At their final meeting for the year, councillors supported a motion seeking support to apply to the state government for $200,000 for a feasibility study of the marina.

The motion, to apply for funding to investigate a development of a southern NSW marine gateway at North Corrigans Beach, was put forward by Councillor Peter Schwarz.

He said the deep-water marina project was community-driven and shaped a vision of prosperity and growth.

“The project is not to be funded or built by council or the state but by a private or public investor,” he said.

“It would be a key social and economic driver.”

The only councillor to speak and vote against the motion was Cr Gabi Harding, who was concerned about the project’s environmental impact on surrounding islands. 

“This development will impact what people come here to see, which is Snapper Island and the Tollgates,” she said.

“How do the nearby residents feel about the idea of a large scale marina being built below them?”

Three people presented in the public forum on the issue, all in favour. 

The feasibility analysis, if funded, would examine demand, cost/benefit and environmental considerations and would include community consultation.

A community-based committee for the project envisages the development would deliver a new tourism and commercial precinct for Batemans Bay.

It would include a four- to five-star hotel, retail and commercial properties, a deep-water marina, boat storage facilities and other marine servicing infrastructure. 

The marine precinct would be located at the northern end of Corrigans Beach, near the existing rock wall.

It is hoped the deep-water marina would attract small and large cruise ships to the area.

Eurobodalla Shire Council will now write to Bega MP Andrew Constance advising him of its support for an application for funding of a study for the deep-water marina.