23 April 2004

BATEMANS BAY MARINA RE-DEVELOPMENT

Click here to see approximate layout diagram

Batemans Bay is one of the fastest growing areas on the NSW south coast, attracting new residents from Canberra, Sydney and parts of Victoria. During the holiday periods this population shift is compounded by the arrival of a large number of tourists, placing increasing pressure on existing resources. The Department of Lands has responsibility for Batemans Bay Marina, which was created some 25 years ago and now provides moorings for 133 vessels. The popularity of boating in this region is placing additional strain on the limited supply of existing boating facilities, particularly marina berths. In recent years the Department of Lands has received a number of requests from the community to both improve the standard of facilities within the existing marina, to establish moorings in the eastern portion of the boat-harbour and to allow some development within Rotary Park.

In December 2003, the Department of Lands held a Planning Focus Meeting-in Batemans Bay with other government agencies to identify what issues would need to be addressed if marina expansion was to be taken further. Following this meeting a preliminary concept was prepared outlining the total area which may- be affected.

The Batemans Bay Marina Redevelopment involves' the provision of additional mooring- facilities within the existing boat- harbour and the construction of port-related commercial facilities in Rotary Park.

The Waterway Improvements as shown in Figure 1 may either be carried out in several stages or as one, extending from Rotary Park to, the Coachhouse Marina Resort. The mooring configuration for the marina has not been finalised but may increase the capacity to cater for up to 350 vessels. Dredging of the sandflats is necessary but depending on the final design some areas may be preserved.

Figure 2 presents the changes proposed within Rotary Park to service the Marina Re-development. The carparking will be increased to accommodate approximately 200 vehicles and the vessel servicing area may be expanded. A building envelope for port related uses is shown and consists of one or more buildings within the "L" shaped boundaries of the envelope. The height of these buildings has not been fixed and may be up to two storeys. The type of activities permitted in these buildings would range from booking offices for diving and fishing, boating club facilities, to cafes and restaurants.

The Department of Lands is now inviting comments from the community on the proposed Batemans Bay Re-development. Under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act the changes to the marina would require development consent and involve the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). All comments will be considered by the Department in further developing any proposal. Concerns raised would be addressed in the EIS submitted in the subsequent development consent process. All comments should be in writing and forwarded to the address below by the 14th May 2004:

The Minor Ports Program
Department of Lands
PO Box 2185
DANGAR NSW 2309

[From Bay Post 21 April 2004]