In response to the recent article critical of my support for a children’s bike track at Ocean Breeze Reserve I’d like to make the following comments.
The bike track will only take up a small portion of what is a large and under utilized park. It will also be designed as a very low-key facility for 6- to 10-year-olds and will have very little, if any, impact on the neighbouring properties, whose owners have expressed a desire for no recreation or community facilities to be located on their reserve.
Our public parks and reserves are for the whole community and not just residents who are fortunate enough to have properties backing onto them.
Some of the complaints received by Ballina council have been way over the top (increased crime, noise, lights, etc). Once the final designs have been completed I’m sure most of the concerns will be addressed and residents will see the wider benefits for the community.
With all the new subdivisions in Lennox and a large number of families moving to the area it’s important that council actively supports providing facilities for our growing community to enjoy.
I’m proud to support local families and our youth by promoting the provision of low cost recreation facilities that encourage an active lifestyle and community.
Ballina Cr Jeff Johnson, Lennox Head
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
