Spoonbill Reserve will remain public recreation land after Ballina Shire councillors rejected a push to investigate housing on the site.

At last Thursday’s meeting, Cr Phil Meehan moved to defer the Draft Spoonbill Reserve Master Plan and instead seek a report on the land’s residential potential.

He argued the 1.969-hectare reserve could generate significant funds for council during a housing crisis.

“If we were to have 20 housing lots of 600 square metres in that area,” Cr Meehan told councillors, “those blocks of land would sell for probably $800,000 minimum, maybe about a million dollars each.”

He suggested the land could potentially realise up to $20 million, estimating a net return of about $15 million after development costs.

Cr Meehan also argued that Skennars Head already had comparatively significant public open space.

He pointed to the Aureus parkland, coastal reserve, playing fields, pocket parks and beach access, saying the area was well supplied with recreational land compared to other parts of the shire.

“I certainly think it’s worth us considering how the whole community may be able to benefit from a housing use for this land,” he said.

He also floated medium-density options, suggesting the site could accommodate around 40 townhouses or more than 100 apartments.

Opposition cites community consultation

Several councillors opposed reopening the housing question, arguing the community had already been consulted on keeping the land as open space.

“We have been out to the community, their understanding is that it is council-owned and they are going to get some sort of sporting or recreational open space facility there,” Cr Therese Crollick said.

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader supported exploring the housing option before a final decision, citing the housing crisis.

She said given council’s dire financial position, the pressing need for more home sites and the fact council didn’t have the funds to build and maintain a major park, it was good governance to consider all options even if it ultimately went ahead with the park.

“I’m open to see what comes back to further investigate it before we make a final decision.  I think that’s that’s on us to make sure we’ve investigated every option, particularly during the housing crisis,” Cr Cadwallader said.

The amendment was defeated 7–3.

Voting for the housing investigation were Cr Meehan, Cr Eva Ramsey and Mayor Cadwallader.

Voting against were Cr Michelle Bailey, Cr Simon Kinny, Cr Damian Loone, Cr Therese Crollick, Cr Simon Chate, Cr Erin Karsten and Cr Kiri Dicker.

Master plan proceeds

With the amendment lost, councillors unanimously endorsed the Draft Spoonbill Reserve Master Plan for public exhibition for at least 28 days.

The draft plan retains large open grass areas and proposes:

• A native tree arboretum and groundcover planting
  • A small youth activity zone opposite the high school, including a basketball hoop and climbing equipment
  • Additional seating, shade trees and picnic shelters
  • Pathway connections and accessibility upgrades

How the space could look under the proposed masterplan (Images: Ballina Shire Council)

The reserve, located between Redford Drive and Seaside Avenue opposite St Francis Xavier Catholic College, was dedicated to council in the late 1990s as public open space.

It is zoned RE1 Public Recreation and classified as Community Land.

Any move to reclassify the land for development would require a formal rezoning process, public hearings and approval from the NSW Government.

For now, the majority of councillors have signalled their intent to preserve the site as community recreation land.

The draft plan will now go on public exhibition before returning to council for final adoption.