Another dispute over the allocation of sporting space in Ballina is emerging, with Ferngrove Estate residents raising concerns about a proposed archery move to their local park.

The issue flared during this week’s council budget meeting, where councillors discussed the future use of Ferngrove Park.

Greens councillor Erin Karsten also raised the possibility the site could be considered for other sports, including a potential relocation option for the Ballina Croquet Club.

That suggestion comes amid ongoing tensions over sporting space across the Shire.

Ballina Shire Council, however, says no final decision has been made on relocating the Ballina Devils Archery Club.

Chief planner Matthew Wood told the meeting groundwork at the site dated back to last year, when a temporary relocation was being considered.

At the time, Saunders Oval was undergoing rehabilitation works, including new turf, and there were concerns the archery club may need a short-term alternative.

“There was an intent that that might be a temporary solution at Fern Grove… we just had an opportunistic opportunity… to put some base down,” he said.

“That’s why we’re confident additional services will succeed.”

That move did not proceed, with the club remaining at Saunders Oval once works were completed.

Mr Wood confirmed Ferngrove Park is still being investigated as a potential long-term location, with community consultation yet to occur.

“We’re into the process of the community engagement phase to determine whether or not that’s a reasonable thing,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Damian Loone told the meeting residents were already seeking answers.

“The community flyer… says that they are moving in May to Ferngrove,” he said.

Mr Wood responded: “That wasn’t something that we agreed to.”

Cr Loone said residents remained confused about what was happening.

“They don’t know… they’re in the blind at the moment, and they would like an answer,” he said.

Residents question timeline

Ferngrove Estate resident Lucy Frankham said the sequence of events had raised concerns about transparency.

She said road base first appeared at Ferngrove Park in November 2025, with no explanation provided to residents at the time.

Months later, some households received a flyer from the archery club stating it would relocate to the park, with shipping containers to be installed.

“When questioned about consultation, it appears something is being obscured,” Ms Frankham said.

She said she contacted councillors on April 5, with several — including the Mayor — initially indicating they were unaware of the proposal.

A subsequent response confirmed community consultation had not yet occurred and was still to be undertaken.

Above: Shipping containers used for storage at Saunders Oval – Ferngrove residents believe such an installation at the front of their park would look unsightly.

“That raises concerns that any consultation now risks being retrospective,” she said.

“Residents can’t seem to get answers.”

Another resident, Russ Fehrenbach, said locals were not opposed to archery, but to how the proposal had been handled.

“We feel a little bit railroaded,” he said.

“We were not consulted… you consult first, then you start.”

Mr Fehrenbach also questioned the suitability of the location.

“I don’t have a problem with the archery club… but this is a park, not a sports field,” he said.

Residents have also raised safety concerns, given the park’s regular use by families and children.

Others pointed to the visual impact of proposed storage containers near the entrance to the estate.

“The first thing you’re going to see… is a shipping container sitting on a paddock,” one resident said.

Calls for clarity

At the centre of the issue is a gap between what residents say they are observing and what council says has been formally decided.

Council maintains consultation is still to come.

Residents are now calling on Ballina Shire Council to clarify what has been approved, what works have been authorised, and whether community feedback will influence the outcome.