Eurobodalla Shire Council,
PO Box 99
MORUYA NSW 2537 18 November 2004

Attention Ms Purss

DRAFT PLAN OF MANAGEMENT FOR THE MORUYA CARAVAN PARK AND ADJACENT LAND
PLANS OF MANAGEMENT - OLD MORUYA CARAVAN PARK - 01.5728.P

Coastwatchers endorses the draft Plan of Management for the Old Moruya Caravan Park and adjacent land. We appreciate that the plan appears to be consistent with community expectations. It ensures that the reserves will provide open space for both active and passive recreational activities for the Moruya and other Eurobodalla communities, and for visitors.

Coastwatchers particularly endorses the proposal to fence off the grazing land and hopes this means the buffer zone between the grazing area and the wetland and Ryans Creek will also be fenced to keep animals out of the buffer. The fencing of the grazing area should be a matter of priority and be one of the first activities to take place. The establishment of a management committee for the grazing land , which included community and environmental/Landcare representatives, would help ensure that the land would be well maintained.

We also look forward to seeing implementation of the following proposals:

• Establishment of a community arts centre will give Moruya a focus that Narooma and Batemans Bay do not have. The sculptural garden and exhibition spaces will enhance this.
• An amphitheatre, to host a variety of outdoor events such as dramas, musical events and ceremonies, will complement the arts centre.
• The proposed regional performing and visual arts centre will be a great asset to Moruya in particular and Eurobodalla in general.

Coastwatchers would like to raise the following concerns:

• If the market area is to be used on a regular basis grass alone would not be sufficient as the ground surface. Choice of surface will need to have regard to drainage and any potential for polluting run-off.
• It would be a shame to see this valuable waterfront reserve gradually eaten up by roads and parking areas. Perhaps the market and boat ramp need to be reconsidered. Vehicle access to the designated market area for stall holders appears limited and so does parking space for boat trailers near the boat ramp.
• The walkway/cycle path adjacent to the river must be set back far enough to allow tree planting on both sides. Construction must be with minimal disturbance and leave the river bank well vegetated.
• The children's playground is in the middle of the view from the amphitheatre to the river. It would be more appropriate to move the playground to one side of the amphitheatre.
• Ryans Creek is tidal. Placement of the birdwatching tracks and hides should take account of high water levels, especially if higher tides combine with rain. Coastwatchers would prefer that people do not go into the wetland. Boardwalks can be a problem due to damage during construction, toxic leachates if treated pine is used, ongoing maintenance, and more litter being dropped in the wetland.
• Council will need to acknowledge that a project of this nature will require the commitment of an assured source of on-going fund to ensure that the park and garden areas are kept well maintained.

Our Association welcomes this Council initiative to ensure that community amenity and access to this land is enhanced for locals and visitors alike.

Jenny Edwards
Secretary,
The Coastwatchers Association Inc.