Covering 487 square kilometres of coastal reserves and agricultural hinterland, the Shire has a number of towns and villages. To meet the current and future needs of these unique urban centres, Council uses a place management approach.
Located 12 kilometres north of the Ballina township is Lennox Head. With a population of 6,000, this popular coastal town is experiencing rapid urban development. Council is releasing land to meet this need but has set a limit for population growth at 12,000 residents.
Many people who have opted for a sea change lifestyle have a vested interest in keeping further development to a minimum. However, this is not the case for the village of Wardell, 20 kilometres south of the Ballina township on the Pacific Highway and Richmond River. Located inland and with a population of 600, unlike coastal areas, residents are keen to see more people moving into their village.
Alstonville also located inland on the plateau currently has 5,000 residents and Council is discouraging any further urban development. However, in nearby Wollongbar with a population of 2,500, plans are in place to accommodate a further 2,000 residents. Both Alstonville and Wollongbar are located on the Bruxner Highway just 10 minutes from the City of Lismore and 10 minutes to the coast. With the Bruxner Highway soon to bypass Alstonville, its village atmosphere will be further enhanced.
With much of the Shire’s remaining coastal areas located on flood plains or deemed environmentally sensitive, Council plans to release new residential allotments at Cumbalum on the Pacific Highway. This area has the potential to accommodate a further 10,000 and 15,000 residents.
