Labor Shadow Minister for Crown Lands Ms Tara Moriarty MLC visited Batemans Bay to view for herself some of the issues confronting fishers and boaters. Accompanying her were the Vice President of the Recreational Fishing Alliance Max Castle and President of the BB Boaters Association.
The Liberal Minister for Crown Lands initiated a report submitted four years ago to the Department outlining more than 50 non-compliance issue covering safety, fire and electrical non-conformity at the marina. The Department has since commissioned three external engineering report and one internal report arising from the Associations 6,500 word submission.
In June 2020 the Department still would not confirm that all the issues have been addressed and that the marina is safe for the public to use. The ongoing safety and non-compliance issues at the Marina were explained to the Shadow Minister as was the lack of response from the local Liberal Minister. The Department of Crown Land's conduct has been brought into question.
The opening of the northern shore boat ramp at old Punt Road for river users has, even during the first week, not been a great success with a river punt sinking in the rough and unsuitable conditions as it traversed the channel from Hanging Rock to the middle reaches of the Clyde River. If it was not for the quick actions of one of the public to alert the police and Marine Rescue the two occupants may well have been swept out to sea clinging to their upturned vessel. Hanging Rock boat ramp is not a suitable launching location for low free-board river vessels. The movement of the smooth water limits to the end of the break-wall was only implemented so John Holland could claim that an alternative boatramp was available to boaters and fishers. Thankfully the current disaster did not turn into a tragedy.
Shadow Minister stated it was a productive meeting covering many issues involving the use of Crown Lands along the CBD foreshore. She was concerned about the safety at the BB Marina and the lack of response by the Department.
The removal of the Clyde Street boat ramp also located on Crown Lands, while a local issue managed by Council would require Crown Lands involvement and the Minister’s approval. She will be following the final recommendation which are likely to again come before Council next month.
The Recreational Fishing Alliance and the Boaters will be consulting widely as these issues develop. Does the closing of the boatramps west of the bridge impact you?
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