Ballina’s Environment News
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CSIRO NRRI Report – BES’ Ballina Community Session Summary
NEMA and CSIRO held public information sessions across the catchment (Kyogle, Casino, Ballina and Coraki) to present the findings of the June 2026 NRRI final report and receive community comment on the flood mitigation options it outlines. This note summarises the Ballina session for BES members ahead of our next general meeting.
Saved by Luck, Not by Law: What the Lennox Head Tree Clearing Reveals
The alleged clearing of a sugar glider colony's habitat at Lennox Head has exposed serious gaps in the laws meant to protect native vegetation on rural land. A colony survived this time only because a responsible contractor stopped work and called in wildlife carers. BES is calling for a full investigation and for reform so that habitat protection doesn't depend on goodwill.
CSIRO's Northern Rivers Flood Report: Strong Science, But Some Big Questions Remain
CSIRO's long-awaited final report on flood mitigation options for the Richmond River catchment is out. The engineering modelling behind it is genuinely rigorous – but the same can't be said for how nature-based options and the wider environmental picture were treated, and even the most ambitious option modelled still wouldn't have stopped Lismore's worst flood from breaching the CBD levee.
Plastic Free July Is Here: Time to Act on Those Love Lennox Pledges
On Saturday 13 June, the streets of Lennox Head came alive for the Love Lennox Festival. Among the market stalls and live music, the BES marquee buzzed all day with locals of every age talking rubbish, in the best possible way. Here is how the day went, and the pledges that were made for Plastic Free July.
A Practical Plan to Save the Richmond River: BES Calls for a Farm Plan Register
The Richmond River consistently scores D grades in Ecohealth assessments, making it one of NSW's most degraded estuaries. BES has submitted a practical proposal to Ballina Shire Council: a Farm Plan Register for NSW, designed with the farming community and piloted right here on the Richmond.
The Richmond River Is Dying. A Commissioner Is the Only Way to Save It.
The Ballina Environment Society, alongside Richmond Landcare and a growing coalition of local legends and river advocates, is calling for the immediate appointment of a Richmond River Commissioner with the statutory authority and dedicated funding necessary to rescue our dying waterway.
Forest Frontline: A Landmark Forum for Forests, Wildlife and River Health
On 21 March 2026 — the United Nations’ International Day of Forests — Richmond River Koala Parks is bringing together some of the region’s most respected voices to make the case for their future. BES is proud to share this event with our community and encourages everyone who cares about the health of our forests and rivers to attend.
Invasive Species in the Ballina Shire
We all experience at various levels pesky invasive species in the beautiful Ballina Shire environment, whether it be Asian gekkos, Indian miners, hares/rabbits, cane toads, cats or weeds such as camphor laurel, golden rain shower tree, privet, lantana, mother of millions, Singapore daisy – to name a few.
WEEDS, WEEDS, everywhere are WEEDS, blocking out the scenery, breaking my mind…
Home gardeners and rainforest restorers are constantly battling the invasion of weeds. And, with the warm weather not only have our trees and plants thrived but also the dreaded weeds. Whilst we are constantly doing battle with weed removal it is ever so satisfying to look back after a good session to see the beauty of the plants without the smothering weeds.
Growing a Greener Future: BES Feedback on the Ballina Council Urban Vegetation Policy
The Ballina Environment Society has submitted formal feedback on Council’s Urban Vegetation on Public Land Policy. While we are pleased to see the Tree Inventory initiative moving forward, we’ve noted that this essential planning tool has been in the works for over three years. It’s time to move from policy to practice.
Protecting Our Backyard: BES Response to Ballina Council’s Biodiversity Offset Policy
The Ballina Environment Society (BES) recently shared feedback with Council regarding updates to the Biodiversity Offset Policy. While we applaud the move toward stronger environmental protections, we believe there is critical work still to be done—specifically regarding cumulative impacts.
Phasing Out Single-Use Packaging and Materials in Council Operations – Notice of Motion to Ballina Shire Council
Ballina Shire is stepping up. A motion proposed phasing out single-use plastics across all Council operations and events to protect our Richmond River. By following Byron’s successful blueprint, we can slash waste, save costs, and lead our community toward a cleaner, sustainable future. It’s time to ditch the disposables and lead by example. Join us as we build a plastic-free Ballina!