I can advise that there were about 26 representatives at the Ports/Lands workshop held at the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club on 15th Feb 2017
The main thrust of the workshop was to identify the "Challengers and Opportunities" associated with a proposal to significantly develop port facility at Narooma and Bateman's Bay to encourage large cruise ships to visit the Eurobodalla and surrounding locations. NSW Lands/Ports are responsible for the smaller coastal port facilities along the NSW coast while Maritime/Transport control the larger Ports such as Newcastle/Sydney/Port Kembla. The Mayor, who opened the meeting, was pleased to see so many attending however she noticed there were a number of key stakeholders that were missing and requested a further working in the future to encompass all involved. A draft development plan will be presented to Council and the community for consultation that will encompass improved infrastructure facilities to accommodate cruising tourists while at the same time improving existing facilities for the local community and tourists from Canberra and surrounding areas. The proposed upgrade of both Narooma and Batemans Bay, both wonderful locations, have separate attractions/issues. The workshop agreed that new facilities that focused on the strong points of both locations would attract significant tourists, improved business opportunities and provide a significant upgrade and improve existing day to day facilities for all waterway users. Three recreational representatives attended - Les Waldock President of Narooma Sportfishing Club, Adam Martin President of Tomakin Fishing Club and Max Castle A/President of the NSW Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) who all provided submissions. The workshop was advised that anybody in the community can make contribute by visiting the appropriate web site There was a very good mix of stakeholders from State Government Authorities, Eurobodalla Council, Councillors and local business leaders who made a valuable and knowledgeable contribution to the workshop. All comments were recorded and a copy will be made available. Within a short period of time a web site will be up and running to keep the community informed of progress of this initiative. Max Castle - Tuross
