A Game Changer for the Bay CBD

 The BB Boaters Association has been working for more than two years to enhance the Bay waterfront and turn the focus from the retail space toward the water and the Bay. See the document :” A Game Changer for the Bay CBD”

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ovdF9Spd9WJfyIaztQwaCIZaG6N5EDYx/view?usp=sharing

We understand that last week John Holland was contracted by either Transport for NSW, Crown Lands or Maritime to undertake test drills in the proposed location of the floating pontoons in preparation for the final design and construction of these floating pontoons adjacent to the CBD.

This is a big win for the boaters, fishers and kayakers of the Bay. We may finally get the facilities to activate and access our pristine waterways.

Have and will we be consulted on the design of this marine infrastructure? We doubt it. Will it look like the dogs breakfast of the last design with an on-ramp that will crush an inquisitive child between it and the concrete pontoon?

There appear to be more questions than communicated answers.

Last week Eurobodalla Shire Council release the BB Draft MasterPlan and Activation Strategy for the waterfront for comment.

The plan may be viewed here https://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/.../draft-batemans-bay.... You have until 4:30 28 July 2020 to give feedback.

The Association will be highlighting the good ideas and the fundamental flaws in this plan in many more articles over the coming days.

The question is where will you launch your vessel to use these facilities if Council removes the Southern Clyde River boatramp currently west of the bridge? See Map 2 of plan.

The northern Old Punt Road boatramp is currently closed and is not expected to be enhanced when the bridge is completed so that leaves Hanging Rock boatramp which is the only option. The water component is within the Crown Land Lease managed by some Sydney Developers and conflicts with the proposed Coach House Re-development. The former could close the ramp tomorrow or charge you to launch your vessel.

Cruise to Fiji but not Queensland

You can sail to Fiji but not to Queensland

Fiji Maritime borders open to Foreign Flagged vessels

Prime Minister of Fiji announced that as of 19 June 2020 maritime borders will be open for foreign flagged vessels.

There are however strict conditions to follow to ensure entry.

Fiji will be establishing safe ‘blue lanes‘, open to those yachts and pleasure crafts sailing to Fiji. Any boat coming to Fiji will be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis. The only port of entry will be Port Denarau Marina. If this pilot project is successful, extending blue lanes to other ports and marinas will be considered.

Those eligible to sail to Fiji fall under two categories, both of which will require them to be tested in another country before departing.

If their journey to Fiji will take 14 days or longer uninterrupted at sea, once they dock in Fiji and show proof of a negative test result, everyone on board will be screened by the Ministry of Health for symptoms. If they’re deemed to be healthy, their yacht will be allowed to freely visit other ports throughout Fiji.

Alternatively, those with a journey at sea shorter than 14 days will be required to make up the difference in quarantine once they dock in Fiji at their own cost. So, say they spend eight days alone at sea –– they will then be required to pay for six days of quarantine in Fiji, after which they can be cleared by a negative test result, also at their own cost.

New Caledonia is still closed so it will have to be a direct sail of about 12 days.

All visitors must download the careFIJI App to enter the country.

This comes from Denarau Marina

https://www.denaraumarina.com/category/news/

Batemans Marine Park Advisory Committee

 Batemans Marine Park Advisory Committee had their third meeting today via Zoom.

Major housekeeping issues were discussed after an interesting second meeting. The issue of the Chairperson is still on the table but hopefully it will be resolved in two weeks.

A wide range of representatives sit on the Committee including Council who have a permanent seat. While other members do not actually represent an organisation they come from interest groups such as Commercial Fishing, Tourism, Marine Conservation and of course Recreational Fishing and Boating.

When it is appropriate the public's input will be added to the conversation however if you have a local issue or point of view contact one of the names on the list to ensure your voice may be heard.

https://www.marine.nsw.gov.au/.../batemans-marine-park