Published: 6 June 2024

Developments, safe roads and skateparks were some of the topics discussed at the monthly Councillor Catch Up at Broulee Surf Lifesaving Club on Wednesday 22 May.

Councillors in attendance were: Mayor Mathew Hatcher, Tanya Dannock and Anthony Mayne.

Councillors sat in the sunshine and heard concerns from the community as well as some lovely ideas.

One community member wanted to express her concerns over developments in the Broulee and Mossy Point areas. Previously from Canberra, she moved to Broulee for the lifestyle.

“I don’t appreciate false advertising and the proposals of developers saying they will build ‘affordable housing’ when we all know new housing in Broulee won’t be affordable,” she said.

She was also worried Broulee’s water and sewer infrastructure won’t cope with a population increase.

Prior to any developments being approved, for larger developments, Council undertakes water and sewer modelling to determine impacts on existing water and sewer infrastructure.

In some cases, more infrastructure is needed to increase the capacity of the existing network. For example, back in 2021 a new regional sewage pumping station and sewer rising main were built near Captain Oldrey Reserve and along George Bass Drive. This was required to cater for the new homes at the southern end of Broulee.

Council’s toilet strategy and artwork in public places was also mentioned in conversation.

“It would be great to see some mural artwork of gang gangs on public toilets,” the community member said.

The conversation swung back to developments as a gentleman arrived to chat with councillors.

Anthony Mayne referred to Council’s housing strategy which is currently on exhibition: “it’s about having that discussion on going up, not spreading out and to find that balance in density so our bushlands can stay as is.”

The gentleman replied: “I am a Nimby and I don’t want to see structures from the beach and don’t want to be shaded out by huge townhouses.”

Mayor Hatcher asked: “Well where do we put people? What do we do, instead of stopping things?”

Councillor Mayne and Mayor Hatcher continued to talk about Council’s housing strategy and to focus density in CBD areas. Read more and have your say on Council’s website.

“More people living in our main towns is great for livening up the CBDs.” Mayor Hatcher said.

Mayor Hatcher also mentioned the draft Batemans Bay Masterplan currently being prepared, which proposes new height limits to appeal to developers.

Meanwhile Councillor Dannock was speaking to a family about pedestrian safety near St Peters.

The family said a safer and more practical crossing and pathway was needed near Foodworks towards St Peters.

“A lot of kids cross the road there and during school hours; it’s a nightmare,” the community member said.

Council is aware of the traffic congestion during school hours and is seeking funding for a roundabout at the intersection of George Bass Drive and Train Street.

However, a new pathway was not yet on the cards but something that could be considered in Council’s pathway strategy, to be revised for 2024-25.

The family spoke with Councillor Dannock about the Broulee skate bowl and whether “new life could be breathed into the area”.

“It would be great to have something for all ages; Captain Oldrey playground is for younger kids and the bowl is for much older and experienced - it would be great to see it improved for all ages – something multipurpose,” the resident said.

“There could be outdoor gym equipment that could feed into our surf club,” another resident added.

“It would be great to see some community gardens too,” Councillor Dannock said.

The ideas kept flowing and Councillor Dannock said she would advocate for improvements to the recreational space, which is a short walk to South Broulee Beach.

Another topic at the catch up was Tomakin Road. A resident asked why brand-new sections of the road’s surface deteriorated so quick.

The community member was frustrated and said to councillors: “I know rain may have compromised the construction, but professionals should know how to work around the weather to create a quality and safe road in the first place.”

Mayor Hatcher followed up with Council’s director of infrastructure who said the road pavement wasn’t favourable for resealing work, however, a decision was made to do the work anyway ahead of the forecasted rain.

Unfortunately, as predicted, sections of the road that was patched and sealed ended up with potholes. If the seal had not been done, the impact would have been far worse – requiring more time to rework a larger portion at greater expense and impact on road users.

In other news, the NSW Government recently allocated additional funding for councils to fix problem roads. These funds will contribute to Council’s roads program.

Council’s director of infrastructure also responded to the councillor’s request to inspect both Moruya and Nelligen wharves.

At the catch up, a community member told councillors: “the coping was done badly at Moruya and Nelligen wharves”.

An inspection took place, and a defect was discovered on Moruya Town Wharf which is now scheduled for repair.

The final Councillor Catch Up before caretaker period will be held at Bodalla Bakery on Wednesday 19 June, 10.30am – 12.30pm.

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