A long-discussed plan to reinstate a bridge linking Ballina and Lennox Head over North Creek is facing growing opposition from residents living along the proposed route.

Residents fear it will become a “highway to Byron Bay” that offers little amenity to Ballina Shire residents, but loads of convenience to travelers making quick connections to the airport.

The project would see North Creek Road widened and raised between Forest Oak Boulevard in North Ballina and Skennars Head Road, along with the construction of a new bridge and shared cycle and pedestrian path.

Residents voice concern

Ballina News Daily spoke to residents of Edgewater Cove, a quiet street running off North Creek Road, who fear their neighbourhood would be transformed into a major traffic corridor.

“Our biggest concern is the sheer volume of vehicles they’re projecting,” resident Brian Mooney said. 

“Even back in 2009, estimates were for 14,000 cars a day.

Since then Ballina has grown –  River Oaks, Palm Lakes, the industrial estate –  so the numbers today would be much higher.  And this road is already congested.”

Neighbour Sandra O’Brien believes upgrading Angels Beach Drive to four lanes would be a far better option.

 “Widening that road would be less disruptive and more cost-effective,” she said.

“It’s already a major road. Here, every driveway along North Creek Road would be impacted, and safety would be compromised.”

Residents also point to flooding risks, parking pressures from airport users, and potential environmental impacts on North Creek, already struggling with siltation and declining birdlife.

The opposition spans generations, from retirees who value the quiet lifestyle to children who fear losing the creek as a place to explore.

Nine-year-old Max, who often rides his bike down North Creek Road with his fishing rod, said he worries his favourite spot will be destroyed.

 “If the bridge goes in, where am I going to go fishing?” he asked.

A petition opposing the plan has gathered more than 100 signatures in just a few days of door-knocking. 

Residents from Palm Lakes and Skennars Head have joined the campaign, saying they too were unaware until now of the long-standing council plan to re-instate the bridge.

“For whose benefit?”

Critics argue the project delivers little for Ballina residents.

This whole thing is designed to make an easier way and a quicker way for the plane loads to get to Byron,” Mick Albany said.

“There’s no amenity for us, and the environmental issues are enormous.

“Already North Creek is under terrible threat with the fish kills and so forth.  The  bird life has gone.  The Ospreys have gone, you know, and the pelicans have gone,” he said. 

 “We pay the rates, but we’re the ones losing our quiet streets, fishing spots and birdlife.”

Longstanding Plan

Before the Coast Road was built, North Creek Road was the original route from Ballina to Lennox Head, with a ferry taking travelers across the creek.

The first bridge opened in 1907 and was demolished in the early 1970s after falling into  disrepair.

Council has long kept a North Creek bridge on its traffic strategy and has committed substantial funding to the current design phase and community consultation process.

Locals will have the chance to raise concerns directly with councillors at a public meeting this Saturday (September 13) at Ross Park, Lennox Head, from 9am to 11am.

Submissions are open until Wednesday, September 24 at yoursayballina.com.au/north-creek-road-and-bridge.