A fiery showdown over controversial tree clearing at Lennox Head erupted in Ballina Shire Council’s monthly meeting, with accusations of defamation, political grandstanding and “trial by social media” dominating a heated debate.

In the end, Greens councillor Kiri Dicker failed in her bid to have council formally urge state authorities to conduct a thorough review of native vegetation clearing on a Ross Lane property, after a majority of councillors ruled the investigation was already underway.

Instead, councillors voted to simply note that the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) was already reviewing the matter.

The clearing attracted widespread attention last month after Cr Dicker posted about it on social media, triggering extensive public debate and media coverage, including Ballina News Daily’s report on a stop-work order issued by the state regulator.

The meeting heard an emotional deputation from Lennox Head Tree Care owner David Stone, who said his company had become the target of abuse after the controversy exploded online.

Mr Stone told councillors all work had been undertaken with approvals from the relevant authorities and complied with fire management and wildlife protection requirements.

He accused Cr Dicker and Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital chief executive Dr Stephen Van Mil of spreading misinformation that resulted in claims “hundreds if not thousands” of native animals had been killed.

“No wildlife was killed,” he said.

Mr Stone said wildlife inspections were carried out before trees were felled and the mature trees removed contained no suitable hollows for native animals.

He said the publicity had devastated his business and family.

“My business has been vilified,” he said.

“My staff have been abused while shopping, my daughter is frightened to wear our company logo in public and we’ve received hate mail.”

He called on Cr Dicker and Dr Van Mil to publicly apologise and correct what he described as false information.

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader thanked Mr Stone for addressing the meeting and said she was sorry his business and family had experienced such treatment.

Cr Dicker hit back immediately, telling councillors many of Mr Stone’s allegations were themselves defamatory.

“I never stated the clearing was illegal. I never named Lennox Head Tree Care as the contractor involved,” she said.

“I’ll certainly be seeking some advice about that.”

Cr Dicker defended both her social media posts and her motion, saying residents had elected her “to be a voice for nature”.

She said the issue had become one of significant public concern after wildlife rescuers recovered sugar gliders from felled trees during the clearing operation.

Cr Kiri Dicker

The Greens councillor argued council should formally express concern and request a “full and thorough review” into whether the clearing was permissible.

“This motion asks council to take a moral position on this issue,” she said.

Councillors opposing the motion argued council should stay out of a matter already being investigated by the state government.

Cr Phil Meehan said the DCCEEW was already conducting a review and council should not be seen to prejudge the outcome.

“I’m not going to participate in judgment before the review, without the evidence and without the information,” he said.

Cr Simon Kinny agreed, saying the proposal was unnecessary because the regulator was already investigating.

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader also opposed the motion, warning against what she described as “trial by social media”.

“Businesses, livelihoods and families can be deeply affected by that kind of public commentary,” she said.

“Once a reputation is damaged, it’s very difficult to repair.”

After almost an hour of debate, councillors voted 5-3 to replace Cr Dicker’s motion with a watered-down amendment simply acknowledging the department’s investigation.

Cr Simon Kinny

The amended motion was then carried, leaving council to take no further action while the state regulator completes its review.

Deputy Mayor Damian Loone said the debate should never have come before council while the matter was already being investigated by the state government.

He noted the discussion came in the same week Ballina Shire ratepayers received the first instalment of council’s significant three-year rate increase, arguing it represented an unnecessary use of council time and resources.

“We’ve just put in a successful application for rate rises in this community, and here we are again asking council staff to get behind their keyboards and spend time on something that’s already under review,” Cr Loone said.

“This is out of our hands. It’s not our responsibility. It’s the responsibility of the appropriate government department… we’ll get the full facts behind this eventually.”