Marred by technical difficulties and conflict across the chamber, Ballina Shire Council’s July meeting still managed to get through a large agenda.
Proceedings opened with deputations regarding Cr Kiri Dicker’s motion regarding extensive tree clearing on a property at Ross Lane.
David Stone from Lennox Head Tree Care accused Cr Dicker and Dr Stephen Van Mil, of Wildlife Recovery Australia and Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, of fabricating content to damage his business reputation.
They responded in turn by emphasising that the clearing had indeed taken a heavy toll on local wildlife, including gliders.
Dr Van Mil said Ballina Council needed to encourage the Department of the Environment to conduct a full investigation, emphasising the serious ongoing threats to wildlife habitat. ‘We need to take responsibility,’ he said.
‘As a society, as a community, we need to understand the implications of wanton habitat destruction. It goes way beyond just killing wildlife.’
Cr Dicker’s motion to express concerns about tree clearing to the relevant department were then watered down in an amendment via Crs Phil Meehan and Damien Loone, supported by Mayor Cadwallader, to simply acknowledge that the department was currently conducting a review of the land management of the property on Ross Lane.
After a morning tea break, Ballina Council resolved to endorse the existing planning proposals for the CURA A extension, with the proponent also being asked to consider the feasibility of a cafe as part of the Banyan Hills development, noting that the landowner subject to the proposed C3 Environmental Management zone should be advised that they have 28 days to request an independent review of this zoning.
Lennox Head water reservoir
A motion to endorse the mural project for the North Creek Road reservoir (replacing the dilapidated existing mural and approving funding of $50,000 from the Water Fund reserves to do the work), was modified after debate to approve only the required maintenance of the reservoir for now, with the painting of the mural to proceed when funds become available through the Public Art Fund.
Councillors voted unanimously to support the new Community Sporting Groups Capital Works Assistance policy, a report on the status of outstanding development applications, another report on councillor expenses for the previous financial year, and the new model code of conduct for councillors.
Money was allocated for soil remediation works on Canal Road, Ballina. Councillors resolved not to accept any tenders for the main entry works at the Ballina Resource Recovery Centre, with the GM to negotiate directly with potential parties instead.
In a review of the Delivery Program and Operational Plan, Ballina Council approved $324,000 for an automated irrigation system at Wollongbar Sports Fields, decided not to relocate the Ballina Devils Archers to Ferngrove Park, held back the investigation for additional seating at Missingham Bridge, and noted the advice from Council’s insurer that four weeks’ minimum notice would be required for high-risk community events, to confirm public liability coverage.
Shared path to proceed
Ballina Council resolved to adopt the preferred route and seek grant funding for a shared path between Alstonville and West Ballina, with stage 1 to go from Alstonville to the Mountain Bike Park (across from the intersection with Bruxner Highway and Duck Creek Mountain Road).
Council was updated on the progress of the Ballina Bridge duplications (some of this discussion was made in confidential session), with a further report to come on project risks, cost forecasts and soil issues.
Cr Therese Crollick’s motion to investigate new parking arrangements for the Alstonville Pool precinct was supported unanimously
Cr Simon Chate was absent from Ballina’s July meeting, and Cr Meehan also missed much of the meeting due to technical issues with his AV link.
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The agenda for Thursday's meeting includes six notices of motion from four councillors, with issues including missing persons, volunteer recognition, and arts funding. Construction on a $4.35 million flood-resilience upgrade of Ross Lane at Lennox Head is due to begin today, ahead of a nine-week closure of the busy road later this month. With Ballina Shire Council General Manager Paul Hickey deciding to retire after almost twenty years in the role, and even longer as a staff member, the task of finding a replacement has begun. Cr Damien Loone was also returned as Deputy Mayor after Cr Simon Chate withdrew his nomination. September's meeting opened with a minute's silence for much-loved community member and Lennox Head restaurant owner Blake Rogers, who lost his life last week. Fresh from winning pre-selection as the Nationals candidate for the state seat of Ballina, the 'independent' first-term Ballina councillor Michelle Bailey has put forward a notice of motion asking Council to scrap its fixed 2030 net-zero target in favour of what she describes as a 'flexible sustainability strategy'.
Big meeting for Ballina Council this week
Ross Lane flood-resilience works begin ahead of nine-week closure
Ballina Council will be getting a new general manager
Ballina debates dog parks and net zero
Michelle Bailey targets net zero in Ballina
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