Council still torn over market

AN ALTERNATIVE site for the Lennox Head market has still not been established, despite two options being put on the table at a Ballina Shire Council meeting.

AN ALTERNATIVE site for the Lennox Head market has still not been established, despite two options being put on the table at a Ballina Shire Council meeting yesterday.

The market is usually held at Lake Ainsworth, but sometimes it must be moved because of flooding or major surf carnival events.

Trials have been held in Ballina Street, including the foreshore park, and at Williams Reserve.

Both sites had different problems, and the issue is one which has divided the community.

Lennox Head Residents’ Association president, Fred Goodman, called on the council to consider the Camp Drewe road, which is expected to be closed once a new road is built.

“We should be looking to the future,” he said.

Mr Goodman said the use of the foreshore park was not a suitable option, because it would lead to the degradation of that area.

For similar reasons, sporting groups have opposed the market being held at Williams Reserve, and environmental organisations don’t want the market taking place at Lake Ainsworth.

Cr Peter Moore acknowledged the ‘deep concerns’ within the community.

“We have got to come up with a solution that works for everybody,” he said.

“We have got to have a real good look at this.

“Deferring the matter for a little bit longer is a good thing ... for us to really explore the option being raised by the residents’ association is just due diligence.”

But Cr Jeff Johnson said it would be very difficult to find a location that would suit all users.

“I don’t think we are going to find a location that everyone is happy with,” he said.

“There is conflict whichever way we go.”

The council resolved to defer the matter pending another report on whether the Camp Drewe road would be a suitable site for the market in the future.

Originally published as Council still torn over market