Balranald Shire moving forward with key projects and community initiatives

Mayor Louie Zaffina has been keeping busy since taking office, with significant progress on several fronts across the Balranald Shire.

From major infrastructure projects to community health initiatives, Council is delivering on multiple priorities while actively seeking solutions to regional challenges.

Major funding wins for aged care

The Bidgee Haven aged care facility has secured a crucial funding variation worth $6 million, allowing for expanded construction that will transform the facility for the entire LGA.

The updated funding will enable construction of memory support rooms, a new kitchen dining area, and improved activities area.

"We're improving it for the whole LGA, so it doesn't have to be for Balranald people only," Cr Zaffina explained.

"People in Euston already drive to Mildura and Robinvale, so it's not a big drive in this game for a country person."

Council is still awaiting the outcome of a supplementary application for funding to refurbish existing rooms and construct staff accommodation.

This would complete the comprehensive upgrade of the facility.

Health services take priority

With only one doctor currently serving the town, health services remain a top priority for the mayor.

He has written to NSW Health Minister Ryan Park requesting a meeting to discuss critical health infrastructure needs.

"The doctor at this stage has set up the practice, he attends the aged care, he's done two stages.

"However he hasn't got access to the ward yet, to see and treat patients within the facility.

"He doesn't have access to emergency department," Zaffina said.

"And even if and when he does, how can you be on call 24/7?

"The town needs more than one doctor."

The mayor is particularly focused on establishing Royal Flying Doctor Service access for Balranald, which would require runway upgrades at the airport.

"The future without the Royal Flying Doctor Service is going to be very important as part of the health setup," he said.

Funding for new doctors' rooms in Euston is also being sought to address healthcare access across the shire.

Infrastructure projects underway

McCabe Street works have officially commenced, with the project listed on council's website.

This long-awaited infrastructure improvement has potential future connections to a new bypass, though community consultation would be required for any such development.

A significant new walking track project is taking shape in Balranald, featuring a 2.5-metre shared path construction along the Murrumbidgee River.

The track will connect Tundee Street, Ballandella Street, and We Street, linking Balranald Central School and the Aboriginal community.

This substantial infrastructure project will provide important recreational and transport connections for the township.

In Euston, $250,000 has been allocated for the Euston to Robinvale walking track, obtained through disaster flood funding, addressing damage from recent flooding events.

Community development initiatives

The council has allocated $250,000 through the budget to address traffic concerns on Taylor Road and Bertram Road, where speed limits will be reduced to address rat-run issues affecting local residents.

Lake Benanee is set for facility upgrades after council applied for grant funding.

The popular free camping site for caravans has seen increased usage, prompting the need for improved amenities.

Transport advocacy continues

Despite ongoing frustrations, Mayor Zaffina continues advocating for the Sturt Highway upgrade, though progress remains slow with politicians reluctant to commit to the project.

"No politician wants to come out and do anything and it's very, very frustrating, but we're going to keep chipping away," he said.

The mayor remains hopeful that wind farm developments requiring turbine transportation might prompt some improvements, with overtaking lanes being considered for certain sections of the highway.

Euston development focus

Euston is seeing significant attention with multiple development projects underway.

The suburb's new housing development has grown dramatically from three houses to nearly 60, with the median strip on Garff Parade finally receiving lawn and sprinkler installation.

"It might be little things, but they're big things for the community," Zaffina noted.

"It just shows that council is back on track because those little things show we're caring for the community."

A new playground is planned for the council lot in the development area, recognising the young families who have built homes there.

Additionally, council is applying for funding for a footpath to the recreational ground, which is nearing completion.

Federal political engagement

The mayor recently attended the National General Assembly in Canberra, hosted by the Australian Local Government Association, where 1,300 delegates gathered to discuss local government issues.

"It was a good opportunity to meet some ministers and there were other presentations about various topics," Zaffina said.

"Just going through all the proposed motions and submissions that different councils put in and listening to people's different perspectives was quite interesting."

A significant win from the assembly was the endorsement of a motion to increase the federal assistance grants from 0.5 per cent, though this still requires government consideration.

Following the assembly, local mayors and general managers met with federal MP Susan Ley at Parliament House, discussing regional issues including childcare centres and health services.

Committee restructure

Next Tuesday's council meeting will see the establishment of restructured advisory committees, continuing the successful model implemented during the administration.

"It was part of my campaign when I put my hand up as councillor to continue with the advisory committees because I think they're great," Zaffina said.

"They're advisory committees and councillors can feed off that, and a lot of hard work has been done."

The new structure will feature one committee in Euston and two in Balranald, with two councillors appointed to each committee following the assessment of recent applications.

Moving forward together

Despite facing regional challenges from healthcare shortages to transport infrastructure, Balranald Shire Council is demonstrating steady progress across multiple fronts. From major aged care facility upgrades to community walking tracks and local amenities, the council is delivering practical improvements that matter to residents' daily lives.

The combination of successful grant applications, strategic planning, and continued advocacy for regional needs shows a council focused on both immediate community needs and long-term sustainable development for the shire.

This article presents Mayor Louie Zaffina's views and updates on Balranald Shire developments. The opinions expressed regarding climate policy, water buybacks, and other political matters are those of Mayor Zaffina personally and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of Balranald Shire Council or other councillors. If you have a question for Mayor Zaffina please get in touch with us at The Riverine Grazier.