Being a volunteer that participated in the flying fox dispersal programme, I would like to thank Jason and his team that controlled and supervised all of us that took part. They are a great bunch of people and so enjoyable to work alongside with. If it means that the residents that were affected by the bats the most now have a quality of life that we all enjoy, then it was well worth the effort. 

Can anyone please tell me the rationale behind Eurobodalla Council’s purchase of the defunct Batemans Bay Bowling Club site? Following the purchase, Council sought Expressions of Interest for its development, which suggests to me council had no initial real plans to support the purchase. The “Streaker’s Excuse that it seemed a good idea at the time” is not valid. Council has upped rates to very high levels, and should not be spending on such speculative projects. Seems to me the financial geniuses who “invested” ratepayers’ funds in Lehman Brothers some years ago are still active in council ranks. I see another big loss coming with this exercise.

I had some time to spare in Batemans Bay recently so I took a walk around to enjoy the ocean views,  see how council’s works program in the Bay is progressing and talk to some new and old business owners. If you haven’t been for a walk around the Bay lately I encourage you to take the time to visit. From the joint efforts of council and with funding support from the NSW Government, you can now stroll along a pathway from the revamped Korners Park around to Punt Road Reserve with its upgraded boatramp and carpark, and then use the new set of stairs to the bridge and walk across to the CBD. I chatted with locals and visitors using the new facilities and was proud to hear how popular these new areas are. Back in the CBD the improvements in busy Perry Street make the area more attractive. The new footpath and garden beds and the relocation of signs and street light poles provide more space for pedestrians, which will help to improve trading for the shops and businesses. Out of sight but no less important for Batemans Bay is the work council has completed under Beach Road installing new box culverts to control drainage near the Soldiers Club. The big improvements planned for the road at Hanging Rock near the Library have started and plans include a new roundabout and crossing to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety. A new surface on the Hanging Rock rugby union field has improved the game, and players and spectators will also soon have better parking and accessibility.  And at Corrigans Reserve, the new inclusive playground is about to become a reality.

Then to the most exciting project that Batemans Bay has seen in my time in council which of course is the redevelopment of the former Batemans Bay Bowling Club site. Being able to purchase this strategically important gateway site on behalf of the Batemans Bay and wider Eurobodalla community has been a stand out moment in my capacity as mayor and one that I worked hard to achieve. With your support and input, I will continue to drive this project, and others that will help Batemans Bay establish itself as a thriving regional centre in Southern NSW, and a top of mind holiday destination.

Contact me at mayor@esc.nsw.gov.au or phone 0418 279 215.