At Tuesday's Lismore City Council meeting, Deputy Mayor Jeri Hall put forward an urgency motion for council to write to Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, Minister for Water, Housing, Homelessness and Youth Rose Jackson, Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarity and Minister for Tourism John Graham requesting them to review the decision to close Bells Bay Campground at Toonumbar Dam.

Bells Bay is in the Kyogle Shire; however, Councillor (Cr) Hall mentioned that it is a campground used by many Lismore residents for camping, fishing and recreational activities, while Cr Electra Jensen mentioned it was also used by the Lismore Canoe Club annually.

Cr Hall said there was a petition circulating with over 3,000 signatures to keep the Bells Bay Campground open.

Today, Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, joined the call, releasing a statement in support.

Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan is calling on the NSW Labor Government and Water NSW to reverse their decision to close public access to Bells Bay at Toonumbar Dam, effective from June 24.

“This decision was made with no warning, no consultation, and no respect for the local community” Mr Hogan said. “Bells Bay is a cherished public space, built and cared for by volunteers over many years.”

Water NSW cited safety concerns as the reason for the closure, but Mr Hogan says these issues can be resolved without locking out the public.

“I’m calling on the Government to work with the community – not shut us out.”

Mr Hogan is urging the local community to sign a petition calling for the site to remain open.

Sign the petition here: Save Toonumbar Dam – Kevin Hogan MP