Residents and Eurobodalla council remain divided over how to solve the issue of the foul-smelling odour emanating from Wimbie Creek.
The issue was raised by Councillor Allan Brown on Tuesday, who suggested that crushed oyster shells be used to get rid of the smell.
“In the early ‘90s the creek was a mess and it was suggested that the calcium in the shells would get rid of the smell,” he said.
“The shells were offered by the local oyster-growers and I understand they were very effective in solving the problem.”
He said in years gone by the problem would have been solved by re-opening the creek mouth with bulldozers.
However council’s planning and sustainability services director Lindsay Usher said the odour was the result of natural processes.
He said the smell was the result of a recent inflow of kelp and seaweed and there had been no scientific research or investigation to support the effectiveness of oyster shells in solving the problems.
Mr Usher said there would also be community safety issues with pouring sharp oyster shells all over the beach.
Cr Brown argued that if the area was naturally odious or smelly it never would have been developed in the first place.
“I accept the report but I don’t believe that community concerns have been addressed at all and, at the end of the day, community rates pay the bills and they have a rightful expectation that the issue be resolved,” he said.
“The bureaucrats can put their head in the sand and let the community do what they need to do, to keep on living in the area.”