting. The road will be closed to through traffic during this period to allow works to be completed safely and efficiently, with detours in place via the Bruxner Highway and Uralba Cutting Road.
Work on Marom Creek Road (Devil's Elbow) will commence late September, requiring a road closure for eight weeks to complete slope stabilisation works. Reconstruction works are scheduled from Wednesday 30 September to Friday 20 November 2026, weather permitting.
Further to this, embankment remediation works are expected to commence at the corner of Old Bangalow Road and Tamarind Drive mid-October 2026 for five weeks.
Impacted residents, businesses and transport providers will be notified directly ahead of works, with further information provided on traffic changes, detours and access arrangements.
Real time traffic notifications are available via LiveTraffic.com
The EPAR Program is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), supporting the permanent reconstruction of essential public infrastructure damaged during the 2022 floods.
A joint release issued by the Minister for Recovery can be accessed here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/building-back-stronger-174-million-to-harden-ballina-shire-roads-against-future-floods.
