East Ballina to get a conservation reserve
Ballina Shire Council has cleared the way for a conservation reserve at East Ballina, with the council today approving a development application for the land.
The area in question stretches from the Coast Road to Links Avenue.
Councillors approved a staff recommendation that a DA for a five-lot subdivision be approved.
East Ballina Landcare Group member Fran Byrne addressed the meeting, saying the area was ‘the lungs of East Ballina’.
Ms Byrne, who has been involved with the group for 11 years, said Aboriginal heritage of the area was recognised under the DA. She said the 1850s massacre of local Aborigines occurred in the vicinity of the area.
The reserve, to be known as Allawah Bushland Reserve, is on land owned by Department of Lands, which lodged the DA.
A staff report to council said: “The proposed development involves the subdivision and consolidation of six lots into five lots of various sizes and zonings.
“Ballina Council resolved in February 2003 to accept Trust Management of a majority of the subject site.
“The purpose of the subdivision is primarily to enable the Department of Lands to fulfil its undertaking to the community to establish a Conservation Reserve over the majority of the site.
“In addition, the subdivision will also excise two lots, currently zoned residential, for disposal and therefore potential future development.
“This Development Application is being presented to Council due to the receipt of objections to the proposal during the public exhibition period.”
Members of the landcare group who attended the meeting was ecstatic with the decision.
