Joshua Scicluna, Skennars Head
I am a resident of Skennars Head, and I am absolutely appalled to see my favourite plot of Ballina Council land (the headland just off Sharpes Beach) – be defaced by a man-made bike path.
As a young member of the community, to see this disregard of the natural beauty (that I hope to spend my life in) is unacceptable. It infuriates me to think that decisions such as the degradation of our incredibly rare and beautiful ecosystem are made at the drop of a hat like this. The placement of a concrete path through the natural vegetation in this area is both unnecessary and concerning given the threat of the inevitable erosion it will cause.
I strongly urge you to please consider the ratepaying residents of the community who value the natural environment when making such decisions, and in the future to have some form of consideration of the land we are so lucky to call home.
Additionally, I would like to note that there are clearly unfortunate implications as a result of the development, ‘Aureus’, on the environment. Sure, a little bit of infrastructure is fine… just don’t lose sight of the natural charm that makes our area so special.
Note: Ballina Mayor, David Wright, responded via phone and was respectful of my concern.
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. 
