Ballina MP Tamara Smith was among supporters of the mass Sydney Harbour Bridge protest in support of Palestine — but a late flight prevented her taking part.

The high-profile protest, which drew up to 90,000 people, went ahead despite NSW Police officials and Premier Chris Minns trying to block the action on public safety grounds.

Ms Smith was among a handful of left-wing NSW parliamentarians who co-signed legal action in the NSW Supreme Court in support of the rally.

The Member for Ballina attended the Ballina Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards on Saturday night, where she was a major sponsor and guest speaker.

Ms Smith flew to Sydney Sunday morning, but by the time she arrived in the city, the march had already started.

In a now-deleted Facebook post, the Greens Party MP wrote:

“I tried to walk across the bridge for Palestine today, but I couldn’t get close by the time I got to the city from up north. 

“I am in awe of my Greens MP colleagues and the estimated 100,000 protestors and everyone around the world calling for the end of this brutal war.”

Ms Smith’s support of the demonstration has attracted backlash from some constituents and local leaders, who say their State MP should be doing more to deliver funding for local projects.

Ballina Shire Councillor Dr Simon Kinny said he was disappointed by what he described as “misplaced focus” by the Greens MP.

“While MPs from surrounding areas are scoring wins for their communities, Ballina Council continues to miss out,” he said.

“Clarence Valley Council has completed the $18 million Yamba Library and Community Centre, and stages one and two of the $29.5 million Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre — no doubt helped by strong advocacy from their local MP.

“In contrast, Ballina is struggling to get state funding for the refurbishment of the Alstonville Cultural Centre and new library.”

Cr Kinny noted that Lismore had recently secured funding for a new $9.97 million ambulance station, while Ballina Shire is funding 75 per cent of a new SES operations centre from its own budget.

“State Cabinet met in Murwillumbah last week and Tweed Shire received funding for local projects. Byron Shire has secured $3.4 million for a new ambulance station,” he said.

“But Ballina? Our MP is in Sydney trying to join a protest about people 10,000km away.”

Dr Kinny, who is a member of the NSW Nationals State Council, accused Ms Smith of failing to advocate for the constituents who elected her.

“Unless single-handedly trying to make an infinitesimally small difference to the global climate from an office in Moon Street somehow counts, she’s missing in action where it matters most.

“Dear Tamara: Please start lobbying for some funding for YOUR local council.”

Ms Smith has also come under renewed criticism on local social media pages for what community members describe as her lack of visible advocacy for a new public hospital in Ballina, with several now describing the local MP as, “The ghost who walks.”

Jennifer Susan asked, “Why is the Mayor doing all the heavy lifting, not our local MP?

“What’s the point of being elected if you’re never seen or heard?”

Christine Penn claimed Ms Smith had broken a commitment to support the hospital when she was first elected.

 “Broken promises from two elections ago. We need our MP to fight for us. Thank you Sharon [Mayor Cadwallader] for stepping up.”

“So what is Tamara Smith doing? Nothing, as per usual,” David Diver said.

Ms Smith has been contacted for comment.