Ballina Shire Council has unanimously agreed to name a previously unnamed road in the airport precinct after the town’s very own aircraft — the locally designed and built Lightwing.

The decision came after Mayor Sharon Cadwallader tabled a special Mayoral Minute, prompted by a request from the family of the late aviation pioneer Howard Hughes, who created the iconic ultralight plane.

In moving her motion, Mayor Cadwallader quoted a report from the Ballina News Daily, saying it captured the importance of the proposed name perfectly.

“Ballina already has at least seven streets named after foreign aircraft, including Boeing, Cessna and De Havilland. Just last month, Hercules Avenue was added to honour the American military workhorse,” Cr Cadwallader said.

“But one aircraft has been left off the map: the locally designed and built Lightwing.”

(Read our earlier report here.)

Following the vote, Shelly Brown — daughter of Howard Hughes — told Ballina News Daily the family was overjoyed with the outcome.

“I’m really delighted. A wide community of Australian ultralight enthusiasts and Ballina locals sent messages and well wishes supporting the idea of naming the street Lightwing Lane,” she said.

“Dad would be insanely proud — and chuckling in his boots — to know I was at council today for this great acknowledgement of his aircraft.”

PICTURE: The currently unnamed lane leading to the airport hangars.