IN THE MEDIA
Regional NSW lockdown extension
26 August 21 Dear Premier, I write in relation to your announcement this morning that the lockdown of Regional NSW would be extended until Friday 10 September. This announcement is a bitter blow for many in our community. Despite what the media might say, the people of Northern NSW are...
National Parks in NSW – trophy cabinets of LNP
Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina, has welcomed the news that National Parks and Wildlife Service has acquired 37 hectares of land adjoining the Billinudgel Nature Reserve. This land will be added to Billinudgel Nature reserve hence improving the resilience of the rainforest and coastal heathland plant communities. The addition...
Member for Ballina welcomes closure of South Ballina Beach to 4WDs
Media Release - 25 March 2021 The Member for Ballina has welcomed the decision by NSW Parks and Wildlife Service, Crown Lands, Ballina Shire Council and Richmond Valley Council to close the 30km stretch of coast between South Ballina and Evans Head to 4WD’s and other vehicles. Ms Smith said,...
$300,000 for Ballina Electorate announced through the Community Building Partnership Program
Media Release - 23 November 2020 Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina, today announced $300,000 in funding for a total of 19 community projects through the 2020 Community Building Partnership Program. “These funds will deliver much-needed improvements to local facilities in the Byron Shire across charities and small community organisations...
Time is up for the visitor 4WD's on South Ballina beaches
Media Release - 13 October 2020 Tamara Smith MP is calling on Ballina Shire Council to immediately implement locals only Permits for 4WD access on all South Ballina Beaches. The Richmond police share her concern about public safety on the beach given the vast number of vehicles monitored during Operation...
Can’t have it both ways on grants
Media Release - 22 September 2020 With the unfolding State Government council grants scandal being examined by a Parliamentary Committee, locally communities are focussed on ensuring that councils get a fair share. It starts by ensuring the Government can’t pick and choose when local MPs sit on assessment panels, and...
Exemptions for essential frontline workers is a matter of life and death.
Media Release - 13 August 2020 Tamara Smith MP Member for Ballina is calling for border exemptions for essential frontline workers traveling between NSW and the QLD border. “The health implications of the border closure as it stands for our Northern Rivers communities is potentially fatal because hundreds of doctors...
Saving Ballina's Koalas
KOALA rescuer Maria Matthes will be able to save more wildlife while keeping herself safe thanks to a new thermal imaging camera. The $20,000 thermal equipment was donated by World Wildlife Fund (WWF), funded by furniture company koala.com, via Ballina MP Tamara Smith. Ms Matthes, who has a member of...
Media Release: Member for Ballina announces $17k in funding for Historical Society
Pictured: Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina and Ian Kirkland, President, Alstonville Plateau Historical Society Tamara Smith MP announces $17K in funding for Alstonville Historical Society Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina announces $17,280 in funding through the Community Building Partnership for the Alstonville Plateau Historical Society.
NSW Government Independent Bushfire Inquiry
The NSW Government commissioned an independent expert inquiry into the 2019-20 bushfire season to provide input to NSW ahead of the next bushfire season. The Inquiry welcomed submissions from bushfire-affected residents, emergency and support personnel, organisations and the general public. Everyone was encouraged to share their experience and tell their...