Sharpes Beach Carpark Upgrade

Completion Date12 February 2026

Council has completed construction works to upgrade the Sharpes Beach carpark at Skennars Head.

Sharpes Beach attracts locals and visitors to this beautiful stretch of coastline year-wide. This upgrade will provide essential infrastructure and embellishments that will improve the visitor experience of Sharpes Beach and enhance access to the popular Coastal Recreation Path.

The precinct upgrade works include:

Asphalt car park (including formalised and accessible parking)
Accessible toilet and shower facilities
Beach showers
Accessible viewing platform
Storage for surf lifesaving equipment
Additional connecting paths, bicycle racks, drinking fountains and seats
Shade trees, landscaping, and drainage improvements
Enhanced natural areas with restored native vegetation

The precinct also features a special artwork titled We Stand Stronger Together, a thoughtful installation created by Rakau Creative Studio. Crafted from reclaimed Northern Rivers bridge hardwoods, the artwork draws on the strength and history held within these timbers to reflect themes of belonging, connection and resilience. Designed as a quiet place for pause and reflection, the piece acknowledges the land and ocean that shape this coastline and offers a meaningful reminder that, like these materials, people are stronger when grounded in community.

Supported by $1.05 million in NSW Government funding through the Regional Tourism Activation Fund, and a contribution of $1.3 million from Ballina Shire Council, this revitalised coastal precinct delivers major improvements to one of Ballina Shire’s most iconic beachfront locations.

The project followed extensive community input, with Council seeking feedback on the draft design in 2023. Councillors then refined the design through the Development Application process, which included a further round of public exhibition.

With works now complete, Council invites residents and visitors to explore the refreshed precinct and enjoy the best of our coastline.

This project is jointly funded by Ballina Shire Council and the NSW Government.