Draft Hampton Park Reserve Master Plan Open for Public Feedback

By Robert Heyward

Ballina Shire Council is inviting community members to provide feedback on the Draft Master Plan for Hampton Park Reserve, which is now on public exhibition.

The draft plan outlines a vision for the future of Hampton Park, aiming to balance open space, community green areas, and active recreation while building on existing infrastructure for tennis and other uses.

Early in 2024, Council conducted extensive community consultation to gather insights from key user groups about how the reserve is used and what improvements residents would like to see.

Community Feedback Highlights

Some of the key themes identified during consultation include:

• Protecting the iconic fig trees and planting additional shade trees
• Addressing drainage and flooding concerns
• Improving car parking and footpath connections
• Preserving community green spaces for informal activities
• Supporting sporting groups’ aspirations to expand court capacity

Proposed Improvements

Following consultation, a Draft Master Planning Report was presented at the 28 November 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting, where it was resolved to prepare an amended draft for public exhibition.

The proposed design includes several significant changes:

• Formalised on-street car parking
• A new vehicle access point off Moon Street
• Closure of Burnet Street driveway access upon construction

The plan aims to balance the competing demands for space, ensuring a functional and attractive environment for general community use while meeting the needs of active sports and recreation groups.

Have Your Say

Council is seeking input from the community to help shape the final version of the Hampton Park Reserve Master Plan.

• Do you agree with the vision?
• Are the priorities right?

Residents are invited to complete an online feedback form after reading the Draft Master Plan in full.

Submissions close Friday, 28 February 2025.

Future Planning and Implementation

While no funding has yet been allocated for the implementation of works, the finalised Master Plan will serve as a key management framework for the reserve. It will also guide future investment and planning to ensure that community needs and aspirations are met.

For more information, visit the Ballina Shire Council website.

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Mandy Nolan Pledges to Revive Nature Protection Laws with Labor Support

Jeff Gibbs

Federal Greens candidate Mandy Nolan has vowed to work alongside Labor and independents to reinstate critical environmental protections following the Prime Minister’s controversial decision to abandon proposed nature protection laws.

Nolan, who requires just a 1.8% swing to secure the seat of Richmond, expressed her deep concern over the federal government’s retreat from its environmental commitments. “The voters of Richmond deserve better,” she declared, emphasising her commitment to championing strong environmental legislation if elected.

The Prime Minister’s announcement, made under mounting pressure from Western Australian mining interests, confirmed that the long-anticipated environmental protection bills would not be introduced before the next federal election—a direct breach of a key promise from the 2022 campaign. The decision reportedly blindsided members of his own party, including the current Labor MP for Richmond, who had publicly assured constituents as recently as last week that the legislation would soon return to the Senate.

The shelved legislation had aimed to establish a new Environment Protection Agency (EPA), crafted in response to overwhelming scientific evidence highlighting Australia’s deteriorating ecosystems and the escalating risk of extinction for native species such as the koala, greater glider, and eastern quoll.

In stark contrast to this scientific consensus, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton downplayed the urgency during a mining conference last year, stating, “Nobody… could argue that we have inadequate environmental protections.”

Mandy Nolan’s Stand for the Environment

Addressing the issue, Mandy Nolan stressed the Greens’ commitment to environmental advocacy. “Nearly 2 million Australians voted for the Greens in the last election because they demanded stronger environmental outcomes from Parliament,” she said. “We were working constructively with Labor’s Environment Minister to achieve meaningful reforms, but unfortunately, those efforts were undermined by her own leader.”

Nolan highlighted the disconnect between political actions and community values, particularly in Richmond. “If Labor can neglect environmental protection and still hold seats like Richmond, it sends a dangerous message that real action isn’t necessary,” she warned. “More than 70% of voters in Northern Rivers want to end native forest logging. A vote for the Greens will not only help keep Peter Dutton out of power but will also push Labor to prioritize the issues that matter most to our community.”

She also pointed to recently released emails, obtained through Freedom of Information requests, in which Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek praised the Greens for their “constructive approach” in negotiations over the EPA legislation. “I look forward to continuing that constructive relationship in Parliament,” Nolan added.

Greens Reinforce Commitment to Nature Protection

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, the Greens’ Environment spokesperson, echoed Nolan’s sentiments, condemning the Prime Minister’s decision to abandon the environmental reforms. “It is extremely disappointing that instead of protecting our great forests and wildlife, the Prime Minister has once again capitulated to the vested interests of the WA mining industry and figures like Gina Rinehart,” she stated.

Hanson-Young urged voters to break the cycle of environmental neglect. “We can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expect different results. If Australians want to save our beautiful forests and end native forest logging, they need to vote Green for nature this election.”

With the federal election looming, Mandy Nolan’s campaign in Richmond stands as a critical battleground for the future of Australia’s environmental policies. Her message is clear: a vote for the Greens is a vote for stronger environmental protections, thriving native wildlife, and a sustainable future.

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Labor Commits $3 Million for North Coast Crime Prevention

By Robert Heyward

Local MP Justine Elliot has welcomed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese back to the North Coast to announce a $3 million investment in crime prevention infrastructure for the region. The funding will be delivered under a North Coast Crime Prevention Infrastructure Action Plan if the Albanese Government is re-elected.

The $3 million commitment will allocate $1 million each to Tweed Shire Council, Ballina Shire Council, and Byron Shire Council to support initiatives aimed at improving community safety.

Justine Elliot, a former frontline police officer, emphasized the importance of investing in crime prevention measures.

“As someone who’s worked on the front line, I know how vital it is to have the right resources, including CCTV, to combat crime and protect our community,” Ms. Elliot said.

“This funding will allow local councils to implement CCTV systems, improved lighting, bollards, fencing, and landscaping to enhance community safety, reduce crime risks, and improve the vibrancy of shared public spaces.”

Delivering for the North Coast

Ms. Elliot praised the Prime Minister’s long-standing commitment to the North Coast and described the funding announcement as a major win for the community.

“The Prime Minister has always been a great friend of the North Coast—he understands our region well, and this announcement reflects that,” she said. “Labor listens and Labor acts. This $3 million investment is a result of the tireless advocacy from locals who care deeply about improving safety in our communities.”

Building Safer Communities

The Crime Prevention Infrastructure Action Plan is designed to help local councils deliver targeted improvements in community spaces, increasing safety while enhancing the usability of these areas.

“Only a re-elected Albanese Labor Government can be trusted to invest in the infrastructure our community needs to keep the North Coast a safe place to live, work, and raise a family,” Ms. Elliot said.

The funding announcement is expected to provide significant support for community safety projects across the North Coast, with local councils now set to outline priority areas for implementation.

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Ballina Council Set to Enhance Beach Access at Lighthouse Beach

By Jeff Gibbs

Ballina Shire Council is set to commence a significant upgrade to the beach access at Lighthouse Beach, East Ballina, aimed at improving accessibility for all and enhancing emergency response capabilities.

Key Features of the Project

The upcoming works will include:

• Universal Beach Access Ramp: A newly constructed concrete ramp equipped with stainless steel handrails and tactile surface indicators to ensure accessibility for individuals of all abilities.
• Emergency Vehicle Access Extension: An extension of the current emergency vehicle concrete ramp to facilitate improved access for emergency services.
• Enhanced Amenities: A concrete block retaining wall with integrated stairs leading directly to the beach showers, improving convenience for beachgoers.

Cheyne Willebrands, Manager of Open Spaces at Ballina Shire Council, expressed enthusiasm about the project: “This project aims to ensure people of all abilities can enjoy our beautiful coastline. The improved beach access ramp has been a long-term goal for Council, and we are excited to deliver this important infrastructure for the community.”

Construction Timeline and Community Impact

Construction is scheduled to begin on 10 February 2025, with an anticipated completion time of approximately two months, subject to weather conditions. During this period:

• Alternative Beach Access: Temporary access will be available via the front of the Lighthouse Beach Surf Life Saving Club slab.
• Uninterrupted Services: Lifeguard operations and the kiosk beneath the Surf Club building will remain open throughout the construction phase.

Funding and Community Support

This vital project is jointly funded by the Australian Government and the New South Wales Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Ballina Shire Council extends its gratitude to the community for their patience and support during the construction period.

For further updates and detailed information about the project, visit ballina.nsw.gov.au.

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Mikayla Memorial at Melanoma March

By Samantha Elley

Twenty four-year-old Mikayla Green had everything to live for.

The Ballina resident and her partner, Ryan Clarke, who was studying to be a doctor, had made their lives in Canberra.

“She was loveable,” said grandmother, Pauline Dorey, “Amongst the grandkids, she was the glue as she kept all the kids together.”

Then in 2018, Mikayla noticed a mark on her head that didn’t seem to go away.

“The specialist said he wanted more detail, so she was booked to have an MRI,” said Pauline.

“He said it was a haematoma and to come back in 12 months.”

Mikayla & Ryan

In October 2019, it was found to be a stage four melanoma.

It was believed the haematoma had covered the growing tumour.

Mikayla was sent straight to Sydney where more tests were done and the cancer was found to be in her liver.

Treatment seemed to be working at first and the young couple moved to Armidale so Ryan could continue his studies.

During this time Ryan proposed to his beloved girlfriend and they planned a wedding in Byron Bay for April 16, 2022.

“By February 2022, just before the floods, it was the last time she came home,” said Pauline.

“I thought she looked really good but she ended up in Armidale hospital and was then sent to Sydney where she was told she only had 4-6 weeks to live.

“They flew her back to Ballina and she lasted not even a week.”

Mikayla passed away on April 8 and her funeral was held on her wedding day.

Mikayla

Pauline and her daughter, Sharyn Dorey, Mikayla’s mother, had dressed her in her wedding dress after she died.

The Dorey family are determined that no other family should suffer what they have been through, especially when something as simple as wearing a hat, putting on sunscreen or wearing long sleeves out in the sun, could save a life.

The Melanoma March is now in its third year and will be held on Sunday, March 9 starting from Missingham Park, near the amphitheatre.

People are to gather at 7.30am where speeches will be held at 8am and the walk will commence at 8.30am where the path will go across the bridge and out to the breakwall.

Ballina-on-Richmond Rotary will be holding a barbeque and there will also be a coffee van.

“It still is raw,’ said Pauline. “One of Mikayla’s wishes was that Ryan finished his medical studies, which he did.

“He is now known as Dr Ryan Clarke.”

To make a donation to the Melanoma Institute Australia or to find out more about the march, visit here.

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