community connect - Ballina Shire

community connectthe newslet ter o f ba l l ina sh i re counci l

insi

de

Richmond River Estuary submissions closing soon

Lennox Head Library on the move

native tree removal requires Council approval

save money by checking for water leaks

community to benefit from recycled water plant

issue five

apri l

2011

Green Ballina Environmental Action (BEA) NewsIntroducing the Green BEA – Council’s new mascot for environmental initiatives.

Look for the Green BEA and Be Environmentally Active and work with us on ways to preserve our part of the planet.

The Green BEA is short for the Green Ballina Environmental Action (BEA) News. It’s a program that encourages members of the community to regularly share ideas and thoughts on environmental action issues and activities outlined in our Environmental Action Plan.

We welcome input from the community, so email your ideas to Green BEA at [email protected].

We have already implemented several initiatives including installing solar panels on buildings and converting some fleet vehicles to biodiesel.

Biodiesel

Since March last year the introduction of B20 biodiesel in Council’s fleet has achieved a reduction in emissions of 227.20 tonnes of equivalent carbon dioxide (CO2).

Biodiesel is a non-toxic and renewable fuel made from vegetable oil or animal fat and reduces toxic exhaust emissions related to sulphur, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, aromatics and particulate matter. Council is using B20 to power a number of our large plant vehicles.

Solar Panels

Three 10kW solar power systems have been installed at the Ballina Library, Ballina Community Services Centre and the Alstonville Leisure and Entertainment Centre. These have an estimated yearly reduction in CO2 greenhouse gases of 15 to 23 tonnes per site.

The estimated electricity production of these systems is between 41.28 and 61.92kW per day per site. Council is currently installing additional systems on the Commercial Services building in Tamar Street and at the Waste Management Centre.

UPCOMING EVENTS

BALLINA SHIRE GARAGE SALE TRAILSunday 10 AprilSee page 5 for more information www.garagesaletrail.com.au

YOUTH WEEK3 to 10 AprilBattle of the Bands Sunday 3 Aprilwww.ballinayouthweek.com

HERITAGE FESTIVAL3 to 9 AprilAmazing Stories exhibition at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery from Wed 6 April

NAIDOC WEEK3 to 10 JulyCelebratory Walk Monday 4 July

For more event info in the Ballina Shire visit www.discoverballina.com.au

It’s been a busy start to 2011 for Councillors and staff but it pales into insignificance when you look to parts of Australia inundated by flood waters and cyclones, across the Tasman to the devastating earthquake in Christchurch, and the earthquake and subsequent tsunami battering Japan.

The Northern Rivers and the Ballina Shire escaped most of the flooding and damage but

the events of the last several months have highlighted how important it is

for Council to be prepared for major weather events and disasters.

We are currently working on our Floodplain Management Plan and Coastal Hazards Management Plan that will identify areas susceptible to flooding and coastal hazards both now and into the future. These plans will be used to determine appropriate development for different parts of the shire. Importantly, staff are using modelling from the NSW Government to determine, as accurately as possible, threats from climate change and rising sea levels. This will allow us, as a community, to be as prepared as we can for extreme weather events.

The NSW and Federal Government’s plans to fund an Aboriginal Child and Family Centre on a section of Porter Park at West Ballina have caused some concerns for people who live in that area. At a recent meeting Councillors decided to proceed with exhibiting a change in the use of a portion of Porter Park from “sporting” to “community use”.

It is important for people to realise this decision does not automatically allow for the project to go ahead. It serves to trigger a formal process of public consultation that will allow for all sections of the community to voice their opinions. I urge everyone interested in this issue to make a submission when the time comes.

The heavy rain at the end of last year has resulted in the subsidence of a section of the Coast Road near Pat Morton Lookout.

The road has been reduced to one lane and is controlled by traffic lights. I realise this is an

inconvenience but it is unavoidable. Engineers have assessed the road and are preparing a geotechnical report.

I assure you the road will be fixed as soon as possible, taking into account the severity of the subsidence.

I am also pleased to announce that Council has awarded a contract of $45 million to Haslin Constructions for the major upgrade of the wastewater treatment plants that service Ballina and Lennox Head.

This is the largest contract ever awarded by Council and it should take two years to complete.

Our goal is to reuse 80 per cent of our wastewater, in dry weather, from the treatment plants by 2026. There will be a significant improvement in the quality of the water discharged into the marine environment and new households will be able to use recycled water in their toilets and on their gardens.

Council will be exhibiting its draft budget and fees and charges for 2011/12 during May and we encourage all residents to provide feedback on those documents. Notification of their advertising will be included in our normal weekly advertising in the Ballina Shire Advocate.

I hope you find this issue of Community Connect informative and interesting. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need information or help with a Council issue.

Cr Phillip Silver

communi ty connect the news le t te r o f ba l l i na sh i re counc i l2

Council publishes public notices weekly and Community Notices on the fourth Thursday of the month in the Ballina Shire Advocate. Council also distributes “Community Connect eNews” via email on a regular basis, visit www.ballina.nsw.gov.au and follow the links to subscribe.

COUNCIL CONTACT INFORMATION

Ph: 02 6686 4444

Fax: 02 6686 7035

Email: [email protected]. gov.au

Web: www.ballina.nsw.gov.au

Street Address:

Cnr Tamar and Cherry Sts, Ballina

Postal Address:

PO Box 450, Ballina 2478

Office Hours:

8.15am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday(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; Ballina Community Services Centre; Wardell Community Centre and Council’s website www.ballina.nsw.gov.au

A major construction upgrade of the wastewater treatment plants that service Ballina and Lennox

Head is planned to commence in June 2011

Save Money by Checking for Water LeaksDespite the rain and floods in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and parts of

Western Australia this year, water remains a precious resource.

As the property owner or occupant you are responsible for paying for all water consumption, so it is a good idea to regularly check your water meter reading. Unusual increases may indicate a leak.

There has been an increase in the number of large water leaks where ageing plumbing has failed. These types of leaks are not immediately evident as the break may be underground but they could be costly if the leak is not detected or fixed.

You can perform a simple test by following the Water Meter Checking Procedure which is available from Council's Customer Service Centre and website (see 'enquiry counter' on the website).

If you do have a leak, contact a local plumber.

Enquiries: Council’s Rating Team Ph 6686 1299.

3 apr i l 2011 i ssue f ive

com

mun

ity c

onne

ct

NEW LIBRARY FOR LENNOX HEADThe new library at the Lennox Head Cultural and Community Centre (corner Park and Mackney Lanes) is nearing completion and staff are looking forward to moving in. The new library will be nearly four times larger than the current library next to the Lennox Head Public School.

Friends of Ballina Shire’s Libraries have been fundraising to buy extra books, DVDs and CDs. This will mean more choice of materials for loan.

Library staff are hoping to move into the new building in May.

The hours will then be extended to:Mon - Fri 9:30am - 5:00pmSat 9:00am - 12 noon

Ballina Library River Street. Ph: 6686 2831Mon, Tues, Fri 9:30am – 6:00pmWed, Thurs 9:30am – 8:00pmSat 9:00am – 12:00 noonSun 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Alstonville Library Leisure and Entertainment Centre, Commercial Road. Ph: 6628 5527Mon - Fri 9:30am - 5:00pm

Sat 9:00am - 12:00 noon

www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au

The Richmond River Estuary Have Your SayRichmond River County, Ballina Shire, Lismore City and Richmond Valley Councils have prepared the draft Estuary Management Study and Coastal Zone Management Plan for the Richmond River Estuary.

The Study summarises the key issues affecting the estuary and outlines a range of options for management. The Plan takes the best of these options and provides a strategy to address the fundamental issues affecting the underlying health of the estuary. It promotes strategic planning of on-ground actions and sustainable economic, social and cultural uses of the estuary.

The draft Study and Plan are available at www.rrcc.nsw.gov.au

Submissions close: Friday 6 May 2011.


Did you know Ballina Shire Council is introducing a new waste service?

The new service will commence on Monday 4 July 2011. If you live in an urban area you will be supplied with a new “garden and organics” bin. All garden and lawn clippings as well as food scraps will be collected in this bin.

You will have the choice of a 240L or 140L bin which will be collected weekly. Additionally, this change in service will mean that garbage bin collection will be moved to a fortnightly service. The recycling bins will still be collected

every two weeks, on the opposite week to the “garbage” bin collection.

Residents will soon be provided with a detailed information kit on the new service and what can and cannot be placed in each bin. Most importantly no plastic bags should be used in either the garden and organics bin or recycling bin.

There is currently no change planned for services provided to commercial customers and rural residents.

COUNTDOWN TO LESS WASTE TO LANDFILL

Service Bin colour Collection What to put in the bin? Where willit go?

Garden and Organics

Dark green with light green lid (new bins provided to all urban residential properties)

Weekly • Gardenandlawnclippings• Foodscrapswrappedin

newspaper• Food• Contaminatedpaperand

cardboard (e.g. pizza boxes)

For processing as compost in Lismore initially

Recycling *Green or dark body with yellow lid

Fortnightly (alternate with garbage)

• Paper/cardboard• Plastics(numbered1-6)• Glass• Cans

Sorting, processing and recycling on the Gold Coast

Garbage

*New garbage bins will be issued with red lids to comply with state regulations

Fortnightly (alternate with recycling)

• Allotherwastesuchasplasticwrapping and plastic bags, broken glass, ceramics, nappies.

Baled for placement in landfill at Ballina waste depot

Residential Urban Waste Service summary as of July 2011

* Recycling and garbage bin colours will change to standard colours over time as bins wear out and are replaced.

TRIPLE ZERO SAVES LIVESKnowing how to call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency can be the difference between life and death.

The Triple Zero (000) service is the quickest way to get the right emergency service to help you.

It should be used to contact Police, Fire or Ambulance services in life-threatening or emergency situations.

Triple Zero (000) calls are free and can be made from mobile phones, landlines or pay phones.

Callers with hearing or speech impairments can call the one zero six (106) text-based emergency call service using a text phone.


Travellers Satisfied with Visitor Information Centre The Ballina Visitor Information Centre recently conducted a customer satisfaction survey involving 225 people. A snapshot of the results revealed:

• 96%ofvisitorswereverysatisfiedwiththeirvisittotheBallina Visitor Information Centre

• 88%ofvisitorsregularlyuseVisitorInformationCentreswhen travelling

• 74%ofsurveyparticipantswereovernightvisitors,while26%weredayvisitors

• 67%ofvisitorswereAustralianresidents,18%ofvisitorswerefromEurope,followedby5%fromAsia

• 42%ofvisitorswereagedbetween35-54,followedby

31%agedbetween19-34

King Tides - Saltwater Over RoadsOn a number of occasions each year high tides can result in saltwater flooding several roads in the shire. These roads include, but are not limited to:

• TamarStreet,Ballina

• CanalRoad,Ballina

• RiversideDrive,WestBallina

• RiverStreet,WestBallina

• BurnsPointFerryRoad,WestBallina

• NorthCreekRoad,NorthBallina

• UralbaRoad,Uralba

• OldBangalowRoad,Tintenbar

• PacificHighway,Cumbalum

When water is over these roads, motorists are advised to

take care as they may be driving through salt water.

Pick up a bargain on the Garage Sale Trail - Sunday April 10Powered by local councils spreading the message of sustainability, creativity and community The Garage Sale Trail

will be held all over Australia on Sunday 10 April 2011.

The Garage Sale Trail is a great way to sell your unwanted books, bikes, clothes, household items and bric-a-brac, plus meet your neighbours and have a bit of fun.

Trail blazers can obtain a map from www.garagesaletrail.com.au or Council’s

Customer Service Centre (Cnr Tamar & Cherry Streets, Ballina). Garage sales registered prior

to Monday 4 April will be published in the Ballina Shire Advocate on Thursday 7 April 2011.

Final days to register, visit www.garagesaletrail.com.au


ENGINEERING WORKS SECTION

Lennox Head LandslipCouncil appreciates the cooperation the community has shown during the busy school holiday period following the landslip which occurred in January on the Coast Road near Pat Morton Lookout. As a result the Coast Road has been closed to one lane and traffic is being managed with temporary traffic lights.

A thorough survey of the site has been undertaken and geotechnical investigations have commenced. It is anticipated that initial geotechnical advice will be received in March 2011. At this stage it is too early to predict the extent and duration of rebuilding works until the geotechnical advice is received.

Park Lane & Mackney LaneThe upgrading of Park Lane and Mackney Lane roadways was completed in December 2010. Projects to be completed in March to May 2011 will comprise finishing of footpaths, street lighting and fencing.

Shared Path Project - Lennox Head to Pat Morton LookoutWork commenced in late 2010 to provide a shared path between Lennox Head (Seven Mile Beach) and Pat Morton Lookout. This project recommenced in February 2011 but will only proceed to where the new shared path meets the existing stairway. The remainder of the proposed shared path to Pat Morton Lookout will now be delayed until the rebuild works associated with the landslip are determined.

Alstonville Village StreetscapeA major section, comprising the south side of Main Street and Freeborn Park, of the Alstonville Village upgrade was completed in December 2010 and January 2011. The remainder of the works on the north side will not recommence until there is some indication of the completion date of the Alstonville Bypass. The works on the north side

will include roadworks in the main street and this will only commence once the highway traffic has been switched to the completed bypass.

Wardell Village UpgradeThe shared path through to the Wardell Recreation Ground was largely completed before Christmas along with the Sinclair Street path. Works will recommence in 2011 to refurbish paths in Richmond Street and Swamp Street and will include improved parking in Richmond Street. Contractors will complete the installation of a pontoon and street lighting.

Teven Bridges ProjectThe new Maguires Creek bridge crossing was completed and open to traffic before Christmas 2010. The completion of bridgeworks for the Emigrant Creek crossing is forecast for April 2011 and the road works are due to be completed in May 2011.

Further Projects in the Shire

Projects proposed for 2011 comprise:

• RifleRangeRoad-upgradeeastofPearcesCreekRoad

• WardellRoad-resurfacingandshapecorrectionnearMeerschaum Vale

• EmigrantCreek-boatrampupgradeatWestBallina

• SharedPath&Cyclewayinstallation-WestBallina

• TintenbarRoad/FridayHutRoadintersectionimprovements

UPCOMING PROJECTS for COUNCIL

Ballina Shire Council provides information about local roads during periods of wet and severe weather conditions.

To view the status of local roads visit www.ballina.nsw.gov.au and click ”road and sporting field information” on the left panel. You can also obtain information by phoning the Road Closure Hotline on 6686 1498.

For information regarding roads throughout the Northern Rivers visit www.myroadinfo.com.au.

ROAD CLOSURES

IN WET WEATHER


com

mun

ity c

onne

ct

NATIVE TREE AND VEGETATION REMOVALNative trees and vegetation are an important part of our natural environment.

In most instances Council approval is required for the destruction or removal of vegetation native to NSW. In addition, consent is required to remove any tree (including exotic species) in environmental protection and urban investigation zones, subject to a few exemptions.

There are times when it’s necessary and appropriate to remove vegetation when it:

•isdangerous,unhealthyordead;•iscausingorislikelytocausedamagetoabuilding.

Please call Council about the removal of any vegetation because substantial penalties apply if you do not obtain the required approvals. Depending on the severity of the tree removal and destruction, criminal charges may be laid and if you are convicted, fines can exceed $1million in the NSW Land and Environment Court. You may also be prosecuted or fined by the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water and the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority.

Council can also issue on-the-spot fines of up to $3,000 and you can be ordered to replant vegetation and maintain those plants for up to five years.

Enquiries: Regulatory Services Ph 6686 1254.

FESTIVAL AND EVENT SUPPORT PROGRAMCouncil has allocated $51,225 under its Festival and Event Support Programfor2011/12tothefollowing events:

• AlstonvilleApexNewYearsEveFamily Festival ($14,000)

• TheBallinaIslandPaddleChallenge ($500)

• BallinaBoat&LeisureShow($16,725)

• BallinaCoastalCountryMusicFestival ($20,000)

Show your support for these events to be held over the October long weekend and New Years 2011.

Upcoming exhibitions

6 April - 1 MayAmazing Stories - Hidden Histories from the Ballina Shire. A selection of amazing stories to celebrate Heritage Festival 2011.

Youth Week 2011 Exhibition - Mixed art works by young people from the Ballina Shire.

4 May - 29 MayAwe-Tism 11 - Four artists celebrate being on the autism spectrum!Arcadia - Margurete Beesley & Susan Anderson paint people of the world.

1 June - 26 JuneNational Parks and Wildlife Service Aboriginal Art Award - 10th Annual Indigenous Art Prize hosted by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

44 Cherry Street, Ballina. Gallery Hours Wed to Fri 10.00am to 4.00pm and weekends 10.30am to 2.30pm Ph 6681 6167

FROM THE NORTHERN RIVERS COMMUNITY GALLERY

ARTS NEWS

NEW MANAGERS AT FLAT ROCK TENT PARK

Flat Rock Road (off Coast Road) East Ballina NSW 2478

Email [email protected]

Web www.flatrockcamping.com.au

Ph (02) 6686 4848Fax (02) 6686 4055

We welcome the new on-site managers of the Flat Rock Tent Park, David and Kellie Hall


Like many coastal councils in NSW, Ballina is occasionally involved in legal cases relating to property development activities, often due to the high value of land on the east coast.

The next table is a snapshot of the major legal cases that currently involve Council, or that Council has been a party to over the last two years. It is an overview of how public

money is spent on legal cases and the type of matters that involve litigation.

More detailed information on individual cases is available at www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au. Lawlink is a NSW Government website that provides details on all court cases in NSW.

Enquiries: Regulatory Services Ph 6686 1254.

LEGAL CASES INVOLVING COUNCIL

Plaintiff (party commencing legal action)

Case Summary Court File No.

Outcome Council Legal Costs ($)

Council Comment

Homeworld Ballina Pty Ltd

Land & Environment Court - Plaintiff challenging validity of Council rezoning land at Southern Cross Industrial Estate.

40098 of 2009

Council successful with costs awarded to Council

163,000

Council successful in defending litigation, with costs awarded to Council in both cases. Of the total $277,000 expended, $190,000 was recovered.Homeworld

Ballina Pty LtdCourt of Appeals - Appeal of outcome from case immediately above

298589 of 2009

Council successful with costs again awarded to Council

114,000

Newton Denny Chapelle

Land & Environment Court - Appeal of refusal of development application 2009/16.Changeof use from a Lennox Head motel development to part tourist and part residential

10329 of 2009

Plaintiff successful

26,000 Plaintiff successful in having residential occupation within the development.

S J Connelly CPP Pty Ltd

Land & Environment Court - Point of law in respect to whether or not development was designated development for the purposes of the E P & A Act for a temporary stockpile for fill.

40457 of 2010

Plaintiff successful with costs awarded against Council

66,000 The $66,000 expended includes $40,000 in costs paid to the plaintiff. As this case involved an interpretation of NSW planning law Council has been successful in having the NSW Local Government and Shires Association approve a contribution to Ballina's costs from all other councils in NSW. This will reduce Ballina Council's expenses to approximately $20,000.


Plaintiff (party commencing legal action)

Case Summary Court File No.

Outcome Council Legal Costs ($)

Council Comment

Newton Denny Chapelle

Land & Environment Court - Interpretation of consent for development application 2004/605,Greenfield Road, Lennox Head

10261 of 2009

Plaintiff withdrew from court action prior to judgement

50,000 This case was on hold pending the outcome of further legal action as per the next item. Council was successful in the next action which resulted in the plaintiff withdrawing from this case.

S J Connelly Pty Ltd

Land & Environment Court - Interpretation of consent for development application 2004/605,Greenfield Road, Lennox Head

40355 of 2009


60,000 Council successful in defending interpretation of an earlier development consent in respect to the number of dwellings allowed on the property. Cost recouped by Council $15,000.

S J Connelly CPP Pty Ltd

Land & Environment Court - Appeal of refusal of development application 2009/689,Ramada Building

10274 of 2010

Council successful

365,000 Council successful in defending its decision to not allow the Ramada building to be used for both tourist and residential accommodation.

S J Connelly Pty Ltd

Land & Environment Court (class 1) - During Ramada case the plaintiff filed an amended development application. Applicant was of the opinion it was only a minor amendment. Council considered it a major amendment resulting in additional assessment costs.

10274 of 2010


Included in previous figure

The Court was not satisfied the revised application was only a minor amendment and a costs order was made against the plaintiff. Agreement was reached on a costs settlement of $8,000.

Alan Oshlack Land & Environment Court (class 1) - Challenge to approval of Marom Creek fluoridation plant. Rous Water and Lismore Council also joined the case.

40570 of 2010

Ongoing 40,000 to date

Mr Oshlack has commenced legal action against Ballina, Lismore and Rous Councils in respect to the decision to fluoridate the water supply.

issue16

A c o m m u n i t y n e w s l e t t e r f o r t h e B a l l i n a S h i r e U r b a n Wa t e r M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g y

Welcome to the first instalment of Water Talk for 2011.

The purpose of Water Talk is to inform people of Council’s Urban Water Management Strategy and its progress.

The Ballina Shire Urban Water Management Strategy (UWMS) was adopted in 2003 and outlines the way Council manages water resources in the shire including wastewater, stormwater and the water supply we use in our homes. This water planning and management is extremely important to our community in assisting to limit the impact on the environment, improve water quality in our rivers, creeks and the ocean while also making sure we supply safe, clean and healthy water to homes and businesses.

At present, the focus of the UWMS is on the Ballina-Lennox Head Recycled Water Master Plan, a major component of the strategy. This Master Plan aims to achieve a significant wastewaterreusetargetof80%indryweatherbytheyear 2026.

Progress on the Ballina – Lennox Head Recycled Water Master Plan

• Lennox Head Wastewater Treatment Plant The interim Lennox Head Wastewater Treatment

upgrade work is almost complete. The new inlet works, sludge handling, upgrade of the treatment tanks, pond amendments and odour treatment system are operational. The construction of a new control building is due to finish May 2011. This building will have a laboratory, storage facilities and an educational area for visiting groups and schools.

• Ballina and Lennox Head Wastewater Treatment Plants Ultimate Upgrades

The preferred tenderer to upgrade both the Ballina and Lennox Head Wastewater Treatment Plants was approved at the February 2011 Council meeting. These upgrades will improve the capacity of the plants and ability to cope with our growing population while also improving water quality for our community and environment. With concept design work already commenced, it is anticipated that construction activities will commence in mid-2011.

At the Ballina Wastewater Treatment Plant:• Theoldplantwillbedecommissionedanddemolished;• Anewwastewatertreatmentplantwillhavetwo-and-

a-half times the capacity of the current facility based around a membrane bioreactor plant to effectively remove all pathogens from the wastewater; and

• Asludgedewateringfacilitywillbebuilttoremovewaterfrom the remaining sludge before disposal.

At the Lennox Head Wastewater Treatment Plant:• AnewRecycledWaterPlantwillbebuiltandaddedto

the existing wastewater treatment plant to deliver high quality recycled water;

• AnewUVsystemwillbeinstalledtoreplacetheexistingsystem which is 16 years old and is difficult and costly to maintain; and

• Asystemwillbeinstalledforchemicaldosingtoreducephosphorous in the ocean discharge.

• AnUltraFiltrationsystemwillbeinstalledtofurtherprocess the discharge to ensure it is of suitable quality for use in dual reticulation.

• RecycledWaterDistribution and Storage System

Reservoirs, pipelines and pumping stations need to be constructed throughout Ballina and Lennox Head to store and distribute the recycled water which will come from the new Ballina and Lennox Head Wastewater Treatment Plants.

The preferred tenderer was approved at the February 2011 Council meeting to undertake detail design. Design work is underway. Construction contracts will be finalised in late 2011 with works scheduled for completion in late 2012.

The recycled water will be reused in the Ballina and Lennox Head areas:• on‘urbanopenspace’areassuchasparksandplaying

fields;• inhomeswithdualreticulation;and• invegetationregenerationprojects.


A c o m m u n i t y n e w s l e t t e r f o r t h e B a l l i n a S h i r e U r b a n Wa t e r M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g y


What does the construction of recycled water plants mean for our community?

The construction of the recycled water plants at Ballina and Lennox Head is part of the Ballina-Lennox Head Recycled Water Master Plan. This plan describes how we are going to manage our water resources sustainably over the next 20 years and aims to achieve a significant wastewaterreusetargetof80%(indryweather periods) by the year 2026. This targetmeans80%ofthewastewaterdischargedfromthetreatment plants will be reused either for watering urban open spaces, vegetation regeneration projects or at homes in the areas that have dual reticulation.

Environmental benefits of Recycled Water

Recycling treated wastewater has significant environmental benefits including:• Providinganalternativewatersource,itreducesdemand

on existing water supplies, thus conserving drinking water supplies for drinking and personal use;

• providingwaterandsomenutrientsforthegrowthofplants;

• reducingnutrientloadsonwaterwayssuchasestuariesand streams; and

• benefitingtheenvironmentwithareductionofwaterbeingextracted from rivers and dams, and significantly less wastewater being discharged into rivers and the ocean.

More about Dual Reticulation

Under the Master Plan recycled water will be used by around 7,200 new residential allotments through dual reticulation over the next 15 years. Dual reticulation, or dual water supply means there is access to two water pipelines; one that provides drinking water and another that supplies high quality recycled water through separate and easily identifiable taps. The Ballina Heights estate has dual reticulation systems installed and all new developments (such as Angels Beach North

estate) also have dual reticulation systems. The recycled water system is colour coded purple for easy identification.

More about Recycled Water

Recycled water is wastewater that has been treated to a very high standard and can be used to water the garden, flush toilets or wash cars. This water is not treated to the standards required for drinking water, but is at a standard appropriate for other uses. All recycled water supplied to houses in the

Ballina Shire is subject to the NSW Guidelines for Urban and Residential Use of Reclaimed Water in order to safeguard public health and the environment.

What is?

Recycled water – Wastewater that has undergone a rigorous series of advanced treatment processes that remove organic matter, nutrients and micro-organisms to deliver water that is cleaner, clearer, odourless and disinfected.

Dual reticulation – Two separate pipe networks: one supplies drinking (potable) water and the other supplies recycled water.

Recycled Water Treatment Plant – A facility that processes treated water from the wastewater

treatment plant to a higher quality for use within the community, in particular for residential reuse for gardens, toilet flushing and car washing.

Vegetation regeneration – The use of recycled water to regenerate local vegetation such as Melaleuca forest or similar native species.

Wastewater – Wastewater is generated from commercial, industrial and

residential properties including waste from the toilet, kitchen, bathroom and laundry, which is discharged to the sewer system.

12

visit www.ballina.nsw.gov.au and follow the links to subscribe or call 6686 4444 for further information

You can even select which topics interest you most:

• Documents on Public Exhibition • Jobs@Council • Meeting updates and items of interest

...and stay connected with your council

Community Connect eNews is Ballina Shire Council’s new electronic newsletter designed to keep people abreast of issues of interest and importance. It’s free and is distributed via email on a regular basis.

BALLINA COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTRE

There are always exciting activities and services available at the Ballina Community Services Centre.

If you’d like to meet some new people, make friends or just get out of the house for a couple of hours, come down to the Centre on the corner of Moon Street and Bangalow Road.

For more information phone 6681 5549.

WARDELL COMMUNITY CENTRE

The Wardell Community Centre hosts a number of community-based activities and provides information and referrals on a range of government and community services. Patrons of the Community Centre also have access to office equipment and meeting space.

For more information phone 6683 4867.

Phillip Silver Mayor

P: 6628 3873 E: [email protected]

A Ward

Alan Brown


Robyn Hordern

M: 0410 562 758 E: [email protected]

Susan MeehanDeputy Mayor


B Ward

Sharon Cadwallader P: 6681 5013 E: [email protected]

Peter Moore


Jeffrey Johnson


C Ward

David Wright


Keith Johnson

P: 6694 2050E: [email protected]

Benjamin Smith


CONTACTING YOUR COUNCILLORS