Skennars Head – More homes, fewer shops

Ballina Shire Council is proposing to give property developer Intrapac the greenlight to reduce the area set aside for a proposed commercial centre at its Aureus estate near Sharpes Beach so the company can sell more townhouses.

Speaking at the December 24 meeting, the council Planning Director Matthew Wood said the revised agreement now open for community comment will see the shopping centre have 1200 square metres of floor space.

Supporting the change, Councillor Phil Meahan said that since the original proposal had been passed before the new Epic shopping centre, including a Woolworths supermarket, had been completed, thereby  reducing the need for a larger complex at nearby Aureus.

Greens Councillor Kiri Dicker argued the space should have been set aside for recreation or community housing, saying the proposal was a win for the developer and a loss for the community.

Mayor Cadwallader said it was not the right place for social housing.

Council General Manager Paul Hickey left the room for the discussion declaring an interest as a friend does “occasional consulting work” for the developer Intrapac.