The Editor
Preparations for the eventual construction of the new Batemans Bay Bridge have begun with site fencing at the old bowling club site being erected. One of the council asset managers some time ago identified new or additional asset maintenance works as a council financial obligation once the new bridge is completed and operational. A significant new financial obligation on the shire's residents and ratepayers will be forthcoming from the additional infrastructure being proposed including foreshore enhancements. Once built they will need to be maintained and in the long term also renewed. This will see Eurobodalla residents having to to fund them. All too often we have heard Council say that it does not pursue grants for new infrastructure from bodies such as the Recreational Fishing Fund because there is no funding provided for the ongoing maintenance and replacement placing the burden squarely on the shoulders of the ratepayers. More recently the Mayor has celebrated the winfall of State funding for the new Mackay Park pool and hall but she has also said that there will be no rate increase to pay for the maintenance and running of it. So when they do all the new landscaping and foreshore improvements along the Clyde River will the state government be supplying the funding for the budget for upkeep and maintenance. Exactly what will be built, how much will it cost, who will pay for it and then who will maintain it and how much will it cost to maintain and renew and will the councillors add a line item for this in their budget and identify where they are going to get that money from because the ratepayers are already skint.
Allan Brown
Catalina
