Foreshore plan, for sure!

On Tuesday 8 December, Eurobodalla’s councillors voted to adopt the Batemans Bay Waterfront Masterplan and Activation Strategy.

The Council’s director of planning Lindsay Usher said the plan positions the CBD foreshore as an inviting backdrop for Batemans Bay’s residents and visitors.

“We want people to stay longer. This plan provides a blueprint so local business can flourish and visitors come back year-round – and tell their friends – because there’s always something happening at the Bay,” Mr Usher said.

“We need an interesting, comfortable and safe environment that everyone can enjoy – big shady trees, better parking options, more seats, and easy access to the water. I can see the Clyde full of people, day and night, with all kinds of activities going on.

“There’s too many vacant shops. We need to change things up and get people to stop, spend and stay in Batemans Bay.”

The plan has been developed by Eurobodalla Council after extensive discussions with local community groups, business and tourism enterprises, landholders, and planning experts.

Council’s strategic planning officer Angie Radford said this shared vision for the waterfront paved the way to better use some of the open areas.

“The business chamber is already working with Council to make some of the smaller public spaces more inviting to buskers and performance artists, using the draft masterplan for guidance,” Ms Radford said.

“Overwhelmingly people are looking for more to see and do, with free passage along the foreshore and into the CBD. Easy access to the water is a priority for many, with wider paths and steps – not rocks – down to the water, and some sandy areas too.”

The endorsed plan allows for the Clyde Street Boat Ramp to remain, with the option for removal at a later date. It is currently closed during construction of the new Batemans Bay bridge.