At present there are two or three spaces adjacent to the Information Office and one, possibly two opposite Albert Ryan Park.

Caravaners will readily tell you that the easier it is to park, the more likely they are to stop and explore, shop or use available facilities.

As Batemans is approximately two hours from Canberra (morning tea) and four hours from southern Sydney (lunch) it is an obvious place to break a trip.

There is space in Albert Ryan Park for pull in, drive out parking, in front of the toilet block – an easy walk to the CBD.

The development proposal for the old bowling club area in McKay Park could easily be designed to provide several parking spaces for caravans and boats, again an easy walk to CBD.

With many businesses in the CBD catering for tourists, extra, easy parking for towing vehicles can only increase their trade and income.

I would like to make a special appeal to landlords in the Eurobodalla Shire to accept tenants with pets.

As a volunteer with an animal welfare organisation, I frequently see the heartbreak of people who have to surrender their pets because they cannot find pet-friendly rental accommodation.  

With increases in property prices in recent years, large numbers of people have been forced onto the rental market; it seems doubly cruel, having denied them the opportunity to own their own home, to then deprive them of the joy and companionship of a pet.  

Even sadder are the situations where people are fleeing domestic violence, and take the family pet with them for fear of the animal's safety, only to find that there is nowhere they can go where their pet can accompany them.  

I am asking all landlords: think before you say no. Give it a try. You might just find the best tenants ever!

At the recent meeting of the Batemans Bay Indoor Aquatic Centre Committee, Lindsay Usher and Warren Sharpe, from Eurobodalla Shire Council, updated members regarding development of the proposed aquatic and arts centre.

Lindsay Usher, ESC Director of Planning and Sustainability, reported that the council has applied for a federal government grant to supplement the $26m state grant.

The council received several Expressions of Interest and has sent tender documents to four of these. On receipt of these, the council will put them out for community consultation.

The current proposal is for a 25 m x 10-lane pool. In response to questions about the existing pool, Mr Sharpe, (infrastructure director) explained it had structural issues requiring expensive maintenance, the lanes were not compliant, it did not have full accessibility, and the quality of the water circulation was not up to current standards.

The committee held a stall at Bunnings on May 10 for Mother’s Day  and the raffle was drawn on Saturday, May 12 in the Village Centre. The next stall will be at the centre on Saturday, June 23.

A Pre-Loved Fashion Parade of clothes (sizes XS to XL) will be held at 2pm on Saturday, June 3, at Club Catalina. Entry is $5 and the beautiful clothes and accessories will be available at bargain prices.