Balranald

Postcode: 2715

Balranald, is a town and local government area in the Riverina district of New South Wales, Australia. At the 2001 census the population was 1,284.

The town of Balranald is located where the Sturt Highway crosses the Murrumbidgee River in a remote, semi-desert area. Although it is part of New South Wales, Balranald receives Victorian television stations, with a range of Sydney and Melbourne newspapers available.

The first public telephone service in Balranald was installed in 1911. The Balranald Municipal Council underwent financial difficulties, and in 1912 the NSW Government appointed a Receiver to take charge of affairs. The difficulties seem to have been overcome by the following year.

In March 1926 Balranald was connected to the Victorian Rail system via a line to Echuca. The railway line is now closed.

In 1956 the local government administrative body became the Shire of Balranald, with Shire Presidents replacing Mayoral positions.

New premises for the Balranald Shire Council were opened in August 1964. They were erected at a cost of £40,000 and are located in Market Street beside the Police Station.

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