Following on from the October 2018 boatramp survey that saw Council staff positioned at the primary boatramps around the shire taking note of movements and users the survey to provide peak period data is underway. The survey data will see a comparison between the number of designated carparks being used at each respective boatramp, counted on the hour from 7am to 10am observing, where the ramps were full, if boats arriving then left for another ramp.
One of the key observations required is about the capacity and if it was perceived by the observer to be in the range of Well under Capacity with no wait time to Well over Capacity with considerable wait time. The same observations in regards to capacity are also being gathered for fish cleaning tables and wash down facilities.
The Eurobodalla Shire Council is presently asking recreational fishers for input on what is needed and wanted for boating and fishing infrastructure in the shire.
The council has asked to have a list of what is needed by the 31st of January however, as this is current the summer holidays and many of the fishing club members and executive are in holiday mode this date has been considered as an unacceptable time frame with an extension well into February to be sought. The Mayor, Liz Innes is understood to have advised that council will not be able to act on anything until the new financial year at the earliest which will enable the fishers more than adequate time to provide a clear list of what facilities they want for the shire including boat ramps, cleaning tables, lighting, safety and improved mooring It is intended that a meeting will be held by Recreational Fisher representatives in February to clearly define what is wanted with priorities attributed so that council is approached with a united voice from all the different clubs, groups and businesses committed to securing and maintaining recreational facilities for the community.
Above: An example of the facilities that the fishers are seeking funded by fishing licences and boat trailer registrations. A Recreational Fishing member who wishes to remain anonymous told the Beagle "The challenge for Eurobodalla is that they don't want these facilities as they require maintenance and keep saying there is no budget allocated. Then if we do get grants they do stupid things like saying you can have the cleaning table but no roof".
Image above: NSW DPI is pleased to report the Jervis Bay Game Fishing Club has recently finished refurbishment of the fish cleaning table at Woollamia boat ramp in Jervis Bay.
