Shoalhaven Riverwatch Incorporated
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Boat Ramp at Bamarang Not Approved

Proposal

Riverwatch was very concerned that Council had identified a new boat launching site at Calymea Creek  Bamarang (see map) when no recreational strategic planning, boating management and environmental impacts have been considered.
A number of Longreach and Bamarang residents petitioned Council against the power boat ramp while supporting the canoe ramp.
Riverwatch called for a comprehensive strategic management plan to be developed prior to any decision on new boat ramps.  Indeed, Riverwatch considers that certain sections of the river should be designated for low impact recreational activities.
Fortunately Riverwatch has received support on the need to have a comprehensive plan from the Mayor Joanna Gash and the Chair of the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority Pam Green. 
    
At the April 2013 meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee meeting, the following recommendation was carried:   
"The General Manager undertake negotiations with Roads and Maritime Services on alternate uses of the grant funding;  and  
Council formalise changes to its adopted policy position with the Upper Shoalhaven option taken out of the waterways safe boating plan. "

The meeting of Council's Policy and Resources Committee on 11 June 2013 also removed the line item in the draft Operational Plan 2013 - 2017 to have the boat launching ramp re-investigated in 2016.


This means that the speedboat ramp at Calymea Creek is off the books.


Thanks must go to Mayor Joanna Gash and Councillor John Wells for taking the concerns of local residents and Riverwatch members seriously and changing Council's policy.


A great win for the local environment and the local community.

Links to Information on Google documents

Council's Proposal for New Site 13Jun12

Riverwatch's Response Letter 22Jun12

Response from Planning Minister 12Jul12

Response from Local Government 12Jul12

Response from Minister Roads & Maritime Services 29 Aug12

Incorrect media report on Power FM website. 19Dec12  No further design has been approved by Council.  Power FM has failed to correct this website.

Letter to Council from Bundanon Trust 19Nov12

Letter to Council about Boat Ramp Report dated 20 Nov 12

Council's response on 14Jan13 to our letter on 20Nov12

Riverwatch's Letter of Concern to Shoalhaven City Council about proposal process on 1Feb13.

Council reply dated 19Mar13 to our letter dated 1Feb13.

Minutes of the Resources and Policy Committee meeting on 16 April 2013.
Updated on: 18Mar23
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