Economic Development
The Ballina Shire Economic Development Strategy will be updated and refreshed in 2026, ensuring alignment with the the Ballina Shire Community Strategic Plan and other important planning instruments in the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework. Importantly, the process will include community and business consultation and visioning to create a sustainable economic future for the Ballina Shire.
Economic Snapshot
Recent data from Economy.id suggests the Ballina Shire Council population forecast for 2026 is 51,009, and is forecast to grow to 62,308 by 2046. Overall our Shire supports 22,188 jobs with the strongest sector for employment being Health Care and Social Assistance, generating 3,011 FTE jobs in 2023/24.
There are over 5,000 businesses registered in the Shire, from sole traders to large companies, with the most businesses occurring in the construction industry, comprising 20.3% of all total registered businesses, compared to 17.1% in New South Wales.
Source data: Economyid.com.au, Tourism Research Australia,
To access further economic data for Ballina Shire and the Northern Rivers, see our Ballina Shire Economic Profile:
For further information on the Visitor Economy for Ballina Shire, see our Tourism Industry Portal
Government assistance for business growth
Both state and federal government offer assistance to businesses to assist with their development. The NSW government also offer personalised concierge services for small business at Service NSW centres in regional areas including Ballina.
Australian government business support
The Federal government provides assistance and support to businesses especially in areas of research and training. More information is available from these departments:
- ABS - The ABS offers census and business data at a regional level for market research ABS regional statistics
- ATO - The tax office offers webinars for sharpening tax skills, but also for starting, building or changing business ATO resources
- AUSTRADE - Austrade offers data on tourism and the visitor economy for the Ballina Shire Austrade
NSW business support
The Service NSW Business Bureau provides ongoing, one-on-one support at every stage of the business journey. Connect either over the phone, or in person in Ballina for personalised help with:
- accessing government programs and services
- setting up your business
- applying for licences and permits
- selling your goods and services to the NSW Government
- getting support to expand locally and overseas
- finding disaster recovery support.
For more information or to book a visit go to Personalised support for your business | Service NSW
The NSW Government provides other types of assistance and support to businesses in regional areas including:
Ballina Shire: Economic Development Liaison
If you are seeking information on business opportunities in Ballina Shire, or clarification on council policy and processes contact our Industry Liaison Officer at business@ballina.nsw.gov.au