Why you should be concerned
Action 504 has been very active, not only finding out what is happening in the Showground, but also getting professional advice on the implications for residents, the environment, the Showground itself and also its traditional users.
Invariably the information we have received indicates a high, negative impact on all these areas of concern.
The main issues Action 504 has identified are;
- Day and Night noise from the yards will be well above residential limits
- There are Health Issues particularly for elderly and immune compromised residents
- Property values will fall
- Effluent and Stormwater will carry disease and affect Tanamera Reserve
- Offensive odour, dust and flies
- Heavy Traffic Movement particularly concerning to the residents at the end of Green St, but also Commercial Rd and South St.
- Traditional Showground Users are concerned their continuing use of the Showground will be compromised
- Showground is Zoned RE-2 and there are concerns that this development is not in line with that zoning
What action can you take?
Action 504 is a collection of concerned residents, we are not normally activists but there are real issues at stake here which affect the wider community. So please lend your support, get involved at whatever level you feel comfortable with. Some of you may have organisational or design skills. Maybe you can speak to the person next door.
These are some of the areas we need you;
- Spread the word
- Get involved with Action 504 – we need you
- Donate our expenses in running this campaign are climbing
- Sign our Petition – every name helps
- Make a Submission to Council
- Contact your Shire Councillors
Why Action 504?
Action 504 came about after residents near the Alstonville Showground noticed major earthworks occurring at the Elliott Ave and Green St corner. They were originally told that an equestrian centre was being established.
However, shortly after, some substantial cattle yards began to be erected. Certainly not suitable for equestrian events. We started to ask questions.
What we found was that the cattle yards were erected without the permission of Ballina Shire Council. We also observed that the yards were totally out of place, they are built in close proximity to residences, particularly those situated along Elliott Ave.
People downhill of the development in Green St and bordering Tanamera Reserve/ Alstonville Creek began to realise that after a heavy rainfall, (a frequent event in these parts) cattle yard excrement and other nasties would be washing down through their properties and pollute the Reserve.
Ballina Shire Council was also surprised by the development and issued an order to cease unapproved works in September 2023 and an order to remove the installed yards by February 2024. In response to this the Alstonville Agricultural Society (AAS) appealed to the Land and Environment Court in October 2023. The AAS has now submitted DA 504 seeking to get postdated approval on these ‘existing’ yards as well as add other yards to make the holding up to 120 head of cattle.
Concerned residents have been meeting since mid January to examine the DA, discuss with professionals what the impact of the development will be and to work out how to ensure responsible development occurs at the Showground, which is located within a residential area.