Lake Ainsworth is widely regarded as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Lennox Head. We are very fortunate to have such a unique treasure so close to town and the beach. There have been a number of reports and community consultation processes over the last 15 years that have consistently shown that water quality in the Lake is poor (particularly after rain) and that there is a growing conflict between Lake users and cars along the Eastern Road.
For most of the Eastern bank of the lake there is no riparian zone or grassy area between the road/carpark and the Lake. In fact, for most of the eastern side the bitumen road goes right up to the edge of the lake, forcing lake users to basically sit on the edge of the road, while cars looking for a carpark drive up and down. Storm water runoff is also a major problem and results in erosion and pollutants from the road washing straight into the lake.
The current plan will create a public park all along the eastern foreshore and see the car parking places being relocated to the SE corner. Council has already created an additional 50 plus car parking spots and more are identified in the concept plan.
All previous community consultation processes have identified a significant majority of local residents being in favour of removing the Eastern Road. There have been concerns raised about parking and that is why Council has been putting in the replacement carparks before the closure of the Eastern Road occurs.
Many of you would know that there has been a concerted effort by those wanting to keep the road open (Save Our Road Group). There have been constant letters and articles in the newspapers, letterbox drops (at least 3), door knocking teams etc., running a scare campaign in support of their position. (see attached a ‘myth buster’ piece that addresses the issues the Save Our Road group have been ‘concerned’ about).
I am strongly in favour of the relocation of the car parking spaces and the transformation of the eastern foreshore into a public park and recreation area. I also believe that once this area has been transformed into parkland, complete with picnic tables and BBQ’s, many of those who have signed the ‘save the road petition’ will see the benefits and support Council’s current proposal.
For example, if you switch the situation around and the eastern foreshore was currently a park and recreation area, there would be an almost unanimous uproar if Council or the State Government tried to remove the park and build a road right up to the edge of the lake. Indeed, current NSW Government policy recommends a 40 metre buffer around lakes (from roads).
While Council have voted on this issue on about 10 occasions with a majority of 7-3, there is yet another motion being put up by the three C Ward Councillors to stop the improvement works from going ahead.
Further to this, Mayor David Wright is also on the record calling for the improvements to be put on hold and the money allocated to other Council projects. This would be a real shame given the amount of work and Council resources that have already been spent on consultants and on constructing the new car parking spaces.
This Thursdays Council meeting will once and for all determine whether this important project proceeds. If you support the concept plan and the creation of additional public amenity and parkland at Lake Ainsworth, please email the Councillors urgently to ensure that these improvements go ahead.
Councillors email address – [email protected]
Cr Jeff Johnson, Lennox Head
Brought to you by the mob who allowed a Community Centre to be built in Lennox that was deemed to not meet sporting safety standards.
Thanks Jeff for a fair assessment of the situation. You made a good point re if the eastern foreshore were already an enhanced public space (as is the present Council plan) and there were efforts to change that, there’d be strong opposition.
May I say too that while many people, myself included, have been critical of various of Council’s actions in the past over diverse aspects of their responsibility, this time Council has got it right. Repeat right! So for those living in the past who want the eastern road to remain in use, just have a rethink about the benefits instead of presuming deficits and inconveniences. Positive attitudes will help.