The closure of the eastern foreshore road at Lake Ainsworth has raised passions and Preserving Lake Ainsworth inc have called for a protest rally this Saturday at 10am at Lake Ainsworth.
Preserving Lake Ainsworth inc have gathered 4,050 signatures in an attempt to stop the road closure and claim that it cuts out 120 car parks and long vehicle parking including easy disabled access to the lakes eastern foreshore that will be replaced by only 68 formal car parks.
The group have also raised concerns relating to the impact on parking for the Lennox Head Surf Life Saving and the 300 nippers they have signed up over the summer saying that there is nowhere for parents to park.
‘The Lennox caravan park now has to be fenced off as all traffic is to be diverted in front of the park,’ said rally organiser, Don Opie.
‘That places 800 vehicle movements in front of the caravan park and people will be forced to cross by formal crossings with all gear.’
Misleading information
Ballina Shire mayor David Wright has responded to the call for a rally saying ‘I know that people who do not want to see the eastern road closed are passionate. However, it concerns me when I see information that is potentially misleading or incorrect being put into print.
‘One example of the misleading information is the mention of paid parking in the petition/letter the community group are asking people to sign. Council has never had any plans for paid parking in this location.’
The mayor also disputes claims that the dog exercise areas would be lost, that the development application is not supported by Council technical staff and that access to public land will be lost.
‘All people will still be able to access this location with the only difference being that you will not be able to drive vehicles along the eastern side of the Lake.
‘Importantly the Council plans include dedicated disabled car parks along with disabled access to the Lake that meets contemporary standards.’
Council’s planning application available on the home page of Council’s website.
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