Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader has delivered a blistering takedown of a Greens-backed croquet motion, before using her casting vote to defeat it.

The extraordinary meeting, called by Cr Kiri Dicker, sought to have council write to Cherry Street Sports Club urging it to reconsider its decision over the future of croquet.

It failed, leaving the club’s position unchanged.

In a pointed address, the mayor made clear the motion wasted council’s time and resources and could achieve nothing.

“What is the purpose of this motion? Because it won’t change the governance structure… and it will not overturn the decision,” she said.

Dicker defends motion

Cr Dicker defended bringing the matter to council, despite acknowledging its limitations.

“It’s never too late to change your mind,” she said.

“I fully respect that we can’t do anything to change their decision.”

The mayor rejected that position.

“This is not the role of this council… and this is not a responsible use of community resources,” Cr Cadwallader said.

Club stands firm

Cherry Street Sports Club general manager Tere Sheehan reiterated the board’s position during the public forum.

“The board’s decision… is final and will not be rescinded,” he said.

Mr Sheehan rejected suggestions the croquet club had been unfairly treated.

He said Cherry Street had funded and developed the croquet greens and clubhouse, with no financial contribution from the Ballina Croquet Club.

He maintained all players would be welcome under a unified model, with expanded access to the lawns.

Apology over abuse

Ballina Croquet Club representative Carolyn Reay-Young apologised for last Saturday’s incident involving alleged abuse of staff.

“The first thing I’d like to do is just to sincerely apologise about what happened with the putting up of that sign,” she said.

Ms Reay-Young said the incident involved “someone who is not a member of our club” and described them as having “mental challenges”.

Cherry Street has described the behaviour as serious, with Mr Sheehan saying staff were subjected to “deeply disturbing… abuse”.

Saturday’s protest and the controversial banner that was later involved in a dispute (photo:Facebook/Cr Kiri Dicker)

Debate over “space”

Greens councillors argued the croquet club should retain its own dedicated space, separate from a commercial operator.

Opponents said that ignored how the facility had been funded and operated.

Deputy Mayor Damian Loone rejected the motion outright.

“We are not lease police… it’s none of our business,” he said.

He said the offer for players to continue under a shared model was reasonable.

“It’s a fair and equitable offer… you’ve just got to get on,” he said.

Outcome unchanged

With the vote tied, Cr Cadwallader used her casting vote to defeat the motion.

The result leaves Cherry Street’s decision intact.

Croquet will continue under a unified model, with access available to players as members.