Despite objections from numerous neighbors, including Ballina Toyota, Ballina Shire Council has approved the construction of a new 24-hour Mobil service station at 485 River Street in West Ballina.
At the hearing, there were arguments both for and against the project. Stephen Moore, a proponent of the new station, argued that it would help lower fuel prices and improve convenience. On the other hand, local resident Ralph Moss argued that no new developments should be allowed until drainage and flooding issues in the area were resolved.
Cr Phil Meehan explained that the old car yard would be demolished, and a new 24-hour service station would be built. While the council received 35 written objections from locals, Cr Meehan assured everyone that noise, safety, and traffic concerns would be addressed.
Cr Eoin Johnston agreed that the council had little choice but to approve the DA. He acknowledged that the new petrol station’s placement was not in the public’s interest, but it would be “dancing with the devil” if the council refused it.
Cr Rod Bruem stated that the DA met all council requirements, and there was no legal reason for refusal. He disagreed that there were already enough petrol stations in Ballina and believed that the new station would help lower fuel prices.
Although Cr Nigel Buchanan was “on the fence” about the DA, he expressed concern about the number of locals who had voiced their opposition in writing. He also wondered why the new station needed to be open 24 hours when there was another 24-hour petrol station nearby.
During the debate, it was revealed that fuel delivery hours would be limited to between 7am and 10pm, and drainage issues would be addressed. The council also discovered that the new facility could not provide electric car charging due to technical limitations of the local grid.
Cr Kiri Dicker expressed her belief that the new petrol station would not contribute anything to the community or lower fuel prices but represented a significant conflict with residential areas. However, she agreed that the council did not have grounds to oppose it.
Some councillors suggested curbing the new facility’s hours, but the proposed amendment failed to gain support. Ultimately, the council approved the 24-hour Mobil station, with only Cr Eoin Johnston voting against it. Cr Eve Ramsey was absent from the meeting.