Susanna Freymark
CORRECTION: IndyNR.com published this story about the Wardell CORE development application without including recommendations about the DA from Ballina Shire Council. We have now added reports from the council in the story.
As residents were still reeling from the flood disaster of 2022, a group of people set up a hub in Wardell.
Initially, the Wardell Community Organised Resilience Effort (CORE) Neighbourhood Centre was set up at the Wardell Memorial Hall.
Wardell CORE president Joel Orchard said the flood recovery hub was evicted from Wardell Hall in June 2022 and the group was left with funding their own venue to continue to provide crisis support.
The bank building in Sinclair Street, Wardell where the group is now operating from was residential before the flood.
“The tenant was unable to return. We helped the owner clean it and return it to use,” Mr Orchard said.
“We have been in the bank building with special consideration and now require development consent to continue operating.”
A final decision on the DA will be made at the Ballina Shire Council meeting on Thursday, August.
Submissions from the public included 74 in support of the services offered by the Wardell CORE and 21 individual submissions raised concerns or objected to the DA.
The key issues raised were in relation to traffic and parking, visual amenity, site suitability, flooding, heritage impacts and noise impacts.
Concerns were raised about group events that have been happening at the bank building on weekends and at night.
Wardell CORE operates a food relief program feeding hundreds of individuals and families with fresh produce, pantry staples, ready-to-eat meals, and hot food. The centre’s services extend far beyond food relief, offering support for mental health and providing a hub for social connection.
“Our success has led us to develop as Ballina’s only neighbourhood centre. We have not received any support or funding from Ballina Council to continue operating since the floods,” Mr Orchard said.
“The facility has become a home of hope and support for many.”
A report sent to IndyNR.com shows Ballina Shire Council staff has recommended partial approval for the Community Facility proposed by CORE at Sinclair Street.
The reduced version of the proposed development is approved without the existing shipping container and roof, the timber front boundary fencing, the proposed metal outdoor covered area and walkways. Group activities are not to be conducted outdoors and in standard operating hours.
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