McKenzie Beach carpark on week days is often full. Over the vacation period it will be even worse.

The council seems to be making plenty of money out of booking people who park in the no-parking zones along George Bass Drive, as has been the case over a number of years.

Surely it's about time a larger carpark was built to cater for the ever increasing number of visitors.

The private land adjacent could be purchased or leased out over the December/January period and at Easter. This occurred years ago in town, when the primary school grounds on Perry St were used as a temporary carpark.

The private land on the southern side of the McKenzies beach carpark would be ideal.

My other concern is for Lilli Pilli beach. The old iron fence is a disgrace, as is the "new" beach access next to the pumping station.

The creek stinks and the beach area is a mess.

A bulldozer is needed to fix up the beach and surrounds.

I have lived here for 35 years and have never seen Lilli Pilli beach in a worse state.

Surely we owe our visitors a better deal when you consider the money they outlay to stay here - not to mention the ratepayers.

Does council have any plans to address these issues?

If so, what and when?

It seems alternate premises were not offered to the successful tenderers even though council has maintained these could provide alternate facilities for the current users.

Why not?

It also appears council is prepared to apply a discounted rental to the successful tenderer despite maintaining a market rental would apply.

The prospect of having to pay a market rental would put off other community groups from entering the tender process.

Why wasn't the opportunity for a discounted rental made clear to all from the outset?

Why all the panic to lease/sell off community assets to cover up the overrun of some $20 million on the construction of the MacKay Park development when councillors should have been aware of the funding shortage before approving the project?

Mind you, that $20 million is only the construction cost overrun.

The council is refusing to release the MacKay Park business case so we still don't know about the on-going costs associated with the BBRAALC's operation, expected to be some $3 million per annum more than before. Where are the numbers, councillors? Where is the true story?

Jeff de Jager, Coila

The Bay Post wishes our audiences and advertisers a very happy Christmas.

Thank you for your support and feedback through 2020.

Our region has faced the past year of challenges and change with courage, compassion and resilience. We are proud to be part of this amazing community.

Everyone here at the Bay Post wishes you and your family a safe and happy New Year.

This is the final printed edition of the newspaper for 2020, as the team here takes a well-earned break.

The newspaper will be back in print on Wednesday, January 6.

Local news coverage will continue throughout the holiday period at www.batemansbaypost.com.au