Lismore council has rejected $6M roundabout plan for Ballina Rd

In a unanimous vote, councillors agree to fight NSW Transport over their plans to scupper previous plans for Ballina Rd.

$6M UPGRADE BATTLE: At Lismore City Council; ’s August 2021 meeting councillors unanimously voted against the state government’s plan to switch a $6 million Ballina Rd upgrade from Dawson St to Molesworth St.

At the August meeting, Lismore City Council mayor Vanessa Ekins led a unanimous vote to squelch a previously agreed $6 million state government plan to switch roadworks on Ballina Rd from Dawson St to Molesworth St.

At the meeting on August 10, Cr Ekins proposed the council advise Transport for NSW that the priority road network improvements for Ballina Rd were the Dawson Street and Wyrallah Road intersections.

Cr Ekins also proposed the council write to the NSW Minister Regional Transport and Roads, and Lismore MP Janelle Saffin to support the 2019 decision to upgrade the Dawson Street intersection.

Ms Ekins said the switch by Transport for NSW made no sense and was not wanted by the community.

“In 2019 Transport for NSW (TfNSW) committed $6 million to upgrade Ballina Rd at Dawson St,” she said.

“Since 2015 there has been significant community support for this project.”

Ms Ekins said at the meeting it appeared TfNSW was considering a cheaper short term solution at Molesworth St that did not offer the same pedestrian advantages,

She said the Molesworth St plan would also remove 18 car parks and numerous trees at Heritage Park.

“The outcome Lismore wants is the Dawson St upgrade as a priority,” she said.

“In 2015 residents successfully lobbied our state member Thomas George and the then mayor, and in 2018 they were promised the Dawson St upgrade and plans were drawn up.”

Ms Ekins said the council would not accept the Molesworth St option.

“As consultation (of the Molesworth St option) has finished we are writing letters to the Department of Transport and a formal submission and to local member Janelle Saffin about how the community has responded to the Molesworth St upgrade,” she said.

“We have asked repeatedly for information on what they based their decision on and have yet to receive any evidence.”