The Ballina Shire Council has unanimously rejected a 38-metre ski-jump proposal as community members prepare to gather on Saturday to protest the proposal.
At the same time, Lismore’s mayor Isaac Smith and Page MP Kevin Hogan have suggested the ski-jump be built in Lismore if Ballina doesn’t want it.
Jindabyne has also an expressed an interest in housing the ski jump.
But the decision ultimately rests with the state government, and will be considered first by the joint regional planning panel.
The Saturday protest walk will begin at 2.30pm on Saturday at Williams Reserve at Lennox Head.
Community members will walk through town down to Lake Ainsworth, and at 3pm, just north of the surf club on the beach, they will form a human sign saying ‘No Ski Jump’.
Page MP Kevin Hogan said if Lennox Head doesn’t want the proposed Ski Jump, ‘let’s bring it to Lismore’.
‘This jump will be the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and would be great for Australian skiers, and more importantly the local economy and jobs,’ he said.
‘This international Olympic facility will attract elite athletes from around the world to do their training.’
Lismore mayor Isaac Smith also liked the idea.
‘I agree with Kevin on this one,’ Cr Smith posted on Facebook.
‘Let’s get this in lismore! I have been speaking with resident groups in Lennox for a few weeks now and they are right behind it being moved here.’
Give it to Lismore to erect on that large pool of stagnant water they’re going to fill in.