"If you are deciding to use the Hanging Rock Boatramp to launch your tinny for a day's fishing on the Clyde it had better be compliant for OPEN WATER with $100's of dollars of additional safety equipment" warns the Batemans Bay Boaters Association With the boatramps around the Batemans Bay Bridge to soon be decommisioned and a short term temporary sand launch ramp knocked together at Korners Park the only options to launch a boat on the Clyde will be at Nelligen or from Hanging Rock. Boaters are reminded that Hanging Rock launches into OPEN WATER as can be seen on the map below. Recreational vessels must carry certain safety equipment on OPEN WATER including a Lifejacket Level 100 or greater, 2 red and 2 orange distress flares, a safety V Sheet, 2L of water per person, a map and a torch along with all of the other standard safety gear required (see HERE for full details) The Beagle has been advised that the Batemans Bay Boaters Association has requested a senior executive in Maritime to implement a waiver for this safety equipment requirement during the bridge construction. “That would not be possible” was the response. The Association warns that the fine for not having one item of safety equipment is a minimum of $250 and that Maritime Safety Officers patrol Hanging Rock Boat ramp on a regular basis.
The Batemans Bay Boaters Association are advising their members, visiting boaters and local and visiting recreational fishers to take caution when they use the Batemans Bay Clyde River. The Open Water line is very clear on the chart above provided to the Beagle by Maritime
Old Punt Road boatramp. Soon to be decommissioned and presently heavily sanded.
Boatramps: The Association advises that the northern boat ramp at Old Punt road has not been maintained for months and is clogged with sand so only use it if you have a 4X4 vehicle. Harry Watson Smith of the Association advises "There are only two trailer parking spots available while the rest are taken by construction work which is fenced off. The surround is littered with pipes and construction vehicles." He also advises that "the Southern boat ramp is open however the parking is limited to about 8 trailer spots and usually clogged with subcontractors work vehicles. The construction site is fenced right into the park. Now enclosed with advertising material." "The utilities work on the north shore of the Clyde River in proximity to the Batemans Bay bridge will continue in January and disrupt the boat ramp and surrounds. A purpose made structure sitting on the sand servicing as a temporary boat ramp will be built to the east of the bridge on the north shore at Korners Park. "It will have two lanes and no floating pontoons. There will be no place to secure your vessel after launch. We have been advised that the toilet block will stay open for some time however the BBQ and shelter will shortly be disabled as well. "We understand an open fish cleaning table will be provided but no wash down facilities. There will be no light.To ensure the public's safety (“we take safety seriously”) the southern boat ramp will close to facilitate the major works which will include a large barge and the building of a delivery wharf for the cranes and barges to move material onto the water.This is a major construction operation" The Old Punt Road boat ramp on the northern foreshore will be closed after the Australia Day long weekend at the end of January, "A temporary boat ramp on the northern side with ONLY 13 trailer parks, no lights and no floating pontoons to secure your vessels. WARNING TO THOSE WHO WISH TO USE HANGING ROCK BOAT RAMP Harry advises "Yes, you can use the private boat ramp at Hanging Rock. (The ramp falls within the lease area of the Marina managed by the Sydney developers). The RMS has funded floating pontoons, wash down facilities and trailer space for up to 100 cars BUT you have to have open water safety equipment on your vessel if you leave the dock." "Yes hundreds of dollars of extra equipment just to travel up the Clyde River to the safety of the enclosed water area." Harry concluded.
