Personal Water Craft (Jet skis)
If you have something to say about jet skis now is the time. These craft are not popular with most other users of the Shire's waterways but Council says its hands are tied and regulation of PWCs is Waterways' responsibility.

After some heated deputations and discussion Council's Works and Facilities committee decided to place the recommendations on Personal Watercraft Use in Eurobodalla Shire and the minutes from the Advisory Commitee on public exhibition for 8 weeks. Recommendations will be sent to Waterways after Council has considered the submissions.

Some information is available on a PDF file on the ESC website

Community Land
Council proposed to reclassify Community Land at Broulee and adjacent to Hanging Rock boat ramp, Batemans Bay. Coastwatchers joined local communities in objecting strongly to the reclassifications and sales.

Council subsequently decided not to reclassify the land in Broulee. However it deferred a decision on the Hanging Rock land until 10 February 2004. This was to allow the owners of the Coachouse Resort (who wish to purchase the land) to receive a summary of the submissions received by Council and to give them the opportunity to have further dialogue with the Hanging Rock Action Group or any other concerned residents.

Airstrip, Horse Island, Tuross Lakes
After enquiring about earthworks for an airstrip on the Island we were advised that Council subsequently inspected the site and a DA was then lodged and later approved. Council believes that the site is now adequately bunded to cope with run-off. On Tues 16 Dec Council's planning committee will have to determine if use of the strip by aircraft is designated development and so need an EIS.

The report recommends that it not be regarded as designated development because the strip will only be used by private light aircraft and there will probably be no more flights than the soon to be replaced private seaplane which used Tuross Lakes. It also recommends that the DA for use by aircraft go on public exhibition and be advertised in the newspaper (Bay Post).

ESC garden plantings
Coastwatchers asked Council why Agapanthus ( an exotic that invades seaside reserves and bushland) was planted on the reserve at Moruya River, near the hospital. We suggested that suitable native species should be used on public land. The reply was not very encouraging. Council considers it "appropriate to plant and promote a wide variety of suitable native and exotic species to provide a diversity of vegetation in parks and recreation areas". The Agapanthus will stay.

Rifle range update
Council washed its hands of the Batemans Bay shooting complex problems and asked noise-affected neighbours and the shooters' association to try mediation. The shooters agreed that their activities were too noisy and said they would investigate methods and funding to build and insulate a new firing line. The solution is still a long way off.

However, safety and pollution issues are not part of the mediation. Coastwatchers' attempts to obtain information have been ignored. Andrew Constance MP and Lee Rhiannon (Greens MLC) are pursuing the government for answers. Meanwhile people on the nearby creek risk being hit by stray bullets and the range (and probably downstream waters) continue to be polluted by shotguns

Waste Management
Council intends to introduce kerbside recycling next year. This may not be as good as it sounds as it is expensive, and it lets manufacturers off the hook as far as accepting responsibility for their packaging and products. Unless residents and visitors are better at recycling than other Australians a large proportion of the "recycling" collection could end up in landfill due to contamination with inappropriate materials, such as a Pyrex dish in a load of glass.
Coastwatchers needs help to monitor recycling results and other aspects of the Shire's waste management.

CHARCOALITION REFUND RECIPIENTS
Wind up of the Fund is dragging on because some people who requested refunds have still not presented their cheques. If you or a friend have such a refund please deposit it or, if your bank will allow, make it over to a worthy cause of your choice.

There may be a few people who think they made a claim but did not receive a cheque - please phone Kerrie-Anne Benton (02) 4471 7403 or email oaksranch@bigpond.com.