I fly GA out of Ballina as I now live in the area. Despite the majority of my flying previously being at an uncontrolled regional airfield, I find it's an intimidating set up with the jet traffic, especially considering there are no taxiways.
The CAGRO seems like a top bloke and clearly ex-ATC but I still can't fathom why there is no tower given the movements and pax numbers.
Wonder if the Jab was on the CTAF, and if so had the CAGRO properly advised about potential conflict with the A320? The article linked doesn't cover this point.