Joint media release with the Hon Janelle Saffin MP and the Hon Justine Elliot MP
Ballina Shire is set to benefit from stronger, more reliable, and flood-resilient local roads, with work underway on a major reconstruction program to permanently rebuild 11 critical sites damaged during the 2022 floods.
Jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the Essential Public Asset Restoration (EPAR) Program goes beyond simple repairs, delivering engineered resilience upgrades where possible to help local roads withstand future extreme weather.
Work has officially started on
Forest Road at Uralba, where contractors are lifting and reshaping the road surface and improving drainage to restore structural integrity and strengthen resilience.
As construction progresses through to late 2028, the program will roll out heavy-duty engineering solutions across key arterial roads, rural routes, and bridge approaches that residents, farmers, and businesses rely on every day.
Key projects featured under the $17.4 million program include:
- Tamarind Drive: Rebuilding and strengthening the riverbank beside the road to help protect this important gateway into Ballina and improve its resilience to future severe weather.
- The Coast Road: Major reconstruction works to strengthen this critical link between Lennox Head and Ballina, including rebuilding damaged embankments, replacing culverts and improving drainage. The works will also help protect the popular shared path used by pedestrians and cyclists.
- Marom Creek Road (Devil’s Elbow): Stabilising the hillside and rebuilding damaged sections of this rural road to provide safer, more reliable access for the local community.
- Teven Road & Uralba Cutting Road: Stabilising slopes, improving drainage and rebuilding damaged sections of these rural roads to strengthen important local connections.
- Eltham Bridge: Strengthening the bridge approaches and surrounding riverbanks to help safeguard this important rural access route.
- Duck Creek Mountain Road,
Sneaths Road & Towalbyn Place: Rebuilding damaged embankments and road sections, with improved drainage and other stabilisation works to provide more resilient access for rural communities. - Hinterland Way: Stabilising slopes and clearing vegetation where required to help protect the road and maintain safe, reliable access.
Much of the 2022 flood damage occurred deep below the road surface. Consequently, extensive geotechnical investigations and engineering designs were required to ensure the permanent fixes are built to last.
Project information, construction updates and traffic impacts will be published by Ballina Shire Council as individual projects progress. The full program of works is available at
ballina.nsw.gov.au/EPAR
Real time traffic notifications are available via LiveTraffic.com
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:
“The start of these reconstruction works are an important milestone for the communities who were affected by the 2022 floods.
“These works will deliver lasting benefits for residents, businesses and visitors, supporting safer travel and more reliable access across the local road network.
“Recovery takes time, and the Australian Government is committed to helping strengthen the Ballina Shire region to ensure it’s more resilient to future severe weather events.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:
“Local roads across the Northern Rivers are our essential lifelines, keeping families connected, getting kids to school and ensuring businesses, farmers, and emergency services can keep moving in extreme weather.
“This $17.4 million investment is about building back better for the long term. It’s about working together, to deliver the upgrades needed to ensure our local roads stand strong.
“By combining State and Federal support, we are giving Ballina Shire Council the backing it needs to strengthen these vital connections, giving our families and local businesses greater confidence and peace of mind every single day.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot:
“As your local MP, I’m proud to have delivered $17.4 million in joint funding from the Federal and NSW Labor Governments for road upgrades across the Ballina Shire.
“Following the 2022 floods the Albanese Labor Government committed to helping the North Coast build back better.
“These road upgrades are yet another example of us delivering on our commitment to more resilient roads on the North Coast.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith:
“Our community knows only too well the devastating impact of natural disasters and has pushed so hard for infrastructure to be built back better. It is great to see this significant investment to make our local road network stronger and more resilient.
“These roads are essential connections for communities across the Ballina electorate, particularly in our rural areas, and rebuilding them to better withstand future climate challenges is incredibly important.
“I’m particularly pleased to see this funding going beyond simply repairing the damage, with investment in infrastructure that is better able to withstand future severe weather.
“It has been a long and hard-fought road to recovery since the 2022 floods, and I want to acknowledge the patience of residents who have been living with damaged roads, disruptions and lengthy reconstruction processes.”
Quotes attributable to Ballina Shire Mayor, Cr Sharon Cadwallader:
“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.”
Quotes attributable to Troy Anderson, Director Civil Services, Ballina Shire Council:
“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.
“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.
