Evans Head Residents for Sustainable Development are concerned about the proposed route of a new 4WD access route to Airforce Beach, just north of Evans Head.

A distressed resident from Evans Head says the behaviour of ‘hoons’ on Airforce Beach is a disaster waiting to happen, and for one couple, the careless driving of 4WD drivers has caused the death of a beloved family pet.

Ballina Shire Council has resolved to address the increasing safety risks posed by 4WDs on Seven Mile Beach in Lennox Head, which is the last remaining vehicle access point in the shire.

Last night, a full house turned up at Lennox Hotel's Seven Mile Room to participate in the inaugural Critical Conversations seminar, about the impact of 4WDs on beach ecosystems.

Ballina Shire Council's public comment period regarding 4WDs on Seven Mile Beach closed over a month ago, but the issue isn't going away, with a seminar to be held at the Lennox Hotel on Monday already booked out.

Tomorrow is the deadline for public comment to Ballina Shire Council on the future of 4WDs on Seven Mile Beach, after a string of complaints about hooning behaviour, dune damage, and other issues.

This is part two of an in-depth interview with Ballina's Mayor Sharon Cadwallader. The first part examined what's happened since she was elected in 2022. The Echo also asked Cr Cadwallader what she sees coming along the road for Ballina in 2023, and beyond.

Some people would need counselling after a year in minority on Ballina Shire Council, but Greens councillors Kiri Dicker and Simon Chate are still optimistic and looking forward to the next chapter. They spoke to The Echo about the big issues of 2022 and what they're hoping to achieve in 2023.

The beach north of Lennox Head was unusually quiet on the weekend, with 4WD traffic blocked from entering due to the dangerous conditions in the previous week.

June's meeting covered a lot of ground as Ballina's councillors positioned themselves for local elections coming in September.