12 January 2018
Lake Ainsworth is one of the jewels of the Northern Rivers area, it is a beautiful freshwater lake stained brown from tree tanins and it is close enough to the beach that you can go for a swim in the sea and then a dip in the lake.
Ballina Shire Council has done a lot of planning work to try to ensure the lake and the area around it is protected for the future and part of that protection involves closing the road on the eastern side and developing it as a parkland and recreational space.
I want the lake and its surrounds to be protected and preserved in the interests of the wildlife living in and around it and so that future generations can enjoy its natural beauty. The lake is also a tourism destination that we need to ensure is kept clean and safe for visitors who contribute to our local economy.
Ballina Shire Council is calling for submissions on its proposed foreshore improvements at Lake Ainsworth and now is the time to have your say on their proposed changes.
I met recently with members of the Lake Ainsworth Interest Group and they offered tips on how to make a submission:
• Your submission doesn’t have to be long. State your position on the parkland proposal and reasons for it. Pedestrian safety, increasing recreational space, enhancing visual amenity, improving foreshore environments, updated stormwater infrastructure and better access for the elderly and disabled are all good reasons to support this proposal.
• Please also suggest any ideas you have to improve the parkland design e.g. styles of picnic facilities, paths and seating, ideas to improve disabled access or any other features to enhance visual amenity and usability.
• If you wish to remain anonymous you can state that in the submission too, however, you still need to provide your name.
* To see all the consultation documents relating to the 'Lake Ainsworth Improvement Works' and the new parkland visit www.ballina.nsw.gov.au and go to the Part V files in the "Documents on Exhibition" section.
You can send your submission via email to [email protected] with the subject line Submission: Project File Reference ‘Part V 22.2017/12’
or send a physical letter to:
The General Manager
Ballina Shire Council
PO Box 450 BALLINA NSW 2478.
Make your submission before 4.30pm Monday 29th January 2018.
Warm regards
Tamara
Tamara Smith
Member for Ballina
Lennox Head Sand Mine
No Sand Mines for Lennox are having a fun Snap Action this Saturday (13th January) on Hinterland Way, Knockrow to protest the 3.6 million tonne sand mine proposed for just off Ross Lane, behind Lennox Head.
The group would like supporters to meet where the Pacific Highway exit for Lennox Head joins the Hinterland Way. Please park safely.
Arrive at 9.15am for a group photo at 9.30am. Wear yellow and bring any signs you have to protest this development.
If you want to make it clear that we do not want this mine on our coastal floodplain please sign my petition
Free EDO workshop
If you want to know more about this proposed new sand mine and how to stop it, No Sand Mines for Lennox and the Environmental Defenders Office NSW are holding a free workshop in Lennox Head to explain the development assessment process and steps the community can take to protect the environment from the impacts of development.
WHEN
Thursday January 18, 2018 at 6pm - 8pm
WHERE
CWA Hall
1 Mackney Lane
Lennox Head, NSW 2478
Australia
Shark nets
The Shark nets off Ballina beaches continue to be a major cause for concern as Sea Shepherd discovered on Monday even when they alerted the DPI to an eagle ray trapped in the nets they were told that no one would come to free it.
On top of this, the NSW government released its monthly report showing once again how useless the nets are at catching what they are supposed to catch – target species sharks. Only one bull shark has been caught since November, and released alive, while 24 other, non-target animals (including 2 turtles) have died in the nets.
Together with NSW Greens Marine spokesperson Justin Field, I called on the NSW government to end the second shark net trial early since it is not working.
The NSW government should use non-lethal methods such as SMART drumlines and aerial monitoring instead.
Take action - sign my petition to stop the shark nets.
Parliament
You can read transcripts of all Tamara's speeches, questions and debates in Parliament here
For regular updates and to discuss the issues affecting you, the Northern Rivers and NSW, like Tamara's Facebook page
Contact
Tamara and her team are available to help with concerns you may have about any local or state issue. Call us on 6686 7522 or contact us.