By Rod Bruem
Publication Date: 2025-11-24 04:19:00
Ballina Council’s new economic development team made its public debut at an AI economic forum where operators were urged to protect data, privacy and intellectual property.
A show of hands at a recent business forum in Ballina suggested that nine in 10 local businesses are now using artificial intelligence to boost productivity – but experts are warning operators to be aware of serious risks.
The event, held in partnership with the Ballina Chamber of Commerce, was the first major public forum attended by Allanah Ward, Ballina Shire Council’s newly appointed Destination and Economy Coordinator.
The position was created after a lengthy debate among councilors and was strongly supported by Mayor Sharon Cadwallader and Cr Michelle Bailey, who also leads the Lennox Head Chamber of Commerce.
The first economic forum, organized by the Council’s new, strengthened Economic and Visitor Development team, focused on the increasing use of AI in business and explored both possibilities…