Ballina, New South Wales

From Freepedia

Ballina is a town and Local Government Area on the North Coast, New South Wales, Australia.

Ballina is located on the Pacific Highway, and was established on the northern shore of the Richmond River near Cape Byron, Australia's most easterly point, in the 1840s. Ballina boasts some of the most beautiful surfing beaches and picturesque headlands on the east coast of Australia.

The Richmond River and its estuaries abound with marine wildlife and for many years has remained a favorite of fishermen and water sports enthusiasts alike.

Some discussion exists as to how Ballina got its name. Some believe it was named after the Irish town of Ballina, others believe it is derived from an Indigenous Australian word meaning "place of many oysters". The names "Bullinah" and "Boolinah" have been mooted.

Ballina has a sister city agreement with its Irish namesake.

Ballina Shire encompasses a large area of the North Coast, including the hinterland village of Alstonville and the seaside town of Lennox Head. The shire was formed by the amalgamation of Ballina Municipality and Tintenbar Shire in 1976.

The population of the Ballina area is estimated at 37,000. At its current rate of growth, Ballina's population is expected to reach 46,000 by 2006 and is fast becoming the growth centre of the region. There are three high schools, four primary schools, a hospital and aged care facilities. The major airport for the region servicing Byron Bay and Lismore is also in Ballina. It is home to the World's Largest Prawn (made of concrete and fibreglass!).