Ballina Shire Council appears determined to close the road running along the eastern side of Lake Ainsworth despite state government concerns that it will reduce access to the Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Facility.
The NSW Office of Sport has asked the council to reconsider its decision to close the road, and instead construct an access only road, with no parking.
In a report to Thursday’s council meeting, staff acknowledge that councillors have been committed to fully closing the road to improve the passive open space area available to the public.
And although staff have recommended that councillors reject the proposal from the NSW Office of Sport, staff have edwarn that the decision could be overruled by the Minister for Lands and Water, Niall Blair.
Staff also point out that the Office of Sport has indicated that it would provide $350,000 to build the access road.
Councillors will consider the report on Thursday.
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