The council has engaged Eco Logical Australia to prepare a management plan for the gardens in consultation with a local steering committee and the wider community. 

Eco Logical’s Beth Medway said there were plenty of opportunities for locals to have their say.

“We will listen to the community’s needs and ideas, as well as provide information about some of the risks and the effectiveness of different management strategies,” she said.

“We strongly encourage everyone to be constructively involved in the consultation process so that we can develop the best approach to future management of the Water Gardens.”

Residents can complete an online survey until September 18.

It takes about five minutes to complete and can be found at www.flyingfoxengage.com/watergardens

Residents can also meet with the project team to discuss their views during any of the following times:

* Batemans Bay Village Centre, 1 Perry Street, Thursday, September 3, 10am to 3pm, Tuesday, September 8, 10am to 3pm and Tuesday, September 15, 10am to 3pm.

* Moruya Markets, Riverside Park on Saturday, September 5, 8am to 1pm, and

* Batemans Bay Community Centre, 2 Museum Place on Tuesday, September 8, 4pm to 7pm.

For details or to complete the survey, phone council on 4474 1000 or Eco Logical on 8536 8626 or email watergardens@ecoaus.com.au.