Community meeting held at Beauty Point

A meeting was held adjacent to the Beauty Point Boat Ramp yesterday (21 August) to discuss proposed improvements to the area.

Approximately 30 people participated in the discussion that was facilitated by Bega Valley Shire Council staff in response to strong community interest.

Council’s Director Assets and Operations, Anthony McMahon, said the meeting was very positive.

“Everyone was respectful of each other’s perspectives and it provided the opportunity to dispel a few myths that had been starting to circulate in the community. Namely that there hasn’t been anyone actively trying to prevent the boat ramp improvements from happening, nor has there been anyone aiming to unnecessarily negatively impact on the adjoining reserve,” Mr McMahon said.

As a consequence of the meeting Council staff have committed to developing an alternate option that still meets key boat user needs, but also reduces impacts on the reserve area.

This alternate design would need to be endorsed by the funding and other approval bodies, however given it still meets all of the original objectives and would result in reduced environmental impacts, it is expected to receive support.

Council has awarded the tender for the boat ramp related aspects of the project, which have been broadly supported by the community, while the works in and around the adjoining reserve will form a separate package of work.

“The final delivery schedules for both aspects of the work will be confirmed once all relevant permits are in place and obviously once the design for the reserve related aspects of the project are finalised,” Mr McMahon said.

Photograph: The Beauty Point Boat Ramp and adjoining reserve are set to for upgrades in the near future.