Tag Archives: ballina

The chair of the Ballina Shire Shark Advisory group says yesterday’s summit in Sydney didn’t deliver a “silver bullet” to stop shark encounters. While, the local surfing community says action needs to be taken sooner rather than later.

A group of young bowls players in Ballina had the game of their lives on Wednesday. Australian Jackaroos players Mark Casey and Brett Wilkie hit the greens at Ballina RSL Bowling Club, to pass on skills and knowledge to the up and coming players.

While new research has revealed that more than 80% of Ballina residents are opposed to shark culling, as a solution to attacks. The study, conducted by the University of Sydney, found the majority of the 500 locals surveyed want to see the government conduct more research into shark encounters. 23% want to see an investment in new non-lethal technologies. While, 55% of those surveyed believe the attacks were “accidental”. (NO AUDIO)

A long awaited service centre on the Pacific Highway near Ballina is a step closer to becoming a reality. The proposal is still in its early stages, but it’s already gained the backing of a major international oil company.

Last week’s strong winds and stormy seas didn’t deter some of Ballina’s best anglers. They’ve returned to shore with an impressive haul, following the North Coast Fishing Bonanza.

Sydney-based trainer Anthony Azzopardi is hoping for a win in tomorrow’s $25,000 Casino Cup. He’s entering Jack Kade, while local favourite Waikarie Magic is also in the running, after placing second last week.

Titan’s player Anthony Don returned to one of his old stomping grounds this morning, to pass on his skills to young local talent. Despite the blustery conditions, the small fans were keen to impress.

The first Great White sharks have been tagged on the Far North Coast as part of the state government’s shark tagging program. Two 2.2-metre female sharks were caught, tagged and released off Ballina yesterday, allowing researchers to track their movements over the coming months. Researchers hope to tag more sharks over the next few weeks.

The first witness has taken to the stand at a committal hearing into the deaths of two woman at a Ballina nursing home last year. Marie Darragh and Isabella Spencer allegedly died from an overdose of insulin.

Beachgoers on NSW far north coast have been warned to stay out of the water after a body boarder was attacked by a shark at Ballina. The 32-year-old was in the water at Lighthouse Beach with two mates when the shark struck around 10am. He suffered injuries to his legs. He was treated for nearly an hour and half at the beach, before being airlifted to Gold Coast Hospital. Surf Life saving NSW has tweeted, “All beachgoers near Ballina: Due to the suspected shark attack at Ballina please stay out of the water”. It’s the second attack at Lighthouse Beach in seven years. A 16-year-old body boarder died after being attacked by a shark there in April 2008. Earlier this year a surfer died at nearby Shelley Beach after being bitten, by what was thought to be a Great White.