Ballina scraps marina plan in favour of boat harbour

BALLINA Shire Council has decided not to proceed with the proposed marina on the Richmond River following a review of community feedback and expert opinions.

The council unanimously voted against the plan, citing safety and environmental concerns, and will instead explore alternatives to enhance the existing boat harbour.

The Martin Street Boat Harbour Precinct Master Plan, adopted by the council in 2016, aimed to investigate options for short-term/overnight mooring, improve public open space along the waterfront, and integrate with the surrounding urban environment.

At the August council meeting, councillors reviewed community feedback on the concept plans and were tasked with deciding whether to proceed.

Of the 95 submissions, 47 did not support the current concept design.

Ballina resident of more than 50 years, Mark Puglisi, spoke to the council on behalf of the Ballina Trawler Fishermen, Richmond River Sailing Club, Ballina Angling Club and the Regatta Avenue Boat Harbour Association.

Mr Puglisi, a commercial fisherman who had worked with the Jet Boat Rescue, the NSW Police Force and the Water Police, opposed the plan.

“My experience is with the run of the river, how it operates, and the safety of boating in the river,” Mr Puglisi said.

Putting a marina in fast-flowing water at the narrowest point of the river “would be ludicrous,” he said, as it would collect debris and cause a safety hazard.

Mr Puglisi said large boats would struggle to navigate into the marina safely.

“We have one of the most dangerous bars on the east coast of Australia – boats don’t want to come here.

“The bottom line is that the river users don’t want it. I haven’t spoken to anybody that thinks it’s a good idea,” Mr Puglisi said.

He supported “boutiquing” the existing boat harbour for local use.

The councillors took on board the opinions of the experienced river users, agreeing it was not the right location for a marina and voted unanimously not to proceed with the plan.

They agreed to investigate options around upgrading the area, focusing on land improvements.