Ballina Shire

Ballina Shire
New South Wales

Location in NSW
Population: 42,432(2009)[1]
Established: 1976
Area: 484 km² (186.9 sq mi)
Mayor: Phillip Silver[2]
Council Seat: Ballina (cnr Tamar And Cherry Streets}
Region: Northern Rivers
State District: Ballina
Federal Division: Page
Website: http://www.ballina.nsw.gov.au
LGAs around Ballina Shire:
Lismore Byron Pacific Ocean
Lismore Ballina Shire Pacific Ocean
Richmond Valley Richmond Valley Pacific Ocean

Ballina Shire is a Local Government Area in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia. The shire was formed by the amalgamation of the Municipality of Ballina and Tintenbar Shire in 1976. It is on the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Highway. The Council seat is the town of Ballina.

Contents

Economy

According to the 2006 Census of Population and Housing, the median individual income was $397 per week (equal to approximately $20,701 per year). The median family income in 2006 was $1,017 per week (equal to approximately $53,029 per year); and, the median household income in 2006 was $779 per week (equal to approximately $40,619 per year).

There were 16,215 people employed in 2006 (to give an employment to working age population ratio of 0.68), and 1,270 people unemployed. The most common occupations were Professionals (19%); Technicians and Trades Workers (15%); and, Managers (14%). The top 5 industries for employment were School Education (6.6%); Cafes, Restaurants and Takeaway Food Services (4.3%); Hospitals (3.4%); Supermarket and Grocery Stores (3.1%); and, Residential Care Services (2.7%).

The Shire Council owns and operates Ballina Airport.

Demographics

In the 2006 Census of Population and Housing, there were 38,461 usual residents living in Ballina Shire. Of this count, 18,463 (or 49%) were males and 19,998 (or 52%) were females.

By age, 19% of the population was under 15 years old, 62% were between 15 and 65, and 20% were over 65 years old.

Most people living in Ballina Shire were born in Australia (85%). The median age was 43 years.

Towns and localities

Council

Ballina Shire Council is composed of nine councillors (in addition to the mayor) elected proportionally; the shire is divided into three wards electing three councillors each. The mayor is directly elected.[3] The current makeup of the council, including the mayor, is as follows:[3]

Party Councillors
  Independents 9
  The Greens 1
Total 10

The current council, elected in 2008, is:[3]

Ward Councillor Party
Mayor   Phillip Silver Independent
A Ward   Sue Meehan Independent
  Alan Brown Independent
  Robyn Hordern Independent
B Ward   Sharon Cadwallader Independent
  Jeff Johnson Greens
  Peter Moore Independent
C Ward   David Wright Independent
  Keith Johnson Independent
  Ben Smith Independent

Housing

In the 2006 Census of Population and Housing, the median housing loan repayment was $1,290 per month. This equated to marginally under 41% of median household income.

The median rent in 2006 was $210 per week. This equated to just under 27% of median household income.

The average household size was 2.4 persons.

References

  1. ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (30 March 2010). "Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2008–09". http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/3218.0Main%20Features42008-09?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=3218.0&issue=2008-09&num=&view=. Retrieved 3 June 2010. 
  2. ^ "Ballina Shire Council". Department of Local Government. http://www.dlg.nsw.gov.au/dlg/dlghome/dlg_CouncilContactDetails.asp?slacode=250. Retrieved 2006-11-22. 
  3. ^ a b c "Ballina Shire Council". 2008 Election results. Electoral Commission NSW. http://www.lg.elections.nsw.gov.au/LGE2008/result.Ballina.html. Retrieved 2009-06-15. 

External links