Letters to the editor

Some walked from Moruya via mountain trails. The main power source was via a turbine or Pelton wheel (water-driven wheel) invented by American Lester Allan Pelton in the 1870s.

A dam is built at the first available height and used to store and and drop water through a 10 metre x 225 mm - (9 in) vertical flume pipe into a pressure nozzle.

The jet of water is directed onto a 1 metre diameter bladed or bucketed wheel. The power from this source was used to work the gravity or stamp mills. Most other work using winches etc, were hand-worked, as was the drilling for gelignite in excavating shafts and working the quartz reefs.

Water pressure from a flexible hose used in sluicing can easily 'bounce' a 2 tonne boulder aside. Gold ore was conveyed via a flying fox - usually no power was required other than gravity – but oil or diesel engines were used if finance was available. The force of nature was free.

A small group of adult-aged males have been seen stomping through and destroying small-bird nesting sites on Congo Beach.

Multiple protective barriers and signs have been ignored.

This is the first time in eight years that these tiny birds have returned to their historical nesting sites.

We’re a hamlet of 104 houses. These adult males played and learned to surf and fish at the beach – they still use it for their enjoyment.

What prevents them from respecting what they take for granted?

What motivates them to behave in this destructive way?

Who do they think they are?

I write seeking an explanation as to why three quotes were not sought from consultants in regard to the Mackay Park development – a mandatory requirement of Eurobodalla Shire Cuncil’s Code of Practice for Procurement.

I would also like to know why submissions on the draft concept plan were not sought from the community.

Such a large expensive development impacts all ratepayers, as we will be paying for future ongoing costs whether we utilise the facility or not.

It would rate Level 4 or 5, High Impact in council’s Community Engagement Framework(CEF).

I believe many of the principles of the CEF have not been met.

For example:

In regard to the letter to schools seeking support for grant funding, that did not include the concept plan – “Did participants get all the information they needed to provide meaningful input?”(CEF)

It has come to our attention that some community members are not aware that the Mackay Park Precinct redevelopment includes hydrotherapy, learn-to-swim, splash park, water slide, leisure and lap pool water bodies, which we support wholeheartedly.

What we do not support is the replacement of a 50-metre pool with a 25-metre pool. Our community needs a 50-metre pool. We do not need a 25-metre pool that will limit access to all pool user groups.

We refute ongoing claims by Eurobodalla Shire Council that they have conducted a proper process with the community during consultation for the Mackay Park Precinct re-development.

The council’s 187 responses from the community to support the 25-metre pool is highly questionable. Firstly, to our knowledge, these responses were in relation to Expressions of Interest regarding the development of the (former) bowling club site – not the swimming complex. 

Secondly, when letters were sent to the Batemans Bay Swimming Club and local schools by the council for a request for endorsement of the Aquatic Centre, the swimming club and schools were not informed beforehand that a 25-metre pool would replace the 50-metre pool.

For many, this information was not discovered until the weeks leading up to the Extraordinary Council meeting on August 29.

Fight for Batemans Bay’s 50m pool

@fightforthe50