Take caution when you use the Batemans Bay Clyde River

The northern boat ramp at Old Punt road has not been maintained for months and is clogged with sand so only use it if you have a 4X4 vehicle. There are only two trailer parking spots available while the rest are taken by construction work which is fenced off. The surround is littered with pipes and construction vehicles.

The Southern boat ramp is open but the parking is limited to about 8 trailer spots and usually clogged with subcontractors work vehicles. The construction site is fenced right into the park. Now enclosed with advertising material.

But there is more.

The utilities work on the north shore will continue in January and disrupt the boat ramp and surrounds. A temporary boat ramp will be built to the east of the bridge on the north shore at Kormers Park. It may have only one lane and no floating pontoons. There will be no place to secure your vessel after launch. The toilet block will stay open for some time.

We understand an open fish cleaning table will be provided but no wash down facilities. There will be no light.

To ensure the public's safety (“we take safety seriously”) the southern boat ramp will close to facilitate the major works which will include a large barge and the building of a delivery wharf for the cranes and barges to move material onto the water. This is a major construction operation.
In early March the northern Punt Road boat ramp will close and all launching facilities removed.
So what are we left with? A temporary boat ramp on the northern side with ONLY 13 trailer parks, no lights and no floating pontoons to secure your vessels.

Yes, you can use the private boat ramp at Hanging Rock. (The ramp falls within the lease of the Marina managed by the Sydney developers) The RMS has funded floating pontoons, wash down facilities and trailer space for up to 100 cars BUT you have to have open water safety equipment on your vessel if you leave the dock. Yes hundreds of dollars of extra equipment just to travel up the Clyde Rive to the safety of the enclosed water area.

BB Boater Association has requested a senior executive in Maritime to implement a waiver for this safety equipment requirement during the bridge construction. “That would not be possible”
So be warned if you see the maritime Safety Officer waiting at Hanging Rock and you want to go up the Clyde for a few fish for a feed, remember the fine for not having one item of safety equipment is a minimum of $250

There is more to come about speed, wash and distance off regulation but that can wait until the RMS barges arrive. Disobeying those regulations start at $500 if they can prove the offence.