Ballina - Surrounds vs Goonellabah

Ballina - Surrounds and Goonellabah are nearby areas with very different layouts. Goonellabah is far more connected, with 60.7% of homes in a 15-minute-city walkshed and 85.0% within a 10 minute walk of public transport. In contrast, Ballina - Surrounds has only 38.0% of homes in such a walkshed and 64.2% near public transport. First Nations outcomes also differ; the typical First Nations household income in Ballina - Surounds is $2,073, which is well higher than the $1,504 seen in Goonellabah.

Both areas are described as somewhat walkable, with scores of 4.0 for Ballina - Surrounds and 4.5 for Goonellabah. While Goonellabah has much higher street connectivity, both places provide good access to nature, as over 78% of homes in each area are within a 15 minute walk of a park. This shared access to green space exists alongside different trends in education and work, with First Nations Year 12 completion well higher in Ballina - Surrounds at 43.6% compared to 38.3% in Goonellabah.