Bill Silvester, Alstonville
It is a real concern to think that the Ballina council who purport to be environmentally minded would allow sand mining of the scale proposed at Lennox Head. Apart from damaging the wetlands ecosystem I do not think much thought has been given to the effect of chemical runoff into subsidiary creeks which feed the very sensitive Richmond River.
The high number of truck traffic movements along Ross Lane will be potentially frightening for both residents and visitors. The road is very busy already and needs duplication to avoid becoming a real black spot in the Ballina shire. High truck movements will increase the need to duplicate this important link to the Pacific highway.
If it is so important to need a large quantity of sand there is another solution that is both practical and beneficial. Simply dredge the Ballina bar. The amount of sand that would be removed would be excellent for landfill and concrete and it would serve two purposes – make the bar safe and allow better flow of water out of the river.
It is so important to preserve and protect the wonderful area in which we reside.
