Lake Ainsworth - Foreshore Improvement WorksStage 3 roundabout construction
Ballina (Area) 25 Jul 2019
Lake Ainsworth Foreshore Improvement Works

In September 2018, Council resolved to approve the Lake Ainsworth precinct project. Once completed, the $1.7M investment will include additional barbeques, pathways, picnic tables, formalised parking, erosion rehabilitation and landscaping.

Car parking

To address car parking needs for the popular area, council: •    has completed a carparking analysis •    has upgraded Ross Street to provide additional parking (31 spaces) •    has constructed carparking in Pacific Parade opposite the Lennox Head - Alstonville Surf Life Saving Club (58 spaces) •    will formalise existing parking along the southern road •    will provide new disabled parking facilities

Disabled access

The upgrade will provide improved access for disabled and mobility impaired people. The Lake Ainsworth upgrades have been designed in consultation with Council’s Community Access Reference Group. On completion, the works will include pathways, dedicated disabled access and car parks all designed to contemporary standards. This includes a three metre wide accessible path and Lake access ramp. New disabled parking facilities will be provided on the southern road and in the area adjacent to the junction of the eastern path and southern road.

Camp Drewe Road

Vehicles wanting to access the Sport and Recreation Centre will need to use Camp Drewe Road on the western side of Lake Ainsworth. The closure of the eastern road is also likely to redirect traffic along the southern road and Camp Drewe Road. To address this anticipated demand, council will seal Camp Drewe Road.

Dogs off-leash access

Dog owners are encouraged to access the dog offleash area on Seven Mile Beach north of the Lennox Head Alstonville Surf Life Saving Club. However, the eastern road will remain open for pedestrian access wherever possible during construction. In this area dogs must be restrained on a leash until the designated off-leash area of Seven Mile Beach. Dog owners will be able to drive, on the bitumen seal, to the 4WD access park, and immediately access the off-leash beach area.

Part V Assessment of Environmental Impact of Lake Ainsworth Foreshore Improvements Works

Council lodged a Part V application under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act for the Lake Ainsworth Foreshore Improvement Works. This has now been approved. 

Note: Council is the determining authority for the Part V application. Council as a regulatory body has clear separations of powers, and our assessment team objectively work on applications in accordance with legislation.

Stage 1: Southern road precinct 

This stage will introduce additional parking for Lake visitors and be completed before the eastern road is closed. 

Other works include:

southern road reconstruction and formalisation of the roadside bitumen sealing of Camp Drewe Road.

Budget:  $900,000 Completed

Stage 2: Eastern road precinct

The road closure of the eastern road precinct will comprise water main relocation followed by path construction and landscaping. The path will be completed in sections to ensure the space is still accessible and usable for pedestrians.

Other works will include:

closure of the Lake Ainsworth eastern road to vehicles 3m wide accessible pathway BBQ facilities and picnic areas sandstone block seats amongst open spaces increased grassed areas improved stormwater quality management systems restoration and revegetation of the eroded foreshore areas.

Budget:  $880,000 including Stage 3. Anticipated timeline: Currently underway

Stage 3: Roundabout construction

The third stage will ensure better traffic flow, and include: 

roundabout construction adjacent to the Lennox Head Alstonville Surf Life Saving Club  architectural features for road and path surfacing.

Budget:  Included with Stage 1.  Anticipated timeline: Currently underway.

Further information

Civil Services Group Ph 1300 864 444.

Downloads

Factsheets

Page reviewed 15 July 2019