Future of Mackay Park precinct in focus
A new committee tasked with helping to shape the future of the old Batemans Bay bowling club site met for the first time last week.
The Batemans Bay Mackay Park Precinct Sunset Committee, officially comprising nine community and four council representatives, met at the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club on Wednesday to discuss a way forward.
Council bought the former bowling club in April with a view to partner with private developers to redevelop the bowling club and aquatic centre sites. The sunset committee will help Council investigate development opportunities for the precinct and represent the broader interests of the Eurobodalla community.
The committee includes David MacLachlan from the Batemans Bay Chamber of Commerce, disability advocate Brad Rossiter, Jeannie Brewer from PerFex, Alan Russell from Batemans Bay Rotary, Carolyn Harding from the Batemans Bay Indoor Aquatic Centre Committee, Mathew Hatcher from the Tomakin Community Association, Jason Funnell from the Batemans Bay Tiger Juniors, Lyn Woolridge from the South Coast Pastel Society and Jean Baker from Batemans Bay U3A.
Mayor Liz Innes chairs the committee and Councillor Rob Pollock and Councillor Anthony Mayne are Council’s nominated representatives, however any interested councillor can attend the meetings.
Cr Innes said the project was one of the biggest in Council’s history and she is excited about its potential.
“With the site adjoining the existing Batemans Bay Aquatic Centre and the Mackay Park sporting grounds it forms a significant precinct in Batemans Bay and a gateway site for a whole shire,” she said.
“With the right development, this has the potential to have a significant positive impact on the future of Batemans Bay and the Eurobodalla.”
When the site was purchased, Council identified a range of potential development outcomes for the broader precinct including tourist accommodation, an arts and cultural facility, a conference and event space, restaurants and cafes and a new aquatic centre.
Four experienced developers have already indicated enthusiasm for the project when Council called for preliminary expressions of interest from the private sector to partner with Council.
Council also called for the community to submit its ideas on the future use of the precinct, with 187 submissions received. An aquatic centre, hydrotherapy facility and performing arts centre topped the wishlists.
Meanwhile, Council is reviewing applications from community groups to use the former bowling club in the short-term. Media Release
