A flyer has also been distributed around the shire. 

In a report that went before council on April 12, Eurobodalla Shire Council director of planning Lindsay Usher said Albert Ryan Park could “provide development opportunities for medium density housing or tourist and visitor accommodation”. 

He said the funds from the sale of the land could be spent on infrastructure improvements throughout the shire.

“This land is currently under utilized, with its current primary use being the housing of a public toilet,” Mr Usher said in the report. 

The report recommends rezoning and reclassifying lots 10 and 11, which are at the Batehaven end of the park, and to seek feedback from the community before finalising a proposal. 

The council on Friday purchased the Batemans Bay Bowling Club site with $2.7 million of ratepayers money.

Trish Hellier, Coral Anderson, Stephen Dunne, Primi Thompson, history buff Myf Thompson and Robyn Debney want Albert Ryan Park kept as it is or improved, not sold.

Myf Thompson said she would be “distressed” if the area was rezoned. 

“When you stand where the old school house is now (The Olive Tree) and look down Beach Road, you can still see the shoreline and cliff face as it was 100 years ago,” she said.

“We are gradually losing all those things that link us to Batemans Bay as it was.

“More units and holiday accommodation does nothing for the history of the town or the welfare of the people who live here.”

Ms Hellier denied the park was “under utilized”. 

“I go past there quite often and there always appears to be people,” she said. 

“It is a place people can easily park to have a break and use the toilet.”

Mr Dunne said upgrading the chairs and tables in the park would attract more people to use the area. 

“That area has a lot of history and we can’t lose that,” he said.

Submissions on the reclassification of Albert Ryan Park close on May 13.