Open letter to councillors on community centre
We have heard from our U3A committee that there is a possibility that you will be voting this month on the future use of the Batemans Bay Community Centre, that you may let the Centre to one organisation for two years. This would preclude the use by other organisations, such as U3A and Meals on Wheels. Surely this must be allowed to be used by the whole community? This is what it was built for, and with some public contribution.
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If one organisation requires a space for two years, there is ample empty office space to be had. We strongly object to the centre being closed to local organisations for such a period.
Dr T Brian Hall and Gillian Hall
Surf Beach
'Not Canberra's playground'
Eurobodalla Shire Council's proposed upgrade of the western foreshore is yet another demonstration of its total disregard for not only Bateman's Bay's history and heritage but for the primary industry around which this town was built.
The proposal involves the removal of the existing boat ramp, which is heavily used by not only recreational fishers but by oyster farmers. In its place we are to have a "unique space with multiple play opportunities". What importance is accorded people's livelihoods in this proposal? We are to lose our Olympic pool to make way for a waterslide wonderland for the amusement of tourists and now another facility much used by both locals and tourists is to be swallowed up and turned into a playground.
Successive councils over decades have trashed the Bay's heritage in order to make way for largely unoccupied shops and apartment buildings in the name of tourism, with the result that in 2020 the economy of the town was devastated by firstly bushfire and now COVID-19. To continue to prioritise tourism as the town's number-one industry and ignore the primary industry that was the foundation stone of the town, is short sighted. To think this year's bushfires and pandemic are one-off events is naive.
Batemans Bay has a unique history that should be protected and our few remaining heritage sites preserved, instead of which we are being treated by council, yet again, as Canberra's playground.
Amanda Wray
Guerilla Bay
'Not goodbye, just au revoir'
Over the past 13 years, the Eurobodalla Renal Support Group and Organ Donor Awareness have presented our "Find Out Friday" promoting awareness and education of kidney health and organ donor registration, plus health matters and local inclusive events.
It is with a great deal of sadness, yet necessary at this time, to advise that due to the coronavirus pandemic we shall not be in The Bridge Plaza Batemans Bay each Friday until further notice.
We have greatly appreciated all the support from local media and businesses we have received. Through this, we have been able to achieve some outstanding community engagement results.
To the management and staff from The Village Centre and Bridge Plaza, plus Kait Moore from Mallspace: we thank you. Thanks, also, for providing the locations that support the many non-profit volunteer community groups.
At this point there is no vaccine for COVID-19 and until there is we will be doing our community health and wellbeing advocacy a little differently.
We have a Facebook page you are welcome to like at Eurobodalla Renal Support Group & Organ Donor Awareness.
Visit www.donatelife.gov.au for organ and tissue donor information and to register as a donor.
Visit www.kidney.org.au for kidney health information.
We have been most fortunate to have met so many great people during the past 13 years and we have made some friends.
Thank you - one and all - for all your support, take good care of yourself and each other.
But I'll tell you all something: we'll be back!
