The Lake Ainsworth Interest Group (LAIG) says that many Lennox Head residents support Ballina Council’s plan to create a parkland on the east side of the lake, despite calls for the eastern road to stay.
While a rally against the council move is set to go ahead this Saturday, an LAIG spokesperson said feedback from its first information stalls, conducted last weekend, was ‘informal, relaxed and overwhelming positive.’
Shaun Eastment said the group wanted to ‘create an environment where people felt comfortable to ask questions, voice concerns or express their support for the project.’
‘It was nice to hear from a wide variety of people, many of whom are really looking forward to enjoying the lake without all the cars,’ she said.
She added that while a few people expressed concerns about paid parking, ‘the mayor was also in attendance and ruled out the prospects of any paid parking at the lake.’
The group also claims ‘an increasing mood of frustration’ in the community over the issue.
‘More and more people are saying that they’ve had enough of all the delays to create the park – they are frustrated and want to see the council get on with the job,’ Ms Eastment said.
‘It’s not an option for the east road to stay how it is – it’s dangerous and there’s not enough space for people to sit and enjoy the lake.’
‘We really want to see the east side of the lake prioritised for people, not cars,’ Ms Eastment said.
Dr Lyn Walker, another group member, queried how people would feel if the road were being proposed nowadays.
‘Imagine if the area were already a lovely parkland and the council wanted to take that from us to put a road and car park in – it would seem preposterous and there would be outrage.
‘We understand that people may be sick of hearing about the lake works (and the east road), but we’re asking for one last effort from anyone who supports the works to ensure that we make it happen,’ Dr Walker said.
Further Lake Park ‘Info Spaces’ will be held over the next two weekends, 9am till 12pm.
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