Media Release

05 February 2018

Greens NSW MP and Transport Spokesperson, Dr Mehreen Faruqi MLC, and MP for Ballina, Tamara Smith, are calling for a Special Commission of Inquiry to look into Roads and Transport Projects.

Dr Faruqi has written to the Governor seeking a Special Commission of Inquiry to look into systemic issues plaguing Transport and Roads projects across NSW, including bungled projects, inflated benefits, cost blowouts worth tens of billions, the targeting of public servants and the billions of dollars being poured into projects against the advice of this Government’s own experts, with deliberate attempts to hide information from the public.

Media Release
31 January 2018

Four koala deaths in four weeks at Meerschaum Vale

Photo: A sick koala and its offspring take refuge on fallen trees at Meerschaum vale - credit: Suzanne Whiteman

Greens Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith, has seen evidence that four koalas have died in the past four weeks at Meerschaum Vale, near the construction of the Pacific Highway upgrade.

“I am saddened and appalled at the loss of Ballina’s koalas, not through disease but as a result of traffic and the disruption caused by highway construction,” said Ms Smith.

Australia Day

We need to reflect on the history of January 26^th because we cannot start to heal as a nation until we can genuinely acknowledge the past. I want to celebrate our national day at a time that unites all Australians rather than a day that causes so much hurt to many Aboriginal people.

On January 26 in the morning I will be attending the Ballina Shire Council Australia Day ceremony at Lennox Head and meeting new Australian citizens afterwards.

Simultaneously the Invasion Day Rally at Lismore Court House Zadoc St will be happening from 9am. For more information about the Invasion Day Rally please click here.

"I would like to see the current six month trial extended to 12 months so that we can get a complete picture of usage and passenger movement across a whole year." - Tamara Smith MP

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. 

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE - TAMARA SMITH AND JUSTIN FIELD

10 January 2018

The NSW Greens are calling for an early end to the North Coast Shark Net Trial following the release today of data that again shows the ineffectiveness of the nets at catching target sharks.

During the first five weeks of the Second NSW North Coast Shark Meshing Trial (period ending 31 December 2017):

*             only one target shark caught, a bull shark;

*             54 marine creatures caught, with 24 dying in the nets; and

*             16 rays, a hawksbill turtle and a green turtle all perished in the nets.

Media Release

18 December 2017

Member for Ballina Tamara Smith today welcomed the announcement of $300,000 total grant funding for 23 projects in her electorate as part of the NSW Government’s 2017 Community Building Partnership (CBP) program.

The program enables NSW Government funding for new community infrastructure projects that will enhance much needed local facilities

 “I am delighted to have been able to prioritise so many worthy projects in our community that will create more vibrant and inclusive communities and deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes,” said Ms Smith.

 Newsletter 16 December 2017

On Thursday I met with the Grey Nurse team from Sea Shepherd Australia who found 2 live Sting Rays in the shark net at Lennox Head and 3 dead rays.

Media Release 
12 December 2017

Photo: Jenny Grinlington

Greens Member for Ballina Tamara Smith has welcomed Ballina Shire Council’s decision to delay cutting down a large fig tree at Castle Drive, Lennox Head, pending a Council meeting this Thursday.

“This is a beautiful iconic tree believed to be about 200 years old. Everything possible should be done to protect it.

“I’m urging Ballina Shire councillors to please save this wondrous tree. There is a sad irony about losing one of the oldest fig trees on ‘Fig Tree Hill’.

“We rely on Council to protect the natural resources and beauty of what makes Ballina Shire special, including the rural buffer zones around our villages and our wonderful trees."

“I support Councillors to discuss all possible options to save this tree rather than getting rid of it, to preserve our heritage and environment,” said Ms Smith.

24 November 2017

Dear Friend -- 

The NSW Government is pushing ahead with the outdated technology of shark nets despite results from last summer's six-month trial in the same region showing:

•            the shark nets caught and/or killed 244 marine creatures during the course of the trial, including rays and endangered turtles; and
•          SMART drumlines deployed in the same area caught far more target sharks, and almost no by-catch.