Deputy Premier John Barilaro, who was in the region and was expected to formally announce the WSL's Easter event, said it was the wrong decision and said it was a NIMBY area.
Despite vocal opposition from many sections of the community, Ballina Shire Mayor David Wright and WSL boss Andrew Starkey said there had been support for the idea, particularly from LeBa.
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The balna.nsw Instagram page posted this photo after the decision on the World Surf League event at Lennox Head, with the caption: "What a community".
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The club has since taken to social media to "clear up some of the misinformation".