The Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP, was joined by members of the community, the Eurobodalla Mayor, Mat Hatcher and staff of Eurobodalla Shire Council to officially open the Tuross Head Jetty Upgrade, funded by the Australian Government. The jetty is located at Lavender Bay, Tuross Head adjacent to Nelson Parade. In opening the jetty the Member for Gilmore paid tribute to the relentless pursuit of the new jetty that was made by the Tuross Head community. "Everyone has worked so hard to get this project off the ground over so many years; I'm delighted that the new jetty is finally open for all of the community to enjoy," Ms Phillips said.
“The new and improved jetty and pontoon will make access easier and safer for our community and for visitors, helping us all to spend even more time enjoying this beautiful waterway.
"Thanks to the Tuross Head Progress Association, Marine Rescue and Council for helping to make this possible." The project was achieved through Federal government funding of $200,000 recognising the role that jetties, such as the Tuross jetty, have in providing improved access to recreation. Ms Phillips has been a long time supporter of any action that might improve the quality of life for residents of Gilmore, recognising that Australia is currently experiencing a record surge in demand for mental health support. Recreational fishing is well recognised for its therapy. In addition to providing an improved facility the jetty will also provide greater accessibility for wider visitor enjoyment. Attending the official opening was Max Castle, a long time advocate for improved fishing facilities in the Eurobodalla, is overjoyed of the final delivery of the new pontoon at Tuross Head that is now ready for service. The jetty has been one of the many projects that Max has lobbied for over the past decade as he has hounded Eurobodalla Council to recognise the tourism value of providing quality marine facilities to the region. In addition to the continued efforts around recreational fishing facility improvements Max has been instrumental in overseeing the provision of the many Angel Rings that are now found across the region. After years of fist thumping of tables and highlighting that Eurobodalla was missing out on projects that would have come at little to no cost for local fishers paid for from their own fishing licences the tide is turning as the new term of council recognises the importance of Max's advocacy and his proactive pursuit of State and Federal funding to bring the shire on a par with the quality of infrastructure offered up and down the east coast. Max said of the pontoon completion "As most in Tuross know this has been a project that I was determined to deliver for the community even though council would not support seeking a grant to fund the project. After 5 years the project has been delivered for future Tuross residents and visitors, long after the river being declared a recreational fishing haven because of the vision of previous community members some 22 years ago.
"To all the community I hope you now have easier assess to your boats, particular those with restricted access, I hope we have included the community who have disability issues and I hope an example has been provided to fight to improve our village, irrespective of how long it takes, enjoy. Thank you to the Tuross Head Progress Association and the community for your support!" Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Mat Hatcher thanked the Tuross Head community for their input to the project as well as Ms Phillips for advocating funding to achieve such a significant facility for the Shire.
“Without these grants and people like Max in the community with members of the Tuross Progress Association, these projects wouldn’t happen,” Mr Hatcher said.
“Max has done so much for the boating and fishing community and is an asset to the community for the work he does.
“The Council looks forward to continuing to work with the Tuross Progress Association on more projects such as beach access and pedestrian pathways which will be delivered later this year.”
Above: The Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP shares the task of cutting the ribbon with Max Castle while the Mayor, Mat Hatcher holds the ribbon taut .
Above: Left to Right: President of the Tuross Head Progress Association, Cath Milliken, the Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP, the tireless Max Castle and the Secretary of the Tuross Head Progress Association, John Tilbrook.
