Council seeks comment on Smithy’s Lookout name change
Ballina Shire Council is seeking comment on a suggestion to rename Lighthouse Lookout at East Ballina.
Graham Broadhead, the editor of the Ballina Shire Advocate, submitted a proposal to the council suggesting the lookout be named Smithy’s Lookout, in honour of the landfall by the famous aviator, Charles Kingsford Smith (pictured), after his trans-Pacific flight 80 years ago.
Mr Broadhead has also suggested that a series of interpretative plaques be put in place to explain Kingsford Smith’s role in the history of Ballina.
He argues that although Ballina has several links to Kingsford Smith, such as Kingsford Smith Drive, Southern Cross school and a Southern Cross industrial estate, there is not enough explanation of why these names have been adopted.
Ballina Shire Council resolved at its June meeting to undertake community consultation on Mr Broadhead’s suggestion and this week called for community input.
The council says its naming policy has several steps, the first of which is to consult the community to see if they would like to change the name, and if they do wish to change it, would they wish to name it Kingsford Smith Lookout, Smithy’s Lookout, Charles Kingsford Smith Lookout, or another name.
Mr Broadhead has suggested the name Smithy’s Lookout. Kingsford Smith was known colloquially as ‘Smithy’.
Once community input has been received, a summary of public comments will be reported to a council meeting and councillors then make the decision.
Community members can complete a survey on the council’s website, email a response to council@ballina.nsw.gov.au or send in a written response to PO Box 450, Ballina, 2478.
Submissions must be received by August 22.
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