Draft Batemans Bay Waterfront Draft Master Plan and Activation Strategy

 Submission to the Draft Batemans Bay Waterfront Draft Master Plan and Activation Strategy

From The Batemans Bay Boaters Association inc Committee and the majority of the Members

Below is the Associations submission to Keep the Clyde Street Boat Ramp Open. The balance of comment are contained in a further submission.

The Association has heard Council’s employees and the Mayor’s ongoing assertions that they took into consideration a wide range of opinions regarding the foreshore and particularly the area west of the current bridge. As a result of this input Council has published the Draft Batemans Bay Waterfront Draft Master Plan and Activation Strategy which clearly shows the removal of the Clyde Street Boat Ramp and the down grading and/or removal of the fishing platform and the scrapping of any floating pontoons associated with the T-wharf.

In your document and elsewhere Council justifies the “Community Consultation” at the Bay in November 2019 and a flawed survey from 85 respondents of unidentified residential locations and boat ownership status for the proposal to remove the boat ramp.

Statements such as “There were divided opinions…”, The boat ramp would be a“barrier to achieve an otherwise strong, attractive and safe activated waterfront.”, “Some boat users mentioned there are other boat ramps available”. These are the statement in your own document for justifying the removal of the boat ramp.

Yet on the same page you highlight “Transport for NSW (TfNSW) indicated they will not be removing the boat ramp at Clyde Street as part of the bridge replacement”.

Where are the facts, balance and logic for removal especially as the decision for removal would be in the hands of Transport for NSW and not Council.

The statement in your document “Remove the boat ramp replace with Hardstand area, artworks interpretation as per RMS proposal)” is a complete untruth. RMS has never made any statement regarding the removal of the boat ramp, quite contrary – this was pure deception.

This subterfuge of a survey to justify the removal of a public facility by way of a draft document to be adopted by Council with the purpose of achieving the outcome desired by Council staff is appalling conduct.

Water based representative Associations were invited to “consultation” meetings but their input and the thousand of members they represent was not acknowledged as a significant input to the proposed closing of the boat ramp and issues identified. The so called consultation with Oyster Growers was a pretence.

The Batemans Bay Boaters Association Inc questions the process, the survey and any counter argument for the closure of the boat ramp. It appears to be a complete misrepresentation. myopic and biased, boarding on lies.

This is now a question of truth and trust.

It is not about representative numbers which you don’t acknowledge but about Council – the GM, Director’s and employees written and spoken word. How can we ever believe what is said and written when you go ahead and endorse a draft document so far from what has been previously stated it appears to be a sick inappropriate joke.

How can the Community ever trust Councils word? This episode has permanently damaged the trust we have in your actions. There are many Associations, fishing clubs and individuals who are now questioning why they should ever bother participating in your sham consultation process, let alone your written word.

I have set out below the facts - statements made by Council and Government Departments for the retaining of the boatramp, fishing platform and the enhancement/removal of the T-wharf. It makes for eye watering reading!

Batemans Bay Bridge Replacement Review of Environmental Factors Submissions Report - Roads and Maritime Services | May 2018

This REF document was open for comment in December 2017. RMS received 71 direct submissions while Council received 10 detailed submissions. These came from individuals, businesses and community groups. They cover a fairly narrow scope of issues such as the proposed low height of the bridge, the boat ramps, T-wharf, foreshore design plus traffic flows.

The relevant issues identified including those in Council’s own submission and RMS responses are as follows:

Page 20 “The southern foreshore boat ramp would be retained. Other facilities such as picnic tables and fish cleaning tables would be retained or replaced. The northern boat ramp may be required to be removed and replaced to the east, if directly affected. Roads and Maritime would continue to consult with the community, Council and DPI (Fisheries) regarding the foreshore works, particularly on those items that project into the river.”

“The replacement T Wharf would be installed at the same location as the existing structure, …”

Council’s Draft Submission to Roads and Maritime Services Environmental Assessment Concept Design for the Proposed Batemans Bay Bridge December 2017

Page 22 “Upgrade of the existing NSW Government owned T-wharf to permit greater access to the Batemans Bay CBD from the water, including if practicable provision to meet accessibility requirements.”

“Council wishes to retain the local boat ramp on the southern side of the Clyde River as it provides an important access point to the Clyde River.”

Page 23 “The use of the rockwall protrusion at the existing southern abutment would provide a suitable location for a fishing platform to offset the loss of the fishing currently undertaken off the existing bridge.”

Page 25 “The proposed new wharf structure to replace the NSW Government T-wharf is welcome and should be designed to facilitate improved boating access to the CBD by both commercial and recreational users.”

Batemans Bay project Urban Design and Landscape Plan 12 August 2019

This document clearly shows on Page 83 a diagram Southern Foreshore – Landscape Concept Plan the Clyde Street Boat Ramp and trailer parking maintained.

On page 101 “Retain the existing boat ramp and the heritage punt”

These points are further emphasised with Drawings on page 103, 106.110

“Upgrade the existing pontoons along the promenade to include a T-shaped floating structure with Gangway.”

“A fishing and viewing platform in the location and of the general shape of the existing BB Bridge abutment” along with detailed design and diagrams and sketches.

In contrast Councils Draft Foreshore document Map 2:

Submission to Transport for NSW Proposed Foreshore Plans Batemans Bay Bridge Prepared in consultation with Council 12 July 2019

Section 3. Boating Facilities

Council acknowledges the inclusion of the existing boat ramp facilities in Clyde Street west and Old Punt Road consistent with Council’s previous submissions on the Batemans Bay bridge. We also acknowledge the minor increase in boat and trailer parking.

Clyde Street West

The turning area should be checked to ensure manoeuvrability. The ramp and all features should be restored to Council’s satisfaction following the works.

Proposed T-wharf upgrade

We welcome the decision to upgrade this NSW Government owned and operated facility to incorporate two additional large floating pontoons either side of the existing concrete T-wharf as advocated by Council.

This apparent advocacy turns out to be bunkum with subterfuge, secret meetings and deals regarding the T-Wharf.

On the Eurobodalla Shire own web site at the following location we found:

Batemans Bay Bridge - related works

While plans were being finalised for the new bridge we advocated to the NSW Government and they have agreed to:

• retain the ramp and boat parking on the southern side of the Clyde River
• provide a ramp with a modest increase in boat parking on the northern side of the Clyde River
• provide a fishing platform on the southern side of the river
• upgrade the NSW Government-owned T-wharf (east of the existing bridge) with the addition of two large pontoons to service commercial operations, cruise ship tenders and to improve access to the CBD by recreational vessels.

On 20 July 2018 Warren Sharpe - Director Infrastructure Services wrote to the Vice President Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW with the following commitments:

Batemans Bay bridge and related works

This project had the potential to adversely impact boating facilities on the Clyde River. Council has advocated to the NSW Government and Roads & Maritime Services and achieved agreement to the following:

a) Retention of the ramp and boat parking on the southern side of the Clyde River

b) Provision of a ramp with a modest increase in boat parking on the northern side of the Clyde River

c) Provision of a platform on the southern side of the river suitable for use by fishermen

d) Provision of a replacement for the existing NSW Government owned T-wharf (immediately east of the existing bridge) with improved accessibility.

These works will be provided at the full cost of the NSW Government as part of the bridge project. The RMS is responsible for the preparation of detailed designs of these facilities and has committed to engage with Council and the community prior to works proceeding.

Again this apparent advocacy turns out to be false.

The first boat ramp to be closed on the Clyde River

BB T-wharf to be removed?

 Great to see young people fishing off the current T-wharf on the Batemans Bay Waterfront. Just imagine if they had a purpose built fishing platform That idea appears to have been removed in Councils current Draft Waterfront Master Plan.

Boating Now Grants

The Batemans Bay Boaters welcomes the Minister’s announcement of investment in marine infrastructure in the Eurobodalla. The $1.1 million is an added bonus to all the community especially as the major components are tourist based facilities such as a new tap, signage, curbing and more street lights at the boat ramp areas.

The Bega Shire get $1.36 million for just two projects, both of which are actual three lane boat ramps.

Hanging Rock “Boat Ramp” gets improved pavements and the surfacing of the wash down area. Marine Rescue receive an extension to their exclusive facilities with an added floating pontoons in their on-water area.

This spending of boaters licence fees at Hanging Rock is taking place in the lease area of the BB Marina managed by the Sydney development company. The issue is why is the State Government investing in a privately managed lease for the obvious benefit of the lease holders who may close that section of the marina tomorrow, just like they did for the other boat ramp and wharf located in the marina precinct. See attached Photo.

The upgraded classed as a “new” boat ramp at Brieley’s place next to the Moruya River airport has questionable value because it is in very shallow waters behind a sand bank and a difficult passage to the river and almost impossible to the river mouth and open sea.

The question who put in these applications and what consultation took place with the real on-water boaters and fishers is again raised. This lack of real consultation by the Shire has again come to the fore with the release of the Batemans Bay Waterfront Master Plan & Activation Strategy currently out for comment.

The firestorm of outrage over the proposed closure of the Clyde Street Boat Ramp should have given the Mayor Liz Innes and Councillor Jack Tait, who attended today’s announcement, a very clear warning that any participation at such an announcement would be greeted with a high level of scepticism.

The Association trust that if the local print and TV media were at the announcement they would have asked “What happened to the Clyde Street Boat Ramp and why did the Minister not clarify the issue and promise to spend no money in taking away this vital piece of marine asset used by locals and visitor for many years in the past.” We await their breathless praise of the spending of boaters money on tourist facilities.

If you haven't as yet sent in a response to the foreshore activation plan please do so because submissions close on Tuesday 28 July 2020.

Just click the link here

https://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/inside-council/contacts/feedback-form?title=Draft%20Batemans%20Bay%20Waterfront%20Masterplan%20and%20Activation%20Strategy

Liz Innes the current Mayor of Eurobodalla posted on Facebook regarding the Eurobodalla’s proposal to close the Clyde Street Boat ramp as part of Councils Batemans Bay Waterfront Master Plan & Activation Strategy currently out for comment.

Liz Innes Quote: Boat ramp should stay

I’m a girl from a fishing family and I’ve lived on the Clyde River all my life. I want the boat ramp near the bridge left where it is. It’s a well-used and well-loved piece of local infrastructure, and there’s no need to remove it at this stage. Let’s get on with the other foreshore works and get our town revitalised and pumping to its full potential. This is a fight we really don’t need to have.

https://www.facebook.com/max.../posts/1400945003448058

One of the many responses on social media was: Liz Innes "A fight we really don't need to have" who started this? Your Council and the bureaucrats in Council who have refused to listen to the active users representatives. We tried in the BB Bridge Foreshore Advisory Committee and despite your and others secret deals we got RMS to state that the Clyde St Boat Ramp would stay open. Counci's own submissions state that it should be kept open.

Your current back flip is extraordinary but here again you qualify it by .."no need to remove it at this stage" Why at this stage? it should never be closed ever, ever full stop.

Come on respond and state openly: never ever closed.

Shire conducts a dubious survey - Batemans Bay Waterfront Master Plan

 Shire conducts a dubious survey to support their views of the Batemans Bay Waterfront Master Plan.

In August and then again in November 2019 the Council along with their appointed consultants conducted "consultations" with the public regarding the "emerging ideas, concepts and options" for the CBD waterfront.

It was supported by the normal glossy documents, marketing hype and superficial explanation of the impact on the residents and visitors to the Bay.

While some ideas put forward by the consultants – Inspiring Place have to be supported such as the floating pontoons, removal of footpath barriers in Clyde Street, the renovation of the Boatshed fish shop and the upgrade of the Mara Mia Walkway and lighting there are others that must be classified as just impractical thought bubbles.

Two example are the below water-level – glass floor light installation – wave sound – play feature just waiting for the first king tide coastal low to flood the area while people walking on it waiting to receive an electrical shock.

The next is “Youth Central” situated right under the new bridge on a concrete “hard surfaced space with multiple play opportunities: skating, basketball, table tennis, etc. in a colourful setting by the sea.” This will be unsupervised with dangerous corners and activities, let alone a location for graffiti and as currently used for sly grog consumption and the formation of an artificial shopping trolley reef in the Clyde river.

As part of the consultation a three page survey was available to anyone and did ask where the respondents lived but the analysis did not differentiate this distinction so an overseas visitor carries as much weight as a local ratepayer.

There were 24 questions with the normal range of options from strongly agree to strongly disagree. Some example of questions:

• Upgrade park to include native play space
• Native walk link to Mackay Park
• Upgrade Mara Mia Walkway

Now how many people would strongly disagree with that type of question? Non

But how about these questions?:

• Youth Central- multiple play opportunities, market space, interpretive art etc
• Retain the boat ramp and trailer park BUT (this would prevent Youth Central…)
• Remove the boat ramp replace with Hardstand area, artworks interpretation as per RMS proposal)- not available for inspection.

Are those question phrased to be balanced?

From the 16,000 residents of the Bay only 85 responses where received – we don't know how many, but more than one, was written by the Shire themselves.

The results: Q8 - To retain the boat ramp = 34 that is 41% strongly agreed to retain the boat ramp 26% unsure while 33% disagreed. Well what was the respondents residential address? - unknown

Q9 – the concrete hardstand “Youth Central” 59 % agreed to its construction.

That was the November 2019 survey. It seems to have shaped and justified the current Draft Waterfront Master Plan which is out for comment and discussion.

This is your opportunity to have your say regarding the removal of the Southern Clyde Street Boat Ramp because in the current document it is to be removed and not replaced.

The Boating Now funds received from boat owners licences which was used to build this marine facility is planned to be taken away for good. There is no offset, no replacement and no recompense to the boat owners.

Use the link below to respond to the Eurobodalla Shire Council’s response form. If you own a vessel or have access to a boat mention that in your response plus highlight if you own or have access to a local residence. This will force the Council to start to count the real people to consult as part of their implementation plan.

Six words is sufficient: Retain the Clyde St Boat Ramp.

The online submission https://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/inside-council/contacts/feedback-form?title=Draft%20Batemans%20Bay%20Waterfront%20Masterplan%20and%20Activation%20Strategy

Community expected to use unsafe boat facilities! - Old Punt Road

The following received from Vice President Recreational Fishing Association

The current proposal as indicated in Councils Foreshore Waterfront Plan is to close the river boat ramp at Lions Park which is located on the southern shore close to the CBD.

Those with smaller estuary craft will be expected to use the boat ramp on the north/western side of the Clyde River (Punt Road). This is currently closed during the construction of the new bridge This ramp will eventually reopened with a few extra car/trailer parking but the road access is difficult and impractical for vehicles with trailers. It just looks dodgy!

BUT! The biggest issue is the ramp itself because it is dangerous with the significant build-up of sand. There can be strong currents, and it is exposed to strong winds, especially southerly busters. Regular maintenance of the ramp does not occur.

Maritime have classified Punt Road as a poor example of a boat ramp not meeting their standards!

The oyster farmers have just become aware of the propose loss of the Lions Park ramp. They are outraged.

The sad and disappointing news is that Council does not support the provision of a wharf/pontoon at Punt Road boat ramp when it reopens! Furthermore it is in the shadow of the towering new bridge and right next to the northern in-water square bridge pier.

This is just one example of the very poor boating infrastructure provided by Council within the Shire. The photo of the existing Punt Road ramp is what we will get! What a disgrace!

The proposed toilets are located some considerable distance away situated next to the upgraded children's playground and located in Kroners’ Park! The popular Lions Park has toilets adjacent and new toilets are proposed. At this stage it is unsure if the current BBQ at Punt Road will remain!

The Lions Park gets a new toilet block but loses the existing boat ramp!

Kroners’ Park gets a new toilet block but not so Punt Road boat ramp!

It appears the Shire prefers toilet blocks to boat ramps!

No improvements proposed by Council – it is like launching off a beach - See photo

Put in a submission against this outrageous proposal at https://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/inside-council/contacts/feedback-form?title=Draft%20Batemans%20Bay%20Waterfront%20Masterplan%20and%20Activation%20Strategy