A proposal to create a safer dance surface on Ballina’s riverfront triggered a tense exchange at Ballina Shire Council’s February meeting, with debate quickly shifting from dancing to governance.

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader moved a mayoral minute seeking a staff report into replacing existing paving on a small promenade area beside the council-owned Wharf restaurant building with a non-slip surface.

She said regular dance events — including a Friday night salsa session — were drawing visitors to Ballina.

“There are also swing, zouk, rock n roll, tango and other forms of dancing which attract big followings,” Cr Cadwallader said.

“While salsa is the only dance currently happening one night a week, other dance forms could use the space on other nights.”

Clash over process

The tone changed when Greens councillor Kiri Dicker argued mayoral minutes like this could create a risk of “real or perceived” corruption by suggesting projects might bypass established planning processes.

“It says to the community that there’s another way to have your priorities heard, but only if you know the right people,  you can shortcut the normal process.

“I take issue to (mayoral) minutes like this, because I think over time, they have the propensity to increase the real or perceived corruption, because it enables a system where elected representatives are allocating resources directly outside normal procedures,” Cr Dicker said.

Cr Cadwallader rejected that characterisation, telling the meeting the motion was simply asking staff to investigate options and would still return through the normal planning framework.

Cr Phil Meehan pushed back strongly, saying the corruption implication was unwarranted and that Cr Dicker should apologise.

“What has occurred is completely legitimate, functional, legal and expected path of communication from a member of the public to the elected councillors.

“I reject so strongly the statement that this is contributing to corruption or perceived corruption within this council or it’s bringing this council into disrepute.”

When the vote was taken, Cr Dicker was the only councillor to oppose the motion, with fellow Greens councillors Simon Chate and Erin Karsten supporting it.

Help for the return of squash courts 

Council later unanimously agreed to waive $8,890 in developer contributions for a new squash facility at 13 Ascot Road, clearing a key hurdle for the sport’s return to Ballina.

The development application for the Northern Rivers Squash Club has already been approved and will deliver two courts.

Ballina squash lovers have had to travel long distances to play since the former private complex was demolished to make way for housing in 2023.

Cr Eva Ramsey said the project showed how a community group could deliver sporting infrastructure without council having to construct or fund a facility.

She told the meeting the club committee had been working for years to restore squash in Ballina after the closure of the former courts.

Councillors described the proposal as a community-led solution that would provide regional sporting opportunities while minimising cost to ratepayers.

Pat Morton naming process underway

The meeting also revisited the future naming of Pat Morton Lookout through the Delivery Program and Operational Plan review.

Council previously resolved in 2021 to work with the Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council on a process for Aboriginal place-naming, including culturally significant sites such as the Lennox headland.

Staff told councillors no decision on renaming or dual naming is currently before council, but confirmed the work stems from that earlier direction and would only progress following consultation and community support.

Acting general manager Matt Wood said any change would be complex, requiring extensive engagement and approval from the Geographic Names Board, making it a lengthy process.

Margery Fitzgerald told councillors in a deputation that her late father Jack Easter donated the land and selected the Pat Morton name, and she asked that the family be consulted on any future naming process.

Speaking afterwards, Ms Fitzgerald told Ballina News Daily she’d  had a constructive discussion with Jali Aboriginal Lands Council representative Uncle Marcus who also attended the meeting.

She said she hoped a final outcome could be reached that suited all parties.

Ballina News Daily will have more on the February meeting in coming days.  (main image: credit Wharf Bar)