Essential Public Asset Reconstruction (EPAR) Program

  • Project typeRoads
  • Project scheduleAugust 2026 - mid 2028
Forest-Road-Uralba-August-2026-1.jpeg

Rebuilding stronger after the 2022 floods

The February and March 2022 flood events caused widespread damage to roads and public infrastructure across Ballina Shire. While some impacts were immediately visible, other damage to the underlying road structure required detailed investigation and engineering assessment before permanent repairs could begin.

Through the Essential Public Asset Reconstruction (EPAR) Program, Council is undertaking permanent reconstruction works to repair flood-damaged roads and improve the long-term resilience of the local road network.

The EPAR Program is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Program of works

As each project progresses from planning to construction, and contracts are awarded, this page will be updated with the latest information on timing, traffic impacts and community updates.

Reconstruction works on Duck Creek Mountain Road are scheduled from Monday 21 September to Friday 2 October 2026, weather permitting. The road will be closed to through traffic during this period to allow works to be completed safely and efficiently, with detours in place via the Bruxner Highway and Uralba Cutting Road.

Work on Marom Creek Road (Devil’s Elbow) will commence late September, requiring a road closure for eight weeks to complete slope stabilisation works. Reconstruction works are scheduled from Wednesday 30 September to Friday 20 November 2026, weather permitting. 

Further to this, embankment remediation works are expected to commence at the corner of Old Bangalow Road and Tamarind Drive mid-October 2026 for five weeks. 

This map illustrates the location of each project, with further details provided in the table below. 

Location

Scheduled start date

Scope of works

Forest Road

Complete

Partial road reconstruction including vegetation clearing, drainage improvements, and lifting and reshaping the road.

Marom Creek Road (Devil's Elbow)

Late September 2026

Slope stabilisation using soil nailing and shotcrete, road reconstruction, pavement rehabilitation and new safety barriers.

Duck Creek Mountain Road

September 2026

Embankment stabilisation using bulk earthworks and terraced rock fill, culvert replacement, and road reconstruction.

Tamarind Drive

October 2026

Embankment reconstruction using rock fill and sheet piling, with road reinstatement adjacent to the waterway.

Eltham Bridge

Late 2026

Bridge abutment and embankment stabilisation.

Uralba Cutting Road

Early 2027

Slope stabilisation using soil nailing and shotcrete or a retaining wall, drainage upgrades, and road reconstruction.

Teven Road

Mid 2027

Slope stabilisation using soil nailing, shotcrete, bored piles and rock anchors, together with drainage improvements and road reconstruction.

Sneaths Road

Late 2027

Embankment reconstruction using bulk earthworks and rock fill, new drainage, and road reinstatement.

The Coast Road

Late 2027

Major embankment reconstruction, drainage upgrades, culvert replacement, and reinstatement of the road and shared footpath.

Towalbyn Place

TBC

Embankment stabilisation, bulk earthworks, new drainage, and reinstatement of the road pavement and kerb. (Currently being re-assessed due to further damage from recent weather).

Hinterland Way

Early 2027

Slope remediation and vegetation clearance

Frequently asked questions about the Ballina Shire EPAR program

Why are these works happening now?

Reconstructing flood-damaged roads is a complex process. Before construction can begin, Council must undertake detailed investigations, engineering design, environmental assessments and funding approvals to ensure each repair provides a safe, durable and long-term solution.

Following this extensive planning, reconstruction works are now being progressively delivered across Ballina Shire.

 

What will the works involve?

Each site is different, however works may include:

  • Reconstruction of flood-damaged road pavement
  • Landslip remediation and slope stabilisation
  • Drainage improvements
  • Road lifting and reshaping
  • Shoulder reconstruction
  • Guardrail and safety barrier upgrades
  • Environmental protection and revegetation works where required

These works address both visible surface damage and underlying structural issues to help extend the life of the road and improve safety for all road users.

 

How will construction impact road users?

During construction, road users and nearby residents may experience:

  • Temporary road closures or changed traffic conditions
  • Traffic control and reduced speed limits
  • Construction machinery and increased vehicle movements
  • Temporary noise and dust during work hours

Council will work to minimise disruptions wherever possible and appreciates the community's patience while these important works are completed.

 

Why do wet weather conditions affect road construction?

Road reconstruction is heavily influenced by the weather. During prolonged wet weather, work may need to pause until the road and surrounding ground have dried enough for construction to continue safely and to the required standard.

Where possible, Council keeps roads open during construction to reduce disruption for residents, businesses and emergency services. However, keeping traffic moving over temporary road surfaces, particularly during wet weather, can cause additional wear and may mean sections need to be repaired or reworked before the final road surface is laid.

While this may temporarily affect road conditions or extend the construction timeframe, these additional works help ensure the finished road is safe, durable and built to last.

Does this include the Ballina Bridges Duplication Project or Ross Lane Betterment Project?

No. The Ballina Bridges Duplication Project and Ross Lane Betterment Project are separate projects with separate funding arrangements. If you're looking for information about a specific project, please visit the Major Projects page.

 

Contact details

Project Management Office
1300 864 444