Ballina Council puts Spoonbill Reserve master plan on exhibition

Ballina Shire Council has endorsed public exhibition of the Draft Spoonbill Reserve Master Plan for at least 28 days after a bid to defer the proposal failed at its ordinary meeting on 26 February.

The deferred motion, moved by Cr Phil Meehan and seconded by Cr Eva Ramsey, sought to hold up exhibition until council received a report on the land’s potential for residential development. That amendment was lost before the council backed the draft plan as tabled.

The resolution was passed unanimously. The minutes identify the item as Spoonbill Reserve - Draft Master Plan and set the exhibition period at a minimum of 28 days.

Spoonbill Reserve is named in the council papers as the site subject to the public exhibition. The plan will now be open for residents to view and comment on before any further council step.

The Spoonbill Reserve vote was one of several planning items dealt with on the day. Council also approved DA 2025/126 for 23 Compton Drive, East Ballina, for demolition of an existing restaurant and construction of a two-storey dwelling house with associated earthworks, retaining walls, vegetation removal and revegetation works, subject to conditions.

Council also amended Planning Proposal BSCPP 25/010 for 54 Beacon Road, Teven, added part of adjoining Beacon Road as RU1 Primary Production land, endorsed the amended proposal for finalisation and asked that the amended proposal be forwarded to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.

Landowners subject to a proposed conservation zone are to be notified of the council’s decision and told they have 28 days to notify DPHI if they want an independent review of the proposed zoning of their property.

Other items at the meeting included an amended Climate Change Policy and an amended Biodiversity - Compensatory Habitats and Offsets Policy, both adopted by council.

Council also noted its quarterly review of the Delivery Program and Operational Plan. That included a note that the Hutley Drive basketball court will be built over existing sewer lines, creating a risk that part of the court may need to be removed if that infrastructure has to be replaced or repaired.

Council confirmed approval to proceed with planned works at Lennox Point Car Park, subject to further reporting on the footpath composition and colour.