Works and Facilities Agenda (14/11/06, 8766kb) - Eurobodalla Shire ...

EUROBODALLA SHIRE COUNCIL 

AGENDA 

WORKS AND FACILITIES COMMITTEE 

MEETING 

14 NOVEMBER 2006


ETHICAL DECISION MAKING AND 

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST 

A GUIDING CHECKLIST FOR COUNCILLORS, OFFICERS 

AND COMMUNITY COMMITTEES 

ETHICAL DECISION MAKING 

• Is the decision or conduct legal? 

• Is it consistent with Government policy, Council’s objectives and Code of Conduct? 

• What will the outcome be for you, your colleagues, the Council, anyone else? 

• Does it raise a conflict of interest? 

• Do you stand to gain personally at public expense? 

• Can the decision be justified in terms of public interest? 

• Would it withstand public scrutiny? 

CONFLICT OF INTEREST 

A conflict of interest is a clash between private interest and public duty. There are two types of 

conflict: Pecuniary – regulated by the Local Government Act and Department of Local Government; 

and Non-Pecuniary – regulated by Codes of Conduct and policy, ICAC, Ombudsman, Department of 

Local Government (advice only). 

THE TEST FOR CONFLICT OF INTEREST 

• Is it likely I could be influenced by personal interest in carrying out my public duty? 

• Would a fair and reasonable person believe I could be so influenced? 

• Conflict of interest is closely tied to the layperson’s definition of “corruption” – using public 

office for private gain. 

• Important to consider public perceptions of whether you have a conflict of interest. 

IDENTIFYING PROBLEMS 

1st Do I have private interests affected by a matter I am officially involved in? 

2nd Is my official role one of influence or perceived influence over the matter? 

3rd Do my private interests conflict with my official role? 

Whilst seeking advice is generally useful, the ultimate decision rests with the person concerned. 

AGENCY ADVICE 

Officers of the following agencies are available during office hours to discuss the obligations placed 

on Councillors, Officers and Community Committee members by various pieces of legislation, 

regulation and Codes. 

CONTACT PHONE EMAIL WEBSITE 

Eurobodalla Shire Council 

Public Officer 

4474-1000 council@eurocoast.nsw.gov.au www.esc.nsw.gov.au 

ICAC 8281 5999 icac@icac.nsw.gov.au www.icac.nsw.gov.au 

Local Government Department 4428 4100 dlg@dlg.nsw.gov.au www.dlg.nsw.gov.au 

NSW Ombudsman 

8286 1000 

Toll Free 1800 451 524 

Nswombo@ombo.nsw.gov.au www.ombo.nsw.gov.au

GLOSSARY 

Reports to Committee are presented generally by ‘exception’ - that is, only those items that do 

not comply with legislation or policy, or are the subject of objection, are discussed in a report. 

Reports address areas of business risk to assist decision making. Those areas include legal, policy, 

environment, asset, economic, strategic and financial. 

Reports may also include key planning or assessment phrases such as: 

Setback Council’s planning controls establish preferred standards of setback (eg 7.5m front; 1m 

side and rear); 

Envelope taking into account the slope of a lot, defines the width and height of a building with 

preferred standard of 8.5m high; 

Footprint the percentage of a lot taken up by a building on a site plan. 

Acronym Meaning Description 

ACR Australian Capital The political and strategic grouping of the ACT government and 17 

Region 

adjacent councils 

AEP Annual Exceedance For floods expressed as a % eg 1% = 1:100 year event. The NSW 

Probability 

Flood Guidelines nominate types of development and controls 

AHD Australian Height Floor levels for buildings set to remain at or above flood level 

Datum 

(expressed as 'freeboard') 

APZ Asset Protection Zone Area to be cleared and maintained around habitable buildings in 

bushfire prone areas 

ARP Arterial Road Plan 20-year plan to develop, through developer contributions, grants and 

loans, a series of link and loop roads to and around major urban centres 

AS Australian Standard Standards set by national body as minimum construction, service, 

system, planning or design requirements 

BCA Building Code of Prescribes minimum standards or performance base for building 

Australia 

construction 

CAMP Companion Animal Required by state law, plan nominating management of dogs and cats 

Management Plan and areas for access for the exercise of dogs (eg beaches and reserves). 

CC Construction Certificate Floor Plans approved by council or private certifier in compliance with 

development conditions and BCA 

CCP Coastal Capacity Plan Scientific research behind assessment of capacity of land and 

waterways in rural residential and urban expansion lands to sustain 

human settlement 

COPW Condition of Public Required by state law to define the condition of infrastructure assets, 

Works Report 

the cost to upgrade to defined standards, the current costs of 

maintenance and desired levels of maintenance 

CP Cultural Plan 

CSR Complaint and Service Requests received from public by phone, letter, email or Councillor to 

Request 

attend to certain works (eg pothole) or complain of certain service or 

offence (eg dogs barking) 

DA Development 

Required by state law to assess suitability and impacts of a 

Application 

development proposed for land 

DAP Disability Action Plan Council plan outlining proposed works and services to upgrade 

facilities to progressively meet Disability Discrimination Act 

DCP Development Control Local planning policy defining the characteristics sought in residential, 

Plan 

commercial land 

DEC Department of State agencies (former Environment Protection and National Parks) 

Environment and managing state lands and regulating council activity or advising on 

Conservation (formerly 

EPA, NPWS) 

development applications 

DEUS Department of Energy, State agency managing funding and approvals for town and country 

Utilities& Sustainability water and sewer services and State energy requirements. 

DOP Department of Planning State agency managing state lands and regulating council activity or 

advising on development applications or strategic planning 

DLG Department 

Government 

of Local State agency responsible for regulating local government

DLRA Department of Lands State agency managing state lands and advising on development 

and Rural Affairs applications or crown land management 

DOC Department of State agency (formerly Public Works) managing state public water, 

Commerce 

sewer and buildings infrastructure and advising/supervising on council 

infrastructure construction 

DoH Department of Health State agency responsible for oversight of health care (community and 

hospital) programs. Also responsible for public warning of reportable 

health risks 

DOTAP Department of Transport Federal agency incorporating the national department for local 

and Planning 

government and administering financial assistance grants 

DNR Department of Natural 

Resources 

State Agency managing natural resources. 

EBP Eurobodalla Bike Plan Strategic Plan identifying priorities and localities for cycleways in the 

Shire 

EIS Environmental Impact Required for designated and state developments researching and 

Statement 

recommending solutions to social, economic and environmental 

impacts 

EMP Estuary Management Community based plan, following scientific research of hydrology and 

Plan 

hydraulics, recommending actions to preserve or enhance social, 

economic and environmental attributes of estuary 

EMS Environmental 

Plans prepared by council (such as waste management and strategic 

Management System planning) around AS14000 

EOI Expressions of Interest Often called in advance of selecting tenders to ascertain capacity and 

cost of private sector performing tasks or projects on behalf of council 

EP&A Environment Planning State law defining types of development on private and public lands, 

& Assessment Act the assessment criteria and consent authorities 

EPAS Environment Planning Committee of council determining referred development applications 

& Administrative and other matters 

ESD 

Services Committee 

Ecologically Sustainable Global initiative recommending balance of social, economic and 

Development 

environmental values in accord with 7 ESD principles 

ET Equivalent Tenement Basis of calculation of demand or impact of a single dwelling on water 

and sewer system 

FAG Financial Assistance Federal general-purpose grant direct to local government based on 

Grant 

population and other 'disability' factors 

FSR Floor Space Ratio A measure of bulk and scale, it is a calculation of the extent a building 

floor area takes up of an allotment 

GIS Geographic Information Computer-generated spatial mapping of land and attributes such as 

System 

infrastructure, slope, zoning 

GSAHS Greater Southern Area State board commissioned with oversight of health care in Highlands, 

Health Service 

Monaro and Far South Coast 

H Division H Division Political and strategic grouping of councils along the NSW southern 

tablelands, Monaro and far south coast under the umbrella of LGSA 

discussing local government and regional issues and resourcing sharing 

initiatives 

IPART Independent Pricing & State body that reviews statutory or government business regulatory 

Regulatory Tribunal frameworks and pricing levels 

IPWEA Institute Public Works 

Engineers Australia 

Professional association 

IWCMS Integrated Water Cycle Council plan identifying risk and social, economic and environmental 

Management Strategy benefit of proposed augmentation to water, sewer and stormwater 

(or Plan) 

systems 

IWMS Integrated Waste Council plan identifying risk and social, economic and environmental 

Management 

benefit of proposed augmentation of waste (solids, effluent, 

(Minimisation) Strategy contaminated, liquid trade waste) 

LEP Local Environment Plan The statutory planning instrument defining the zones and objectives of 

urban and rural areas

LGAct Local Government Act State law defining the role of Mayor, Councillors, staff, financing, 

approvals etc 

LGA Local 

Authority 

Government 

LGMA Local Government Professional association 

LGSA 

Managers Australia 

Local Government & 

Shires Association 

Representative advisory and advocacy group for councils in NSW 

MEU Ministry of Energy and State agency that subsidises, approves of proposed council water and 

Utilities 

sewer augmentation 

MOU Memorandum of Agreement in principle between parties (eg council and agency) to 

Understanding 

achieve defined outcomes 

NPWS National Parks & Now merged into DEC 

Wildlife Service 

NRM Natural 

Management 

Resource 

NVC Native Vegetation 

Conservation Act 

State law defining means of protection of threatened legislation and 

approval processes to clear land 

OC Occupation Certificate Issued by council or private certifier that building is safe to occupy and 

in compliance with development conditions and BCA 

OSMS On site sewage Includes septic tanks, aerated systems, biocycles etc 

OSTF 

management system 

Our Shire the Future Brief outline of elements of shire vision 

PCA Principal Certifying The person or organisation appointed by applicant to inspect and 

Authority 

certify structures 

PIA Planning 

Australia 

Institute Professional association 

POEO Protection of the State law outlining standards for emissions and discharges and 

Environment Operations 

Act 

penalties for pollution 

POM Plan of Management Council plan nominating type of uses for community land and range of 

(usually for community 

land) 

facilities progressively to be provided on land 

POPE Place of Public Approvals required for clubs and halls to ensure safety measures in 

Entertainment 

place for public 

PPP Public 

Partnerships 

Private 

PricingPol Pricing Policy Council approach to defining type and level of fees and charges 

PTS Public Transport Council strategy to initiate mechanisms to promote and facilitate public 

Strategy 

transport (bus, taxi, community transport, cycles) in design of 

subdivisions, developments and council works 

REF Review of Council examination of risk and social, economic and environmental 

Environmental Factors benefit of proposed works, assessed against state planning, 

environment and safety laws 

REP Regional Environment Outlines compulsory state planning objectives to be observed in 

Planning Policy development assessment and strategic planning 

RFS Rural Fire Service State agency responsible for providing equipment and training for 

volunteer firefighter brigades, and the assessment and approval of 

developments in bushfire prone lands 

RLF Regional Leaders Forum The group of mayors and general managers representing the councils in 

the ACR 

RLS Rural Land Strategy 

RTA Roads & Traffic State agency responsible for funding, construction and maintenance of 

Authority 

state roads, the approval of council works on arterial roads and 

development applications 

S64 S64 Contributions Plan Developer contributions plan to enable, with council and state funds, 

the augmentation of water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure

S94 S94 Contributions Plan Developer contributions to enable construction of public infrastructure 

and facilities such as roads, reserves, carparks, amenities etc. 

SCG Southern Councils Political and strategic grouping of councils along the NSW south coast 

Group 

from Wollongong to the border, lobbying government for assistance 

(eg Highways) and resourcing sharing initiatives 

SEA Strategic Environment Spatial assessment of environmental constraints of land considered in 

Assessment 

design and assessment of subdivision and infrastructure. 

SEPP State Environment Outlines compulsory state planning objectives 

Planning Policy 

SOER State of the Required by state law, the comprehensive assessment (every four 

Environment Report years) of the condition and the pressures on the social, economic and 

environmental features of the Shire and appropriate responses to 

address or preserve those issues. 

SP Social Plan Required by state law, the comprehensive assessment (every four 

years) of the condition and the pressures on the social framework of the 

community, their services and facilities and economic interactions 

…….SP Structure Plan Plan promoting landuses and siting of infrastructure and facilities in 

towns (eg, BBSP – Batemans Bay Structure Plan). 

SRCMA Southern Rivers State agency commissioned with assessment and monitoring of health 

Catchment Management and qualities of catchments from Wollongong to the border, and 

Authority 

determine directions and priorities for public and private investment or 

assistance with grants 

STP Sewer Treatment Plant Primary, secondary and part tertiary treatment of sewage collected 

from sewers before discharge into EPA approved water ways or 

irrigation onto land 

TAMS Total Asset Computer aided system recording condition and maintenance profiles 

Management System of infrastructure and building assets 

TBL Triple Bottom Line Commercial term coined to encourage business to consider and 

disclose social and environmental risk, benefit and costs in the conduct 

of business to guide investors as to the long term sustainability and 

ethics of a business. Taken up by Council to record the basis of 

prioritisation, the review of condition, the monitor of progress and the 

financial disclosure of preventative or maintenance investment in 

council-based social and environmental activities 

TOR Terms of Reference 

TSC Threatened Species State law governing the protection of nominated species and relevant 

Conservation Act assessment and development controls 

UDIA Urban Development Professional association 

ULEP 

Institute Australia 

Urban Local Statutory planning instrument (below SEPP and REP) outlining land 

Environment Plan uses and objectives by zone in urban areas 

USS Urban Settlement Council strategy prepared with assistance of government to identify 

Strategy 

best uses and re-uses of urban lands, the appropriate siting of private 

and public investment (eg institutions, employment areas or high 

density residential) based on current and planned infrastructure and 

land capacity 

VCS Volunteer Centre Study Independent study commissioned to assess impact of earlyretirees/unemployed 

on labour market, their effect on social structures 

and mechanism to engage that group in council or commercial 

sponsored public good activities 

WCF Water Cycle Fund Combination of water, sewer and stormwater activities and their 

financing arrangements 

W & F Works & Facilities Council committee considering works activities and priorities 

WSUD 

Committee 

Water Sensitive Urban Principle behind the IWCMS and council development codes requiring 

Design 

new developments to reduce demand and waste on water resources 

through contemporary subdivision and building design

WORKS AND FACILITIES COMMITTEE MEETING 

TO BE HELD AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, MORUYA 

ON 14 NOVEMBER 2006 

COMMENCING AT 3.45PM 

APOLOGIES AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE 

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 

Works and Facilities Committee Meeting held on 10 October 2006 

BUSINESS ARISING 

PUBLIC FORUM AND QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC 

DEPUTATIONS 

Mr Steve Heffernan will address the Committee regarding Rehabilitation of Moruya River 

Foreshore – Glenduart (W06/116). 

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE FROM THE PUBLIC 

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE FROM COUNCILLORS Page No. 

PQN06/38 Questions Without Notice from Councillor 1 

QN06/99 Questions Without Notice from Councillor 2 



PQN06/44 Questions Without Notice from Councillor 5 

WPF06/20 Public Forum 6 

WPF06/21 Public Forum 10 

WQN06/66 Questions Without Notice from Councillor 13 

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 

MAYORAL MINUTE 

DELEGATES REPORTS 

W06/115 NSW Roads Congress – Delegates Report 14 

ENVIRONMENT REPORTS 

W06/116 Rehabilitation of Moruya River Foreshore – Glenduart 29 

W06/117 Bengello Forest 35 

DEVELOPMENT REPORTS 

STRATEGIC REPORTS

GOVERNANCE REPORTS 

W06/118 Botanic Gardens Annual Report – 2005-06 41 

W06/119 Dissolution of Bodalla Ovals Management Committee 42 

W06/120 Dissolution of Surfside Recreational Reserve Management Cttee 44 

W06/121 Dissolution of Gundary Ovals Management Committee 47 

W06/122 Annual Reporting Requirements for Crown Land 49 

W06/123 Licence for Pedal Boat Hire – Corrigans Beach 52 

W06/124 Licence to Operate Sea Kayak Tour and Rental Business – 

Corrigans Beach 54 

W06/125 Extinguishment of Easement Within Lot 1242 DP 218665 – 

Tuross Head 56 

W06/126 Lease for Water Bores – Bodalla 58 

W06/127 Draft Plan of Management – Bill Smyth Reserve, Narooma 

Leisure Centre, Narooma Swimming Pool, NATA Oval 

Wagonga Inlet Foreshore Reserves & Ken Rose Park 61 

W06/128 Moruya Golf Course & Showground Draft Plan of Management 64 

COMMUNITY SERVICES REPORTS 

INFRASTRUCTURE REPORTS 

W06/129 Traffic Committee Meeting No 2 for 2006/07 held on 

12 October 2006 69 

W06/130 Grant Funding – Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure 79 

W06/131 Infrastructure Planning (Works) – Status Report 80 

W06/132 Contribution to Cost of Wooden Carving 87 

W06/133 Regional Resource Recovery Program 89 

W06/134 Southern Villages Sewerage Community Consultation 92 

W06/135 Water and Waste Quarterly Report 96 

NOTICES OF RESCISSION 

NOTICES OF MOTION 

CLOSED SESSION TO CONSIDER CONFIDENTIAL MATTERS 

In accordance with Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, Council exclude 

members of the public from the meeting and go into Closed Session to consider the following 

confidential matters. 

In accordance with Section 10A(4) of the Local Government Act 1993 the Chairperson 

invites members of the public to make verbal representations to the Council on whether the 

meeting should be closed to consider the following matters.

CONFIDENTIAL REPORTS 

C06/05 Land Swap – Tilba 

Reason for Confidentiality 

This item has been classified confidential under the provisions of Section 10A(2)(d) of the 

Local Government Act 1993 which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business 

relating to the following: 

(g) advice concerning litigation, or advice that would otherwise be privileged from 

production in legal proceedings on the ground of legal professional privilege. 

Council will be required to consider material in relation to current litigation proceedings and 

if disclosed could prejudice those proceedings. Public discussion of the subject material 

would be contrary to the public interest as it relates to current litigation proceedings. 

C06/06 Dedication of Bumbo Road, Bodalla 


This item has been classified confidential under the provisions of Section 10A(2)(d) of the 

Local Government Act 1993 which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business 

relating to the following: 

(a) personal matters concerning particular individuals. 

Council will be required to consider material in relation the proposed negotiations with 

individuals. Public discussion of the subject material would be contrary to the public interest 

as it relates to proposed negotiations. 

CONFIDENTIAL BRIEFINGS 


This item has been classified as confidential under the provisions of Section 10A(2)(a-h) as 

the General Manager is required to brief Councillors from time to time on confidential matters 

of an urgent nature. 

Discussion of the material would be contrary to the public interest for reasons relating to one 

or more of the matters prescribed by the Local Government Act 1993 Section 10A(2)(a-h). 

(a) personnel matters concerning particular individuals; or 

(b) the personal hardship of any resident or ratepayer; or 

(c) information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with 

whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business; or 

(d) commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed: 

i) prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it, or 

ii) confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council, or 

iii) reveal a trade secret, 

(e) information that would, if disclosed, prejudice the maintenance of law; or 

(f) matters affecting the security of the council, councillors, council staff or council property; 

or

(g) advice concerning litigation, or advice that would otherwise be privileged from 

production in legal proceedings on the ground of legal professional privilege; or 

(h) information concerning the nature and location of a place or an item of Aboriginal 

significance on community land. 

DECLASSIFICATION OF REPORTS – Council’s policy requires consideration of the 

declassification. 

BRIEFING BY STAFF 

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE FROM COUNCILLORS 

J F LEVY 

GENERAL MANAGER 

All Councillors are members of this Committee. The Chairperson is Councillor Pollock.


HELD ON TUESDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2006 Page 1 

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE FROM COUNCILLOR 06.0041; 91.2122 

Environment Planning and Administrative Services held on 5 September 2006 

PQN06/38 

Councillor Thomson said the Local Emergency Management Committee’s had requested the 

State Government should coordinate communications channels between emergency 

organisations. None of these organisations could communicate with the State Emergency 

Service or the Police. Councillor Thomson said that the Works Manager should pursue this 

with the State Government. 

Reply 

This matter will be referred to the Local Emergency Management Committee for discussion.




Ordinary Council Meeting held on 26 September 2006 

QN06/99 

Councillor Pollock called for an update on the Bill Smyth Oval project. He indicated that the 

Briefing Notes to Councillors indicate that the design work for Bill Smyth Oval was 

progressing and that everyone was happy but letters have been received from residents that 

this is not the case. 

The Mayor advised that the Group Manager, Roads and Recreation would provide a briefing 

to the next meeting Works and Facilities Committee Meeting. 

Reply 

A report on the Bill Smyth Oval project was considered at the last Works and Facilities 

Committee meeting held on 10 October 2006. 

A deputation was received from the President of the Narooma Rugby League Association. 

Council resolved that: 

1. Council proceed with constructing the new Bill Smyth Amenities Building in the current 

location. 

2. Council seek further comment on the proposal to widen the Bill Smyth Rugby League 

field during the exhibition of the draft Plan of Management in the coming months.




Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 26 September 2006 


Councillor Kowal asked if the footpath between the Post Office and the Bakery at Bodalla 

could be inspected as it needs urgent attention. 

The Deputy General Manager advised that an inspection of the area would be organised. 

Reply 

It is proposed to install a concrete footpath in the area in the 2006/07 financial year. 

Works are currently scheduled for completion prior to Christmas 2006.



QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE FROM COUNCILLOR 06.0041; 98.2414 

Ordinary Council Meeting held on 26 September 2006 


Councillor Morton, on behalf of the Duty Manager at the Batemans Bay Pool, asked if the 

trees overshadowing the building could be lopped. He indicated that the primary source of 

heating for the pool is solar and the trees are causing overshadowing. Leaves are also 

blowing into the pool and causing drama with the pool pumps. 

Councillor Morton also indicated that the Shade Cover over the Baby Pool had lost its UV 

protection and could something be done. Further the pool was broken into recently and 

repairs needed to be undertaken to the fence. He asked if these matters could be attended to. 

The Deputy General Manager took the question on notice. 

Reply 

Council staff have programmed the pruning of the overshadowing trees through a local tree 

removal company. This work was completed week ending Friday 27 October 2006. 

The shading from the trees currently affect the solar heating from mid-afternoon to dusk, 

whereas the primary heating time of solar for the pool is early morning to mid-afternoon. 

Pruning of the trees may not reduce wind blown leaves from entering the pool. 

The shade cover over the tiered seating was replaced during the closure of the Batemans Bay 

Pool due to damage to the cover. 

Assessment of the cover of the baby pool has indicated that it will be due for replacement in 

the near future due to deterioration. However, in its current state, the cover still retains its 

UV protection capacity. 

Repairs to the barbed wire fence were completed week ending Friday 27 October 2006.




Environment, Planning and Administrative Services Committee Meeting held on 

3 October 2006 

PQN06/44 

Councillor Brown referred to the Tuross Cycleway. He asked if a large section of this 

cycleway had been removed and redone, and, if so why did it occur and how much extra did it 

cost? 

The matter was taken on notice and will be referred to the Works Manager. 

Reply 

A short length of shared pathway was removed as it was constructed out of alignment by the 

volunteer group. 

This additional work cost an estimated $1,800, which was part funded by the Tuross Progress 

Association.



QUESTIONS ON NOTICE FROM PUBLIC 06.0042; 04.8820 


The following questions were taken on notice from Mrs Morley. The responses are shown in 

italics following the questions. 

WPF06/20 

Councillors, our workers have brought to my attention some facts about the Bypass and felt 

that it was worth sharing with you. So, to my favourite topic the Bypass and Surf Beach 

Avenue which was classified as a major road and mentioned as such once again on 30 March 

2006. Major roads are to be protected as through traffic routes from the effects of traffic 

generating development, the primary role is to be safe and efficient transport routes. 

The Urban LEP, No. 63 states: 

“A major road means any main road or arterial road or any other road which in the opinion of 

the Council, carries or is likely to carry a significant volume of vehicular traffic.” 

(At latest count Surf Beach Avenue 2,800vpd.) 

If you turn to Page 4 of today’s agenda, “34 What are the objectives of the road zones?” You 

will see that it is mentioned again. 

So we ask is it really consistent with the Urban LEP to cut a major road, Surf Beach Avenue 

when its function is a through traffic route? 

In Clause 34 of the Urban LEP three objectives are listed for the road zones. The first of 

these objectives is “to identify existing and future major roads to reinforce the hierarchy of 

roads in the area of Eurobodalla”. Clearly the proposed intersection arrangements reinforce 

and even re-establish the hierarchy of roads with George Bass Drive being the major arterial 

road and lower Surf Beach Avenue returning to its function of a residential collector road. 

You will also be interested to know that in a report to Works and Facilities Meeting March 

2004 the total revised cost of the construction of the Spine Road and Bypass was $10,812,000 

with a built in contingency factor of 20%, $1802 indicating that the cost was only $9,010,000. 

There were 4 costings of the 15 that are of extreme interest that were allocated to the Surf 

Beach area, which indicates that in 2004 there was still to be an intersection at Surf Beach 

Avenue and the bypass. 

If Surf Beach Avenue was to be cut, where is the costing for the proposed Link Access Road? 

The extract of the report presented by Mrs Morley included a table entitled “Details of 

Estimate – Spine Road”. Amongst the items listed in that table was the following: 

“270,000 Spine Road to Surfbeach Avenue 

100,000 New Surfbeach Avenue intersection”. 

Both these items refer to the Link Road connecting the Spine Road to Surf Beach Avenue and 

the intersection of the Link Road and the Bypass.




How come there is a costing for an intersection in 2004 when many Council people have 

stated that the road was to be cut in 1996? Was this a fabrication? Two people who attended 

that public meeting in 1996 told me that they certainly don’t remember it being mentioned. 

The Link Road will need an intersection to the Bypass in order to function. It is unfortunate 

that there seems to be some confusion about the description of the item which is clearly 

identified in the 2004 report as “Spine Road to Surf Beach Avenue” and the Link Road 

(which will become part of Surf Beach Avenue) which are both the same piece of road. 

Does this explain why the ESC web-site had not been changed to show the Link Road as it 

was only a suggestion by staff? 

The map on the ESC website shows the Link Road. 

Was the recommendation to close Surf Beach Avenue listed as under delegated authority also 

made up especially for the Council meeting of 13 June 2006? 

The Works and Facilities Committee has delegated authority from Council to deal with 

certain matters. These delegations are available on the website. Recommendations to the 

Works and Facilities Committee are therefore phrased to call up the Committee’s delegated 

authority. 

If this is not so, where was it indicated before and would you please show me what page, date 

and agenda it was in before? 

The report presented to the Works and Facilities Committee meeting of 13 June 2006 was 

written to be presented to that meeting and had not been previously presented to another 

Council meeting. 

In July, Mr Parkinson, stated that: “Council has prepared estimates for the whole of the 

project. To respond to you enquiry relating to the cost to construct between Surf Beach 

Avenue and Beach Road would require further investigation.” 

Don’t these statements now contradict each other, or was this another “oversight”? 

No oversight. 

The separate costings had been completed, at least in 2004. 

Wouldn’t similar methods of costings be prepared the same way in 2006? 

Yes.




By the ESC Spring Newsletter the overall project cost for completion had risen to an 

estimated cost of $17.4M. 

I realise bananas have risen exponentially due to a hurricane, but road costs surely haven’t 

increased 61% in two years, have they? 

Road construction costs have risen at a rate much greater than CPI. However, in this case 

the largest cause of increased costs is changes in the scope of the works to be undertaken, in 

particular relating to the intersection with the Princes Highway. 

Mr Levy assured Council 22 August that he had complete faith in his engineer’s figures. 

Maybe someone can explain these apparent anomalies? 

Because by 22 August, Mr Levy made the comment: 

“One dollar more that the cheapest option is too much,” he said, adding, “he was nervous 

about the $20 million cost of the project”. (Bay Post 25 August 2006). So in two years and 5 

months the cost had increased by 85%. 

Isn’t it time for an independent Road Construction Company such as Armpell was asked to 

quote for the complete Spine Road and Bypass including a bridge overpass over Surf Beach 

Avenue and even a safer connection at the Princes Highway? This cost will be saved and 

redeemed if they quote for under $20 million and we will then know accurate costings at 

today’s rates, not just engineer’s estimates that are not accurate. 

Seeking a quote from a road construction company at this point would be akin to asking a 

builder for a price to build a house without supplying plans. The accuracy of any quote at 

this time would be so poor as to render the figure useless. Notwithstanding the above advice, 

it would also contravene the Local Government tendering regulations. 

How can you accept a cost estimate that has basically doubled in two years? 

If this was private enterprise they would all be out of a job. The scary aspect of it all is that 

Council is contemplating Public Private Partnerships, what is going to happen then? 

Eurobodalla Shire Council is known throughout Australia as one of the few Councils that has 

successfully used Public Private Partnerships to successfully deliver infrastructure for the 

community. 

Residents Opposing Surf Beach Avenue Closure (ROSBAC) feels there have already been 

enough oversights and incompetencies. 

The bypass can be built for less, including a 20M bridge overpass for Surf Beach Avenue for 

a two lane bypass. A four lane bypass is not required for twenty years. 

The residents need answers, when do we get a public meeting? 

Councillors why aren’t you demanding an enquiry into oversights and incompetencies and 

broken government laws as well as cost increases of 85%.




Please, will you take a stand before more money is wasted, more flora and fauna destroyed 

and further mistakes made that cannot be rectified? 

Councillors we need safe road, not economic rationalist’s speedways to the Surf Beach 

Industrial Park. The Government Grant is for the Bypass and not for link roads to the 

Industrial Park, or RTA overtaking lanes on the Princes Highway.



QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE FROM PUBLIC 06.0042; 04.8820 


The following questions were taken on notice from Mr Dunbar. The responses are shown in 

italics following the questions. 

WFF06/21 

Council staff do not keep Councillors updated with correct information. Council staff do not 

appear to read reports that have been commissioned previously! 

ESC Residential Urban Maps, Postal Address Maps etc at Administration Counter do not 

even show a dotted line for proposed Bypass, maps printed in January 2006! 

Council produces a large variety of maps for many specific purposes. Some such as sewer 

maps show the location of physical infrastructure such as pipes, others such as zoning maps 

identify future land uses. The zoning maps for the Urban LEP clearly show the bypass route 

as zoned 5b – Arterial Road. 

Why was there complete silence for the community on what was happening with the Surf 

Beach Industrial Park the first official mention in ESC Spring Newsletter September 2006? 

This statement is clearly incorrect. In fact, Mrs Morley speaking before Mr Dunbar at the 

meeting drew attention to the report to the Works and Facilities Committee meeting on 

9 March 2004 regarding the options for the Surf Beach Industrial Land. 

It was advertised in Sydney Morning Herald 8 July 2006, and not advertised locally, why? 

Given that this matter was reported on by the local press, Council chose to target advertising 

toward potential purchasers in the broader market. 

For Sale by Expression of Interest showed private land for future development stages in 

Sydney Morning Herald, page 63 which included the Baptist Church and five other private 

properties. Lines drawn around properties on aerial view map which also included roads over 

some of these properties. Why was there no official retraction? 

This matter has been previously addressed with Council and the landowners concerned. 

Why is it so difficult for Council to answer questions on the costs of closure of Surf Beach 

Avenue? 

Why were there no postal surveys, which are requirements of Traffic Guidelines for closure of 

road? If one disadvantage, alternatives should be considered. There were nine disadvantages. 

Residents Opposing Surf Beach Avenue Closure (ROSBAC) costed a bridge for Surf Beach 

Avenue, as Council stated that a bridge would cost $3-4 million. Council at a later date 

confirmed that ROSBAC should cost a bridge which they did. 

The ROSBAC group were not allowed to present revised costings due to the wrong 

measurements being given by Council staff to the ROSBAC engineer, for example: spans 

went from 30 metres to 36 metres. Then no piers, finally at a 20 metre span.


HELD ON TUESDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2006 Page 11 


Options were presented to ROSBAC and again to Councillors Works and Facilities 

Committee Meeting 8 August. Why wasn’t everybody addressed together, this would have 

saved wasting three engineer’s time for 28 July and again for Works and Facilities meeting? 

Oversight of engineers to research all possible bridge options. Nine companies build bridges 

and instead of selecting a cost effective option they select a massive structure that was built 

over the Pacific Highway on the North Coast. Why? A single span bridge over the bypass 

will cost approximately $800,000. Why didn’t Council find a similar costing? 

Why was there overdesigning and overcosting for bridge design BEBO arches, two/30 metre 

long tunnels on Bypass with a 36 metre cutting for a two lane Surf Beach Avenue for 

overpass? The Surf Beach Avenue road really would only need to be a 10 metre wide road. 

Why was staff designing for a four lane bypass at Surf Beach, two northbound, two 

southbound when supposed to be designing for a two lane bypass when four lanes not 

required for twenty years? 

Why did land acquisition for bridge option C start at $50,000 July 28 and by August 25 had 

risen to $300,000? 

The costing of a bridge will be far more cost effective than the option that Council are going 

with directed by staff for a link access road! 

Why would Engineers not admit to new proposed roads entering the link road from the Light 

Industrial Park July 28? 

Four proposed roads join up with Garbage Tip access road and will also join the Link Road! 

With the Bypass being constructed ten metres below the present road surface, barriers and 

fences will need to be constructed to stop pedestrians and cars from into the Bypass. Where is 

provision for pedestrians to walk over the Bypass? 

Mr Parkinson came up with the brilliant suggestion that pedestrians could walk down Kauzal 

Crescent to the fourth house, walk through the reserve (actually a drainage ditch) and through 

the Bypass, over the Bypass and through another road reserve to Eric Fenning Drive on the 

east and back up to Surf Beach Avenue. Is this very convenient for people trying to catch a 

bus? 

The above matters mirror previous questions from Mrs Morley and as such have been 

previously addressed. 

If the original motion on 13 June about Surf Beach Avenue had two parts is it correct to only 

bring up one part and leave the second part out? 

The motion of 13 June 2006 was that the issue be deferred. The original recommendation 

from staff was that pedestrian usage be further investigated to decide whether a bridge was 

warranted. This recommendation was not adopted by Council. 

The figures for traffic using Surf Beach Avenue was incorrect




Average daily use of Surf Beach Avenue 2,800vpd at Beach Road 

Surf Beach Avenue at western end of SBA 997 vpd 

Surf Beach Avenue at Timber Way 1680 vpd 

Andrew Parkinson stated only 1000 would use the Link Road. 

Why is residential traffic being diverted to go through an industrial area? 

Why would a Council encourage industrial traffic to go through residential areas? 

What is Council’s hidden agenda? 

Surf Beach Avenue (lower section) is currently carrying heavy vehicles from Beach Road to 

the rural section. The construction of the Link Road will remove these heavy vehicles from 

the urban areas. There is no proposal on the table that would result in residential traffic 

being diverted through an industrial area. Council’s hidden agenda in this instance is to 

improve the amenity and reduce traffic impacts on the urban residents of Surf Beach Avenue.





WQN06/66 

Cr Brown asked with regard to the Bay Stages Rally. How much is the total money received 

from the organisers of the Rally. 

Taken on notice. 

Reply 

As noted on Page 7 of the Works and Facilities Committee Agenda on 10 October 2006, 68 

vehicles competed in the Rally at a cost of $15.00 per vehicle. 

We were previously advised that 68 vehicles had competed in the event, however the payment 

made by the Rally organisers reflects that 69 vehicles competed in the event. Therefore, the 

total amount received was $1,035.

DELEGATES REPORT TO WORKS AND FACILITIES COMMITTEE MEETING 

HELD ON TUESDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2006 Page 14 

W06/115 NSW ROADS CONGRESS – DELEGATES REPORT 98.2473 

SYNOPSIS 

The following brief summary of information is provided from the NSW Roads Congress for 

the information of Council. 

BACKGROUND 

The inaugural NSW Roads Congress was held in 2005, allowing presentation of information, 

including the NSW Roads & Transport Directorate’s Road Benchmarking Reports, sharing of 

ideas and setting of directions by Councillors and staff. 

Much of this information then fed directly into the Local Government Sustainability Report 

authored by Professor Percy Allen. 

Councillor Rob Pollock, Chair of the Works and Facilities Committee, and Warren Sharpe, 

Group Manager Roads and Recreation Services attended the 2006 NSW Roads Congress on 

16 & 17 October 2006. 

ISSUES 

Day One 

Welcome & Opening – John Truman, President NSW Institute of Public Works & 

Engineering (IPWEA) 

All 112 delegates welcomed. Emphasised that it was very important to get feedback from the 

delegates, in particular the elected representative to assist in setting directions for the next 

12 months. 

John Truman is also represented on the NSW Roads & Transport Directorate. 

Infrastructure Management Session 

Councillor Barry Johnston, representing Local Government Shires Association 

Infrastructure Taskforce 

Councillor Johnston provided a brief overview of activities and a summary of some of the 

work done so far, in particular the Professor Allen report into the sustainability of local 

government. 

This report was jointly funded by LGSA & the LGA. It has set a benchmark for the 

assessment of local government. 

Some findings: 

• 25% of Councils financially unsustainable, 50% are marginal 

• 165,000km of local roads & 18,000km of regional roads under local government control 

in NSW 

• $6.3B backlog of works increasing at $500M per year (really figure may be even 

higher)




• most Councils have not revalued their assets and do not have formal asset management 

plans in place 

• increase in rates fall well below the increase in gross domestic product (GDP) 

• NSW is the only State in Australia where the State does not pass on a component of the 

Goods & Services Tax (GST) made available to them by the Federal Government 

• the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery Program has been a “godsend”, but it is 

not guaranteed to continue, it is not enough and it is not indexed 

• survey of NSW residents indicates that roads topped the list of things people are least 

satisfied with 

August 2006 – Local Government Sustainability Taskforce was created. It includes political, 

engineering and managers representation as this issue requires a collective approach to 

address it properly. The taskforce is working on: 

• prioritisation of the 49 recommendations from the Percy Allen report; 

• creation of working parties for specific areas; 

• development of an inter-government agreement between local government and State 

Government leading into the 2007 State elections; 

• improved financial reporting required to assist in supporting case; 

• development of a communications strategy – including business and community 

forums; 

• good levels of cooperation with State Government to date. 

Percy Allen report: 

• bring about a change in local government 

• recommended that local government should increase loans for infrastructure renewal 

• remember the figures in the Allen report excludes consideration of growth and costs 

necessary to meet changing expectations of the community. Both of these are 

significant, particularly in growth areas 

2007 State election strategy includes a number of issues, but notably: 

• regional road timber bridge program – backed by Liberals but not by Labour currently; 

• regional road block grant – not currently keeping pace with costs and there is a risk of 

the current State Government transferring additional State roads to a regional status 

without providing any additional funding into the overall pool of funds. Working on this 

issue with both parties. 

Ross Woodward, Deputy Director General Department of Local Government, Chair of 

the DLG Infrastructure Taskforce 

Ross agreed to discuss concepts being discussed currently openly. This is great to see and 

provides an insight into to early thoughts from the DLG with opportunities for further 

discussion. 

The infrastructure funding shortfall is the number one issue facing local government today.




Lack of formal asset management planning is a major gap in NSW local government which 

must be addressed. A lot has happened this year including: 

• May 2006 

- IPWEA Conference 2006 

- Ministerial Round Table 

- Local Government Inquiry – Allen report 

• July 2006 - NSW DLG Taskforce formed 

• August 2006 

- recommendation of the Ministerial Round Table accepted 

- National approach required 

- More Federal funding required to assist with the gap 

- Asset Management -> Financial Reporting -> Sustainability 

• October 2006 - Local Government & Planning Ministers hope to sign off on a position 

• DLG Taskforce includes DLG, LGSA, LGA, IPWEA, LGMA, RTA, DUES, LG 

Auditors 

• System will be developed to advise Asset Management in Local Government for NSW 

Current gaps (Statewide): 

• no requirement for asset management system 

• reporting inconsistent 

• service level not determined 

• inconsistent National approach to asset management 

Suggested way forward: 

• Asset Management Policy (State) 

• Strategic Plan 

• Asset Management Plan/Long Term Financial Plan 

• improved governance and management 

• defining level of service (more consistent basis) 

• data and systems management 

• development of skills and processes 

• evaluation and review 

NSW DLG is suggesting we scrap the way we currently do things and start with a fresh 

approach. Discussion paper coming out shortly.




Early suggestion for discussion is: 

• Long term strategic plan (minimum 10 years) – a Community Futures Plan (for want of 

a better term) with strong links to formal asset management plans based on whole of life 

analysis. 

• Delivery Program (4 year plan) – suggesting this would require feedback from other 

agencies including the Department of Planning. (Comment: This is a significant 

concern given the lack of resources and the difficulty getting information from the 

Department of Planning already. This concern was shared by many at the Congress.) 

• Operational Plan (the budget for next year) - annual plan. 

• Annual Report – reporting against objective of all plans. 

DLG wants to build capacity within local government. It does not want a consultant “drop and 

go” approach. 

Draft State Government Framework: 

• needs enabling legislation 

• phased in with supporting tools 

• asset management plans linked to long term financial plans (min 10 years) 

• service levels defined within Community Future Plan 

• underlying assumptions well explained 

• standardised reporting and terminology 

• peer review by other Councils of plans (note: this would require significant additional 

resources to achieve – possible cost shift??) 

• improved knowledge, information and management will assist with arguments with the 

Commonwealth 

Next Step – Discussion Paper due out pre-Christmas. This is a separate paper to the 

discussion paper on Strategic Land-Use Planning but will be run in parallel. 

The draft concept of Council’s Management Plan being subject to peer review and/or review 

by the Department of Planning is of significant concern. It is likely to require significant 

additional resources and may potentially lead to delays. Council staff have been asked to 

review the discussion paper when it becomes available and submit a report to Council for 

consideration. 

Chris Champion, National CEO – Institute of Public Works & Engineering Australia 

(IPWEA) 

IPWEA doing a large amount of work to support local government’s cause. This includes: 

• NSW Roads & Transport Directorate 

• Roads Benchmarking Reports 2005 (led into Percy Allen report) 

• Local Government Sustainability Report – detailed submissions made 

• Participation in the Local Government Infrastructure Taskforce 

• Production of the International Infrastructure Management Manual 2006 (IIMM now 

sold in Australia, NZ, USA, Canada, South Africa and the UK)




• National Asset Management group – NAMS.AU: 

- includes finance managers and engineers 

- see web for sample asset management plan 

- quarterly newsletter coming soon 

- supported by consultants to ensure on-going funding 

- provide “Assetmates” forum for practitioners 

- NAMS helping with other states too – Victoria step program, Queensland Local 

Government Asset, TAMI, WAMI & SA programs 

• IPWEA seeking consistent approach to asset management 

• Requires whole of organisation participation 

• Two ways to go for government – legislation vs carrot & stick approach 

• Requires more tool and capacity building across the industry 

• South Australian experience may serve some benefit for a way forward: 

- legislation in place requiring 10 year financial plan based on formal asset 

management plans 

- adopted the IIMM as State framework 

- commissioned IPWEA to lead 

- involved focus groups 

- IPWEA developed templates and guidelines 

- includes a capacity building program 

- pilot testing now imminent 

- integrates technical, financial and political processes 

- long term financial plans (LTFP) based on formal asset management plans (AMPs) 

- leads to elected officials being provided with better information on which to base 

their decisions 

• IPWEA promoting Sustainable Communities: 

- Councillors have a stewardship role to ensure their communities remain viable for 

the long term 

- managing existing assets as well as providing new 

- LTFPs are an essential part of Council business 

- stewardship role – DVD has been produced and will be made available to all 

Australian Councils. Aimed at elected members and includes political, engineering 

and financial perspectives: 

need to comprehend the whole of life costs of assets – the initial cost is usually the 

smallest proportion – sometimes less than 20% 

must move from annual budgeting to LTFPs 

need to prepare “core” AMP based on whole of life or min 20 years analysis of 

assets, then develop a 10 year financial plan 

use the International Infrastructure Management Manual for these plans 

• Core AMP – basic AMP – very good starting point. Top down approach. Assume 

current level of service, use to development forward replacement programs. 

• Advanced AMP - requires more detailed analysis of assets on an individual basis. 

Greater levels of community consultation. Agreed levels of service. Optimised decision 

making. Very good goal. NZ experience indicates the process can become lengthy and 

costly if bogged down in excessive public consultation. Councillors will need to decide 

how much consultation is appropriate and affordable.




• AMPs include: 

- best information currently available to each Council 

- simple risk assessment – do not get too complicated in first run through 

- gap analysis 

- provision for growth 

- analysis of remaining life – can be simple network or complicated – start simple and 

improve with time 

- establishment of renewal costs 

- projections of required cash flow 

- identification of improvement program for asset management including capacity 

building 

• IPWEA AMP templates being piloted in South Australia where South Australia 

Councils required to have “core” AMP by July 2007. 

• New National Accounting Guidelines being worked on – refer NAMS.AU web-site. 

Optimising Service Delivery 

Murray Russell,– Coonamble Shire Council – A Road Asset Management Plan 

Murray provided an overview of a road asset management plan put together for his Council. 

This is a “core” plan and uses the same approach used by this Council in preparing its budget 

and case for the Infrastructure Fund. 

Greg Moxon, DOTARS 

Auslink for local government identifies the following sources of funds: 

• Strategic Funds – Roads to Recovery 

• Black Spot Program 

• Roads to Recovery 

Roads to Recovery: 

• 15,000 projects to date 

• extra $308M late 2005/06 

• Council must make sure they spend their original R2R funds first 

• several years to spend extra R2R 

• new web-site reporting by end of year – information goes directly back to Federal 

Government – important it is completed accurately and on time 

• local government must maintain or increase its own expenditure on roads, exclusive of 

R2R 

• standards of reports across industry needs to be improved 

• Councils must now show their historical expenditure on roads in their R2R reports – 

signed off by the auditor 

• Councils need to calculate a reference amount for Council expenditure – see criteria 

• projects under $10k do not need individual signs but all others must have signs 

• once funds paid to Council, Council has six months to spend same. All interest earnt on 

R2R should be spent on roads.




• DOTARs will audit 20-25 Councils per year 

• seven Councils audited in July. Results of audit were poor, especially the lack of 

knowledge about maintaining Council funding levels being mandatory 

• many Councils doing right thing – some excellent results on the ground 

• for continuation of funding from Federal Government: 

- Councils must maintain/increase their road funding 

- demonstrate a strong collective case/need 

Murray Brown, GM Strategic Development – Works Infrastructure Pty Ltd 

Alternate Funding for Roads 

Infrastructure Works is a company that starts from the NZ equivalent of the RTA. Now a 

multi-national service provider. 

Murray discussed his experience in Victoria whereby his company borrowed funds to upgrade 

Council roads and then Council engaged his company for a 15 year period to maintain the 

roads. This requires Council to commit to an annual payment plus contract variations for that 

timeframe. 

Jason Gordon, Director of Engineering & Technical Services – Cabonne Shire Council 

Jason provided an outline of the alliance between Wellington, Blayney and Cabonne Councils 

for the delivery of the Single Invitation Contract to the RTA. This alliance operates under a 

board arrangement with members from all three Councils, with a legal agreement in place. 

Cabonne Council is the lead Council with Blayney & Wellington Councils also forming part 

of the alliance. Cabonne undertakes the administration of the contract and charges a 5% 

overhead on prices from Wellington & Blayney Councils to cover this cost. The RTA only 

has to deal with “one” contractor, delivering administrative savings to the State. 

Each Council still does their own work within their own Shires. Some future resource sharing 

may be possible. This arrangement suits these small Councils as they can now afford a single 

roads inspector, releasing qualified engineers for other more important tasks. 

Note: At Eurobodalla we have combined our RTA work with our local/regional roadwork to 

provide a roads inspector and maintenance planner. In effect, an internal alliance. This allows 

for improved management of all road assets, including the RTAs. We have indicated to the 

RTA that we are not supportive of forming an alliance with Palerang Shire Council, due to the 

additional administration that would follow from Council, and the geographical issues 

associated with the Clyde Mountain. 

Nevertheless, there may be other areas in the State where this proposal offers similar 

advantages to the alliance as outlined by Jason Gordon.




Les Wiellinga, CEO RTA 

Les has recently been appointed to the position of CEO of the RTA following recent 

controversy on the roads portfolio. “Building Infrastructure in the City is a Tough Game” 

Les is an engineer of some 34 years experience in road building. 

Les is bringing about a shift in the RTA. He is re-engineering the RTA to deliver work. This 

includes a restructuring of the RTA with less bureaucracy and more personnel suited to 

delivering works, including qualified engineers and other specialists. 

The new structure generally has four main areas: 

• major infrastructure 

• road maintenance and traffic management 

• operation and engineering services 

• road safety 

Senior engineers will be appointed to specialist positions, restoring the RTA as a specialist in 

the road engineering field (eg specialist geotechnical). 

Skills shortage will be addressed through a range of measures including traineeships. 

There will be increased delegation to Regional Managers to make decisions within their own 

areas. 

The RTA will increase their level of effort in Asset Management Planning linked to strategic 

land-use and transport studies. 

NSW Auditor General: 

• State roads worth $70B covering almost 20,000km 

• general level of service has increased but some concerns with road roughness 

• performance based standards are the way forward 

• new tools being developed to assist with condition assessment and management of the 

road asset 

Review of regional roads is still to be finalised. (Note: Original proposal involved about 

500km going from State road to regional road without increased funding – the final outcome 

has been pending for some time now.) 

Heavy mass limits – companies can now apply for increases in HML on roads within 100km 

of Auslink roads. (Note: In our area the Auslink road is the Hume Highway, hence this 

possibility does not apply to our Shire at this time.)




2006 NSW Roads Congress Communique 

A draft communique was presented and discussed by Congress representative, prior to 

formulation and presentation on the 2 nd day of the Congress. 

Day Two 

RTA Liaison Session – Bob Sharpe, GM Infrastructure Maintenance & Lou Lang 

Existing partnerships with local government include: 

• Liaison Committee 

• NSW Roads & Transport Directorate 

• DLG Infrastructure Taskforce 

NSW Auditor General: 

• need transparency in condition of RTA roads 

• share the workload with Council (not clear what was intended here) 

RTA: 

• want to establish levels of service based on condition 

• existing renewal targets 2-3% of road network – only achieving 1.2% which is not 

sustainable 

• looking to establish a “brownfields” design guide to produce more pragmatic solutions 

to renewal works based on better value for money 

• developing an improved method for predicting remaining pavement life -> based on 

structural condition -> better estimation -> better asset management 

• propose to rank roads by function and use, thereby employing a risk management 

approach – lower ranked roads will have a lower level of service 

• automatic data collection to be engaged 

Roads Classification Review: 

• panel deliberation is complete 

• should go to the Minister soon 

Clustering for Single Invitation Contracts: 

• has worked in some areas 

• encourage each Council to consider the applicability to their own circumstances 

Development application matters: 

• RTA developing specific DA officers to handle such matters




Contact for bridge research in the RTA: 

• Chris Harris GM Bridge Research 

Phillip Hallam, GM Compliance & Freight Strategy RTA – Heavy Mass Limits & 

Intelligent Access Programs (IAP) 

• roads are critical infrastructure, vital for the social and economic well-being of our 

communities and nation 

• the freight issue is of key economic importance for NSW 

• 80% of the nations freight moves within or through NSW (50 billion tonne km) 

• freight task is predicted to double by 2020 

• Council of Australian Governments (COAG) February 2006 – made 40 decisions 

relating to freight 

• emergence of higher productivity vehicles: 

- higher mass limits 

- performance based standards 

• strategy is for higher quality vehicles on higher quality roads 

• HML vehicles are not larger vehicles but are permitted to carry 10-13% increase in 

payload so long as stringent new safeguards are met 

• HML vehicles will limit the growth in heavy vehicles using the network 

Auslink agreement: 

• Clause 66 – vehicles operating at HML must have compliance monitored by intelligent 

access programs (IAP) 

• Clause 74 – compliance shall include maintenance of suspension systems 

Higher mass limit vehicles must: 

• be accredited under the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) 

• be fitted with road friendly suspension 

• meet new suspension maintenance requirements 

• have their compliance checked under an IAP 

HML vehicles are approved for specific routes. Use of local and regional roads will only be 

approved if the local Council agrees to their use. 

Achieving route compliance is a major issue. This will be achieved using satellite tracking 

technology.




IAP Service Providers 

Transport Certification 

Australia TCA 

Roads Authority Transport Operators 

Approval granted to Intelligent Access System providers for their systems is given by 

Transport Certification Australia and applies across all States once given. Still requires 

registration in each State. 

TCA will commence approvals in January 2007. 

In NSW, the IAP will connect to the existing suite of compliance systems including “Safe-T- 

Cam”, “TruckScan” and the Heavy Vehicle Registration System. 

For example, Safe-T-Cam does 21,000,000 checks on heavy vehicles each year, covering 

about 30 different issues as each truck is scanned at 100km/hour in about 0.3 seconds. 

The proposed system linked to the IAP will produce non-conformance reports. These will be 

passed on for further investigation and where necessary, action against an offending trucking 

company and/or driver. 

Transitional implementation has already commenced from 1 July 2006. 

Transport operators seeking to operate HML in NSW must pre-enrol for the IAP. 

The Minister has allowed transport operators to seek approval for all local and regional routes 

within 100km of Auslink roads subject to approval being granted from the responsible road 

authority. State government cannot overrule local government if local government knocks 

back the approval for a local road. 

The RTA will assess operator’s route applications within 40 days of receipt. 

The RTA will maintain a register of all approved routes, including local roads. 

The RTA is working with the LGSA and IPWEA to make further information available to 

local government on higher mass limit vehicles. This will be in the form of Technical Notes.




The new suspension systems are designed to allow heavier mass limits with minimal extra 

damage to roads. However, bridges remain a significant potential obstacle to permitting extra 

loading on specific routes. 

The approval for HML on local roads is a technical assessment that would normally be 

approved by a Council Engineer, delegated this task by their Council. The RTA does not 

require the matter to go to Local Traffic Committee. However, Council can, if they wish, refer 

such matters through their Local Traffic Committee. 

Stuart St Clair, CEO Australian Trucking Association 

Stuart spoke in favour of higher mass limits (HML) re-confirming the economic benefits of 

allowing the freight industry to be able to deliver goods and services in an economical 

manner. 

Stewart McCleod, Director of Technical Services Dubbo City Council 

Stewart spoke of the strategic plan put together to address the major freight routes going to 

and through Dubbo. 

Importantly, land-use planning for industrial activities have been placed off major highways 

coming into the town, thereby avoiding heavy transport within or adjacent to residential areas. 

Key heavy vehicle routes were identified and works listed to assist in enhancing transport 

corridors. 

Stewart indicated an in principle agreement with HML but only subject to appropriate funding 

being made available to local government for the upgrading of key routes including local 

bridges. He also indicated that they have rejected applications for HML on the grounds that 

road pavements and bridges are not able to cope with such transport. 

He also indicated that clearer guidelines needed to be made available to local government 

practitioners to be able to properly assess applications for HML on local and regional roads. 

Jacqui Clarke, Road Safety Project Manager IPWEA NSW 

Jacqui provided an overview of the Road Safety Officer program and the work done in recent 

years to promote road safety at a local level. She also spoke of the annual awards run in 

conjunction with the NSW IPWEA Conference each year and the upcoming Road Safety 

Conference planned for January 2007.




Bronwyn Kelly, Director of Corporate & Technical Services Waverley City Council 

Development of a Parking Enforcement Strategy as a Tool to Implement a Transport 

Policy 

Waverley City Council covers only 9sqkm and takes in Bondi Beach. 

• 2500 parking spaces under parking meters 

• 2001 Council takes over parking from NSW Police 

• 2002 Transport Plan developed: 

- aim to shift people out of cars into other modes 

- $8M of engineering works to reduce speed and limit vehicular movement 

- enforcement officers increased from 4 to 38 

- fines increased from $2M pa to $12M pa (over 99/00 to 05/06), now making up 25% 

of Council’s revenue 

- targets set 

• 2003 DCP put in place to limit the provision of off-street parking on private property to 

discourage car ownership 

• 2004 – green links program providing pathways, etc and car sharing and other projects 

encouraging change in behaviour 

Outcomes: 

• target set harder to bring to reality – require specific strategies to try to reach targets set 

• Waverley has now set new Strategic Plan with parking and traffic management being 

the number one issue 

• 1997-2005: 

- car ownership grew by 17% 

- visitation to Bondi grew by 10% (now 6M pa) 

- day visitors grew by 65% 

- Westfield Shopping Centre underwent a major upgrade – now 21.3M people pa 

- State Government increased the value of fines 

- hand held devices for parking officers greatly increased their efficiency of producing 

fines 

- illegal parking increased, as residents squeezed out of spaces in their local streets 

resulting in many residents being fined and bringing a backlash from the community 

• review undertaken: 

- implemented a more educative approach (eg “move on” protocol – if you move on 

when asked, no fine imposed) 

- widespread education on parking regulations stressing road safety benefits (eg illegal 

parking around junctions) 

- recognise balance needed in enforcement with enforcement to be based on safety and 

amenity 

- staff performance monitored to ensure balanced approach 

• over four year period: 

- accidents down 26% 

- pedestrian accidents down 54% 

- significant credit to engineering treatments implemented and enforcement of illegal 

unsafe parking




Mick Savage, Manager NSW Roads & Transport Directorate 

Mick provided a summary of the activities of the NSW Roads & Transport Directorate 

(R&TD) of the last year. 

• 123 Councils now members (up 14) 

• roads and bridges benchmarking reports now updated and available on the IPWEA website 

• includes 135 (89%) of Councils with validated responses to the IPWEA roads and 

bridges survey – 147 (97%) received with 12 requiring further work to validate 

• this data was used to input into the Local Government Sustainability Inquiry (Allen 

report) 

• R&TD made a detailed submission to the Inquiry 

• Timber Bridge Working Party active and investigating a number of areas (Note: ESCs 

Senior Project Engineer Russell Burke is represented on this technical working party.) 

• NSW Roads Congress provided 

• R&TD forum provided at IPWEA Annual Conference 

• new groups formed: 

- Transport Working Party 

- Standard Operating Procedures Working Party (Note: ESCs Mike Clement is 

represented on this group.) 

• observed and assisted NAMS.AU group 

• Roads & Bridges Asset Benchmarking Project to be run again based on 2005/06 

information. Surveys to be sent to Councils in November seeking data by end of 2006. 

This information will again be collated to provide Statewide summaries of the current 

shortfall in funding, progress on asset management planning and other valuable 

information 

• next NSW Roads Congress proposed to be held in 18 months time in conjunction with 

the IPWEA Conference to allow Councillors the opportunity to participate in the Local 

Government Engineering and Road Safety Awards, and reduce the cost of sending staff 

and Councillors to separate events 

John Truman, President NSW IPWEA – Congress Communique 

Final discussion and input into the Congress Communique prior to final drafting. 

CONCLUSION 

The NSW Congress provided valuable updates on issues affecting roads and transport within 

NSW as well as informal discussion with other elected members and senior staff.




RECOMMENDED 

THAT under delegated authority dated 26 August 2003 (Minute No 422) the Committee 

resolve the following: 

THAT the Delegates Report provided by Councillor Rob Pollock, Chair of the Works and 

Facilities Committee on the NSW Roads Congress be received and noted. 

CR ROB POLLOCK 

CHAIR 

WORKS AND FACILITIES COMMITTEE

ENVIRONMENT REPORT TO WORKS AND FACILITIES COMMITTEE MEETING 


W06/116 REHABILITATION OF MORUYA RIVER 

FORESHORE - GLENDUART 93.5760.B 

SYNOPSIS 

This report addresses recommendation WR06/25 (5) from the Works and Facilities 

Committee meeting held on 12 September 2006 as follows: 

5. A report be prepared on the proposed rehabilitation of the foreshore reserve on the 

northern bank of Moruya River at Glenduart. 

BACKGROUND 

Council has secured funding from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and from the 

Natural Heritage Trust through the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority 

(SRCMA) to implement work on public lands managed by Council. Project works are 

aligned with the Estuary Management Plans, the Council Management Plan and the draft 

Southern Rivers Catchment Action Plan (CAP). Social and economic considerations are also 

determining factors that are evaluated in the project design and implementation. A report 

(P06/43) detailing the works implemented through these programs was presented to the 

Environment, Planning and Administrative Services Committee meeting on 4 July 2006. 

Minute PM06/68 states that report P06/43 was received and noted. 

A report presented to the Environment, Planning and Administrative Services Committee 

meeting on 5 September 2006 (File No 00.4464/2) outlined the key aims of the Estuary 

Program application as follows: 

“The Glenduart Reserve is 13ha of public land adjoining Moruya River. This site will require 

targeted ongoing restoration works, with this application being Stage (1) of a planned 3-5 

year program. The objectives of Stage (1) are: Protect identified cultural heritage sites, 

identify encroachments from adjoining private properties, engage in public consultation 

regarding use/values of Reserve, control weeds & prepare site for future regeneration 

projects, protect existing remnants of riparian corridor (2 EEC’s), commence restoration of 

riparian corridor.” 

The primary aim of the Glenduart and other riverside restoration projects around the Shire is 

to restore riparian (riverside) vegetation. The riparian zone provides the best opportunities for 

creating corridors, contains the highest diversity of flora and fauna and is the most productive. 

The riparian zone is essential to filtering sediment and recycling nutrients and trace elements 

that would otherwise overload and pollute our waterways. Therefore, restoring the riparian 

zone will translate to considerable environmental and social benefits. 

Riparian corridor widths have been addressed in the Eurobodalla Shire’s Draft Rural Lands 

Strategy. The Draft Strategy states a minimum width of 100m for riparian buffers on major 

waterways (pp. 38,39). Further discussions with the Department of Natural Resources, 

Department of Planning and the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority have 

supported an allocated riparian buffer width of 100m for major estuaries and rivers. This 

width provides for the: 

• reduction of contamination of waterways caused by pollutants washed from the land 

surface; 

• reduction of location specific process affected by erosion and streambank collapse; 

• enhanced riparian endemic vegetation;





• increased faunal habitat and faunal movement; 

• vegetation corridors which overall assist natural processes such as species movement, 

water movement and provide resource rich areas for native fauna. 

The reduction of riparian zones potentially undermines the services that the zone can and does 

provide. 

The Moruya River Estuary Management Plan is currently under development and will address 

key environmental objectives such as: erosion control; protection of Endangered Ecological 

Communities; restoration of faunal corridors and rehabilitation of native vegetation. This 

project, along with related estuary, biodiversity and Landcare works, are in keeping with 

Council’s commitment to best management of the Nature Coast. 

ISSUES 

Currently there are landholders that have had access to the community lands. This access has 

been inclusive of agricultural practices, grazing, mown reserve areas, dumping garden refuse 

and other activities that prevent natural regeneration. These practices are not allied with the 

best outcomes for the riparian zone. Council is able to rectify this position through the 

financial support of State and Federal funds to enable riparian restoration works on the 

Moruya and other waterways across the Eurobodalla. 

The project works will address the following issues: 

• loss of riparian vegetation and habitat for endemic fauna; 

• stock access from neighboring properties that may damage regrowth, compact soil, 

disperse weeds and pollute waterways; 

• impacts on water quality; 

• invasive weeds; 

• protection of cultural heritage assets; 

• ongoing public access and use; 

• encroachment from adjoining rural and semi-rural properties. 

Policy 

All project works will align with the NSW Coastal Policy 1997, the guiding Principles of 

Ecologically Sustainable Development, the draft Rural Lands Strategy and other relevant 

legislation and policies as follows: 

• State Rivers and Estuaries Policy, 1992; 

• NSW Biodiversity Strategy, 1999; 

• Threatened Species Conservation Act; 

• State Water Management Outcomes Plan - Target 28; Percentage of native riparian 

vegetation increased on waterfront land.





The project works also align with development suitability assessment established via the 

Eurobodalla Coastal Environmental Capacity Planning Project 2001, which identified 

absolute constraints of 100m for estuaries and lakes. This is further reflected in the Rural 

Lands Strategy via the Strategic Environmental Assessment. 

ENVIRONMENTAL 

The current and future projects will link strategically with implementing the draft Rural Lands 

Strategy that has been supported and endorsed by Council. The Glenduart project will aim to 

restore the minimum buffer of 100m that was recommended for major waterways within the 

draft Strategy. This project will also link with State Planning Instruments such as the 

Department of Natural Resources Riparian Corridor Objective Setting (RCOS) guidelines. 

The RCOS guidelines classify the Moruya River as a Category (1) Stream; determining that 

the estuarine reaches require a minimum riparian buffer of 90m. 

It is important to note that the project will be implemented in stages over the next five years. 

Initial financial support has been provided by the Southern Rivers CMA and additional funds 

have been sought from the Department of Natural Resources Estuary Program. Details of 

projects operating under the Estuary Program were outlined in an earlier report to the 

Environment, Planning and Administrative Services Committee meeting held on 5 September 

2006 (File No 00.4464/2). Expected outcomes of the Glenduart program are: 

• minimum 100m of native riparian vegetation restored (where width of community owned 

land permits); 

• natural and cultural heritage values of the site protected; 

• restoration of community access to public land; 

• removal and control of illegal encroachments; 

• setting a precedent for the management of illegal encroachments on environmentally 

sensitive riparian land. 

The project has significant advantages for the local environment and Council as a land 

manager. The project demonstrates Council’s commitment to environmental management in 

alignment with state and local planning objectives. 

Asset 

The project site is community owned land on the northern bank of Moruya River. The project 

will protect and regenerate the following adjoining Council controlled reserves with property 

numbers as follows (Map 1): 

• Lot 37 – DP 264448 

• Lot 21 – DP 246754 

• Lot 36 – DP 264448





MORUYA RIVER 

MAP 1: Glenduart Reserve – showing the proposed riparian restoration zone in the 

encroached, mown, cleared and grazed areas. 

The reserves are categorised as follows: 

ENCROACHMENTS, MOWING & CLEARING 

Lot 37 - DP 264448 

• General Community Use 

• Natural Area Foreshore 

• Natural Area Bushland 

• Rural Heritage Item (Mogendoura Cemetery) 

Lot 21 - DP 246754 

ENCROACHMENTS & GRAZING 

PROPOSED GRAZING LEASE 

KEY 

Community land 

Target regeneration sites 

Lot 36 - DP 264448 

The core objectives for management of community land categorised as a natural area are: 

(a) to conserve biodiversity and maintain ecosystem function in respect of the land, or the 

feature or habitat in respect of which the land is categorised as a natural area, and 

(b) to maintain the land, or that feature or habitat, in its natural state and setting, and 

(c) to provide for the restoration and regeneration of the land, and 

(d) to provide for community use of and access to the land in such a manner as will minimise 

and mitigate any disturbance caused by human intrusion, and 

(e) to assist in and facilitate the implementation of any provisions restricting the use and 

management of the land that are set out in a recovery plan or threat abatement plan 

prepared under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or the Fisheries 

Management Act 1994.





Core objectives for management of community land categorised as foreshore: 

(a) to maintain the foreshore as a transition area between the aquatic and the terrestrial 

environment, and to protect and enhance all functions associated with the foreshore’s role 

as a transition area, and 

(b) to facilitate the ecologically sustainable use of the foreshore, and to mitigate impact on the 

foreshore by community use. 

The works proposed all adhere to the categorisation of the lands. 

Community Consultation 

Community consultation will be facilitated through the Moruya Estuary Advisory Committee 

and through notification of works through the local media. Field days and site meetings will 

be conducted if sufficient interest is shown. Localised consultation will also occur with 

landholders whose input will be sought in developing an Action Plan for the reserve. 

Staff 

The project works will be implemented through the Environment Team of Council. 

Strategic Links 

The projects are in consultation with the Moruya Estuary Advisory Committee and 

Eurobodalla Local Management Team (ELMT) to ensure that the project directions are 

aligned with the objectives of the Committees, SRCMA, DNR and Council. Further 

consultation is with the Department of Natural Resources, and other relevant government 

departments as required. The projects are also linked with the Estuary Management Plans to 

deliver appropriate works along with the Council Management Plan, the draft Rural Lands 

Strategy, draft Urban Settlement Strategy, and the draft Southern Rivers Catchment Action 

Plan. 

Financial 

Environment estuary projects are funded by Eurobodalla Shire Council and externally sourced 

grants from agencies including the Department of Natural Resources, Southern Rivers CMA 

and the Australian Government Envirofund. 

CONCLUSION 

The proposed works at Glenduart will add value to the Shire’s natural resource assets. The 

project links strategically with works being undertaken across the Shire to implement Estuary 

Management Plans and meet targets outlined in other Council and State Planning Instruments. 

This and other foreshore projects currently underway are critical to setting a precedent in 

terms of managing areas of community owned foreshore lands. The outcomes of this project 

will not only maintain and improve the environmental services provided by a broad riparian 

buffer; it will ensure ongoing and sustainable community access to a publicly owned resource. 

This project aligns with directions determined by the Moruya Estuary Advisory Committee. 

The project will also aim to foster community and landholder ownership and appreciation for 

the community land in line with the environmental benefits that riparian zones provide.





RECOMMENDED 



THAT Council: 

1. receive and note the report on Rehabilitation of Moruya River Foreshore - Glenduart; and 

2. endorse the proposed works on community owned land on the Moruya River foreshore at 

Glenduart. 

DEBORAH LENSON 

ENVIRONMENT TEAM LEADER 

DEVELOPMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES



W06/117 BENGELLO FOREST 05.9452/2 

SYNOPSIS 

This report discusses the ecological significance of the tracts of Council managed land 

between Moruya North Head and the village of Broulee, both east and west of George Bass 

Drive. Additionally, the report outlines some of the options available to Council for the 

future management of this unique area. 

BACKGROUND 

The Bengello Forest area is significant from geological, cultural, aesthetic and ecological 

perspectives. The area has exceptionally high biological diversity and supports a range of 

threatened flora and fauna as well as forming a key corridor facilitating migration and 

dispersal to the north and west. The nearby freshwater wetlands Williga and Waldrons 

Swamps together with Malabar Lagoon and Mogo State Forest complement the areas 

biodiversity values. This report refers to ~230Ha of land (parts of Lot 70-DP 831111, Lot 8 

DP 258299 and Lot 7008 DP 1020750 – see map). 

The Bengello area is the largest of only two main clusters of the Endangered Bangalay Sand 

Forest community in the Shire (the other being the Pedro/Congo area). Reflected by its 

present status, [listed under the Threatened Species Conservation (TSC) Act and presently 

being considered for listing under the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity 

Conservation (EPBC) Act], this community is likely to become extinct in nature unless key 

threatening processes impacting its health and extent are controlled or cease to operate (Final 

Determination - Scientific Committee 2005). These processes include land clearing, 

degradation and disturbance associated with heavy recreational use, frequent burning, rubbish 

dumping and weed invasion. 

A number of key user groups such as the racing community, professional and recreational 

fishers, naturalist and conservation groups and those involved with passive forms of 

recreation, eg cycling, walking and dog walking have a keen interest in the area. As the 

primary land managers of the Bengello Forest area, Council has a responsibility to apply 

appropriate management, protect the ecological function of the area and ensure the viability of 

this tract is maintained and eventually improved. 

ISSUES 

The Bengello Forest area is presently being impacted by a number of processes – these threats 

are generally associated with proximal development and recreational use such as: 

• Arson activity – the area is frequently subject to unprescribed burns particularly around 

Broulee. 

• Clearing - present pruning activity north of the Airport runway for air safety purposes has 

an impact for approximately 900m. 

• Recreational use – significant degradation and disturbance associated with recreational 

use is obvious along the tracks through the Bengello Forest area. 

• Rubbish dumping –area is a dumping ground and the refuse littered along the tracks 

includes domestic, industrial/commercial waste and cars. 

• Weed invasion - due to the great number of access tracks cutting through the endangered 

community, there is an increasing potential for further spread of weeds.




Legal 

There are numerous forms of legislation and policies at the international, national, state and 

local levels that require Council to consider biodiversity, Ecologically Sustainable 

Development (ESD) and threatened species and vegetation management. 

Council has obligations as one of the largest land managers in the area ensuring that the 

Bengello area is afforded a level of protection commensurate with its ecological value and 

Council’s financial capacities. 

Environmental 

This report proposes opportunities for contribution to biological diversity conservation by 

improving and certifying management and other activities occurring within the area. Recent 

investigations have established that a range of conservation options are available for Council 

to consider and additional research may be required to establish the best mechanism to 

support aspirations for the area. Essentially, Council can choose to: 

Option 1 - Enter into a Voluntary Conservation Agreement 

There are two main secure and reputable forms of covenant available: 

1. Voluntary Conservation Agreement (VCA) 

This agreement is administered through the National Parks Act and signed off by the 

Minister for the Environment and Council – it is noted on the title of the property in 

perpetuity. Discussions with National Parks have indicated that they would be interested 

in investing in this proposal should Council wish to proceed with this option. Generally 

DEC/Parks covers the legal costs of establishing the agreement and assist with the 

facilitation of any community consultation sessions. A comprehensive property plan and 

management conditions are established jointly by the proponent (Council) and Parks. 

2. Property Vegetation Plan (PVP) 

A PVP is administered through the Native Vegetation Act and signed off by the Southern 

Rivers Catchment Management Authority (SRCMA). This agreement is a legal 

commitment noted on the Section 149 Certificate relating to the property and there is an 

option to include a PVP notation on the certificate of title. The SRCMA has given a firm 

commitment that they are prepared to invest in the establishment of a PVP should Council 

wish to proceed with this action. 

Property plan and vegetation surveys are undertaken and general management conditions 

established through a PVP. The development of a management plan would be the 

responsibility of Council and community consultation is not a requirement of the 

agreement but would be desirable from Council’s perspective.




Option 2 - Maintain Current Status 

This option relies on the rezoning of part of the Bengello Forest to 7(f1) Environmental 

Protection (Coastal Lands Protection) to protect the values and integrity of the locality. The 

rezoning of the area does not address the issues relating to management and detrimental 

impacts on an endangered community and key landscape link, nor does it cover the critical 

portion of Council managed land west of George Bass Drive. 

Asset 

The Bengello Forest area is an extremely valuable environmental asset due to its location in 

the landscape and function as a wildlife corridor, its composition, condition and overall high 

biodiversity values. It is culturally, scientifically and aesthetically significant to a wide range 

of people. 

The Bengello Forests are situated adjacent to the airport entrance to the Shire and as such 

provide a valuable visual introduction to the Nature Coast. This proposal would serve to 

protect this visual asset and is not intended to affect any aspect of the present or future airport 

operations (as specified in the adopted Airport Concept Plan), or rezoned uses proposed on 

the northern end of the site. 

Social Impact 

The natural beauty and amenity of the Bengello Forest precinct ensures a high level of 

community interest and visitation. The area provides the local community with a range of 

ecological services and passive recreational activities that enhance the quality of life for 

individuals and groups. The area is also archaeologically and socially important to the 

Aboriginal community with known sites of significance concentrated in the area. 


Council has been approached by Coastwatchers and the Broulee Community Association 

(July 2005), who would like to see the area better managed, its environmental significance 

recognised and for it to be protected in line with the Bengello Bounty Report. Further 

community consultation via the Moruya Airport Structure Plan demonstrated support for the 

protection and maintenance of the environmental and aesthetic values of the Bengello Forests. 

More recent submissions on the Broulee Beaches Concept Plan and the Rural LEP 

(Amendment No.38) exhibited in mid-2005 show general support and encouragement from 

the community to protect the Bengello Forest area. 

Further community consultation would be anticipated for the conservation of the identified 

areas. 

Staff 

Investigations to date on management options for the Bengello Forest area have been 

undertaken through the Eurobodalla Biodiversity Program, in consultation with staff from the 

Strategic, Property, Works and Environment areas.





The proposal has been discussed with the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, 

Department of Environment and Conservation, Department of Natural Resources and 

Department of Lands. Each agency has conveyed support for the proposal with both DEC 

and SRCMA offering assistance in drafting a management plan for the area through their 

respective conservation/incentive programs. 

The project is aligned with the Estuary Management Plans of the Eurobodalla and Catchment 

Action Plan of the Southern Rivers region, Councils Plan of Management for Natural Areas 

and Undeveloped Reserves and the Rural LEP. It further complements the Yellow Bellied 

Glider Policy of Council. 

A separate but related project has also been investigated relating to a large portion of land 

(Lot 92, DP 631493) under the care and control of the Department of Lands. This 272Ha 

block is also ecologically significant, adjoins Council’s Lot 4 (Williga Swamp), and 

completes the regional corridor connecting the coast through wetlands, State Forest and 

National Park to the escarpment. Negotiations will continue concurrently with NRM agencies 

and the Department of Lands to establish an appropriate means of managing and protecting 

this lot with discussions to date focusing on a Property Vegetation Plan through the Southern 

Rivers Catchment Management Authority. 

Financial 

If Council were to enter into a voluntary conservation agreement (including an accompanying 

plan of management), the Bengello area would be considered a high priority for investment of 

public monies inclusive of on-ground rehabilitative works. These funds would address many 

of the issues relevant to the area and sources include Natural Heritage Trust, SCRMA, 

Department of Natural Resources, Department of Environment and Conservation and other 

Federal and State monies. 

The Bengello Forest also has the potential to be established as a biobank site [Threatened 

Species Conservation Amendment (Biodiversity Banking Bill, 2006)]. This Amendment, if 

passed, will allow the creation of biodiversity credits for management actions that are carried 

out within the biobank site. These credits would be tradeable commodities, with the potential 

to be purchased to offset an impact on biodiversity from another public or private 

development. 

CONCLUSION 

This report recommends that the highest level of protection available under current legislation 

be provided to the Bengello Beach and Forest area for ongoing protection, to ensure 

management certainty and as an assurance to the community that their wishes for the area will 

be honoured into the future.




If supported by Council, a formal conservation agreement over the public land in the Bengello 

Beach vicinity, would be a legally binding notation on the certificate of title and would 

provide permanent protection for the tract of land and the endangered ecological community, 

flora and fauna it supports. It would ensure the core of the Eurobodalla’s largest functional 

east-west vegetation corridor would remain intact and give confidence to the public that their 

highly valued Bengello Forest will be maintained for its natural and cultural values. A 

commitment from Council, the largest land manager in the area, will hopefully encourage 

neighbouring landholders to manage their holding in a manner consistent with these overall 

aims and complement the efforts of those already voluntarily doing so. 

The Council controlled areas of the Bengello Forests deserve priority consideration for 

reservation and permanent environmental protection through a conservation agreement for the 

following reasons: 

• The Bengello Forests’ size, condition, function, viability and conservation status. 

• The community’s expectation and aspirations for the area, (identified in various 

community surveys and forums). 

• The area’s position in the landscape contributing to a functional east-west corridor 

linkage. 

• Protecting and enhancing one of the few remaining examples of a unique local 

ecosystem. 

• Compliance with recommendations of relevant legislation, policies and planning controls. 

• Realising an immense environmental and social benefit at a minimal capital cost.




RECOMMENDED 



THAT Council convene a workshop on the Bengello Forest to discuss the issues and options 

related to Bengello Forest Report. This workshop would include: 

1. the acknowledgement of the ecological importance of the Bengello Forest and the area’s 

environmental attributes are considered in a strategic planning context; 

2. support for the concept of securing the parts of Lots 70, 8, 7008 and 4 (as described in 

attached map), under a formal conservation agreement and support further investigation 

into the suitability of either a Voluntary Conservation Agreement or Property Vegetation 

Plan to meet this objective; 

3. preparation of a Plan of Management over the Bengello Forest area as a matter of priority 

(portions presently under Council care and control); 

4. request that the Department of Lands pursue a similar course of action for Lot 92 

DP 631493; 

5. development of a vegetation management plan for the airport vegetation management 

activities ensuring grooming is undertaken as sensitively as possible and a functional 

connection to the north and west is maintained; 

6. review of the opportunities for the site as a biodiversity offset or biobanking. 

DEBORAH LENSON 

ENVIRONMENT TEAM LEADER 

DEVELOPMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

Attach

GOVERNANCE REPORT TO WORKS AND FACILITIES COMMITTEE MEETING 


W06/118 BOTANIC GARDENS ANNUAL REPORT – 2005-06 87.6703 

SYNOPSIS 

The Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens Management Committee is required to submit an 

Annual Report for the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens (ERBG) for 2005-06. The 

attached Annual Report, documents the activities of the ERBG for 2005-06 and describes 

what has been achieved in 2005-06 through the active partnership between the Council, its 

officers and the volunteers. 

RECOMMENDED 



THAT: 

1. The Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens Annual Report for 2005-06 be received and 

noted. 

2. A letter of congratulations be forwarded to the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens 

Management Committee for their efforts over the last 12 months. 

WARREN SHARPE 

GROUP MANAGER 

ROADS AND RECREATION SERVICES 

Attach

Annual Report 

2005-06 

EUROBODALLA REGIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS 

BATEMANS BAY NSW 

October 2006

Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens Annual Report 2005-06 

CONTENTS 

Map of the Gardens 2 

Message from the Chair 3 

Highlights of the twelve months July 2005—June 2006 4 

Putting our mission into practice 6 

Conservation 6 

Education 8 

Recreation 9 

Keeping the wheels turning—administrative matters 10 

Honour for Gardens Supervisor 12 

Management of the Gardens 13 

ERBG volunteers 15 

Report against Management Plan performance indicators 16 

Financials 17 

Herbarium 18 

Friends of ERBG 19 

Appendix 1 ERBG Management Committee membership 20 

Appendix 2 Sponsors 2005-06 21 

ERBG opening hours and contacts 21 

3 

Page


2


MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR 

This is the second time that I have been privileged to write the 

foreword to the Annual Report for the Eurobodalla Regional 

Botanic Gardens (ERBG). In the past year I have been amazed at 

what has been achieved through the active partnership between 

the Eurobodalla Shire Council, its officers and the volunteers. 

There are even more volunteers working for more hours; the 

Friends of ERBG have continued as financial sponsors of the 

Gardens through fundraising activities; and the staff have 

excelled themselves. In this Report you will note that the 

Gardens Supervisor, John Knight, was selected for a prestigious 

award, and the Gardens apprentice, Ryan Harris, won an 

achievement award from apprentice coordination authority, SERTEC. The honorary 

Herbarium Curator, Jennifer Liney, received a NSW State Government Seniors Day award. 

With these excellent human resources, it is no wonder that the value of our outstanding 

community asset continues to grow and to be appreciated by all visitors, whether local 

residents or interstate and international tourists. 

Leisa Brennan, Council’s Recreation Co-ordinator, has continued to guide Management 

Committee in its liaison with Council. Again her efforts in promoting the ERBG have been 

invaluable, especially through the Family Picnic Day and the Film Night. Bernadette Davis 

of Council’s Environment team has coordinated the schools program that the Shire’s 

children enjoy so much. Cr Chris Kowal, the Council nominee on Management Committee, 

has shown his support and interest by coming to events such as the Bird Hide opening and 

attending the Conference of Botanic Gardens. 

The members of the Management Committee and its sub-committees have worked together 

to improve and promote the ERBG, and I thank all the conveners of the sub-committees for 

the huge contribution they have made. Special thanks are also due to Don Brewster for 

drafting the Management Plan for 2006-10. At the October 2005 meeting Leslie 

Lockwood’s resignation was accepted after eight years on the Committee. At that time we 

noted that her expertise, assistance and friendship would be sorely missed. 

I do not intend to stand for re-election as Chair in December 2006 as I believe that two-year 

terms for executive positions on community committees encourage continuing renewal in 

organisations. In my experience people are more willing to take on office for a known term. 

On behalf of the Management Committee and all associated with the Gardens I thank the 

many contributors for their efforts. It has been rewarding to work with this communitybased 

Committee, dedicated volunteers and staff and to see the ERBG grow. I look forward 

to working with you next year in a different capacity. 

Sue Grahame 

Chair, ERBG Management Committee 

October 2006 

3


HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TWELVE MONTHS JULY 2005 – JUNE 2006 

July 2005 

National Tree Day celebrations include sales of plants bringing in $500 for ERBG projects 

August 

New publicity flyer is printed for distribution with the mail-out of ESC rates notices 

September 

900 people attend the Active Australia 

Family Picnic Day 

Three guides attend the Australasian 

Conference of Voluntary Guides in 

Botanic Gardens in Melbourne 

The Arboretum Gazebo is completed 

The volunteers and staff who contributed to the 

October 

Arboretum gazebo design and construction 

Country Energy donates poles, and Pierlite 

& Phillips donate floodlights for the car-park. 

Gardens Supervisor John Knight is awarded the biennial national Australian Plants Award 

by the Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants 

November 

500 people attend the InTheBin film night only to be 

drenched in a downpour: but 300 come to a repeat 

performance in December 

The crowd assembles 

for the film night 

December 

About 60 of the over 100 eligible volunteers attend the 

annual Volunteers Thank you Lunch 

ERBG’s apprentice, Ryan Harris, wins the SERTEC 

Foundation award 2005 which recognises his 

outstanding achievements both at the Gardens and 

academically through TAFE, his community awareness 

and vision for the future 

Ryan Harris 

Collecting trips are made to Big Badja Hill and Monga 

National Park 

Three banners advertising ERBG are erected on the 

Highway 

4


January 2006 

The Shire presents the Friends with the Event of the Year award at its Australia Day function 

February 

Council adopts the Management Plan for 2006-10 and 

Annual Report 2004-05 

Monthly workshops for outdoor volunteers commence 

ERBG, at the request of the Centre for Plant Biodiversity 

Research (National Herbarium), locates an uncommon 

native Hibiscus species 

March 

The ERBG website overhaul is completed 

April 

About 250 people enjoy morning tea on 5 April during Seniors Week 

Jennifer Liney, Honorary Curator of the ERBG 

Herbarium, receives a NSW Senior Citizens award 

in the category Education and Lifelong Learning 

Picnic shelter seating is completed 

May 

ERBG contingent of eight (plus three partners) is the 

largest from any one site to attend the biennial 

Conference of Botanic Gardens of Australia and 

New Zealand, NSW branch, held in Albury 

Bird Hide sponsored by Rotary Batemans Bay is 

completed and officially opened 

June 

Farewell for longstanding volunteers, 

Dorothy and Keith Maynard. 

Opening the Bird Hide 

Dot and Keith Maynard 

at their farewell 

IMB Community Foundation announces grant of 

$3,500 for a Children’s Walk 

5 

Jenny Liney cuts the 

cake at the Seniors 

morning tea 

Group prune at workshop


PUTTING OUR MISSION STATEMENT INTO PRACTICE 

Conservation, Education, Recreation 

Conservation 

Funding through the Access Planning Action 

Committee of Council has been used to 

construct the first stage of the Sensory 

Garden. When completed, this garden will 

display up to 600 plants, selected for their 

tactile, visual and olfactory qualities. The 

garden will also feature sounds of running and 

falling water, as well as paths of differing 

surfaces. 

The major rockwork, ponds and the pergola, 

and planting in all sections have been 

completed. By late summer 2007 it is expected 

that the plants will be sufficiently mature and 

the official opening will take place at that time. 

Plans drawn by Landscape Architect Warwick 

Ralph (volunteer) for the Sensory Garden, 

Rainforest Garden and new Sandstone Garden 

have guided all layout and planting. Warwick’s 

design for the interface between the Sensory 

and the Rainforest Garden means that visitors 

will be able to move seamlessly between the 

two. 

Unfortunately unsuitable drainage has resulted 

in major losses in the Sandstone Garden near 

the Visitors Centre. Construction of a new 

garden with soil and drainage suitable for fussy 

sandstone species has commenced adjacent to 

the Xeriscape Garden, and the current garden 

will become home to the more robust species. 

One of the highlights of the year was the 

opening of the Bird Hide on Saturday 27 May. 

Rotary Batemans Bay gave generous financial 

assistance to make this venture possible, with 

the Friends contributing to the final fit-out. 

Building and adjacent landscape work was 

done by volunteers. Over 400 plants had been 

planted in the two new gardens next to the 

northern lake to help to ensure that the 120 

species of birds recorded at the Gardens will 

keep coming. 

Invitations to the early morning opening and 

breakfast were sent to Rotary Batemans Bay; 

Birds Australia offices in Sydney, Canberra 

and Melbourne; Eurobodalla Natural History 

Society; Friends of ERBG; the Mayor and 

Shire Councillors. Approximately 90 people 

attended. Guest speakers were Jill Whiter 

(Eurobodalla Natural History Society) and 

Maureen Manning (President, Rotary 

Batemans Bay). Eric Andrew provided bird 

photographs for the Bird Hide display boards. 

6 

With upgraded tracks and many new plantings, 

the Arboretum is beginning to mature, 

providing visitors with many examples of trees 

suitable for home gardens. 

To provide a focus for visitors, volunteers 

constructed an information gazebo. It was 

opened in September 2005. 

The gazebo is handed over by construction 

volunteers, Dave Fox and Geoff Boocock to Keith 

Maynard. Keith made the Arboretum his special 

project for many years. 

Artwork by local artist Denise Luke adorns the 

gazebo, comprising a map of the area and a 

rural scene of Buckenbowra valley.


A new feature of the Arboretum is the Grass 

Tree collection. Management Committee 

agreed to the purchase of mature specimens of 

these slow growing plants, for the seedlings 

grown some 10 years ago are still quite 

insignificant and will not provide a presence 

for many more years. 

Part of the Grass Tree collection 

An avenue of the Garden’s emblem, 

Burrawangs, Macrozamia communis has been 

planted in the Arboretum. The plants were 

sourced from a logging site in Mogo State 

Forest, and when established, will be a 

highlight with the associated Spotted Gums, 

Corymbia maculata. 

The Wisconsin mound, which disposes of the 

Gardens effluent, is 45 metres long and 12 

metres wide. Filtered water flows through an 

adjacent pond where further nutrient removal 

occurs before the water finds its way to a 

settling pond. Over 2,500 plants, grown by 

volunteers, have been planted on the mound 

and in adjacent garden beds to facilitate 

nutrient removal. The mound has been 

inspected by a number of local rural property 

holders who are faced with similar disposal 

problems. 

Who uses ERBG plants? 

At the ERBG nursery, volunteers work to 

produce plants for sale. 

As all the plants are native to the Region, sales 

help to spread the use of such plants in all parts 

of the Region and beyond. In 2005-06 18,667 

plants which left the nursery for use in public 

and private locations. The chart below shows 

where these plants were bound. 

Landcare, 

Creekcare, 

Council, 

10,657 

Users of ERBG plants: 2005-06 

Planted at 

ERBG, 

2,472 

The plant propagation nursery area was 

expanded by building a retaining wall and 

upgrading the gravel surface. This has allowed 

more of the larger plants to be held in good 

conditions. 

Volunteers made additional propagation 

benches so plants could be stored off the 

ground. These improve conditions for 

volunteers by making weeding and sorting 

more ergonomic, and for plants by improving 

soil drainage and reducing weed seed spread. 

Two plant collecting trips were made in 

November and December 2005: 

1. Big Badja Hill to take cutting material 

of endemic grevilleas. Other 

Herbarium collections were made at 

the same time. 

2. Monga National Park, firstly to find 

and take Herbarium specimens and 

cutting material from another localised 

grevillea, and secondly to fill in gaps in 

the Herbarium collection. 

The report on the Herbarium appears on a 

later page. 

Public sales, 

5,108 

Donations, 

430 

Grasses and clumping plants on the Wisconsin mound 

7


Education 

Volunteer Guides 

The volunteer guides lead free regular walks 

every Sunday at 11.00am. Eight groups were 

taken on specially booked walks at a charge of 

$3 per person. Autumn and spring appear to be 

the favoured times. The guides offered short 

walks on Seniors Day in April; helped with 

children’s puzzle activities on the Active 

Australia Family Picnic Day in September 

2005; and led walks for Friends and for 

'meeters and greeters' as part of their ongoing 

familiarisation and training at ERBG. 

Three guides attended the Australasian 

Conference of Voluntary Guides in Botanic 

Gardens in Melbourne in September 2005. 

Three guides were also amongst the nine 

representatives from ERBG at the BGANZ 

NSW Conference at Albury in May 2006. 

Some of the ERBG participants at the 

Albury Conference 

The guides have all agreed to ‘adopt a track’, 

monitoring condition of signage on the gardens 

tracks and children’s puzzle clues where 

necessary. Meetings continue to be held on the 

second Saturday of the month when the walks 

roster is filled and training activities take place. 

The number of volunteer guides as at 1 July 

2006 stands at 10. 

Signage 

Our Gardens receives compliments from many 

visitors, in particular regarding the quality of 

our signage and the ease with which plants can 

be identified. Throughout the Gardens, 472 

new plant signs were installed to assist visitors 

identify those plants which they are interested 

in. Signage explaining the purpose of the 

Arboretum has been installed and is being 

upgraded as new plantings take place. 

8 

A large sign welcoming visitors, outlining 

'rules' and displaying the Gardens map in the 

car-park gazebo has been essential. A number 

of 'you are here' style signs have been updated 

in the Gardens. Noticeboards at the Visitors 

Centre and car-park gazebo continue to be 

updated with coming events and volunteer 

activities. 

Descriptive signs of plants for sale now include 

a photo of the plant in flower. 

Leaflets 

Four more puzzle walks for children have 

been prepared as well as several 'treasure hunt' 

style sheets and a colouring-in sheet. 

The Schools program continues with year 

four classes in the shire schools. The program 

emphasises enjoyment of and care for the 

environment and is organised and delivered by 

the Environment/Education Officer from ESC 

with assistance from Gardens volunteers. 

Management Committee was successful in its 

application for an IMB Community Foundation 

Grant amounting to $3500 for a Children’s 

Walk at the Gardens. The walk is designed to 

introduce children in an interactive and fun way 

to some local animals and the importance of 

their habitats. The opening is planned for early 

December 2006, in time for the summer school 

holidays. 

IMB Batemans Bay Manager Daniel Coffey with 

the walk designer, volunteer Margaret Lynch, and 

children who will be keen to explore the new walk


Recreation 

Our focus is on improving the experience of 

all who visit: almost 3000 metres of Limited 

Mobility Tracks allow easy access to 

developed areas for everyone. Theme gardens 

along these tracks will add interest, the latest 

additions being the Sensory Garden and 

Rainforest Garden at the western area. 

Active Australia Family Picnic Day: This day 

of varied entertainment held on 27 September 

was such a great success, attracting about 900 

visitors, that the Shire Council presented the 

Friends of the ERBG with the Community 

Event of the Year award at a ceremony on 

Australia Day 2006. 

Entertainment at Family Picnic Day 

The Film Night organised for 12 November 

promised to be an exciting experience ‘for kids 

of all ages from two to ninety-two’according to 

ERBG’s media release. The Queensland company, 

IntheBin, was engaged to screen a Festival 

of 12 of Australia's best short films created 

purely to entertain. The gates of the Gardens 

opened at 6.30 pm when 500 visitors could 

choose to enjoy a sausage sizzle and soft drinks 

organised by the Friends or bring a picnic. 

The raffle was generously supported by 

sponsors and those attending 

9 

Unfortunately, the heavens opened at 8.00 pm 

and the evening was washed out. However, 

IntheBin kindly agreed to a second visit in 

early December, when approximately 300 

people attended on a fine mild evening. 

Floodlights in the car park and low voltage 

lights across the entrance walkway were 

installed in time for this after dark 

entertainment, to ensure safe access to the 

Visitor Centre after hours. Sponsors Country 

Energy, Pierlite and Phillips, two electrician 

volunteers and the Friends made this possible. 

The annual Volunteers Thank you Lunch in 

early December was attended by about 60 of 

the over 100 eligible volunteers. 

Planning for our Seniors Day 5 April 2006 

was aided by a grant from the NSW 

Department of Ageing, Disability and Home 

Care. About 35 volunteers and ESC staff 

were involved in entertaining and serving 

morning tea to approximately 250 people of 

whom residents of retirement villages and 

nursing homes were a noticeable proportion, 

but probably not the most numerous. 

Four publicity articles appeared in the Bay 

Post over several days, and a ‘Thumbs Up’ to 

the volunteers afterwards. A limited mobility 

standard path across the lawn and fixed 

seating and tables in the barbecue shelter 

were completed just in time, and were much 

appreciated on a very warm day. Activities 

included Tai Chi, guided walks, a ceremonial 

tree planting and a display featuring sensory 

plants (colour, fragrance, texture, taste). 

Longstanding volunteer Noel Murray gets 

ready to plant a tree on Seniors Day


20000 

18000 

16000 

14000 

12000 

10000 

8000 

6000 

4000 

2000 

0 

Management Plan for 2006-10 and 

Annual Report 2004-05 

Council adopted these documents in 

February 2006. Advice to Council on matters 

raised in the Management Plan will be 

provided via annual reports. 

ERBG Web page 

The ERBG maintains a web site which is 

hosted on the ESC’s web site, at 

www.esc.nsw.gov.au/gardens. A significant 

number of changes have brought its content 

up to date, and amended its technical design. 

A simpler design with fewer photographs 

much compressed allows quick downloading 

by those who have low speed dial-up access. 

Peter Anderson, Secretary for the August 

2005 meeting, took on the technical design 

and made the changes. Sue Grahame updated 

the content and Audrey Walton provided 

many of the photos. Karen MacLatchy will 

make changes as requested and arrange 

updates with ESC staff. Google found the 

revised listing in 0.28 seconds. 

Towards additional indoor space 

The Management Plan noted that the Visitors 

Centre had become overcrowded and that 

additional space is required. A working party 

has met a number of times and is exploring 

options and possible funding, in association 

with ESC staff. 

Visitor Numbers 2001-06 

2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 

KEEPING THE WHEELS TURNING—ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 

10 

Special Events 

General Visitors 

The review date for the Café licence (August) 

was seen as an opportunity to re-consider the 

space reserved for Café operations exclusively. 

However, in April the Café licensee sought 

early release and from the agreed termination 

date, 31 May 2006, the Café has been operated 

by volunteers under Management Committee 

administration. 

Management Committee’s recommendation to 

Council on the licence arrangements that 

should apply is with Council officers. Council 

will seek expressions of interest ahead of the 

ESC’s decision on a new licensee. 

A related matter is inadequate electricity 

infrastructure for the Visitors Centre, and for 

events in or near the barbecue shelter. As 

ERBG’s power is supplied from Deep Creek 

Dam, an ESC facility, Country Energy is 

unable to assist. ESC’s Water and Sewer 

Operations Manager, Angus McLean, has 

advised that the power output at the Dam is the 

highest in the Shire and therefore ERBG could 

draw more power from it. As a first step, an 

ERBG volunteer who is a qualified electrician 

will assist with drawing up specifications.


Computers, software and related 

hardware 

The computer facilities serve the needs of the 

Herbarium, staff, and volunteers. Volunteers 

maintain databases, prepare and print 

Arboretum and other signs, children’s puzzles, 

letters and invitations. 

The ERBG may be able to benefit from the 

ESC computer upgrade program: Leisa 

Brennan is investigating this with ESC IT staff. 

Adequate updated software also needs to be 

acquired, preferably as part of Council IT 

arrangements. The Herbarium requires high 

quality computing resources and it was 

agreed that, if necessary, separate funds 

should be sought for appropriate computing 

facilities. 

The Internet connection at the ERBG is dialup 

and very slow because pair gain has been 

used to provide enough telephone lines for 

the site. Broadband is not available and a 

satellite connection would not be cost 

effective. 

Hiring Arrangements 

Hiring of space in the Gardens for weddings 

and other ceremonies has been made part of a 

Shire-wide approach to the hiring of public 

facilities operated by the Council. The ERBG 

brochure for ceremonies, including 

weddings, has been revised so it can be part 

of a ‘package’ for members of the public 

who make enquiries. Fees set by ESC are 

consistent with its policies for other areas. 

The arrangement is that people who seek to 

hold weddings or other ceremonies in the 

ERBG will first contact the ERBG to check 

the date and time, and then the ESC officer 

located at the Batemans Bay Community 

Centre (BBCC) who will give them an 

information kit. Payments may be made in 

person to the BBCC. Weddings and other 

ceremonies may be held within ERBG 

opening hours. If ceremonies run over time, 

ESC will bill the person/group concerned for 

staff support hours. 

Volunteer arrangements and support 

A new volunteer application form has been 

designed and is available from the ERBG, the 

Batemans Bay Community Centre, and the 

ERBG web pages. 

Workshops for outdoor volunteers were held 

once a month from February. 

Management committee has agreed that more 

structure is needed to support volunteers, such as 

job descriptions; and to streamline 

administration, for instance through a Microsoft 

Access database. It is proposed that a working 

party would look at ERBG policy materials and 

those of RBG Sydney, and seek assistance from 

ESC’s community services area which has 

recently put updated material to Council. Once 

background work has been done, the ERBG may 

take up the offer of a visit/workshop from a staff 

member of RBG Sydney, arising out of the 2006 

Albury Conference of Botanic Gardens of 

Australia and New Zealand, NSW branch. 

11 

Extract from volunteer application form 

Recognition of funds from external sources 

When seeking sponsors it is important to have a 

clear policy on recognition of funds from 

external sources: this was a clear message from 

the Albury Conference. The sponsorship and 

recognition policies agreed over the years have 

been collated, will be reviewed at an early 

opportunity, and implemented with appropriate 

publicity for sponsorship opportunities.


John Knight has been a passionate advocate for Australian native plants for over thirty years, and 

that passion was rewarded last week when John joined a very select band of horticulturists to be 

honoured with an Australian Plants Award. 

Awarded every two years by the Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants, John is one 

of only two professionals in his field chosen for the national award. The award recognises John’s 

contribution to the knowledge of Australian plants in the course of a notable professional career 

spanning thirty years in the natural science field. 

Photo: Ben Eyles 

HONOUR FOR GARDENS SUPERVISOR 

National award for Knight of the Gardens 

Eurobodalla Shire Council Media Release 12 October 2005 

as printed in the Bay Post 19 October 2005 

GREEN THUMB: John Knight is a passionate advocate 

for Australian native plants 

John is the head horticulturist at Eurobodalla’s own Regional Botanic Gardens, and believes that 

using indigenous plants should be more widely promoted in municipal and other parks. This 

philosophy is reflected in his work at the Botanic Gardens and at the Karwarra Garden in Victoria, 

which John had a hand in rebuilding. 

John has also been generous in sharing his knowledge through adult education, conferences, 

workshops, and as leader of the Boronia and Allied Genera Study Group for many years. 

Eurobodalla Shire Councillors were delighted to hear of John’s award at yesterday’s Works 

Committee meeting. Mayor Neil Mumme said that Council is fortunate to have people like John who 

are so committed to their work. 

12


The framework for the Gardens development 

and maintenance program is a collaborative 

effort between the Eurobodalla Shire Council 

and the ERBG Management Committee. The 

Management Plan, endorsed by Council, sets 

out both short-term and long-term goals for 

development and maintenance of the site. 

Work is undertaken with regard to the 

availability of resources and Council’s policies 

regarding Occupational Health and Safety, and 

current best practice procedures. Day to day 

management of the Gardens is the 

responsibility of the Gardens Supervisor, 

assisted by staff and volunteers. 

Staffing 

The Gardens has two full-time permanent 

staff, the Gardens Supervisor, John Knight, 

and the Gardens Labourer, Dugald Bennett. 

Laurie Ball, a casual employee sourced 

through Campbell Page, works most 

Saturdays, as well as volunteering for two 

days a week. 

Our Horticulture Apprentice, Ryan Harris, 

continues to impress with his commitment and 

enthusiasm, not only at the Gardens but also in 

his after-hours surveying and collecting in 

local forests. Ryan is also achieving excellent 

results at TAFE. 

The number of volunteer workers continues to 

grow steadily, with over 120 assisting during 

the year. It is a worthwhile investment of 

management time to ensure that the volunteers 

are engaged in suitable and meaningful tasks 

to suit their varied skills, while adhering to 

Council’s OH&S policies. 

Gardens development program 

Work continues to upgrade some of the major 

walking tracks to Limited Mobility Standard, 

with almost 3000 metres now completed. All 

new track work will be similarly designed to 

ensure safe access for all visitors. 

Site maintenance 

Standard Operation Procedures have been 

developed for general maintenance of the site. 

All areas open to the public are inspected at 

least once a week, and more often during 

stormy, windy or wet weather. Risk 

assessment analysis for all works is 

undertaken by staff, and volunteers are 

encouraged to assist in this process, giving 

them ownership of any works they are 

associated with. 

MANAGEMENT OF THE GARDENS 

13 

Walking tracks 

The bush tracks and the gardens tracks are 

kept in good repair. The bush tracks are 

inspected twice a week, repaired as needed 

and debris removed. Bush tracks are closed to 

the public on days of Total Fire Ban, and also 

during windy weather, to ensure the safety of 

visitors. Gravel paths throughout the Gardens 

are raked regularly to prevent build up of 

debris. We are lucky to have several 

volunteers who like to rake paths, and there is 

talk of ‘the golden rake’. A program of gravel 

renewal is undertaken to ensure the tracks are 

in a safe condition for all users. Regular 

inspections are made of the many large old 

trees to ensure dangerous limbs are removed. 

Fire management 

The emergency generator is started weekly, 

and the sprinkler lines operated along the 

creek lines to ensure successful management 

of fire if it were to occur. All fire trails and fire 

lines are cleared twice each year, in August 

and December, to ensure ready access for 

vehicles. Clearing involves removal of debris, 

mowing or slashing to 50mm high, and cutting 

back of encroaching plants to keep the tracks 

at the required width for safe passage of fire 

vehicles. 

Plans for hazard reduction burns in the 

prescribed area were again thwarted this year 

due to rain in the weeks prior to and after the 

proposed burn. To overcome the lack of 

burning, further slashing was undertaken to 

reduce the height of ground flora. This work is 

believed to be sufficient to satisfy the 

requirements of reducing the fire risk. Within 

the high visitation sites, open areas of gravel, 

irrigated lawn and low mass foliage are 

maintained to assist in controlling wildfire 

should such an event occur. 

Pest and animal control 

Termite inspections of the Visitors Centre and 

the Residence were completed as required. 

Despite the site having many trees harbouring 

termite colonies, no evidence of termites was 

found in the buildings. 

Rabbits continue to inhabit the site in low 

numbers. Damage is minimal to date, but the 

situation is constantly monitored, and 

appropriate action is taken to prevent a build 

up of their population.


Wallabies are causing more and more damage 

as their population builds, continually 

damaging new plantings. With the surrounding 

bush areas providing little food, more wallabies 

have come onto the site putting further pressure 

on our young plants. Of more concern is that 

plants thought to be safe from attack, especially 

those in the Proteaceae Family, are being 

continually browsed, leaving little energy for 

the plants to grow away. The permanent fence 

around the Arboretum will protect the 

developing gardens, and other measures such 

as foliage treatment are being trialled where 

fencing is impractical. 

Kangaroo numbers have also increased 

dramatically, with mobs rather than single 

animals regularly mowing the open grassed 

areas. While they do little damage to plants, 

they sometimes break plants by jumping on 

them. It is unlikely that we can keep either 

wallabies or kangaroos out of the gardens. 

Monitoring their numbers and seeking 

assistance from the Dept of Environment and 

Heritage in managing the animals is all that can 

be realistically done at this time. 

Building and facilities maintenance 

Regular inspections are made of all buildings, 

including the Visitors Centre, to ensure the 

value of the asset is not diminished. Attention 

is paid to guttering and drainage around the site 

to prevent damage to foundations. 

A leak from the ceiling in the Visitors Centre 

breezeway has been drawn to the attention of 

Council’s Facilities Management Officer. 

16,000 

14,000 

12,000 

10,000 

8,000 

6,000 

4,000 

2,000 

0 

Weed management 

All instances of major weed infestation are 

addressed as soon as they become apparent. No 

notifiable weeds are known to occur on the site, 

although a range of pasture weeds have 

established small populations following the 

importation of soil. These weeds are eradicated 

before they have a chance to become a 

maintenance problem. Garden beds are kept as 

clean as practicable, with the resources 

available. 

Volunteers mulch ‘Ruth’s garden’ 

Volunteer Hours by Year 2001-06 

‘Adopt a garden’ 

It is pleasing that so many volunteers have 

agreed to ‘adopt a garden’, taking on 

responsibility for weeding, mulching, pruning, 

replacement planting and whatever is 

necessary. The garden volunteers have 

appreciated the workshops given by John 

Knight and Ryan Harris on a range of subjects 

including weed recognition and eradication, 

plant propagation, pruning, plant identification 

and recording. They are building up confidence 

to take on projects, and enjoying helping each 

other with ‘their’ gardens when two or more 

makes lighter work. 

2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 

14


Bev Anderson 

Peter Anderson 

Cyril Appleby 

Judy Appleby 

Carol Ball 

Laurie Ball 

June Bates 

Kath Beare 

Ruth Beeren 

Jo Benyon 

Ellen Birrell 

Margaret Blacksell 

Richard Blacksell 

Geoff Boocock 

Don Brewster 

John Buchanan 

Sybil Buchanan 

Helen Byrne 

Jim Byrne 

Brian Cant 

Noela Cant 

Isabel Carey 

Ken Carey 

Ian Cargill 

Margaret Carney 

Owen Cartledge 

Bill Carter 

Margaret Cherry 

Tom Cherry 

Karen Cockerill 

Bruce Cox 

Helen Cox 

VOLUNTEERS 2005-06 

Jock Cumming 

Margaret Cumming 

Geraldine Currie 

John Davis 

Jenny Edwards 

Rob Edwards 

Annabel Fox 

David Fox 

Jennifer Fraser 

Margaret Geddes 

Joan George 

Sue Grahame 

Gabriele Harding 

Mark Harris 

Lyndall Hatch 

Heather Haughton 

Peter Haughton 

Hazel Henry 

Heather Hilliard 

Graham Hogg 

Margaret Hogg 

Marion Holland 

Tristan Hoy 

Bob Hughes 

Lesley Hulands 

Norm Hulands 

Brenda Inwards 

Agnieszka Jablonska 

Jean Kenway 

Leonie Kestel 

Jean Konkes 

Jenny Liney 

John Liney 

Bill Lloyd 

Margaret Lloyd 

Leslie Lockwood 

Don Loudon 

Margaret Lynch 

Sharon Macdonald 

Karen MacLatchy 

Audrey Maher 

Dorothy Maynard 

Keith Maynard 

Margaret McClintock 

Marietta McGregor 

Sally McDonald 

Graham McKenzie 

Leslie McKenzie 

Elizabeth Mitchell 

Geoff Mitchell 

Helen Moore 

Virginia Moore 

Ainslie Morris 

Cecelia Moschitz 

Noel Murray 

Jean Pengilly 

Malcolm Pengilly 

Lauren Peri 

Alison Powell 

Bob Pulford 

Ruth Pulford 

Warwick Ralph 

Helen Rees 

Helen Rees jnr 

Volunteer working hours Year to Year comparison 

Barbara Roberts 

Gaetan Rouillon 

Pauline Rouillon 

Josef Saunders-Kowal 

Bob Scott 

Helen Scott 

Janet Simpson 

Christine Slack 

Roy Starkey 

Bernard Stauce 

Bob Stephens 

Myf Thompson 

Jean Thomson 

Judy Thomson 

Bob Tomkins 

Laurie Tooley 

Marjorie Tooley 

Brian Versey 

Jenny Vine 

Ralph Vine 

Fay Vonthethoff 

Janet Vost 

Leila Walker 

David Wallace 

Audrey Walton 

Don Walton 

Andy Wass 

Val Wass 

Sarah Wilkie-Snow 

Joy Williams 

Rob Williams 

Job 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 % of total % Last year 

Administration 249 143 345 561 1240 8.69% 4.4% 

Information 2820 2223 1932 1874 1988 13.93% 14.7% 

Guides 509 261 356 2.50% 2.0% 

Education 599 175 294 325 344 2.41% 2.5% 

Herbarium 1181 809 738 941 1105 7.74% 7.4% 

Nursery 2328 2268 1862 1964 1784 12.50% 15.4% 

Data input 1151 173 159 1.11% 1.4% 

Construction 727 472 370 856 917 6.43% 6.7% 

Develop gardens 146 103 625 595 856 6.00% 4.7% 

Develop tracks 949 1394 1038 7.28% 10.9% 

Maintain Arboretum 425 261 566 675 841 5.89% 5.3% 

Maintain gardens 948 1030 1280 1630 2038 14.28% 12.8% 

Maintain tracks 259 1191 493 626 729 5.11% 4.9% 

Maintenance, general 606 269 660 614 396 2.78% 4.8% 

Maintain roads 10 22 263 1.84% 0.2% 

Fire mitigation 62 43 68 238 214 1.50% 1.9% 

Total 11501 8987 10701 12749 14268 100% 100% 

15


REPORT AGAINST MANAGEMENT PLAN PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 

Performance indicator Work in progress 

Gardens Development 

Complete list of projects in Management Plan within 

the timelines, where shown 

Consider other proposals when sponsors come 

forward with proposals 

Undertake maintenance of the buildings, paths, and 

other facilities in accordance with an annual program 

that reflects immediate priorities 

Preliminary discussions held on improving access 

Lighting installed in the car-park 

Sensory Garden under construction, to be opened in late summer 2007 

Bird Hide completed; officially opened May 2006 

Rainforest Gardens being constructed and planted 

Re-development of old nursery as a fern garden planned 

Path and track network progressively developed 

Initial design work on the Geology Garden to be undertaken 2006-07 

Propagation nursery space for holding plants improved 

No external sponsors have come forward with proposals 

On-going 

Undertake planting 3,000 plants, on average, per year Fewer plants required for 2005-06 

Visitor numbers 

Five per cent increase per year General visitor numbers increased by 7% 

Banners erected on Highway 

Volunteers on duty every day the Gardens is open to inform visitors 

Media publicity for all special events 

Education functions 

Extend quality and quantity of school visits IMB Children’s Walk will extend quality of school visits as relevant 

to curriculum. 

Review content and style of brochures On-going. Several new brochures designed and printed. 

Provide signs and explanatory information New signs and explanatory information installed 

Conservation functions 

Propagation and sales of regional plants On-going 

Consultation with local nurseries Will depend on staff and volunteer resources 

Maintain contact with ESC officers On-going. Active liaison on Landcare and Creekcare projects 

Herbarium activity On-going. Herbarium Curator awarded NSW Senior Citizen award. 

Surveys undertaken for ESC. 

Demonstrate conservation practices On-going through Xeriscape Garden and Wisconsin Mound. 

Management and quality assurance functions 

Discussions on the nature, siting and possible 

funding of more indoor space 

Prepare a longer-term maintenance plan for 

discussion with ESC 

Provide support for volunteers and report annually 

on numbers and hours worked 

Discussions have commenced. Recommendation to ESC re Café. 

Discussions have commenced 

Report given in this Annual Report 

Host 2008 BGANZ conference Preliminary discussions have been held 

Arrange ceremony Sensory Garden opening Ceremony will be held in late summer 2007 

Prepare and print publicity material On-going 

Develop a longer-term strategy for increasing the use 

of ERBG for formal education 

Analyse and summarise the formal and informal 

feedback from visitors 

In abeyance until topic of increased indoor space has made progress 

To be undertaken once café has been re-opened 

16


FINANCIALS 

ERBG Budget 2005-06 $ $ 

Operations Income Expenditure 

ESC operations contribution 250,761.56 

Gardens income 26,786.00 

Operations funds available 277,547.56 

Operations expenditure 278,090.09 

Capital works 

Council contribution (Sensory Garden) 20,000.00 

APAC contribution (Sensory Garden) 8,865.00 

Friends donations 16,800.00 

Rotary Batemans Bay donation 4,000.00 

Capital works funds available 49,665.00 

Capital works expenditure 48,927.15 

Total budget 327,212.56 

Total expenditure 327,017.24 

Management Committee Account 30 June 2006 

The accounts of ERBG are operated within the Eurobodalla Shire Council financial system. The table below 

provides details only in respect of the funds under Management Committee control. 

Opening Balance 1 July 2005 17,679.40 

Plus income 

Interest 1,204.87 

Donations 8,000.00 * Rotary Batemans Bay for Bird Hide 

and Rainforest Garden 

Grant funds, Seniors week 500.00 

Events income 2,749.22 

Hire fees 227.27 

Other income 558.18 

Sub total 13,239.54 

Total 30,918.94 

Less expenses 

Capital project (Bird Hide) 4,000.00 

Volunteer Training 2,910.80 

Education expenses 114.76 from Charcoalition contribution 

Maintenance & repairs 289.10 

Meeting expenses 230.50 

Licence fees 134.92 

Advertising 101.81 

Gardens Projects 1,713.64 

Stationery 129.01 

Events expenses 2,157.10 

Sub total 11,781.64 

Total funds 19,137.30 

add Café balance 354.29 

Total funds 19,491.59 

Less commitments 

Grant 3,290.92 

Rolled over. To be spent on car 

park gardens 

Education grant 1,880.56 Balance of grant 

Project funds 1,726.31 Friends contributions for projects 

Rainforest Garden 4,000.00 

Total commitments 10,897.79 

Funds available 8,593.80 

*This sum represents donations made to the Management Committee. Donations for capital works and other specific 

purposes are placed in appropriate ESC accounts when work begins on particular projects. 

17


HERBARIUM 

Annual Report 2005-06 

This is my thirteenth Annual Report as Honorary Curator of the Wallace Herbarium at ERBG. 

In late 2005, we were asked to lend our support to a proposal that argued against the re-naming of most of the 

Australian Acacia genera. We composed a persuasive e-mail; this, together with about 200 other e-mails and support 

from the international botanic community, managed to persuade the International Council of Botanic Nomenclature 

not to re-name the majority of the Australian genera. So all the Acacia species in our Region will remain Acacia. 

In February 2006, the Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research (National Herbarium) in Canberra called us, to ask for 

locations of an uncommon native Hibiscus species. On two field trips, the second in company with the botanists 

from Canberra, we found some specimens growing, some about to flower. We were asked us to collect seeds for a 

research project, which in due course we did. Later, Canberra requested the loan of some of our Herbarium 

specimens of another Hibiscus species for a PhD student to work with. I feel that this kind of activity connects us 

with the wider, professional botanic world. 

Four vegetation surveys were conducted for the Eurobodalla Shire Council: a follow-up of Coila Lake saltmarsh, a 

wide-ranging survey of the Yarragee Reserve, work on some of the Narooma Council Reserves and a quick 

inventory of the Surf Beach Reserve. Information and reports are used by Council officers to assess the value of 

natural vegetation remnants when compiling grant proposals. All this activity earned income for the Friends of the 

ERBG. The species lists will be useful to us in the future, especially for any work done on weeds. 

For a long time I have wanted to produce distribution maps for selected species, but had neither the time nor the 

expertise to do so. Early this year, I contacted the Council staff member who works with their Geographical 

Information System. He explained how to present our database to enable maps to be drawn. A new Gardens 

volunteer spent a considerable amount of time making the necessary adjustments to our computer records. The next 

step is to show this to the Council staff member, and see how it goes from there. 

It is estimated that in the Eurobodalla Region between 1,700 and 2,000 plant species might occur, so our collection 

represents between 73% and 85% of all indigenous plants thought to grow locally. There has not been a great deal of 

collecting since my last report; efforts are concentrated on adding new data rather than covering old ground, all the 

easy places having been visited; and Gardens staff and volunteers have been very busy developing new features in 

the Gardens. When the current spate of work slows down, and the weather is warmer and days longer, we should be 

able to plan some trips. 

We have begun collecting voucher specimens from plants in the Gardens, so that we have an identification number 

linking all the named plants to a dried specimen in the Herbarium. However, pressure of other work and events has 

prevented much progress being made. We hope to further this project in the coming year. 

We continue to send surplus specimens to ANBG Canberra and to the RBG Sydney as donations. Canberra also 

gives us great assistance in identifying difficult species. The ERBG Herbarium made approximately 70 plant 

identifications at public request. 

Collection figures are as shown in the table: 

Volunteer hours in the Herbarium totalled 1105 for the period. 

My thanks go to Karen MacLatchy, Helen Moore, Brian Cant and David 

Wallace for giving more of their time than I would expect, to Mark Harris 

for work on the database, to Don Walton for his ongoing support, and to 

John Knight and Ryan Harris for their helpfulness and co-operation. 

Jennifer Liney 

Herbarium Curator 

30 June 2006 

18 

31 August 2005 - 30 June 2006 

Total 

Specimens 

9,617 9,856 

Families 173 174 

Genera 617 622 

Species 1,445 1,460 

Fungi 794 797


FRIENDS OF THE EUROBODALLA REGIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS 

Report for the ERBG Annual Report 2005-06 

The Friends support and promote the ERBG aims to the community, and provide a source of volunteer 

assistance for many programs. Membership of the Friends continues to grow with 35 new members joining 

this year, bringing our numbers to 306 including six corporate members. 

The Friends Committee meets monthly to monitor its own activities and to discuss the most appropriate 

ways of assisting Gardens staff and the Management Committee to achieve their aims. Informative quarterly 

newsletters are sent to all members, Management Committee, Shire Councillors and those Shire staff who 

through their work interact with ERBG staff. 

During the past year, four public meetings were held at the Gardens. Besides updating members and visitors 

on what is happening at ERBG, these meetings present an ideal forum for those attending to seek more indepth 

information about the Friends and volunteering. Guest speakers provided a range of entertaining 

topics. These included foundation member Helen Rees, who spoke of her exciting travels to Warburton in 

the Gibson Desert; Council’s Weeds Officer, Graham Harding, who described the noxious weeds of the 

south coast, and the current eradication program; our Gardens Supervisor, John Knight, who provided an 

overview of the plants and birdlife of Lord Howe Island; and Kath Lawler from Moruya who detailed the 

development and use of the bridle trails through the rugged south coast ranges. 

Friends also supported special events such as the Family Picnic Day and ‘IntheBin’ film nights. 

One of the Friends’ main aims is to raise funds to assist with development works at the Gardens. To this 

end, members who are on the Management Committee’s sub-committees discuss those projects from the 

approved works list which would benefit from additional funding to see them to completion. Works funded 

this year were: 

Upgrade of the Arboretum tracks $ 4,000 

Seating in the BBQ area $ 1,000 

Fit-out of the Bird Hide $ 300 

Improvements to the information alcove $ 1,200 

Upgrade of the propagation benches $ 1,500 

Improvements to the nursery $ 4,000 

Nursery purchases $ 1,000 

Capital equipment purchases $ 3,000 

Total funding for 2005 - 06 was $16,000 

Commitments to 2006-07 projects: 

Fencing of Arboretum $ 5,000 

Repairs to Deep Creek bridge at Hill Track $ 5,000 

Visitors Centre lake garden $ 2,000 

BBQ area garden development $ 2,000 

Capital equipment purchases $ 3,000 

Commitments to future projects: 

Geology Garden $ 7,000 

Building contingency fund $50,000 

The Friends hold Deductible Gift Recipient status, and presently hold funds of $8,500 in the Gift Trust 

Account. This amount is also available for Gardens projects as requested by the Management Committee 

and agreed to by the Trustees and Friends. 

A complete report on the activities of the Friends is provided in their 2005–06 Annual Report. 

Don Walton 

President 

19


APPENDIX 1 

ERBG Management Committee 

July 2005 to June 2006 

Committee members at 30 June 2006 

Chris Kowal Councillor, ESC 

Allan Brown Councillor, ESC (alternate) 

Jennifer Liney Friends of the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens 

Don Walton Friends of the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens 

Don Brewster Community (Secretary, December 05, leave of absence 

mid March – mid July) 

Heather Haughton Community (appointed October 05) 

(Acting Secretary during Don Brewster’s leave of absence) 

Margaret Lynch Community (appointed October 05) 

Sue Grahame Community (Chair, re-elected December 05 for a further year) 

Committee members who served during the year 

Peter Anderson (Secretary July – August 05) 

Owen Cartledge (resigned September 05) 

Leslie Lockwood (resigned October 05) 

Marietta McGregor (resigned December 05) 

ESC staff who attend meetings: 

John Knight Gardens Supervisor 

Leisa Brennan Recreation Coordinator 

Composition of Management Committee 

The ESC agreed, 8 February 2005, that the ERBG Management Committee would comprise: 

(a) two members nominated by the Friends of the ERBG; 

(b) two members nominated by Council who shall be elected Councillors (one delegate, 

one alternate); 

(c) up to six members from the community, appointed on a skills basis; and 

(d) one member to be the Honorary Secretary. 

Membership of sub-committees July 2005 to June 2006 

Administration sub-committee 

Convener: Sue Grahame from October 2005 

Leslie Lockwood to October 2005 

Don Brewster 

Heather Haughton (Friends nominee) from August 05 

Friends nominee to be appointed 

one vacancy 

Gardens Supervisor John Knight ex officio 

Gardens sub-committee 

Convener: Jennifer Liney 

Don Walton (Friends nominee) 

Helen Rees (Friends nominee) 

Gabriele Harding 

Keith Maynard (to end May 06) 

Joan George (from June 06) 

Gardens Supervisor John Knight ex officio 

Interpretation and Education sub-committee 

Convener: Margaret Lynch from September 2005 

Owen Cartledge to September 2005 

Sue Grahame 

Isabel Carey (Friends nominee) from July 05 

Friends nominee to be appointed 

one vacancy 

20


Promotion and Fundraising sub-committee 

Convener: Heather Haughton from October 2005 

Marietta McGregor to October 2005 

Leslie Lockwood to October 2005 

Audrey Walton (Friends nominee) 

Jean Pengilly (Friends nominee) 

Sharon Macdonald from March 2006 

ESC Recreation Coordinator Leisa Brennan ex officio 

Events Working Party 

varies with event and volunteers are listed on a separate page 

APPENDIX 2 

Sponsors 2005-06 

Eurobodalla Shire Council Gardens maintenance and development 

See page 17 

Friends of the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens $16,000 for many projects See page 16 

Access Planning Action Committee, ESC $10,000 for Sensory Garden 

Rotary Batemans Bay $4,000 for Bird Hide, and $4,000 for 

Rainforest Garden, both along Rotary 

Limited Mobility Track 

IMB Community Foundation $3,500, announced 27 June 2006, for a 

Children’s Walk at the Gardens 

NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care $500 plus GST for Seniors Week event 

Pierlite and Phillips and Ian Aitken Floodlights for car park: installation 

Country Energy Poles for floodlights in car park including 

pole installation 

Warwick Ralph Designs for Sensory Garden, Rainforest 

Garden 

Gabriele Harding Designs for Sensory Garden, Fern Garden 

Woolworths, Batemans Bay Generous amount of biscuits for Seniors 

Day morning tea 

Angus and Robertson; Australian Native Plants Society, 

Canberra Region; Bay Bookshop; Bloomin Things 

Nursery; Coles; C Wirth of Chef’s Cap Café; Friends of 

the ERBG; M and J Harris of Malua Bay Supermarket; 

Mogo Zoo; Mother Natures; and individual volunteers 

ERBG OPENING HOURS AND CONTACTS 

Wednesday to Sunday, and every day of the NSW school holidays: 9.00am - 4.00pm 

Princes Highway 5 kms south of Batemans Bay 

Visitors Centre : Phone: 02 4471 2544 Fax: 02 4471 2500 

Herbarium: Phone/Fax 02 4471 2500 E-mail: erbgherb@acr.net.au 

Internet address: www.esc.nsw.gov.au/community/gardens (at October 2006) 

Gardens Supervisor and Nursery: Phone 02 4471 3348 (answering service) 

Postal address C/- PO Box 116, Batemans Bay NSW 2536 

Management Committee: 

Postal address: The Secretary, PO Box 1014, Batemans Bay NSW 2536 

Friends of the Gardens: 

Postal address: The Secretary, PO Box 1068, Batemans Bay NSW 2536 

21 

Vouchers and gift items for events 

including Film Night raffle and the Bird 

Hide opening



W06/119 DISSOLUTION OF BODALLA OVALS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 

98.2509 

SYNOPSIS 

The Bodalla Ovals Management Committee has struggled to maintain members to carry out 

the administration requirements of the ground. This report recommends Council dissolves the 

Management Committee and resumes the control of the facility itself. 

BACKGROUND 

Throughout the Eurobodalla area, Council provides a wide variety of public facilities, such as 

halls and sporting facilities. To assist in the care, control and management of these facilities 

Council appoints Committees of local residents to undertake these functions on Council’s 

behalf. 

The Bodalla Ovals Management Committee was initially formed to raise funds and oversee 

the development of the grounds. Once established the Management Committee was 

responsible for maintenance and bookings of the ground. 

ISSUES 

The Management Committee has struggled to maintain volunteer numbers, increasing the 

workload for the remaining members. The remaining members have expressed their 

difficulty in organising meetings and following up casual hire of the grounds. 

Sports Liaison Management Committee 

The Bodalla Soccer Club and Bodalla Cricket Club, who are regular hirers of the grounds, 

both have association representation on the Sports Liaison Management Committee. The 

Sports Liaison Management Committee has the responsibility of collection of annual ground 

fees and allocation of seasonal hire, hence reducing the need for an individual grounds 

management committee. 

Future needs and planning of the grounds has been addressed by the Sports Liaison 

Committee and will be completed in consultation with the seasonal user groups. The Soccer 

and Cricket Associations have been very supportive of the Sports Liaison Management 

Committee. 

Legal 

The Local Government Act 1993 provides that: 

• Under Section 377 of the Act, Council may appoint in respect of any work, park, reserve, 

cemetery or undertaking under the control of the Council, a committee of local citizens, 

and delegate to the Committee (Section 377) the care, control and management of the 

work, park, reserve, cemetery or undertaking, and the expenditure of such money’s as the 

Council may vote. 

• Any such Committee may be dissolved by the Council at any time. 

Asset 

Council officers will inspect the playing field and facilities on a weekly basis. Council is 

responsible for standard mowing of outdoor grassed fields, however any special mowing 

requirements will be carried out at the user’s expense.



W06/119 DISSOLUTION OF BODALLA OVALS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 

98.2509 

Staff 

Staff are currently developing a central booking system which will allow for the casual and 

regular hire of Council’s sports grounds. The Facilities Booking Officer will take all 

bookings for the grounds until the central booking system is in place. 

Financial 

Upon a resolution being passed, all assets and funds of the Management Committee shall, 

after payment of all expenses and liabilities, be handed over to Council. 

CONCLUSION 

The Bodalla Ovals Management Committee has made a significant contribution to the Shire’s 

sporting facilities. The newly formed Sports Liaison Management Committee will continue 

to develop the grounds in consultation with the user groups and enable the remaining 

members of the Management Committee to be involved with future developments without the 

burden of the care and control of the facilities. 

RECOMMENDED 



THAT: 

1. The Bodalla Ovals Management Committee be dissolved and Council resume the care 

and control of the facility itself. 

2. A letter of appreciation for the committee members’ contribution to the provision of the 

ground and facilities and the services they offered the community be sent to remaining 

committee members. 

WARREN SHARPE 

GROUPS MANAGER 

ROADS AND RECREATION SERVICES



W06/120 DISSOLUTION OF SURFSIDE RECREATIONAL RESERVE 

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 98.2375 

SYNOPSIS 

The Surfside Recreation Reserve Management Committee has been involved in the design 

and reconstruction of the Surfside Ovals. The oval project is now complete. This report 

recommends Council dissolves the management committee and resumes the control of the 

facility itself. 

BACKGROUND 




behalf. 

The Surfside Recreation Reserve Management Committee was initially formed to raise funds 

and oversee the development of the sporting oval. 

At its Works and Facilities Meeting held on 14 February 2006 Council resolved: 

THAT the Surfside Recreational Reserve Management Committee not be disbanded 

until all the works which are currently underway have been completed. The 

disbandment to take place when all current and agreed works are completed to the 

satisfaction of the Management Committee. 

The oval work has now been completed. The field has recently been topdressed and will be 

watered from the underground bore supplies over the summer period. This will ensure the 

fields are available for the commencement of the winter soccer competition. 

Separate to the oval project, Council will soon commence construction of a new amenities for 

the sports complex. The sporting groups have agreed on the floor plans of the amenities 

building and a Development Application has been lodged. Tenders have been called and it is 

anticipated these will be submitted to Council in November for determination of the 

successful contractor. 

Council Recreation Coordinator has liaised with both the President of the Soccer Club and the 

Cricket Club and they are both pleased with the progress of the grounds. They have also been 

encouraged to attend the Sports Liaison Management Committee meetings to continue their 

active involvement in the future development of the grounds. The cricket club is working 

closely with Council staff to obtain additional materials for the practice nets which is a clear 

indication of the commitment to continue working together to develop the highest quality 

standards that we can achieve with funding available.





ISSUES 

The Management Committee has played an integral role in the development of the Surfside 

Sporting Complex. 


The Clyde United Soccer Club and Cavaliers Cricket Club, who will be regular hirers of the 

Surfside grounds, both have association representation on the Sports Liaison Management 

Committee. The Facilities Booking Officer and Sports Liaison Management Committee has 

the responsibility of collection of annual ground fees and allocation of seasonal hire, hence 

reducing the need for an individual grounds management committee. 

Future needs and planning of the Reserve has been addressed by the Sports Liaison 

Committee and will be completed in consultation with the seasonal user groups. The 

Eurobodalla Soccer Association and Eurobodalla Cricket Association have been very 

supportive of the Sports Liaison Management Committee. 

Legal 







• Any such Committee may be dissolved by the Council at any time. 

Asset 



requirements over and above that will be carried out at the user’s expense (if required by 

users). 

Staff 


regular hire of Council’s sports grounds. Council’s Facility Booking Officer will take all 

bookings for the Surfside Sporting Complex until the central booking system is in place. 

Financial 


after payment of all expenses and liabilities, be handed over to Council.





CONCLUSION 

The Surfside Recreation Reserve Management Committee has made a significant contribution 

to the Shire’s sporting facilities. 

The newly formed Sports Liaison Management Committee will continue to develop the 

Surfside Recreation Reserve in consultation with the user groups and enable the remaining 

members of the Surfside Recreation Reserve Management Committee to be involved with 

future developments without the burden of the care and control of the facilities. 

RECOMMENDED 



THAT: 

1. The Surfside Recreation Reserve Management Committee be dissolved and Council 

resume the care and control of the facility itself. 

2. A letter of appreciation for the committee members’ contribution to the development of 

Surfside Recreation Reserve, the facilities and services they offered the community, be 

sent to the remaining committee members. 

WARREN SHARPE 

GROUP MANAGER 




W06/121 DISSOLUTION OF GUNDARY OVALS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 

89.3008 

SYNOPSIS 

The Gundary Ovals Management Committee has struggled to maintain members to carry out 

the administration requirements of the ground. This report recommends Council dissolves the 

management committee and resumes the control of the facility itself. 

BACKGROUND 




behalf. 

The Gundary Ovals Management Committee was initially formed to raise funds and oversee 

the development of the grounds. Once established the committee was responsible for 

maintenance and bookings of the ground. 

ISSUES 

The Management Committee has struggled to maintain volunteer numbers, increasing the 

workload for the remaining members. The remaining members have expressed their difficulty 

in organising meetings and following up casual hire of the grounds. 


The Moruya Soccer Club, Moruya Touch Football Club, Moruya Hockey and Moruya Cricket 

Club who are regular hirers of the grounds all have association representation on the Sports 

Liaison Management Committee. The Sports Liaison Management Committee has the 

responsibility of collection of annual ground fees and allocation of seasonal hire hence 

reducing the need for an individual grounds management committee. 

Future needs and planning of the grounds have been addressed by the Sports Liaison 

Committee and will be completed in consultation with the seasonal user groups. The Soccer, 

Touch Football, Hockey and Cricket Associations have been very supportive of the Sports 

Liaison Management Committee. 

Legal 







• Any such Committee may be dissolved by the Council at any time.



W06/121 DISSOLUTION OF GUNDARY OVALS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 

89.3008 

Asset 



requirements will be carried out at the user’s expense. 

Staff 


regular hire of Council’s sports grounds. The Facilities Booking Officer will take all 

bookings for the grounds until the central booking system is in place. 

Financial 


after payment of all expenses and liabilities, be handed over to Council. 

CONCLUSION 

The Gundary Ovals Management Committee has made a significant contribution to the 

Shire’s sporting facilities. The newly formed Sports Liaison Management Committee will 

continue to develop the grounds in consultation with the user groups and enable the remaining 

members of the Management Committee to be involved with future developments without the 

burden of the care and control of the facilities. 

RECOMMENDED 



THAT: 

1. The Gundary Ovals Management Committee be dissolved and Council resume the care 

and control of the facility itself. 

2. A letter of appreciation for the committee members’ contribution to the provision of the 

grounds and facilities and the services they offered the community be sent to remaining 

committee members. 

WARREN SHARPE 

GROUPS MANAGER 




W06/122 ANNUAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR CROWN LAND 97.1445 

SYNOPSIS 

The new Crown Lands Regulation 2006 requires Trustees to provide substantial reports on 

their Crown Lands Reserves. This requirement will place a significant burden on Council 

resources. This issue could be best addressed by Council forwarding a submission to the 

Minister for Lands seeking relief from these reporting requirements. 

BACKGROUND 

The Crown Lands Regulation 2006 was updated on 1 September 2006 and includes new 

requirements for Trustees to provide annual reports on Crown Land Reserves. 

ISSUES 

Section 32 of the Crown Lands Regulation 2006 requires that Trust Managers provide the 

following information of each of the Crown Reserves under their trusteeship within three 

months of the close of the financial year: 

(a) financial statements setting out details of income, expenditure, assets and liabilities, 

(b) details of the value and condition of all assets (other than land) valued at $5,000 or more, 

(c) details of heritage items, 

(d) details of the value of work and improvements undertaken costing more than $5,000, 

(e) details of any insurance arrangements in place, 

(f) details of the fire prevention and occupational, health and safety measures in place, 

(g) details of any plans of management in place, 

(h) details of any environmental management initiatives undertaken, 

(i) details of leases or licences that have been granted or are in force, including rent and fee 

levels, 

(j) details of the purposes for which the reserve is used, 

(k) any particulars of pecuniary interests recorded in the book referred to in clause 1 (3) of 

Schedule 4 to the Act, 

(l) details of any grants or sponsorship received, 

(m) details of employees and contractors, including details about any training provided to 

such persons, 

(n) the number of trust board meetings held during the financial year and records of 

attendance at such meetings. 

The Minister may also require that Trust Manager’s reports be audited by a person approved 

by the Minister. 

The above reporting requirements are onerous and required a substantial allocation of time 

and resources to complete. It would also require a carefully planned restructure of parts of the 

financial accounting system to be able to provide the information required. Added to this is 

the practical difficulty of ensuring correct allocation of financial data by staff. 

Council has over 90 Crown Reserves in the Shire located on over 1020 hectares. A wide 

variety of activities take place on each Crown Reserve which may include several parcels of 

land. Most reserves would also include assets valued at over $5,000 and similarly works and 

improvements on each reserve would be valued at over $5,000.




The Crown Lands Regulation 2000 was less onerous and required that Trust Managers 

provide the following information: 

(1) For the purposes of section 122 (1) (a) of the Act, a reserve trust must furnish to the 

Minister each year, within 3 months of the close of the trust’s financial year, a report on its 

activities. 

(2) Any such report is to include details of income, expenditure, assets, liabilities, 

improvements effected, leases and licences granted or in force, uses made of the reserve 

and any particulars of pecuniary interests recorded in the book referred to in clause 31. 

(3) If directed by the Minister by notice in writing to do so, a reserve trust must arrange for 

any such report to be audited by a person approved by the Minister. 

To date Council has not had the resources or funds to provide the information as required 

under the 2000 regulation. 

Legal 

As Trust Manager of over 90 Crown Reserves, Council is obliged to meet the requirements of 

the Crown Lands Regulation 2006. 

Staff 

Shoalhaven Council has advised that it takes one staff member approximately six weeks full 

time to prepare the report as required under the 2000 regulation. This staff member also relies 

on assistance from many other staff to compile the information in the report. 

The time required for one staff member to meet the requirements of the 2006 regulation 

would be extensive and not achievable with the current staffing levels. 

Financial 

No funds have been allocated in the Management Plan to engage a staff member to complete 

the reporting requirements. 

Council’s accounting software is more than capable of accounting separately for the Crown 

Lands reserves. However these would need to be structured to account separately for each 

reserve plus the main business activities within each reserve. We anticipate this would result 

in separate accounting for at least 90, possibly considerably more “projects”. The main 

difficulty would be in practical terms to ensure staff, including field staff, code labour, plant, 

materials and contracts to the correct projects. At the same time the turnover on most of the 

projects would be relatively insignificant. It is difficult to see the costs and benefits of such an 

extensive exercise in micro accounting given that the Council already goes to considerable 

lengths to annually consult its Management Plan with the public. 

CONCLUSION 

The provisions of the new Crown Lands Regulation 2000 are onerous. Council does not have 

the resources or funds to provide the information required. The benefits of providing over 90 

reports with such detailed information are questionable and place an unnecessary financial 

and resource burden on Council.




RECOMMENDED 



THAT: 

1. Council write to the Minister for Lands expressing concern on the reporting requirements 

for Crown Reserves. 

2. Council seek funding from the Department of Lands in order to meet the requirements of 

Section 32 of the Crown Land Regulation 2006. 

3. Council seek amendments to the Crown Lands Regulation 2006 so that reporting 

requirements are achievable. 

ANDREW PARKINSON 

EXECUTIVE MANAGER 

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND DESIGN



W06/123 LICENCE FOR PEDAL BOAT HIRE - CORRIGANS BEACH 92.7311 

SYNOPSIS 

A request has been received for the issuing of a licence to operate a pedal boat hire business 

from Crown Reserve R66122 at Corrigans Beach, Batehaven. This report recommends 

granting of a temporary licence. 

BACKGROUND 

A request has been received from Umeus Enterprises for approval to operate a pedal boat hire 

business from Corrigans Beach Reserve at the location shown in the plan below. 

ISSUES 

The applicant proposes to initially run eight pedal boats from Corrigans Beach Reserve. The 

applicant has advised that the business will be staffed by a minimum of two people with two 

safety vessels. All staff hold First Aid Certificates and are competent in water safety. 

The pedal boats comply with Australian Standards and are all equipped with extra buoyancy 

features so that operating them in the small swell at Corrigans Beach would be feasible. All 

boats will have life vests equipped with whistles and users will be instructed on the use of 

these as well as other safety issues.



W06/123 LICENCE FOR PEDAL BOAT HIRE - CORRIGANS BEACH 92.7311 

The pedal boats will be transported to the site each day on a purpose built trailer and removed 

at the close of business each evening. As this is a summer sport the business would mainly 

operate in the warmer months, targeting weekends and holiday periods. 

The Waterways Act requires a Hire and Drive Permit to operate the business. Umeus 

Enterprises is currently in the process of obtaining this permit and have been advised by the 

Waterways Authority that the business should be located on the southern end of Corrigans 

Beach to avoid impacting with the jet ski hire currently licensed to operate from the Reserve. 

Legal 

Corrigans Beach Reserve is a Crown Reserve. The Plan of Management has recognized and 

authorises such activities as watercraft hire. In accordance with Section 108 of the Crown 

Lands Act 1989 Council as Trust Manager for the Reserve can issue a temporary licence for a 

period not exceeding 12 months. 

Policy 

Public liability insurance will be required in accordance with Council policy. 

Social Impact 

This operation will provide an attraction and activity for local residents as well as tourists to 

this area. 

Financial 

A licence fee of $695 excluding GST in line with an existing temporary licence for watercraft 

operating from the Reserve is considered appropriate. 

CONCLUSION 

Licences for other types of watercraft hire have been granted at Corrigans Beach and pedal 

boats will complement these water based activities. The Plan of Management for Corrigans 

Beach authorises watercraft hire. Given the scale of the operation proposed by the applicant, 

the granting of a temporary licence for a pedal boat hire business for a fee of $695 excluding 

GST is considered reasonable. 

RECOMMENDED 

THAT Council as Trust Manager consent to the granting of a temporary licence, in 

accordance with Section 108 of the Crown Lands Act 1989, to operate a pedal boat hire 

business from Crown Reserve R66122 at Corrigans Beach, Batehaven to Umeus Enterprises 

at a rental of $695 plus GST, commencing 1 December 2006 and expiring on 30 November 

2007 subject to provision of the relevant permit required by the Waterways Authority. 

ROB ADDISON 

PROPERTY MANAGER 

COMMERCIAL



W06/124 LICENCE TO OPERATE SEA KAYAK TOUR AND RENTAL BUSINESS - 

CORRIGANS BEACH 92.7311 

SYNOPSIS 

The temporary licence for a sea kayak tour and rental business to operate from Crown 

Reserve R66122 at Corrigans Beach, Batehaven is due to expire on 25 December 2006. The 

current licensee has requested a further licence be granted. This report recommends the 

granting of a temporary licence. 

BACKGROUND 

At its meeting on 20 December 2005 Council resolved: 

“THAT Council as Trust Manager consent to the granting of a temporary licence, in 

accordance with Section 108 of the Crown Lands Act 1989, to operate a sea kayak tour 

and rental business from Crown Reserve R66122 at Corrigans Beach, Batehaven to 

Straight Up Kayaks Pty Ltd at a rental of $670 plus GST commencing 26 December 

2005 and expiring on 25 December 2006 subject to provision of the relevant permit 

required by the Waterways Authority.” 

Since that time the business has been operating from the Reserve at the location shown in the 

plan below. 

Council has received a request from the operator to renew the licence.



W06/124 LICENCE TO OPERATE SEA KAYAK TOUR AND RENTAL BUSINESS - 

CORRIGANS BEACH 92.7311 

ISSUES 

The applicant has carried out business on a Hire and Drive Licence from Waterways to 

operate a sea kayak hire and tour business in the waters off Corrigans Beach between one 

hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset. 

The applicant is seeking to renew a licence to park the sea kayaks on a trailer and conduct the 

business transactions on an area fronting the beach. 

No written complaints have been received regarding the operations of this business over the 

past 12 months. 

Legal 

Corrigans Beach Reserve is a Crown Reserve. The Plan of Management for the Reserve 

authorises licences for watercraft businesses. In accordance with Section 108 of the Crown 

Lands Act 1989 Council as Trust Manager for the Reserve can issue a temporary licence for a 

period not exceeding 12 months. 

Social Impact 

This operation provides an attraction and activity for local residents as well as tourists to this 

area. 

Financial 

The previous licence fee for this operation was $670.00pa. An increase in accordance with 

the CPI being $695.00pa excluding GST is considered appropriate. 

CONCLUSION 

A licence has previously been granted to the applicant and no written complaints have been 

received by Council regarding the applicant’s business within the past 12 months. 

Given the scale of the operation, the granting of a temporary licence for a sea kayak tour and 

rental business for a fee of $695.00pa excluding GST is considered reasonable. 

RECOMMENDED 

THAT Council as Trust Manager consent to the granting of a temporary licence, in 

accordance with Section 108 of the Crown Lands Act 1989, to operate a sea kayak tour and 

rental business from Crown Reserve R66122 at Corrigans Beach, Batehaven to Straight Up 

Kayaks Pty Ltd at a rental of $695.00pa excluding GST commencing 26 December 2006 and 

expiring on 25 December 2007. 

ROB ADDISON 


COMMERCIAL



W06/125 EXTINGUISHMENT OF EASEMENT WITHIN LOT 1242 DP 218665 – 

TUROSS HEAD 90.1444.E 

SYNOPSIS 

Council has received an Application to extinguish an existing easement within Lot 1242 

Deposited Plan 218665 Tuross Head from the registered proprietor. This report recommends 

approval of the extinguishment. 

BACKGROUND 

Lot 1242 DP 218665 is burdened by an Easement for Drainage 10 feet wide. 

A sketch showing the easement is set out below. 

The registered proprietors whose names are set out in the confidential attachment have made 

an application for the easement to be extinguished. 

ISSUES 

The Easement for Drainage was created as part of the original subdivision in 1964. 

Stormwater pipes were never constructed within the easement and when Foam Street was 

reconstructed earlier in 2006 any future requirement for drainage within Lot 1242 was 

negated. 

The existing Easement is therefore redundant. 

Legal 

Council as the benefiting authority for the easement has the power to seek its extinguishment. 

To extinguish the easement a Transfer Releasing Easement is registered at the Land and 

Property Information Office and the notation is removed from the Certificate of Title.



W06/125 EXTINGUISHMENT OF EASEMENT WITHIN LOT 1242 DP 218665 – 

TUROSS HEAD 90.1444.E 

Financial 

In accordance with Council’s policy on extinguishment of easements, the applicant should 

pay all costs associated with the extinguishment of easement together with compensation 

determined by a Registered Valuer and valuation fee. 

CONCLUSION 

The easement for drainage within Lot 1242 DP 218665 is not required by Council and can be 

extinguished in accordance with Council’s policy. 

RECOMMENDED 

THAT: 

1. Consent be given to extinguish the Easement for Drainage within Lot 1242 DP 218665 

subject to: 

(a) the registered proprietor paying compensation in an amount determined by a 

Registered Valuer on Council’s List of Preferred Valuers; 

(b) all legal and administrative costs associated with the extinguishment be borne by 

the registered proprietor. 

2. Authority be given to affix the Common Seal of Council to the necessary 

documentation regarding the extinguishment. 

ROB ADDISON 


COMMERCIAL 

Clrs



W06/126 LEASE FOR WATER BORES - BODALLA 93.5526.E 

SYNOPSIS 

Council has previously resolved to enter into a Lease with the registered proprietors of 

property on Eurobodalla Road, Bodalla for water bores. The registered proprietors have 

reconsidered Council’s offer and seek an increased annual fee and compensation for 

necessary easements. This report recommends the increased fee and compensation for the 

easements be agreed to. 

BACKGROUND 

Following consideration of a report to the Works and Facilities Committee on 8 November 

2006, Council at its Ordinary meeting held on 22 November resolved: 

THAT: 

1. A lease be entered into with the registered proprietor for water bores within Lot 47 

DP 776415 and Lot 24 DP752131 being an area of about 8 hectares shown in the 

sketch in the report with the following terms and conditions: 

2. 

3. 

a) The term be twenty years with an option for twenty years commencing 1 October 

2004; 

b) The annual rental be the amount set out in the confidential attachment increased 

annually in line with the CPI; 

c) An exit clause for Council in the event that the bores are no longer required. 

a) Easements for electricity supply be acquired within Lots 24 and 47 at no land cost. 

b) Consent be given for the registered proprietor erecting at its own cost a powerbox 

from the transformer supplying electricity to the bores. 

a) All actions necessary be taken for the acquisition of land required for road 

opening purposes within Lots 46 and 47 DP 776415 and Lot 24 DP752131. 

b) All actions necessary be taken for the closure of part Eurobodalla Road and 

transfer of that part to the owner of Lot 47 DP 776415 and Lot 24 DP752131 and 

consolidated with that land. 

c) An amount set out in the confidential attachment be paid in addition to the 

transfer of the closed road as part compensation. 

4. All costs associated with the Lease, easements for electricity, road widening and road 

closure including the registered proprietor’s reasonable legal costs be borne by Council. 

5. Consent be given to affix the Common Seal of Council to all necessary documents 

associated with the Lease, easements for electricity, road widening and road closure.




ISSUES 

A copy of the report presented to the Works and Facilities Committee is attached for 

information. 

The negotiations that lead to the recommendations of the report were based on a valuation 

report that provided for several options. A copy of the valuation report is attached for 

Councillors’ information. 

The valuation report provided for annual rental based on either a lease or a licence. 

The difference between the lease and a licence being Council would have exclusive use and 

control over the whole of the area including the right to construct further bores, whereas the 

licence only provides for use of the land immediately surrounding each bore. 

A lease is the preferred option. 

Discussions were held with a Director of the company being the registered proprietors, whose 

name is set out on the confidential attachment. 

As a result of the discussions, agreement was reached as set out in the original 

recommendation, ie a lease with rental based on licence valuation and no compensation 

sought for the electricity easements. 

Following notification of Council’s resolution the registered proprietors advised they wished 

to reconsider the offer. 

Following further discussions, written confirmation has been received that the company is 

prepared to accept rental and compensation in line with the valuation. The amounts are set out 

in the confidential attachment. 

Financial 

Sufficient funds are available in the Water budget to cover the acquisition and ongoing annual 

lease payments. 

CONCLUSION 

The proposed lease fee and compensation for the electricity easements is in accordance with 

the valuation report prepared by a registered Valuer on Council’s list of preferred valuers and 

is therefore considered acceptable.




RECOMMENDED 

THAT: 


DP 776415 and Lot 24 DP752131 being an area of about 8 hectares with the following 

terms and conditions: 

(a) The term be twenty years with an option for twenty years commencing 1 October 

2004. 

(b) The annual rental be the amount set out in the confidential attachment increased 

annually in line with the CPI. 

(c) An exit clause for Council in the event that the bores are no longer required. 

2. (a) Easements for electricity supply be acquired within Lots 24 and 47 with payment of 

compensation in the amount set out in the confidential attachment. 

(b) Consent be given for the registered proprietor erecting at its own cost a powerbox 


3. All costs associated with the Lease and easements for electricity including the registered 

proprietor’s reasonable legal costs be borne by Council. 


associated with the Lease and easements for electricity. 

ROB ADDISON 


COMMERCIAL 

Attach 

Clrs


HELD ON TUESDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2005 Page 81 

W05/126 LEASE FOR WATER BORES - BODALLA 93.5526E 

SYNOPSIS 

Council has established water bores on a property on Eurobodalla Road, Bodalla for 

emergency supply. This report recommends a lease be entered into with the registered 

proprietor. 

BACKGROUND 

During the recent drought, sources of water were sought through the sinking of bores in 

certain areas. 

Successful bores have been established on a property on Eurobodalla Road, Bodalla being 

Lot 47 DP 776415 and Lot 24 DP 752131. 

The registered proprietor has agreed to leasing land for those bores. 

As a result of a survey carried out to determine the location of the bores, it has been brought 

to light that the formation of Eurobodalla Road is not contained within the road reserve 

through this property. 

A plan showing the proposed lease area and road widening and closing is below. 

G:\Word\WF\WFREP\Wfattachments2006\November\Lease Water Bores Bodalla.doc




ISSUES 

1. Bores 

Asset 

The bores are an important water utility asset and need to be secured by a lease over the 

associated land. 

Associated with the bores will be a requirement for electricity easements for the supply of 

electricity to the bores. 

The registered proprietor has requested the erection of a powerbox from the transformer 

supplying electricity to the bores. This will not interfere with the operation of the bores. 

Legal 

It is proposed that the term of the lease will be 20 years with an option for a further twenty 

commencing 1 October 2004, being the date Council first occupied the property. 

An exit clause will allow termination of the lease in the event the bores are no longer 

required. 

Financial 

The annual rental based on a valuation determined by a registered valuer and agreed to by the 

registered proprietor is set out in the confidential attachment. 

This rental will be increased each year in line with the CPI. 

2. Road Widening 

Asset 

Part of the road formation of Eurobodalla Road through the property is not contained within 

the road reserve. It is proposed that part of the property be acquired for road widening and 

that part of the road reserve not required be closed and transferred to the adjoining property. 

More land is required for road widening than is proposed to be closed. 

Legal 

Application will need to be made to the Department of Lands to close part of the road. Upon 

closure the land will vest in Council and it can then be transferred as part compensation. A 

consolidation of the closed road will be necessary with the adjoining property. 

Financial 

A valuation has been determined for the additional land in excess of the proposed road 

closure. This amount is set out in the confidential attachment. 

All survey and legal costs associated with the road widening and lease should be borne by 

Council together with the registered proprietor’s reasonable legal fees. 





CONCLUSION 

A lease is required to secure the emergency water bores within 47 DP 776415 and Lot 24 DP 

752131 and road widening is required within Lots 46 and 47 DP 776415 and Lot 24 DP 

752131 to legalize part of Eurobodalla Road. 

RECOMMENDED 

THAT: 


DP 776415 and Lot 24 DP752131 being an area of about 8 hectares shown in the sketch 

in the report with the following terms and conditions: 

2. 

3. 

a) The term be twenty years with an option for twenty years commencing 1 October 

2004. 

b) The annual rental be the amount set out in the confidential attachment increased 

annually in line with the CPI. 

c) An exit clause for Council in the event that the bores are no longer required. 

a) Easements for electricity supply be acquired within Lots 24 and 47 at no land cost. 

b) Consent be given for the registered proprietor erecting at its own cost a powerbox 


a) All actions necessary be taken for the acquisition of land required for road 

opening purposes within Lots 46 and 47 DP 776415 and Lot 24 DP752131. 

b) All actions necessary be taken for the closure of part Eurobodalla Road and 

transfer of that part to the owner of Lot 47 DP 776415 and Lot 24 DP752131 and 

consolidated with that land. 

c) An amount set out in the confidential attachment be paid in addition to the transfer 

of the closed road as part compensation. 

4. All costs associated with the Lease, easements for electricity, road widening and road 

closure including the registered proprietor’s reasonable legal costs be borne by Council. 


associated with the Lease, easements for electricity, road widening and road closure. 

ROB ADDISON 


TECHNICAL SERVICES AND PROPERTY 

Attach (Clrs – Confidential) 




W06/127 DRAFT PLAN OF MANAGEMENT - BILL SMYTH RESERVE, NAROOMA 

LEISURE CENTRE, NAROOMA SWIMMING POOL, NATA OVAL, 

WAGONGA INLET FORESHORE RESERVES & KEN ROSE PARK 05.9616 

SYNOPSIS 

To consider the adoption of the draft Plan of Management for Bill Smyth Reserve, Narooma 

Leisure Centre, Narooma Swimming Pool, Nata Oval, Wagonga Inlet Foreshore Reserves and 

Ken Rose Park for public exhibition and comment. 

These reserves are located on Crown Land Reserves 63051 and 80515 for Public Recreation 

and Resting Place. Council is the appointed Trust Manager for these reserves under the 

Eurobodalla (South) Reserve Trust. 

A copy of the Draft Plan of Management is attached. 

BACKGROUND 

A Plan of Management for Bill Smyth Reserve was adopted on 27 May 1998. A new Plan of 

Management has been developed to encompass all of the reserves in Crown Reserves 63051 

and 80515 as per the recommendation of the Narooma Structure Plan. 

The new draft Plan of Management provides updated information on leases and licences and 

more detailed landscape plans. 

At the Works and Facilities Committee of 10 October 2006 Council resolved the following: 

THAT: 

1. Council proceed with constructing the new Bill Smyth Amenities Building in the current 

location. 

2. Council seek further comment on the proposal to widen the Bill Smyth Rugby League 

field during the exhibition of the draft Plan of Management in the coming months. 

The draft Plan of Management includes the proposal to widen the existing Rugby League 

practice field at Bill Smyth Oval for public comment. The new amenities building will be 

constructed in the location of the existing building. 

ISSUES 

Legal 

Council has prepared this Draft Plan of Management in consultation with the Department of 

Lands. The land must be developed in accordance with the Crown Purpose of “Public 

Recreation and Resting”. 

The exhibition of the Draft Plan of Management will be in accordance with the Crown Lands 

Act. 

After the submission period the Draft Plan of Management may be amended to reflect the 

comments addressed in the submissions. Council will then be required to endorse the Plan of 

Management prior to its final adoption by the Minister Lands.






Policy 

The Draft Plan of Management is consistent with: 

• Crown Lands Act 1989 

• Food and Beverage Outlets on Crown Reserves Policy 1996 

• The NSW Coastal Policy 

• Eurobodalla Local Environmental Plan 

• Narooma Structure Plan 


A public meeting was held on 5 December 2005 and the public were invited to share their 

comments about how the reserves should be managed for the future. A summary of the 

comments made at this meeting are included in the Plan of Management at Attachment A. 

A Community Reference Group was established and has met on six occasions over the past 

10 months to assist Council staff with developing the draft Plan of Management. 

Strategic 

The draft Plan of Management will be referred to the Department of Lands for their comment 

during the exhibition period. 

CONCLUSION 

The amended draft Plan of Management has been completed for Council’s adoption for public 

exhibition and comment. 

The Moruya Showground Conservation Management Plan has been finalised and its 

recommendations have been incorporated in the Draft Plan of Management. Adoption of the 

Conservation Management Plan is now sought.






RECOMMENDED 

That under delegated authority dated 26 August 2003 (Minute No 422) the Committee resolve 

the following: 

THAT: 

1. Council adopt the draft Plan of Management for Bill Smyth Reserve, Narooma Leisure 

Centre, Narooma Swimming Pool, Nata Oval, Wagonga Inlet Foreshore Reserves and 

Ken Rose Park located on Crown Reserves 63051 and 80515 for Public Recreation and 

Resting Place. 

2. The draft Plan of Management be exhibited for public comment for a minimum period of 

six weeks. 

3. A public presentation of the draft Plan of Management be held during the exhibition 

period. 



STRATEGIC PLANNING AND DESIGN 

Attach

Draft 

Plan of Management 

Bill Smyth Reserve 

Narooma Leisure Centre 

Narooma Swimming Pool 

Nata Oval 

Wagonga Inlet Foreshore Reserve 

Ken Rose Park 

Crown Reserve Nos 63051 & 80515 

Eurobodalla (South) Reserve Trust 

Crown Reserves for Public Recreation & Resting Place 

Draft presented to Council’s Works & Facilities Committee 14 November 2006 for public comment.

Plan of Management No 38. 

This Plan of Management was prepared by Eurobodalla Shire Council in consultation with the Department of 

Lands and with the assistance of a community Reference Group which comprised the following members: 

Mrs Lyn Field Easts Narooma Shores Holiday Park 

Mr Neil Mumme Instep Management Group 

Mr Peter McCulloch Narooma Australian Rules 

Mr Graham Reeve Narooma Sporting and Services Club 

Mr Max Murray Narooma Croquet Club 

Mr Bob Burnside Narooma Junior & Senior Rugby League 

Ms Terese Aston Narooma Netball 

Mr Terry Moulang Narooma Tennis Club Inc 

Ms Patricia Eaton Narooma Swimming Pool Users 

Mr Ben Bate Narooma Touch Football 

Mrs Jenni Bourke Narooma residents 

Mr Rob O’Brien Narooma residents 

Mr Kevin Young Narooma Sport & Leisure Centre 

Any requests for further information or questions regarding this Plan of Management can be addressed to: 

Plans of Management Officer 

Ref: 05.9616 


PO Box 99 

MORUYA NSW 2537 

Phone: (02) 4474 1000 

Table of Amendments: 

No Date Endorsed by 

Council 

Exhibition Period Adopted by 

Minister for Lands 

Details of Amendments 

Eurobodalla Shire Council Draft Plan of Management – presented to November 2006 Works & Facilities 2 of 43

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

1. Introduction – Why a Plan of Management ........................................................................................ 4 

2. Site Location ...................................................................................................................................... 5 

3. Executive Summary............................................................................................................................ 6 

4. Consultation Process.......................................................................................................................... 7 

4.1 Timeline .............................................................................................................................. 7 

4.2 Supporting the Consultation Process................................................................................... 8 

4.3 Reference Group ................................................................................................................. 8 

4.4 Role of the Reference Group................................................................................................ 8 

5. Desired Outcomes ............................................................................................................................. 9 

6. Relevant Legislation and Policies ...................................................................................................... 10 

6.1 NSW Crown Lands Act 1989 ............................................................................................. 10 

6.1.1 Crown Land, the Reserve System and Trust Management................................... 10 

6.1.2 How Crown Reserves and Dedications can be used ............................................ 10 

6.1.3 Principles of Crown Land Management .............................................................. 11 

6.1.4 Food and Beverage Outlets on Crown Reserves Policy 2004 .............................................. 11 

6.2 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979............................................................ 12 

6.2.1 Zoning Objectives .............................................................................................. 12 

6.2.2 Permissible Development in the Zone................................................................. 12 

6.3 Narooma Structure Plan – December 2005 ....................................................................... 13 

6.4 State Environmental Planning Policy No 71- Coastal Protection ......................................... 14 

6.5 NSW Coastal Policy 1997................................................................................................... 15 

6.6 The Comprehensive Coastal Assessment ........................................................................... 16 

6.7 Eurobodalla Companion Animals Policy ............................................................................ 17 

6.8 Other Relevant Legislation and Policies.............................................................................. 17 

7. Land Description and Analysis.......................................................................................................... 18 

7.1 Land included in this Plan of Management........................................................................ 18 

7.2 History .............................................................................................................................. 20 

7.3 Vegetation Survey ............................................................................................................. 21 

7.4 Fire Management .............................................................................................................. 27 

8. Leases and Licences.......................................................................................................................... 28 

8.2.1 Existing Leases and Licences ............................................................................... 28 

8.2.2 Requirements for Future Leases and Licences...................................................... 29 

8.2.3 Temporary Licences............................................................................................ 31 

8.2.4 Future Activities .................................................................................................. 31 

9. Values of the Reserve........................................................................................................................ 32 

10. Operational Plan .............................................................................................................................. 33 

9.1 Access – Generally............................................................................................................. 34 

9.2 Access – Pedestrian ........................................................................................................... 34 

9.3 Access – Vehicular ............................................................................................................. 34 

9.4 Fire Management .............................................................................................................. 34 

9.5 Leases, Licences, Contract Management & Casual Hiring .................................................. 34 

9.6 Recreational & Cultural Activities....................................................................................... 35 

9.7 Signage............................................................................................................................. 35 

9.8 Vegetation Management................................................................................................... 35 

11. Landscape Masterplans.................................................................................................................... 36 

1. Bill Smyth Oval – Landscape Concept Plan........................................................................ 37 

2. Nata Oval and adjacent Reserves – Landscape Concept Plan ............................................. 38 

3. Ken Rose Park – Site Analysis Plan to guide future detailed design ..................................... 39 

12. Stakeholders & Interest Groups........................................................................................................ 40 

13. Attachment A – Public Meeting Comments...................................................................................... 41 

14. Attachment B – Council’s Direction for the redevelopment of the Narooma Swimming Pool ........... 42 

15. Attachment C – Historical Review of the Reserves............................................................................. 43 


1. Introduction – Why a Plan of Management 

All land included in this Plan of Management is Crown Land Reserve. Eurobodalla Shire Council is the 

appointed Trust Manager under Part 5 of the Crown Lands Act 1989 for the land included in this Plan of 

Management. 

This Plan of Management guides the future use and development of these reserves. It outlines how Council, 

in consultation with the Department of Lands, intends to use, develop and manage the land; how leases, 

licences or other interests are granted on the reserve; and determines the scale and intensity of development 

on the land for today and the future. 

As a planning tool, it provides objectives for the management of the land. This gives both Council, the 

Department of Lands and the community, goals to work towards in achieving desirable outcomes for the 

management of the land. A Plan of Management can be used to identify projects that could be achieved 

through community working groups as well as providing supporting documentation when applying for 

grants. 

The Plan of Management is structured to firstly give an overview of the relevant legislation and policies that 

govern the development of the land included in the plan. This is followed by an assessment of the existing 

condition of the reserves’ various features – both natural and constructed. 

Throughout the consultation process, the community’s values of the reserves have been identified. These 

values direct the strategies and actions which are illustrated in the Landscape Masterplan. 

There are various Appendices that support the information in the plan and give more background 

information to its development. 


2. Site Location 

Narooma is the main township for the southern district of the Eurobodalla Shire, located approximately 

350km south of Sydney. Narooma is set within a spectacular natural location surrounded by the Wagonga 

Inlet, forests and mountains on the west and the ocean and Montague Island to the east. 

The reserves included in this Plan of Management are located at the southern end of the area known locally 

as “The Flat” in Narooma. 


3. Executive Summary 

This Plan of Management provides a guide for the future development of Bill Smyth Reserve, Narooma 

Leisure Centre, Narooma Swimming Pool, Nata Oval, Wagonga Inlet Foreshore Reserves and Ken Rose Park. 

The reserves provide the community with access to passive and active recreational opportunities including 

sporting fields, cycleways, a swimming pool and a visitor information centre. 

This Plan of Management provides for additional parking and future netball courts at Bill Smyth Oval as well 

as the widening of the rugby league practice field to accommodate a full sized field. A village green is 

proposed for Nata Oval as well as an expansion of the cycleway network which connects the reserve to the 

foreshore and to Bill Smyth Oval. 

The Plan of Management reflects December 2005 Council’s resolution to redevelop the swimming pool to 

accommodate a 25m x 6 lane pool and program pool within the existing structure. This would be 

incorporated in a new Sports and Aquatic Centre which would also include an indoor sports hall. Once this is 

developed it is proposed that the Sport and Leisure Centre be demolished and replaced with car parking to 

improve access to adjacent facilities and the foreshore. 

The Wagonga Foreshore Reserve will continue to be managed as open parkland with shade trees through to 

Ken Rose Park which will continue to function as resting place for travellers and the local community with 

picnic and public toilet facilities. 


4. Consultation Process 

4.1 Timeline 

Public Meeting 5 December 2005 

Refer to Attachment A for a summary of comments made at this meeting 

Reference Group 

Meetings 

10 April 2006 

8 March 2006 

29 May 2006 

10 July 2006 

14 August 2006 

20 September 2006 

Adoption of Draft 14 November Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Works & Facilities Committee 

Meeting 

Exhibition Period 4 weeks minimum 

Submission Period 6 weeks minimum 

Public Meeting During exhibition period 

Date to be advised 

Submissions Considered Approximately 2 week timeframe from conclusion of submission period 

Final Endorsement Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Works & Facilities Committee Meeting 

Date to be advised 

Final Adoption Minister for Lands 


4.2 Supporting the Consultation Process 

The consultation process was supported by the development of a web page on Council’s website that 

provided up-to-date information on the development of this Plan of Management. 

In addition, a folder containing information discussed at all Reference Group meetings, and other relevant 

information, was placed at the Narooma Library for public viewing. 

Council staff were available to answer questions at any time throughout the consultation process. 

4.3 Reference Group 

At the public meeting on 5 December 2005, expressions of interest were sought from the community to be 

included in a Reference Group. The Reference Group was established to work with Council in the 

development of this Plan of Management and comprises the following members: 

Mrs Lyn Field Easts Narooma Shores Holiday Park 

Mr Neil Mumme Instep Management Group 

Mr Peter McCulloch Narooma Australian Rules 

Mr Graham Reeve Narooma Sporting and Services Club 

Mr Max Murray Narooma Croquet Club 

Mr Bob Burnside Narooma Junior & Senior Rugby League 

Ms Terese Aston Narooma Netball 

Mr Terry Moulang Narooma Tennis Club Inc 

Ms Patricia Eaton Narooma Swimming Pool Users 

Mr Ben Bate Narooma Touch Football 

Mrs Jenni Bourke Narooma residents 

Mr Rob O’Brien Narooma residents 

Mr Kevin Young Narooma Sport & Leisure Centre 

4.4 Role of the Reference Group 

The Role of the Reference Group was determined in consultation with the members of the Reference Group 

as follows: 

To represent the views of the community; 

to promote and raise the community awareness of the issues; 

to encourage interaction with the community; 

be involved in open discussion with Council; 

to ensure a transparent decision making process; 

to recognise that the redevelopment of the swimming pool is a separate issue; 

to protect, maintain and enhance the natural environment, scenic qualities, recreational and cultural 

activities; 

to encourage passive recreational activities; and 

to be involved in the development of a Plan of Management for Bill Smyth Reserve, the Narooma 

Leisure Centre, Narooma Swimming Pool, NATA Oval and Wagonga Inlet Foreshore Reserves; 


5. Desired Outcomes 

To provide quality recreational facilities that meet the needs of the community 

To protect and enhance existing native vegetation. 

To ensure public access to foreshore reserves 


6. Relevant Legislation and Policies 

6.1 NSW Crown Lands Act 1989 

Bill Smyth Reserve, the Narooma Leisure Centre, Narooma Swimming Pool, Nata Oval and the Wagonga Inlet 

Foreshore Reserve are all Crown Reserves and as such, this Plan of Management is prepared in accordance the 

provisions of the Crown Lands Act (in particular Division 6) which governs the management and use of 

Crown Reserves. 

6.1.1 Crown Land, the Reserve System and Trust Management 

The Crown Lands Act 1989 governs the planning, management and use of Crown Land. It includes 

provisions to reserve or dedicate lands for prescribed public purposes and facilitates leasing and licensing of 

Crown Land where appropriate. The collection of Crown land for which has been set aside for a public 

purpose is called the Crown Reserve System. 

The Department of Lands, together with reserve trusts appointed by the Minister for Lands, is responsible for 

the administration and management of the Crown Reserve System. Eurobodalla Shire Council is the Reserve 

Trust Manager appointed by the Minister for Lands to care, control and these reserves. 

6.1.2 How Crown Reserves and Dedications can be used 

Uses and activities in land reserved for public purposes are broadly defined by the public purpose of the 

reservation or dedication, in conjunction with any conditions and provisions within the specific zoning in the 

Councils Local Environmental Plan. 

In addition, case law judgements influence the policy and practice of the Department of Lands and the Trust 

Managers. The body of case law which helps define acceptable uses and activities on public recreation 

reserves provides the following guidance: 

• Improvements and developments to land which is reserved or dedicated are confined to those which 

support, or are ancillary to, the public purpose of the reservation; 

• Land reserved or dedicated for public recreation must be open to the public generally as a right. The 

public may only be restricted from access to parts of the reserve and buildings thereon, if it is 

necessary for the public’s enjoyment of the reserve to be excluded, eg. a workshop, equipment 

storage or operational facilities; 

• Right of access does not mean entirely free access. Reasonable entry fees and charges may be 

imposed as well as other legal constraints to entry, such as relate to health and safety; 

• Use of the reserve must be consistent with the public purposes for which the land is dedicated or 

reserved. This includes uses ancillary or supportive of the purpose, such as a kiosk on land dedicated 

for public recreation; and 

• A lease or licence must be consistent with the reason or purpose of the land’s reservation or 

dedication. 

In order to change a reservation, a land assessment is required under the Crown Lands Act 1989. The 

Minister can waive an assessment if it is in the public interest, and if it is consistent with the principles of 

Crown Land management. 

In July 2005 the NSW Parliament passed legislation amending to Crown Lands Act 1989 to give the Minister 

power to authorise additional uses of Crown reserves providing such uses are compatible with the existing 

gazetted public purpose, consistent with the principles of Clown land management and determined to be in 

the public interest. 


6.1.3 Principles of Crown Land Management 

Crown land must be used and managed in accordance with the principles of Crown land management as set 

out in Section 11 of the Act. These principles guide the development, use and management of Crown Land. 

Principles of Crown Land Management: 

(a) that environmental protection principles be observed in relation to the management and 

administration of Crown land, 

(b) that the natural resources of Crown land (including water, soil, flora, fauna and scenic quality) be 

conserved wherever possible, 

(c) that public use and enjoyment of appropriate Crown land be encouraged, 

(d) that, where appropriate, multiple use of Crown land be encouraged, 

(e) that, where appropriate, Crown land should be used and managed in such a way that 

both the land and its resources are sustained in perpetuity, and 

(f) that Crown land be occupied, used, sold, leased, licensed or otherwise dealt with in the 

best interests of the State consistent with the above principles. 

Crown land may be reserved or dedicated for a variety of public purposes. There are currently many 

purposes for which Crown land can be reserved. Uses and activities on land reserved for pubic purposes are, 

firstly, broadly defined by the public purpose of the reservation, in conjunction with any conditions and 

provisions within the specific zoning in the local council’s local environmental plan. The land uses are then 

more specifically defined by either a statutory mechanism (a Plan of Management), contractual agreement 

(lease or licences), or a combination of both. 

In order to change a reservation, a land assessment is required under the Crown Lands Act 1989. The 

Minister can waive an assessment if it is in the public interest, and if it is consistent with the principles of 

Crown Land management. 

Division 6 of the Crown Lands Act specifies that Draft Plans of Management must be exhibited for a minimum 

of 28 days and any person may make representations concerning the plan to the Minister. Once a Plan of 

Management is adopted for a Crown Reserve no operations may be undertaken on or in relation to the 

reserve unless they are in accordance with the plan. 

6.1.4 Food and Beverage Outlets on Crown Reserves Policy 2004 

This policy provides guidance for assessing food and beverage outlets which may be acceptable and those 

which may not be acceptable on Crown reserves. In determining whether a proposal is appropriate the 

following criteria should be applied: 

• The facility should enhance the public use of the reserve and not become the main focus of the 

reserve; 

• The integrity of the reserve in terms of its public purpose and environmental qualities should be 

preserved; 

The public’s right of access to the reserve should be preserved. 

Eurobodalla Shire Council Draft Plan of Management – presented to November 2006 Works & Facilities 11 of 43

6.2 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 

All of the land included in this Plan of Management is zoned 6a1 under Council’s Urban Local Environmental 

Plan (with the exception of Lot 476 DP 752155 which is partially unzoned). 

6.2.1 Zoning Objectives 

Any future uses of the reserve must be consistent the objectives for the 6a1 Public Open Space Zone which 

are as follows: 

(a) to recognise the importance of land in the zone as open space and allow a limited range of uses 

compatible with keeping the land as open space and in public ownership, and 

(b) to permit a range of uses, especially recreational uses, where those uses comply with the plan of 

management for the land, and 

(c) to allow development on foreshores where that development is water related and enhances the 

recreational use or natural environment of the foreshore, and 

(d) to reserve privately owned land that is essential for future public open space and provide for its 

acquisition by the Council, and 

(e) to ensure that development in areas of environmental significance does not reduce that significance. 

6.2.2 Permissible Development in the Zone 

The Urban Local Environmental Plan also defines what development may be carried out in the 6a1 Public 

Open Space Zone with or without development consent as follows. 

Development for the purpose of the following is allowed without development consent within the 6a1 Public 

Open Space zone (development not included in the following list is prohibited within the 6a1 Public Open 

Space zone): 

on community land, development by or on behalf of a public authority that is consistent with an adopted 

plan of management for that community land and, if not so consistent, would be allowed by subclause 

(2) or otherwise by this subclause, 

utility installations, 

works (including land clearing) carried out by or on behalf of a public authority involved in landscaping, 

gardening, bushfire hazard reduction, erosion control or rehabilitation, or drainage. 

Development for the purpose of the following is allowed only with development consent within the 6a1 

Public Open Space zone (development not included in the above or below list is prohibited within the 6a1 

Public Open Space zone): 

agriculture, 

aquaculture, 

caravan parks for short-term residents only, 

car parks, 

cemeteries, 

child care centres, 

community centres, 

development by a public authority, 

dwelling-houses required for the management 

of the reserve or facilities on the reserve, 

educational establishments, 

forestry, 

helipads for emergency use only, 

indoor recreation facilities, 

land clearing, 

marinas, 

places of assembly, 

racecourses, 

recreation areas, 

recreation establishments, 

restaurants, 

roads, 

showgrounds, 

telecommunications facilities, 

waste collection centres. 

The proposals included in this Plan of Management are consistent with the above objectives for the use of 

land zoned Public Open Space. 

This Plan of Management recommends that at the next review of the Urban Local Environmental Plan, all of 

Lot 476 DP 752155 be zoned as 6a1 Public Open Space. 


6.3 Narooma Structure Plan – December 2005 

The Narooma Structure Plan was adopted as a Development Control Plan (DCP) on 6 December 2005. The 

provisions of this DCP must be considered in the assessment of any new development applications for 

activities on the land included in this Plan of Management. Similarly, the provisions of this DCP must be 

considered when granting any lease or licence on any land included in this Plan of Management. The DCP 

includes a Style Guide that guides the development of all new buildings and structures. 

The following issues are addressed in the Structure Plan for future consideration/implementation on the land 

included in this Plan of Management. 

Public Open Space and Public Facilities (p40) 

The existing leisure centre site is suitable for re-development. 

Maintain golf courses, ovals and parks. 

Maintain caravan parks on Princes Highway and the beach. 

Existing public open spaces are to be maintained and enhanced. 

Public facilities are to be maintained in current locations. No schools or other public buildings 

outside the settlement boundary. 

New public open space protects vegetation and creates pedestrian and habitat corridors from East 

to West. 

Maintain existing sporting, cultural, health and social facilities in their present location. 

Area including Bill Smyth Oval, Bowling Club, Leisure Centre, Nata Oval and Swimming Pool to 

become the ‘Sport and Recreation Precinct’. Any new sporting facilities should be located within 

this Precinct. A Plan of Management should be prepared for this area as a whole. 

Urban Native Vegetation Retention (p42) 

Vegetation within the forested perimeter around Bill Smyth Oval shall be retained and appropriate 

controls for the retention included in the Plan of Management for the oval. 

Access and Circulation (p50) 

Ensure foreshore streets are for recreation, water access and are pedestrian environments. 

Ensure public access is continuous along foreshore edges. 

Create pedestrian links from East to West through the town (ensure access from Bill Smyth Oval to 

Forsters Bay Road and through to the Princes Highway). 

The Flat Desired Future Character (p68) 

Maintain existing sporting, cultural, health and social facilities in their present location 

Consider the two sites suitable for public facilities. The Bluewater Drive site is well situated for a 

sports centre. 

Maintain the existing foreshore caravan park. The park footprint is to be limited to the existing 

extent. Building scale and massing is to be similar to existing buildings. 

All public open spaces are to maintain or improve the current level of public access, particularly 

those spaces adjacent to a foreshore. 

Provide a pathway linking the main street to the foreshore. 

Potential to provide a new public pedestrian pathway through park. 

An intersection upgrade at the corner of McMillan Rd and highway is under investigation, as too is 

the location of future recreational uses (p69). 


6.4 State Environmental Planning Policy No 71- Coastal Protection 

State Environmental Planning Policy No. 71 (SEPP 71) – Coastal Protection is a key element of the NSW 

Government’s Coastal Protection Package to protect the State’s beaches, headlands and other coastal 

features for future generations. The NSW Minister for Planning determined that the protection of the NSW 

coast is a matter of environmental planning significance for the State under the Environmental Planning and 

Assessment Act 1979. 

SEPP 71 applies to all land located within the Coastal Zone, as defined in Section 7.3 above. 

The policy has been made to ensure: 

development in the NSW coastal zone is appropriate and suitably located 

there is a consistent and strategic approach to coastal planning and management 

there is a clear development assessment framework for new development in the coastal zone. 

All of the Crown Land included in this Plan of Management is included in the coastal zone. The provisions of 

SEPP 71 apply to all of this land. 

Therefore, certain types of Development Applications (DA) may need to be referred to the Department of 

Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR). DIPNR will then determine who will assess the DA 

(under Section 89A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act) – whether it be Council or DIPNR. 

The types of developments that would need to be referred to DIPNR includes, but is not limited to, two storey 

developments and tourist facilities (including camping grounds). Refer to Schedule 2 of SEPP 71 for more 

information. 

Eurobodalla Shire Council Draft Plan of Management – presented to November 2006 Works & Facilities 14 of 43

6.5 NSW Coastal Policy 1997 

The Coastal Policy responds to the fundamental challenge to provide for population growth and economic 

development without putting the natural, cultural and heritage values of the coastal environment at risk. To 

achieve this, the Policy has a strong integrating philosophy based on the principles of ecologically sustainable 

development (ESD). 

The coastal zone is defined in section 4A of the Coastal Protection Act 1979 (as amended 2002). Generally it 

includes land that is one kilometre landward of the western boundary of the coastal waters of New South 

Wales, also, one kilometre landward around any bay, estuary, coastal lake or lagoon, also, follows the length 

of any coastal river inland generally at a distance of one kilometre from each bank of the river, also, to one 

kilometre beyond the limit of any recognised mangroves on or associated with the river, or, if there are no 

such recognised mangroves to one kilometre beyond the tidal limit of the river is shown to the nearest 

cadastral boundary or easily recognisable physical boundary. 

Therefore, all of the land included in this Plan of Management is located in the Coastal Zone and is subject to 

the provisions of the NSW Coastal Policy 1997. 

The nine goals of the Coastal Policy are: 

1. Protecting, rehabilitating and improving the natural environment of the coastal zone. 

2. Recognising and accommodating the natural processes of the coastal zone. 

3. Protecting and enhancing the aesthetic qualities of the coastal zone. 

4. Protecting and conserving the cultural heritage of the coastal zone. 

5. Providing for ecologically sustainable development and use of resources. 

6. Providing for ecologically sustainable human settlement in the coastal zone. 

7. Providing for appropriate public access and use. 

8. Providing information to enable effective management of the coastal zone. 

9. Providing for integrated planning and management of the coastal zone. 

Some of the Key Actions of the Coastal Policy that are especially relevant to this Plan of Management include: 

Protection and restoration of important fisheries habitats, such as seagrasses and mangroves. 

SEPP 14 Coastal Wetlands and SEPP 26 Littoral Rainforests will be rigorously enforced and extended 

where appropriate in recognition that what remains of these valuable ecosystems needs to be fully 

protected from inappropriate development. 

Coastal lands and aquatic environments with conservation values will be assessed and appropriate 

tenures, reservations, zonings and/or regulations will be put in place to protect them, conserve 

biodiversity and to protect and ensure the recovery of threatened species. 

Water quality in coastal waters, estuaries and rivers will be maintained where it is currently adequate, or 

improved where it is currently inadequate. This will be addressed through a number of specific actions 

designed to control discharges from both point and non-point sources, including development and 

implementation of management and monitoring programs. 

Cultural heritage will be protected and conserved through a variety of planning and management 

programs. 

As at the date of adoption of this Plan of Management the 1997 Coastal Policy was under review. 


6.6 The Comprehensive Coastal Assessment 

The original broad guidance from Government when the Comprehensive Coastal Assessment (CCA) was 

initiated indicated that the CCA would: 

Acquire then utilise information on the values (and therefore opportunities) of the NSW coast to enable 

better and more certain economic, social and environmental decision-making. 

Provide data on, and an analysis of, the environmental, economic, social and cultural values of coastal 

land for use in planning and management with a focus on land use decision making at the regional scale. 

Ensure the standardisation and integration of existing data sets and to identify and fill significant data and 

information gaps, based on clearly defined policy objectives. 

Document a range of key data sets (for example, vegetation; tenure; economic resources such as 

minerals) which will be used to, for example: 

Identify areas suitable for growth industries such as aquaculture development and boat building; 

Identify areas suitable to support tourism development ranging from major new resorts to low key 

eco-tourism; 

Define and delineate areas suitable for rural and residential development; 

Identify and then protect key economic resources, for example, minerals and aggregate sands; 

Identify highly sensitive coastal and estuarine habitats and catchments; and 

Develop an inventory of areas with potential for public open space or conservation management. 

Be consistent with Government objectives to sustain Indigenous coastal communities and their 

heritage. 

The CCA will achieve these through the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources’ 

Coastal Regional Strategies that are being developed for priority areas including the South Coast. These new 

regional strategies will direct how sustainable development will occur in the regions over the next 30 years 

(looking at growth, infrastructure to support economic development and creating regions that are better 

places to live and work). Each strategy will be informed by a strategic assessment to test the impacts of 

different development scenarios, and this is where the CCA will be important. 

The CCAs have developed an integration framework plus tools, methods and data via CCA projects. The 

integration framework is being used to varying degrees across the different regional strategies to evaluate and 

rank development scenarios based on a suite of coastal values. 

The regional strategies will not be legislative (like Regional Environmental Plans), but Local Environmental 

Plans up-dated over the next 3-5 years will be directed to take them into account. 

Changes to Eurobodalla’s LEPs may impact on the future development of the reserves, depending on how 

the various regional strategies from the CCA are incorporated into amended LEPs. 


6.7 Eurobodalla Companion Animals Policy 

The Eurobodalla Companion Animals Policy makes the following provisions for dogs on the land included in 

this Plan of Management: 

Dogs are allowed 24 hour off leash access to the southern end of Bill Smyth Oval below Canty Street. 

Dogs are allowed on all other areas of land included in this Plan of Management on leash only. 

6.8 Other Relevant Legislation and Policies 

Coastal Protection Act 1979 

Local Government Act 1993 

Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 

Noxious Weeds Act 1993 

New South Wales Biodiversity Strategy – NPWS 

Native Vegetation Conservation Strategy 

State Rivers & Estuaries Policies 


7. Land Description and Analysis 

7.1 Land included in this Plan of Management 

All of the land included in this Plan of Management is Crown Land. Eurobodalla Shire Council has been Trust 

Manager of Reserve No. 63051 since 6 May 1938 and Trust Manager of Reserves No. 80515 since 1 August 

1958. 

Table A provides a summary of the land included in this Plan of Management. 

Reserve Name Crown Reserve 

Purpose 

Caravan Park (East’s 

Narooma Shores Holiday 

Park) 

Wagonga Inlet Foreshore 

Reserve 

Narooma Indoor Sports 

& Aquatic Centre 

Crown Reserve 

Trust Name 

Crown 

Reserve 

No 

Lot & DP 

Number 

Lot 916 DP 

823230 

Part 

DP 1055108 

& Lot 476 

DP 752155 

DP 1055108 

Nata Oval Lot 7011 

DP 1055108 

Southern Bluewater 

Reserve (Narooma Leisure 

Centre) 

Bill Smyth Recreation 

Reserve 


Natural Area 

Narooma Sporting & 

Services Club – Bowling 

Club Carpark 

Public Recreation 

& Public Resting 

Public Recreation 

& Public Resting 

Eurobodalla 

(South) Reserve 

Trust 

Eurobodalla 

(South) Reserve 

Trust 

63051 

80515 

Part 

DP 1055108 

& 

Lot 1 Sec 17 

DP 758754 

Lot 912 

DP 729206 

Lot 7026 

DP 1020248 

Lot 911 


Table A: Land included in this Plan of Management 

Area Address Zoning 

Eurobodalla Shire Council Draft Plan of Management – presented to November 2006 Works & Facilities 18 of 43 

5.694 

ha 

Princes 

Highway, 

Narooma 

4.12ha Princes 

Highway, 

Narooma 

5913m2 Bluewater 

Drive, 

Narooma 

7.21ha Princes 

Highway, 

Narooma 

1.446ha Barker 

Parade, 

Narooma 

3244m2 Princes 

Highway, 

Narooma 

Eurobodalla Shire Council has been Trust Manager of Reserve No. 63051 since 6 May 1938 and Trust 

Manager of Reserve No. 80515 since 1 August 1958. 

These are illustrated on the following map: 

6a1 

6a1 

(Lot 476 DP 

752155 

uncoloured) 

6a1 

6a1 

6a1 

6a1

Rotary 

Park 

Technical Services 

Division 

RIVERSIDE DR 

RIVERSIDE DR 

LEGEND 

Approved On Behalf Of 


Date 

BURRAWANG ST 

DUDLEYS LN 

Technical Services Manager 

GRAHAM ST 

Narooma 

Library 

LYNCH ST 

NICHELSEN ST 

BURRAWANG LN 

BRICE ST 

FIELD ST 

BARKER PDE 

MCMILLAN RD 

FORSTERS BAY RD 

Caravan Park (East's Narooma Shores 

Holiday Park) Part Crown Reserve 630515 


Part Crown Reserve 630515 

Narooma Indoor Sports & Aquatic Centre 


Wagonga Inlet 

Foreshore Reserve 

HYLAND AVE 

WALKER LN 

Caravan Park 

TAYLOR ST 

TAYLOR LN 

PRINCES HWY 

Wagonga Inlet 

Nata Oval 

Indoor 

Sports & 

Aquatic 

Centre 

Bill Smyth 

Recreation 

Reserve 


Natural Area 

EUROBODALLA SHIRE COUNCIL 2397 - A 

Bill Smyth, Nata Oval & Adjacent Reserves 

Princes Highway, Narooma 

Plan of Management 

Crown Land Status as at July 2006 

Southern Bluewater Drive Reserve 

(Narooma Leisure Centre) 

Bill Smyth 

Lease Area 

Scale: 1:5000 @ A4 

Drawn: DP 

Date: July 2006 

Files: 05.9616 

Sheet: 1 of 1 


BARKER PDE 

MCMILLAN RD 

Nata Oval 


Southern Bluewater Drive Reserve 


Bill Smyth Recreational Reserve 


BLUEWATER DR 


Services Bowling Club 

BARKER PDE 

Bill Smyth Reserve Natural Area 


Bill Smyth Reserve Lease Area 


WHARF ST 

CAMPBELL ST 

Council is Trust Manager for both Crown Reserve 

63051 & 80515 - Eurobodalla (South) Reserve Trust

7.2 History 

During the development of this Plan of Management Ms Laurelle Pacey was engaged by Council to provide a 

historical review of the reserves included in this Plan of Management. This report provides a brief summary of 

the changing uses of the Crown Reserves on the flat and the contributions made by the Narooma community 

in establishing and maintaining the grounds and the facilities enjoyed by both locals and tourists over many 

years. It is a combination of anecdotal and limited primary source material, as well as limited time. 

A copy of this report is included at Attachment C. 


7.3 Vegetation Survey 

In May 2006 the following Vegetation Survey was completed for Bill Smyth Reserve, Nata Oval, Narooma 

Visitor Information Centre, Wagonga Foreshore & Park and the Narooma Sports & Leisure Centre by the 

Friends of the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens. 

7.3.1 Bill Smyth Reserve 

Bill Smyth Reserve covers two vegetation types. While these can be fitted into the Terrestrial Ecosystems of 

the Eurobodalla Local Government Area up to a point, the impact of introduced weeds and the surrounding 

domestic gardens has had a profound influence on the species makeup of each type. 

The majority of the reserve is dominated by Corymbia maculata (Spotted gum) on the moist south east facing 

slopes. This fits approximately into the Forest Ecosystem 9: Coastal lowlands Cycad dry shrub dry forest - 

Corymbia maculata/Macrozamia communis. Macrozamia communis specimens are present, as well as 

Pittosporum undulatum (Sweet pittosporum), Notelaea venosa (Smooth mock olive), several species of twiner 

and a few native grasses. However, the intrusion of weeds has severely degraded the integrity of this Forest 

Type. 

The northern end of the Reserve, being somewhat drier (except for a watercourse draining into a small dam), 

could probably have once been likened to Forest Ecosystem 171: Coastal shrub/Grass forest - Eucalyptus 

tereticornis. However, apart for a small portion still with a shrub and ground cover layer, in the majority of 

the E. tereticornis (Forest red gum) ecosystem much of the shrub and ground cover layers have been removed 

to make way for mown grass, leaving just the large trees in place. 

The margins of the reserve, along the playing field, Barker Parade and bush pathways, contain a very large 

number of weeds, most of them environmentally problematic. These include escapees from the 

neighbouring gardens. Many of these species have spread into the forested areas and will present huge 

problems in control. 

There were only two species of noxious weeds encountered (see below). The Lantana (Lantana camara) is 

widespread through the moist and dry areas of the forest, while the Blackberry (Rubus discolor) is mostly 

concentrated alongside bush tracks in high light situations. 

NOXIOUS WEEDS 

Family Genus Species Common name 

VERBENACEAE Lantana camara Lantana 

ROSACEAE Rubus discolor Blackberry 

There are at least nine environmental weeds present in the reserve, most of them on the margins, but others 

spread throughout. Senna septemtrionalis (Cassia), Myrsiphyllum asparagoides (Bridal veil creeper) and 

Protosparagus plumosus (Asparagus fern) appear to be the worst offenders in this regard. The vine Delairea 

odorata (Cape ivy) is unattractive and rampant along the watercourses, while there is a number of fully 

grown (huge) specimens of the escaped Canary Island Palm. There are also quite a few palm seedlings in the 

reserve. Given the number of adult specimens of this plant, it is likely that these are juveniles of the Canary 

Island Palm (Phoenix canariensis). 

ENVIRONMENTAL WEEDS 

Family Genus Species Common name 

ARECACEAE Phoenix canariensis Canary Island palm 

LILIACEAE Agapanthus campanulatus Agapanthus 

ASTERACEAE Delairea odorata Cape ivy 

FABACEAE Genista monspessulana Montpelier broom 

LILIACEAE Lilium formosanum Formosa lily 

ASPARAGACEAE Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Bridal veil creeper 

POLYGALACEAE Polygala virgata Broom milkwort 

ASPARAGACEAE Protosparagus plumosus Climbing asparagus 

ASPARAGACEAE Protosparagus aethiopicus Asparagus fern 

CAESALPINACEAE Senna septemtrionalis Cassia 


The hillside behind the playing fields appears to have a high diversity of species. However, this is almost 

entirely due to the number of introduced weedy species – 40 of the 105 total. 

HILLSIDE BEHIND OVAL 

Family Genus Species Common name Intro Abundance 

ASTERACEAE blue/white daisy * 2 

MIMOSACEAE Acacia irrorata Green wattle 3 

MIMOSACEAE Acacia longifolia Golden wattle 2 

MIMOSACEAE Acacia floribunda Gossamer wattle 3 

MIMOSACEAE Acacia implexa Hickory 3 

MYRTACEAE Acmena smithii Lilly pilly 2 

LILIACEAE Agapanthus campanulatus Agapanthus * 2 

CUNONIACEAE Aphanopetalum resinosum Gum vine 2 

LILIACEAE Arum italicum Arum lily * 2 

ASPLENIACEAE Asplenium australasicum Birds nest fern 2 

EUPHORBIACEAE Beyeria oblongifolia 2 

ASTERACEAE Bidens pilosa Cobblers pegs * 2 

PITTOSPORACEAE Billardiera scandens Apple fine 2 

STERCULIACEAE Brachychiton acerifolius Lacebark 1 

DICKSONIACEAE Calochlaena dubia Ground fern 2 

CYPERACEAE Carex appressa 2 

ASTERACEAE Cassinia longifolia 3 

ANTHERICACEAE Chlorophytum comosum Ribbon grass * 2 

ASTERACEAE Conyza albida Fleabane * 2 

RUBIACEAE Coprosma repens Mirror bush * 2 

MYRTACEAE Corymbia maculata Spotted gum 5 

MALACEAE Cotoneaster lacteus Cotoneaster * 2 

ASTERACEAE Delairea odorata Cape ivy * 3 

CONVOLVULACEAE Dichondra repens Kidney weed 3 

BLECHNACEAE Doodia aspera Rough fern 2 

POACEAE Ehrharta erecta Veld grass * 2 

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus botryoides Swamp mahogany 4 

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus paniculata Ironbark 2 

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest red gum 3 

LUZURIAGACEAE Eustrephus latifolius Wombat berry 2 

SANTALACEAE Exocarpos cupressiformis Native cherry 3 

CYPERACEAE Gahnia melanocarpa Sword grass 2 

LUZURIAGACEAE Geitonoplesium cymosum Scrambling lily 2 

FABACEAE Genista monspessulana Montpelier broom * 2 

GERANIACEAE Geranium solanderi Wild geranium 2 

EUPHORBIACEAE Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese tree 1 

FABACEAE Glycine clandestina 2 

GOODENIACEAE Goodenia ovata 2 

FABACEAE Hadenbergia violacea Happy wanderer 3 

DILLENIACEAE Hibbertia scandens Guinea flower 2 

DILLENIACEAE Hibbertia dentata Guinea vine 3 

APIACEAE Hydrocotyle bonariensis Pennywort * 2 

ASTERACEAE Hypochaeris radicata Dandelion * 2 

POACEAE Imperata cylindrical Blady grass 2 

FABACEAE Indigofera australis Indigo plant 2 

FABACEAE Kennedia rubicunda Coral pea 1 

VERBENACEAE Lantana camara Lantana * 4 

CYPERACEAE Lepidosperma laterale 2 

OLEACEAE Ligustrum sinense Small leaved privet * 3 

OLEACEAE Ligustrum lucidum Large leafed privet * 1 

LILIACEAE Lilium formosanum Formosa lily * 2 

LOMANDRACEAE Lomandra longifolia Spiky matrush 2 

CAPRIFOLIACEAE Lonicera japonica Honeysuckle * 2 

ZAMIACEAE Macrozamia communis Burrawamg 2 

ASCLEPIDIACEAE Marsdenia rostrata Common milk vine 3 


HILLSIDE BEHIND OVAL 


LAMIACEAE Melissa offianalis Balm * 2 

ARACEAE Monstera deliciosa * 1 

RUBIACEAE Morinda jasminoides 2 

ASPARAGACEAE Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Bridal veil creeper * 3 

OLEACEAE Notelaea venosa Smooth mock-olive 3 

OCHNACEAE Ochna serrulata * 3 

EUPHORBIACEAE Omalanthus populifolius Bleeding heart 3 

POACEAE Oplismenus imbecillis 2 

RANUNCULACEAE Pandora pandorea Wonga vile 3 

POACEAE Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum * 3 

PASSIFLORACEAE Passiflora edulis Passionfruit * 1 

PASSIFLORACEAE Passiflora mollissima Banana passionfruit * 1 

PHORMIACEAE Patersonia sericea Native iris 2 

SINOPTERIDACEAE Pellaea falcata Sickle fern 3 

POACEAE Pennisetum clandestimum Kikuyu * 2 

ARECACEAE Phoenix canarienis Canary Island palm * 3 

SOLANACEAE Physalis peruviana` Cape gooseberry * 3 

PITTOSPORACEAE Pittosporum undulatum Pittosporum 3 

PITTOSPORACEAE Pittosporum revolutum 1 

PLANTAGINACEAE Plantago lanceolata Plaintain * 2 

PLATANACEAE Platanus ?occidentalis Plane tree * 2 

LAMIACEAE Plectranthus suaveolens 2 

POACEAE Poa meionectes 2 

POACEAE Poa labillardieri 2 

POLYGALACEAE Polygala virgata Broom milkwort * 2 

ARALIACEAE Polyscias sambucifolia Elderberry panax 2 

RHAMNACEAE Pomaderris aspera Hazel pomaderris 2 

ASPARAGACEAE Protasparagus plumosus Climbing 

asparagus 

* 4 

ASPARAGACEAE Protasparagus aethiopicus Asparagus fern * 2 

ACANTHACEAE Pseuderanthemum variable Pastel flower 2 

DENNSTAEDTIACEAE Pteridium esculentum Bracken 3 

MYRSINACEAE Rapanea howittiana Muttonwood 2 

CHENOPODIACEAE Rhaagodia candolleana Sea berry saltbush 1 

MALACEAE Rhaphiolepis indicus Indian hawthorn * 2 

ASTERACEAE Roldana petasitis * 2 

ROSACEAE Rubus discolor Blackberry * 2 

ROSACEAE Rubus parvifolius Native raspberry 2 

MENISPERMACEAE Sarcopetalum harveyanum Pearl vine 1 

GOODENIACEAE Scaevola aemula Fan flower 2 

ASTERACEAE Senecio hispidulus Hill fireweed 2 

CAESALPINACEAE Senna septemtrionalis Cassia * 4 

SMILACACEAE Smilax australis Lawyer vine 2 

SOLANACEAE Solanum pseudocapsicum Jerusalem cherry * 2 

POACEAE Sporobolus indicus Parramatta grass * 2 

MENISPERMACEAE Stephania japonica Snake vine 2 

MELIACEAE Synoum glandulosum Rosewood 1 

POACEAE Themeda australis Kangaroo grass 2 

COMMELINACEAE Tradescantia albiflora Wandering jew * 3 

ASCLEPIDACEAE Tylophora barbata Bearded tylophora 3 

TYPHACEAE Typha orientalis Bullrush 2 

URTICACEAE Urtica incisa Stinging nettle 2 

RUTACEAE Zieria smithii Sandfly bush 3 


Recommendations for Bill Smyth Reserve 

Recovering Bill Smyth Reserve from its present degraded state will pose an enormous challenge, but one well 

worth attempting. The reserve contains the nucleus of a healthy Corymbia maculata/Macrozamia communis 

forest; however, restoring the Eucalyptus tereticornis complex on the northern corner does not appear to be 

feasible. Far better to leave it a grassy woodland (with the Kikuyu kept under control) with space under the 

trees for children to play. 

The first priority would be to persuade the residents of the houses in Barker Parade to cease throwing their 

garden waste into the bush. Council’s new Green Waste removal system should help in this regard. 

Control of the two noxious weed species (Lantana and Blackberry) is a matter of some urgency. This applies 

especially to the Lantana camara (Lantana), as at this stage there are few large dense thickets. 

A strategy to cope with the environmental weeds is also an important management issue. The worst 

offenders such as the Canary Island Palms (Phoenix canarienses), Bridal veil creeper (Myrsiphyllum 

asparagoides), the Asparagus ferns (Protosparagus species) and the Cassias (Senna septemtrionalis) demand 

immediate attention. 

It appears that the best way to tackle the weeding problem would be hand weeding with regular follow up 

work, especially around the margins. While this method of vegetation restoration is tedious and slow going, 

it is thorough as it ensures the removal of underground tubers and bulbs. It also minimises the disturbance 

of existing desirable vegetation and keeps the soil seed bank intact (a most important aspect for future 

regeneration). If hand weeding is done well, there would probably be little need for any supplementary 

planting to be undertaken. 

7.3.2 Nata Oval and Narooma Visitor Information Centre 

The significant trees in this area were grouped according to their location as shown on the following map. 

A. The row of pines behind the Swimming Pool - Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Aurea’ (Golden Cypress) 

B. The trees in front of the Visitor Centre - Eucalyptus cinerea (Argyle apple) and E. botryoides (Swamp 

mahongany) 

C. Four or five trees in front of the Sport and Leisure Centre - Corymbia ficifolia (Western Australian red 

flowering gum) 

Recommendations for Nata Oval and Narooma Visitor Information Centre 

None of the above trees are irreplaceable. Some, such as the C. Corymbia ficifolia (Western Australian red 

flowering gum) have ‘passed their use by date’, and would not be missed. 

If it was found to be necessary during the pool upgrade to remove the A. trees Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Aurea’ 

(Golden cypress), which at present provide a good shelter for the Swimming Pool from the summer western 

sun, it would not be difficult to plant a replacement row (not necessarily the same species) after construction 

work had ceased. But provided these pines do not pose any threat to the operation of the current pool, there 

does not seem any good reason to remove them. 

Neither does there appear to be any reason to interfere with the trees in B. between the Visitor Centre and the 

Highway. At the same time, the planted gardens surrounding the Centre could do with some attention, 

including judicious pruning and removal of old specimens. 


7.3.3 Wagonga Foreshore & Park 

The vegetation along the inlet side of the stone wall is in reasonably good condition, given the high volume 

traffic during the summer months. There are few weeds of any description. Provided that there is minimal 

disturbance in this area, including the mangrove section, it should remain in its present healthy state. The 

beds of Cyperus laevigatus near the drainage channels prevent movement of the Inlet mud, and perform as an 

efficient filter for the waters of the Inlet as the tides flow in and out. The main two native grasses noted, 

Sporobolus virginicus and Zoysia macrantha, help bind the sand at the edge of the Inlet, and, together with the 

Cyperus laevigatus, act as water filters. 

Most of the weeds listed appear in the mown ‘lawn’ in front of the Caravan Park; however constant mowing 

and the pressure of people apparently keeps them under control. Some of these weeds could cause 

problems if they were allowed to escape, but this is not considered likely. There were no noxious weeds 

surveyed along the foreshore and in the Park at the northern end. 

FORESHORE VEGETATION 


MIMOSACEAE Acacia longifolia Sydney wattle 1 

MYRSINACEAE Aegiceras corniculatum River mangrove 4 

ARAUCARIACEAE Araucaria heterophylla Norfolk Island pine * 3 

CYPERACEAE Carex pumila 4 

AIZOACEAE Carpobrotus glaucescens Pigs face 3 

CASUARINACEAE Casuarina glauca Swamp oak 3 

ASTERACEAE Conyza albida Fleabane * 2 

POACEAE Cynodon dactylon Couch grass * 4 

CYPERACEAE Cyperus laevigaus 4 

POACEAE Errharta erecta Veldt grass * 2 

ASTERACEAE Hypochaeris radicata Dandelion * 2 

JUNCACEAE Juncus krausii Sea rush 2 

PLUMBAGINACEAE Limonium australe Sea lavender 2 

MYRTACEAE Melaleuca armillaris Honey myrtle 2 

OXALIDACEAE Oxalis pres-caprae Soursob * 1 

OXALIDACEAE Oxalis corniculata Creeping oxalis * 3 

POACEAE Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu * 3 

PITTOSPORACEAE Pittosporum undulatum Sweet pittosporum 1 

PLANTAGINACEAE Plantago lanceolata Plaintain * 2 

POACEAE Poa poiformis 2 

CHENOPODIACEAE Rhagodia candolleana Sea berry saltbush 1 

PRIMULACEAE Samolus repens Creeping brookweed 3 

CHENOPODIACEAE Sarcocornia quinqueflora Glasswort 1 

POACEAE Spinifex sericeus Spinifex 3 

POACEAE Sporobolus virginicus Sand couch 3 

POACEAE Sporobolus indicus Parramatta grass * 2 

CHENOPODIACEAE Suaeda australis 4 

AIZOACEAE Tetragonia tetragonioides Warrigal 3 

POACEAE Themeda australis Kangaroo grass 1 

POACEAE Zoysia macrantha Prickly couch 2 

Recommendations Wagonga Foreshore & Park 

A vigilant watch should be kept along the foreshore in front of the retaining wall so that any problematic 

weeds can be removed as soon as they are seen. The general appearance of the water margin would be 

improved if the rubbish could be cleared regularly. So that the Cyperus laevigatus beds may remain intact 

and therefore function efficiently, it would be desirable to discourage users of the mudflats from making 

tracks through the reeds. It also might be advantageous to reduce the force of stormwater and the amount of 

rubbish entering the inlet by the careful placement of barriers. 


7.3.4 Narooma Sports and Leisure Centre 

Significant trees in the area behind the Sports & Leisure centre were grouped according to their location, as 

shown on the following map. 

D. Behind the Sport and Leisure Centre – Eucalyptus botryoides (Swamp mahogany), Eucalyptus 

tereticornis (Forest red gum) 

E. On the eastern side of the Sport and Leisure Centre building - Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Aurea’ (Golden 

cypress), Banksia integrifolia (Coast banksia), Hakea sericea (Prickly hakea), Metrosideros excelsa (NZ 

Christmas tree), Acacia longifolia (Golden wattle), Acacia mearnsii (Black wattle) 

Recommendations Narooma Sports and Leisure Centre 

Depending on the extent of the upgrade plans for the Swimming Pool and Sport & Leisure Centre, it would 

be worth drawing up a new ‘tree plan’, perhaps incorporating some of the apparent original Eucalyptus trees 

in D. 

The trees in E. on the eastern side of the Sport building were obviously planted when the pathway up the hill 

was rebuilt. If any of these had to go, they could easily be replaced. The huge Golden cypress near the top 

of the hill is not attractive at all, having suffered greatly from the effects of wind and old age. 

Key to Vegetation Survey 


7.4 Fire Management 

Council’s Fire Mitigation Officer has provided the following advice on the fire risk associated with Bill Smyth 

Reserve. 

The vegetation is defined as Coastal Lowlands Spotted Gum-Burrawang Cycad Dry Scrub Forest. This 

vegetation is identified as medium tall forest bushfire category 1, however the land is not currently mapped 

as fire prone. The vegetation is approx. 3.5ha in size. Any revegetation works surrounding the oval would 

not significantly increase the fire risk. 

Barker Parade is a through road offering adequate defendable space for fire vehicles, also the road verge 

slashing which is required for site clearances increases the protection to the dwellings on the upper side of 

Barker Parade. 

A potential fire path is from the north west, however this is unlikely as the vegetation at Bill Smyth Reserve is 

isolated with no real linkages to other bush land. The dwellings on the upper side of Barker Parade have at 

least 25m and often 35m of Asset Protection Zone. 


8. Leases and Licences 

8.2.1 Existing Leases and Licences 

The following leases and licences were current as at the date of adoption of this Plan of Management 

(excluding short term licences): 

Table B: Existing Leases and Licences 

PIN No Lot & DP Reserve Name or Use Lease or Licence 

Description / Purpose 

15762 Lot 916 

DP 823230 

26392 Lot 1, Sec 17 

DP 758764 

East’s Narooma Shores 

Holiday Park 

26391 Lot 7011 Narooma Swimming 

DP 1055108 Pool 

20787 Wagonga Inlet 

Foreshore 

20787 

Nata Oval 

17425 Lot 476 

DP 752155 

24870 Lot 912 


18388 Lot 7026 

DP 1020248 

24871 Lot 911 


Lease for a Caravan Park 

and Camping Ground 

Status of Lease or licence Address 

Expires on 5 November 

2012 

41 Princes Highway, 

Narooma 

Narooma Leisure Centre n/a n/a Bluewater Drive, 

Narooma 

Wagonga Inlet 

Foreshore 

Contract Agreement to 

manage the swimming 

pool 

Expires on 30 June 2009 

with a 2 year option. 

Bluewater Drive, 

Narooma 

n/a n/a Bluewater Drive, 

Narooma 

Monthly Markets Temporary licence Princes Highway, 

Narooma 

Annual Christmas 

Carnival 

Temporary licence Princes Highway, 

Narooma 

n/a n/a Princes Highway, 

Narooma 

Bill Smyth Oval n/a n/a 86 Princes Highway, 

Narooma 


Bushland 


Services Club – Bowling 

Club Carpark 

n/a n/a Barker Parade, 

Narooma 

Licence for Carpark Expires on 30 April 2012 Princes Highway, 

Narooma 


8.2.2 Requirements for Future Leases and Licences 

Leases or licences of Crown reserves may only be entered into by trustees of Crown reserves who have been 

appointed under the Crown Lands Act. Consent must be obtained from the Minister (Department of Lands) 

before the lease or licence is executed (with the exception of licences for a period of less than 12 months). 

The following issues must be considered when Council, as Trust Manager, is granting a lease or licence on 

Crown Reserves: 

1. Broadly speaking, leases are executed where exclusive control of the whole or part of a reserve is 

proposed. A licence is executed where intermittent occupation or control of the whole or part of a 

reserve is proposed (eg Monthly markets on Nata Oval). 

2. A lease may only be entered into by the Trust where it can be demonstrated that any Native Title 

interest in the land has been extinguished. 

3. The term of any lease/licence should be as short as practicable, appropriate to all circumstances and 

commensurate with changing community needs. Generally terms in excess of 20 years are not 

favoured. 

4. Generally options for renewal or holding over clauses are not favoured. Consideration can be given 

to the granting of a new lease/licence on expiry of the old lease/licence. Any "holding over" shall not 

exceed 12 months. 

5. The Minister may not consent to the granting of a lease for a term exceeding 5 years (or a lease for a 

term that, by the exercise of an option, could exceed 5 years) unless at least 14 days have elapsed since 

notice of intention to give consent has been published in a newspaper circulating in the locality in 

which the land is situated or in a newspaper circulating generally in the State. 

6. Clauses conferring a right to compensation for improvements are not acceptable, in appropriate cases 

the lessee should be required to clear and/or restore the land to the satisfaction of the Trust and the 

Minister. The lease should clearly reflect the intentions in respect of the improvements on expiry of the 

lease (ie lease area to be cleared and restored or improvements to remain and become the property of 

the trust). 

7. Where the conditions require the lessee to undertake development works, the agreement should specify 

that no work is to be undertaken until plans have been approved by the Trust and the Minister and any 

necessary development or building consents are obtained from the local Council. 

8. Rental should reflect a commercial approach of market rent having regard to purpose of the 

lease/licence, site value and ownership of existing improvements. Agreements for other than a short 

term should provide for regular periodic redetermination of rental (say every three to five years) as well 

as being linked to increases in the Consumer Price Index for intervening annual reviews. Where the 

parties cannot agree on the redetermination of the rent, clauses should provide for reference to an 

independent arbitrator (not the Department). Where a nominal rental is imposed because the lessee is 

a charitable or non-profit organisation, such rental should generally not be less than the statutory 

minimum rental ($350-00 as at 1 July 2004 and linked to CPI) prescribed for tenures under the Crown 

Lands Act, 1989. 

9. A diagram specifying the area involved must be annexed to and form part of the lease agreement. 

10. In the case of sub-leases, reference should be made to the head lease in the preamble and the term of 

any sub-lease should not extend beyond the date of expiry of the head lease. 

11. If the reserve has a Real Property title, then leases for more than three years must be registered at the 

Land and Property Information Office (formerly Land Titles Office). 

12. Where applicable, the agreement should include clauses providing for use/access by the general public. 

13. A clause requiring the lessee to bear the lessor’s reasonable expenses involved with the lease (eg Trust’s 

solicitors, advertising, stamp duty etc) should be considered for inclusion in the lease agreement. 

14. The proceeds from a lease or licence granted by a reserve trust shall be applied in accordance with 

directions (if any) given by the Minister under Section 106 of the Crown Lands Act 1989. In the 

absence of any direction, the proceeds shall be applied for the general purposes of the reserve trust and 

may be invested or applied by the trust accordingly. 


The following describes the general principles which a reserve trust manager must take into consideration 

when negotiating commercial lease or licence proposals on Crown reserves: 

• Leases or licences for commercial purposes can only be granted where the commercial activity is 

consistent with the purpose for which the reserve was dedicated or reserved and should not overpower 

or dominate the reserve. 

• Commercial leases/licences on Crown reserves should be established by a fair, open, impartial and 

transparent process and provide optimum environmental, social and economic returns from such use of 

the reserve for the people of NSW. 

• Appointed Trust Managers must be able to demonstrate that they have met their responsibility to the 

people of NSW of ensuring that the best possible result will be realised from the lease arrangement. 

• Other than where special circumstances exist, opportunities to lease/licence public reserves should be 

decided by a competitive process. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) advises 

public sector organisations against entering into negotiations which bypass a competitive process on the 

basis that direct negotiations can lack openness, fairness and accountability, and may result in outcomes 

which deliver less than the best outcome for the community. Accordingly, the Department of Lands has a 

responsibility when considering the granting of consent under Sections 102 & 103 of the Crown Lands 

Act 1989 to ensure that the best possible outcome has being obtained by the reserve trust. 

• Where public tendering is not to be used to identify a suitable lessee, then there needs to be a clear 

account of how alternative processes serve the public good. This account would need to demonstrate 

openness, fairness and accountability. 

• NSW Treasury directions which require that any commercial use of State owned public lands realise the 

best possible financial return. 

ICAC guidelines suggest that a public competition process would avoid the following problems: 

• Any public perception that the trust is not getting the best possible deal for the public 

• Opportunity for corruption in direct dealings with current lessee 

• Reduced opportunity to discover new or innovative ideas 

• Possible lack of transparency and accountability in the process 

• Lack of opportunity to test value for money 

In accordance with these guidelines the overall objectives of a Crown reserve trust when negotiating 

commercial lease/licence arrangements should be to: 

• Obtain the best value for money through a fair and impartial process 

• Minimise the level of risk for the trust 

• Minimise the opportunity for corrupt conduct 

• Obtain the best environmental, social and economic outcome for the public 


8.2.3 Temporary Licences 

Temporary licences allow the trust to permit short-term and generally low impact activities on the reserve 

without the Minister’s consent. Under section 108 of the Crown Lands Act 1989 (the Act), a reserve trust can 

grant temporary licences for purposes which may not always fall strictly within the permitted purposes for 

that reserve. 

However, the use of the reserve through these temporary licences should not diminish the availability and use 

of the reserve for the purpose for which it was set aside. The purposes for which a temporary licence may be 

issued, in addition to those temporary licences whose purposes are consistent with the Reserves’ Crown 

Reserve Purpose of Public Recreation and Resting Place, are as follows (S 32 Crown Lands Regulation): 

grazing 

advertising 

camping using a tent, caravan or otherwise 

catering 

entertainment 

equestrian events 

exhibitions 

filming (this term is defined in detail in the Local Government Act 1993) 

functions 

hiring of equipment 

holiday accommodation 

markets 

meetings 

mooring of boats to wharves or structures 

sales 

shows 

sporting and organised recreational activities 

stabling of horses 

8.2.4 Future Activities 

This Plan of Management supports the issuing of new leases, licenses or temporary licenses for the following 

activities on the Crown Land included in this Plan of Management: 

Café/Restaurant/s 

Short Term Camping (in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government (Caravan Parks, 

Camping Grounds & Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2005 

Carnivals 

Circuses 

Cultural activities and uses ancillary to cultural activities 

Festivals 

Great Southern Blues & Rockabilly Festival 

Markets 

Outdoor eating 

Sporting activities and uses ancillary to sporting activities 

Any other future activity that is consistent with the requirements of the Crown Lands Act 1989 and the 

Crown Lands Regulation 2000. In particular, any future lease or licence must be for a purpose that is 

consistent with the Crown Reserve Purpose of Public Recreation and Resting Place. 

This Plan of Management supports re-leasing or directly managing the following activities: 

Caravan Park 

Narooma Swimming Pool and associated infrastructure (contract management) 

Narooma Leisure Centre 

Any other future activity that is consistent with the requirements of the Crown Lands Act 1989 and the 

Crown Lands Regulation 2000. 


9. Values of the Reserve 

Ascertaining the community values of land means identifying what the community finds important and special 

about it. These values also identify what people most enjoy or appreciate about a place. 

Land management issues change over time, depending on the needs of the community; and communities 

change – what may be important in the present may be more or less important in the future. Values, 

however tend to transcend the everyday issues of land management and set a more strategic vision for the 

management of the land. Values coexist, augment and support each other. Where singular issues may be 

really important in the short term, the overriding values attached to the land will tend to be relevant for a 

longer period. 

How can values be implemented in land management? Once values and their level of significance are 

determined, land maintenance and development practices that recognise, manage and conserve these values 

may then be implemented. Refer to the Operational Plan and Landscape Masterplans for more information 

on how the values are reflected in strategies for land management. 

At the public meeting held on 5 November, 2005 at the Narooma Sports & Services Club those in attendance 

identified what they appreciate and value about the reserves included in this Plan of Management. The 

Reference Group also provided input. The following table includes these values as they relate to State 

Government legislation and Council policy: 

Value & description 

Access 

 

Accommodation 

 

Cultural Opportunities 

 

Community Cohesion 

 

Natural Environment 

 

Recreational Opportunities 

 

Scenic Qualities 

 

Where: 

Neighbourhood – Local: the street and surrounding streets 

Suburb: within the suburb area (ie. within Moruya 

District: the suburb area and adjacent suburbs (eg. Moruya Heads, Broulee and Tuross Head) 

Shire: within the Eurobodalla Shire Local Government Area 

Regional: within the far south coast of NSW 

State: within the state of NSW 

These values have assisted with the identification of the appropriate Community Land categories for the land and 

provide a guide for identifying the objectives and actions in the Operational Plan.: 


Neighbourhood - 

Local 

Suburb 

District 


Regional 

State

10. Operational Plan 

The Operational Plan identifies the principal land management issues. A set of management strategies and 

actions accompany each issue providing an ongoing framework for the management of the reserve. These 

management issues relate to the values of the reserve and are reflected in the Landscape Masterplan. Each 

action is given a implementation category. 

The following terminology is used in the Operational Plan. 

Management Issue The issue that requires a detailed approach to future management 

Strategy The broad management strategies required to address management issue of 

concern 

Action Specific actions that address the strategies 

Implementation Priority Category 1: These actions are those that can be implemented immediately or 

very soon after the adoption of the Plan. They are policy or procedural matters 

and require minimal or no funding. 

Category 2: These actions are those that require funding and are principally 

concerned with improving public safety, maintenance and improvement matters 

and protecting or conserving the values of the community land. The timing of 

their implementation would be dependent upon the availability of funds from 

Council. 

Category 3: These actions are capital improvement items or items requiring a 

significant injection of funds. The timing of their implementation would be 

dependent upon the availability of funds from Council and other sources. 

Council has adopted many policies and procedures that govern the management and maintenance of 

Community Land. The issues raised in this section need to be considered in parallel with these other policies 

and procedures. 

The Operational Plan provides a summary of the proposed developments and improvements along with an 

implementation priority for their completion. Many of these items are illustrated in the Landscape 

Masterplans. Note: The scheme does not propose one action to be more important than the next, but 

presents categories of timing for implementation. 


Management Issue Strategy Action Implementation 

Category 

9.1 Access – Generally To provide for public access. 1. Provide access to the reserves consistent with Occupational Health and 

Safety requirements. 

1 

2. Restrict public access to buildings, workshops, buildings, storage areas, 

operational facilities and any other facility as deemed required on the 

reserves. There may be a fee associated with the use of such facilities. 

1 

3. Allow for the levying of reasonable entry fees and charges to the 

reserves. 

1 

9.2 Access – Pedestrian To provide linkages with 1. Develop cycleways and footpaths consistent with the intent of the 

2/3 

other pedestrian pathways. 

Concept Landscape Masterplan 

9.3 Access – Vehicular To facilitate vehicular access 1. Develop vehicular access and parking areas consistent with the intent of 2/3 

and parking on the reserves. 

the Concept Landscape Masterplan. 

9.4 Fire Management Manage the risk of fire 1. Council’s Bush Fire Mitigation Officer to monitor the vegetation in the 

1 

accordance with the Rural 

Fires Act 1997. 

reserves and take action as required 

9.5 Leases, Licences, Provide for the use and 1. Fees charged in accordance with Council’s adopted Fees & Charges. 1 

Contract 

management of the reserves 

Management & in accordance with the 2. Leases, licences, contracts and other estates managed in accordance 

1 

Casual Hiring Crown Lands Act and 

with Crown Lands Policy. Refer to Section 8. Exception may apply to 

consistent with Section 8 

Leases and Licences (refer to 

page 28) of this Plan of 

management in order to 

raise funds for the ongoing 

management and 

maintenance of reserves 

included in the Euroobodalla 

(South) Reserve Trust. 

non-profit groups. 

Eurobodalla Shire Council Preliminary Draft Plan of Management – July 2006 34 of 43

Management Issue Strategy Action Implementation 

Category 

9.6 Recreational & Encourage, promote and 1. Recreation activities developed in accordance with the strategies of 

1 

Cultural Activities facilitate recreational 

activities on the reserve. 

Council’s Sports Liaison Committee. 

Develop and maintain 2. Provide for future needs consistent with the intent of the Concept 

2/3 

facilities on the reserves. 

Landscape Masterplan and the strategies of Council’s Sports Liaison 

Committee. 

Encourage, promote and 3. Allow for the casual hire and use of the reserves. Refer to Events policy & 1 

facilitate cultural, social, 

passive recreational and 

casual hirers. 

educational activities on the 4. Temporary camping accommodated as per the requirements of the 

1 

reserves. 

Local Government (Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds & Moveable 

Dwellings) Regulation 2005. 

Allow for events on the 5. All events held on the reserve must be consistent with Council’s adopted 1 

reserves that are consistent 

with Council’s Events Policy. 

Events Policy. 

9.7 Signage To ensure signage in the 1. Prepare a Signage Style Guide and Plan that provides a guide for 

1 

reserves is uniform in its 

installing signs in appropriate locations that are consistent in the use of 

style and form. 

materials, colour, fonts etc. 

2. Signs installed as per the Signage Style Guide and Plan. 2 

9.8 Vegetation 

Management 

Restore and rehabilitate 

natural areas. 

Remove all weed species 

that are either declared 

Noxious Weeds (Noxious 

Weeds Act 1993) or are 

identified as Environmental 

Weeds of the NSW South 

Coast. 

Reduce the spread of plants 

identified as environmental 

weeds from private gardens 

1. Seek funds to implement restoration and rehabilitation works. 1 

2. Encourage the formation and involvement of a local Landcare Group to 

participate in environmental projects. 

2 

3. Council’s Noxious Weeds Officer notified of noxious weeds and provides 

for their removal. 

1 

4. Seek funds and remove environmental weeds. 2 

5. Raise local community awareness of environmental weeds. This may be 

in the form of letterbox drops, media releases, public meeting on site, 

workshops etc. 

into the reserve. 6. Give nearby residents assistance with planting appropriate species on 

their properties. 

Eurobodalla Shire Council Preliminary Draft Plan of Management – July 2006 35 of43 

1 

1

11. Landscape Masterplans 

The Concept Landscape Masterplans illustrate the proposed developments, uses and management actions 

for the reserves. They have been developed to reflect the Council’s direction and community expectations 

for the land while complying with Eurobodalla Shire Council and State Government policies and guidelines. 

While Landscape Masterplans guide the future improvements and developments in the reserves, further 

detailed construction documentation to finalise the designs will be required. While the overall concept and 

intent will remain, the plan may be amended to reflect new information, funding or construction issues. As 

long as the changes are consistent with the overall intent of the Plan of Management, this will not require the 

re-exhibition of this Plan of Management. 

This Plan of Management includes the following plans: 

1. Bill Smyth Oval – Landscape Concept Plan 

2. Nata Oval and adjacent Reserves – Landscape Concept Plan 

3. Ken Rose Park – Site Analysis Plan to guide future detailed design 

Eurobodalla Shire Council Preliminary Draft Plan of Management – July 2006 36 of 43

12. Stakeholders & Interest Groups 

Easts Narooma Shores Holiday Park 

Euroswims Pty Ltd 

Instep Management Group 

Narooma Aquafit 

Narooma Australian Rules – Juniors & Seniors 

Narooma Sporting and Services Club 

Narooma Croquet Club 

Narooma High School 

Narooma Hydrotherapy 

Narooma Junior Rugby League 

Narooma Netball 

Narooma Primary School 

Narooma Senior Rugby League 

Narooma Swimming Club 

Narooma Tennis Club Inc 

Narooma Veterans Touch Football 

Residents 

Rotary Club of Narooma Inc 


13. Attachment A – Public Meeting Comments 

The following comments were noted from the Public Meeting held on 5 December 2006. 

Nata Oval 

Alternatives for the leisure centre and Nata Oval 

Nata oval used by animal welfare league – needs to be 

upgraded 

Reclaiming more land from dredging – make a bigger 

park 

Nata Oval – hate to see capital expenditure on structures 

– a big open space in the centre of town can be used for 

anything, families get together, just mow it! 

Nata – good for all purposes. 

Leisure Centre 

Leisure centre under utilised 

Sprung floor – flooding issues, roof problems, should 

we bulldoze? 

Provide for the community by rotary, most work done 

by volunteers – thanks Rotary! 

Leisure Centre – tends not to be used, has a concrete 

floor – oh&s, insurance, what about a minimal cost 

study into a timber sprung floor – basketball, soccer, 

netball, volleyball – was used in the 80s. 

Revisit Phil Rose’s plans. 

Bill Smyth 

Bill Smyth – amenities disgrace 

Bill Smyth approx. $70,000 is allocated for the amenities 

– 2004/05 

Bill Smyth – oval is used by 140 juniors, 45 seniors, vet 

touch, aussie rules – being flogged to death 9 months of 

the year. Goal posts are in the wrong spot. Car parking, 

public toilets – issues. 

Bill Smyth – amenities - $ are not enough won’t go far 

enough 

Access to netball courts – what about the surrounds, 

walked away hasn’t been cleaned up, needs turfed, 

clean up the gravel, wet weather no hope getting 

around, trees are too close, money runs out and that’s it, 

surrounds are terrible, 

Maintenance on the oval is shocking, user bodies not 

looked after, no top dressing and fertiliser. 

Practice field is 10m short of a full size field. 6-8 teams 

on the field – high use. Would like a full size rugby 

league field on the practice field. Goal posts difficult to 

get in. 

Amenities are terrible. A disgrace. 

Public toilets near ambulance station are shocking, 

things needs to be done. 

Netball done on the spur of the moment. 

Practice field waste of space, one team training on it – 

can’t play a game on it. 

Just want the facilities looked after. 

Want to see something done. 

Narooma Sports & Services Club – links to Bill Smyth – 

eg. croquet and car park. Represent 2,500 residents + 

1,500visitors to the club. Partnership opportunities for 

the future. Get involved with business, may get $$ for 

public facilities. Work closely 

Bill Smyth Oval fenced – new clubs room, netball court 

finished, 2 nd field. 

Acknowledge the past input into the facilities – result in 

what we’ve got today. 

Croquet 

Croquet – funding from Sport & Rec – they funded ½. 

Looking for another court, numbers have gone up by 

100%, still growing. Getting involved in running 

competitions, Aust Croquet Club, bursting at the seams. 

Tennis 

Need a windbreak for the tennis courts. Tennis occupied 

regularly for 12mths of the year. Hope to expand in the 

future. 

The Swimming Pool 

Does the upgrade involve heating? 

Pool looks bad – the building at the front – the entry 

Bins at entry look bad 

Will it be a 50m pool? It is not an Olympic pool because 

it only has 6 lanes, not 8. 

The pool is too cold, heating is a problem. 

50m pool brings people to town and the whole 

community benefits 

Swimming Club has large scale meets – other clubs 

travel to Narooma – good for the local accommodation 

Closest 50m pool would be Candelo and Bega – these 

are both outdoor pools 

The pool currently costs $190,000 pa to run 

The current cost is unaffordable 

Will the pool close during upgrades – yes there will be 

disruption. Work should be done during summer when 

there are other water bodies to use 

Pool used to close 2 weeks pa for maintenance – why 

not any more? 

There are medical reasons to swim, patients are reluctant 

to use the pool because of the temperature of and access 

to the pool. Will access be addressed? Yes. 

Water quality should be high priority – and the whole 

complex! 

Don’t do a 25m!! 

Pool will stay in its current location. 

Ageing population to consider – future needs. 

The pool is nearly 40 years old. 

The pool is the greatest thing Narooma has – even 

though the temp goes up and down that’s ok, should be 

thankful of what you’ve got, recognise the problems 

and errors of the past. 

Will the new pool be solar heated? 

The $$ seems to be there for other things eg. libraries 

Pools are a community service – not a money making 

facility – Council has acknowledged this 

The number of swimmers won’t be accommodated in a 

6 x 25 pool (too crowded) 

There used to be a salt water pool – it was very popular 

– just needs a little bit of maintenance and dredging – 

this can be considered in the Plan of Management 

What is the depth of a 25m pool? 

What about a gym for the pool – bring revenue, 

membership, café, outdoor eating – other revenue 

streams 


14. Attachment B – Council’s Direction for the redevelopment of the Narooma Swimming Pool 

At the Works & Facilities Committee Meeting on 13 December 2005, Council resolved the following in regard 

to the future redevelopment of the Narooma Swimming Pool. 

MINUTE WM05/168 

W05/145 SWIMMING POOL AND LEISURE CENTRE WORKSHOP 04.8636 

WM05/168 MOTION Councillor Mumme/Corbin 

THAT under delegated authority dated 26 August 2003 (Minute No 422) the Committee resolved the 

following: 

THAT: 

1. Council adopt the following preferred options for the swimming pools and Narooma Leisure Centre: 

(a) Batemans Bay Pool remain at Mackay Park and be upgraded to an indoor 25m x 8 lane pool and indoor 

program pool. 

(b) Moruya Pool to have no major upgrades. 

(c) Narooma Pool be converted to a 25m x 6 lane pool and program pool within the existing structure. 

(d) An indoor sports hall be incorporated with the Narooma Pool to create an integrated indoor sports and 

aquatic centre. 

2. Public consultation be undertaken on the preferred options. 

3. $18,000 be allocated from within the existing 2005/06 pool budget to cover structural repairs to the 

support of the precast wall panels at Narooma Swimming Pool. 

4. A further allocation of $180,000 for structural repairs for Narooma Swimming Pool be considered in the 

2006/07 Management Plan. 

5. Council receive a financial strategy taking up options outlined in the Workshop for consideration with 

regard to the 2006/10 Management Plan and Revised Section 94 Plan. 

(The Motion on being put was declared CARRIED.) 

Councillor McGillivray asked that it be noted that he thinks that it is short sighted to remove all 50 metre 

pools from our Shire. 

The following illustrations demonstrate the resolutions in 1 above. 


15. Attachment C – Historical Review of the Reserves 


Narooma’s Crown Reserves on the Flat 

An Historical Review 

Narooma Sport and Leisure Centre 

Narooma Swimming Pool 

Nata Oval 



Narooma Bowling Club (part) 

Ken Rose Park 

7 August 2006 

Laurelle Pacey, Narooma

Table of Contents 

Back in 1885 – the first town survey........................................................................................................ 3 

The role of the Narooma Urban Committee............................................................................................. 5 

1. Reserve 80515 .................................................................................................................................. 7 

Narooma Common – Camping Reserve – Bill Smyth Reserve............................................................ 7 

Narooma Bowling Club...................................................................................................................... 15 

The Ambulance Station ...................................................................................................................... 17 

2. Reserve 63051 ................................................................................................................................ 19 

Narooma Sport & Leisure Centre site ................................................................................................ 19 

Swimming baths to covered pool on reclaimed land.......................................................................... 23 

Narooma creates in-ground pool on reclaimed land........................................................................... 25 

Covering the pool ............................................................................................................................... 27 

NATA Oval ........................................................................................................................................ 31 

Wagonga Inlet Foreshore Reserve & Ken Rose Park......................................................................... 34 

Captions Summary ................................................................................................................................. 37 

Note: Laurelle Pacey retains copyright of this document but this permits Eurobodalla Shire Council to use this material in 

whole or in part for the purpose intended, namely to be included in the Plan of Management for these reserves. 

Page 2 of 38

Introduction 

This is a brief summary of the changing uses of the Crown Reserves on the flat and the enormous 

contributions made by the Narooma community in establishing and usually maintaining the grounds and 

the facilities enjoyed by both locals and tourists over the years. It is a combination of anecdotal and 

limited primary source material, as well as limited time. 

The concentration is on where use has changed over the years. Some stories, like that of Narooma 

Football Club and the ever-moving tennis courts, are beyond the scope of this study. 

The Crown Reserves included in this summary are as follows: 

• Reserve 63051, occupied by: 

o Narooma Sport and Leisure Centre 

o Narooma Swimming Pool 

o NATA Oval 

o Wagonga Inlet Foreshore Reserve 

• Reserve 80515, occupied by Bill Smyth Reserve and part of the Bowling Club 

BACK IN 1885 – THE FIRST TOWN SURVEY 

The NSW Government Survey of the Village of Noorooma 1885 shows that little of what is now called 

Crown Reserve 63051 (that now includes Narooma Swimming Pool, NATA Oval and the foreshore 

reserve) existed as dry land at that time. 1 It was mostly under water at high tide, with a shallow channel 

running along the then shore. 

The part of Reserve 63051 that was dry land in 1885 plus what is now Reserve 80515 were part of a 

much larger 140 acre Reserve for the village’s “water supply and depasturage”. That Reserve was 

bounded by Garvan Street, the Inlet (on the entrance side), approximately the road from Wagonga (now 

the Old Highway), through to the Inlet to the west and an area set aside for a general cemetery further 

along the flat (towards the bridge end of the sandy flat). 2 

The 1885 survey also shows marked graves on the flat (as distinct from the area on the flat designated 

for a cemetery along further towards the bridge). They also appear on subsequent maps of the area, 

marked R 24353 (or R 24363?) which some locals say were still there in living memory inside the 

current caravan park fence, roughly opposite what is now Narooma Pharmacy and Katungul. They are 

now within R 63051. 

Although the Reserve where the golf course is located is quite separate from the Reserves on Sandy Flat 

which are the subject of this Management Plan, their history is related. 

The 1885 Survey shows 56 acres running along the coast for a Reserve for Public Recreation, dedicated 

in October 1893. In the early part of the twentieth century, Narooma’s sportsground was where the golf 

course is today between Pilot Street and Ballingalla Streets and the sea. Like all Crown Reserves, its 

management was in the hands of three Trustees. 

The late Arnim Willcocks remembered a cycle racing track there as well as a horse track which was also 

used for running races. 3 The late Bertie Martin said that was also where they played football and cricket. 4 

Ron Constable, whose father was captain of the cricket team that played there, said the cricket pitch was 

1 

Charles Potter (licensed surveyor), Plan showing the survey of the Village of Noorooma, County of Dampier 1885, 

Department of Lands, Mitchell Library ZM2 814-139 Narooma 1885. 

2 

Charles Potter (licensed surveyor), ibid. 

3 

Arnim Willcocks, 

4 

Bertie Martin, interview by Laurelle Pacey 2 July 1990. 

Page 3 of 38

inside the track as well as the football ground, and there was a grandstand cum weather shed and change 

rooms. 5 Apparently as golfing took off in the 1920s, golfers shared the area with other users. 6 Doug Rose 

said his father would race his Douglas motor bike around the track, and when he was at school in the 

1940s, school sports used an area in front of the clubhouse, and the bunkers were used for long and high 

jumps and they played football in an area east of the current Pro’s shop. 7 

Narooma Football team of 1909 would have played on the Sportsground-recreation ground but the background 

looks more like the flat. Photo courtesy of John Annis. 

Narooma Golf Club was formed at a public meeting in the School of Arts Memorial Hall on 2 July 1930, 

with Dr Gordon Thomas the inaugural president, although golf had been played for some years before 

that. 8 The newly formed committee then wrote to the Recreation Ground Trustees about rental of the 

links and suggested improvements. Presumably they agreed with whatever they requested because the 

weather shed and changerooms were converted into the first clubhouse ready for the grand opening in 

December 1930. 9 

Bertie Martin, a keen footballer, said there was an argument when the golfers wanted to take the area 

over exclusively for golf. 10 He said some cricketers and footballers were against it, as was John 

McMillan who said the golfers had no right to take over a public recreation ground. Bertie said 

McMillan eventually agreed provided another site was cleared for a sports ground. 11 That site of course 

5 Alan Murphy, The First 50 years of Narooma Golf Club 1930-1980, Narooma Historical Society Archives. 

6 Narooma Golf Club history. Unfortunately my inquiries at the Golf Club about original records to check this out resulted in 

the club stating they have no early records. 

7 Conversation with Doug Rose, 30/7/2006 

8 Alan Murphy, ibid, p.5 

9 Ron Constable notes, 10/7/2006 

10 Bertie Martin Interview by Laurelle Pacey 2 July 1990; Bertie Martin at Narooma Historical Society meeting 19 December 

1993. 

11 Bertie Martin at Narooma Historical Society meeting 19 December 1993. John McMillan was also a foundation member of 

the Golf Club. 

Page 4 of 38

was on the flat where the oval is now. It would be interesting to find out more, because in April 1932 a 

meeting of football enthusiasts under the patronage of Dr Gordon Thomas and the presidency of J Inglis 

decided to form a new football club and start a new competition to include the Wallaga Lake team. 12 

The Golf Club’s history mentions that for the Club to use the recreation ground, it had to tender for the 

grass rights at the beginning of each year. 13 From 1935, the Golf Club paid the Trustees for exclusive 

agistment rights for the reserve where the Club charged people to graze their cattle on the reserve, 

effectively removing other sports from the area. 14 

At this stage, each Crown Reserve had its own trustees. It seems fair to assume, given the size of the 

town, there would have been some overlap in Trustees. 

Over subsequent years, areas of the original reserve on the flat were excised for residential or other 

purposes or leased until we are left with the two much smaller reserves of today. 

THE ROLE OF THE NAROOMA URBAN COMMITTEE 

The first Narooma Urban Committee was formed in December 1931, at the instigation of Eurobodalla 

Shire Council, to manage matters within the Narooma urban boundaries, including garbage and sanitary 

collection, local roads, and camping. Council collected a levy with the rates to finance the Committee’s 

work. Dr Thomas was the first chairman – obviously a busy man! 15 

One of the Committee’s first requests to Council was to apply for the revocation of Trustees of all 

reserves etc in the Narooma urban area and to have those reserves come under the care and control of the 

Urban Committee. 16 They told Council Narooma was “first and last a Tourist Resort” and to hold its 

place among first class resorts, several improvements were necessary along the foreshore and on other 

reserves, but the Trustees of these reserves had no funds to do anything. The committee said it had “a 

definite scheme for extending the facilities of the several reserves that would boost tourism”, but without 

executive power over those reserves they could do nothing about it. 

For example, in July 1932, the committee asked the Trustees of the Sportsground (then the golf course) 

to “place an area outside of the golf ground fence southerly” under the care and control of the Urban 

Committee to create the Surf Beach camping area. 17 C T Carter, on behalf of the Narooma Recreation 

Reserve Trustees (now the golf course land), agreed for an unlimited period. 18 

In September 1932, the Committee also asked the Trustees of the Reserve from the bridge to the tennis 

courts (then Reserve 6559-60?) to allow them to control it on a “purely experimental” basis. They also 

asked the Trustees of the tennis courts, then on the Sport and Leisure Centre site, to hand over their 

maintenance and control. 19 From actions taken by the Committee it seems safe to assume that they 

agreed at least to their managing of the areas without necessarily handing over control. These areas were 

combined into one Reserve and came under the Trusteeship of Council on 6 May 1938. 20 

12 The Examiner, 16/4/1932. 

13 Alan Murphy, ibid 

14 Alan Murphy, ibid, p. 14. The Club even bought and sold its own cattle in 1938. It undertook to make improvements to the 

property of at least ₤50. The Club entered into its first 30 year lease with the Trustees in 1950. 

15 Two of the major items on the committee’s first agendas were establishing a town water supply and a power supply; 

16 Minutes of Narooma Urban Committee, 26 February 1932, Narooma Historical Society Collection. 

17 Minutes of Narooma Urban Committee, 1 July 1932, Narooma Historical Society Collection. 

18 Minutes of Narooma Urban Committee, 17 November 1932, Narooma Historical Society Collection. 

19 Minutes of Narooma Urban Committee, 27 September 1932, Narooma Historical Society Collection. 

20 Email from Linda Barr at Department of Lands, 13 July 2006 

Page 5 of 38

The Urban Committee under President J P Hyland wrote to the Land Board Office in October 1940 

stating that it “objected to the alienation of any portion of any reserve to any person”. 21 This followed an 

application by F W Tober to lease part of Portion 451 on Reserve 31660 (?). 

The Narooma Urban Committee employed a camping ranger/caretaker ranger for the flat from the early 

1930s, initially just for the camping season. From late 1937 the job came with a house which is clearly 

seen on both the 1937/38 photo and the one from the early 1950s. The house was located on what is now 

the Croquet Lawn. 

Camping at Narooma and Dalmeny became popular from the late 1920s with some families returning at the same 

time to the same site year after year. Photo courtesy Narooma Historical Society. 

21 Minutes of the Narooma Urban Committee, 10 October 1940, Narooma Historical Society archives. 

Page 6 of 38

1. RESERVE 80515 

Narooma Common – Camping Reserve – Bill Smyth Reserve 

Under the 1885 survey plan for Narooma, 140 acres was reserved for the town’s water supply and cattle 

grazing which included this Reserve. 

The Narooma and Corunna Progress Committee referred to this area as ‘Narooma Common’ in 1906 

when they voted to write to their local member to see if the Government would match the public in 

providing ten guineas to erect a windmill there to water stock and travelling horses. 22 

The Map of The Village of Noorooma 1906-1921 shows the Reserve had been greatly reduced by this 

stage with some areas excised for residential development. 23 This map notes it was then Reserve 54482 

reserved as a Temporary Common and notified as such 4 March 1921. It was bounded by Garvan Street, 

what is now the Princes Highway on the flat, roughly where the upper part of Forsters Bay Rd is today 

and through to the Princes Highway. 

The community gathers for a sports day on the reserve in the mid 1920s, before the sportsground relocated to the 

flat from the old recreation reserve where the golf course is now located. Crushes for the cattle and horses were 

then located around to the left of the photo. Photo courtesy Narooma Historical Society. 

With the growing popularity of motor vehicles, camping holidays in Narooma became really popular 

from the 1920s and this area became known as the camping reserve. Note there was a well on the reserve 

(where the Narooma Bowling Club’s No. 1 green is located) used by locals during drought as well as 

22 Minutes Narooma and Corunna Progress Committee, 3/10/1906, Narooma Historical Society Collection 

23 Plan of Village of Noorooma 1906-1921, Archives Office of NSW. 

Page 7 of 38

campers which had a windlass and a kerosene tin for bringing up water. 24 There was an old cricket pitch 

on the western side of the reserve. 25 

Bertie Martin said Jack McMillan was instrumental in coming up with the compromise that this area 

would become the new recreation grounds for all sports except golf. The way Bertie told it, it was a 

decision that appeased everyone. 26 He suggested it should really have been called the McMillan Reserve. 

Up until then, the area had been used for camping and apparently various sports day, Narooma’s 

equivalent of an annual show. 

Narooma’s football team on Narooma Oval on the flat circa 1930s. Photo courtesy John Annis and Narooma 

Historical Society. 

What Narooma Football Club records exist suggest football competitions began on the new reserve in 

1932. 27 

Ron Constable, then a keen cricketer, recalls that a concrete cricket pitch had to be built on the sandbased 

oval on the flat after an unsuccessful attempt at a turf wicket using soil bought in from Kiama 

failed. 28 During the football season, the pitch would be covered in sawdust from Mitchell’s Mill. The 

fence around the oval was built with voluntary labour and timber donated by Mitchell’s Mill. 29 Older 

residents like Ron refer to the ground as Narooma Oval. 

24 

Doug Rose, conversation 30/7/06. 

25 

Doug Rose, 

26 

Jack McMillan, a Narooma mover and shaker of the time, provided the impetus for Narooma to build a reticulated water 

supply in 1935. 

27 

Conversation with George Barker, article from ‘The Examiner’ 16/4/1932. 

28 

Ron Constable notes 10 July 2006 

29 

Ron Constable notes 

Page 8 of 38

It seems that the town’s sports days - with woodchopping, crosscut sawing, sleeper squaring, footrace, a 

boxing ring and cattle events, including steer-riding, novelty events – may have been happening on this 

area before the football and serious cricket moved down to the flat. They were certainly happening on 

the flat in the 1920s and continued on the grounds each year after the oval was created 30 In the 1930s, 

Gordon Simpson of Punkally Creek would donate bullocks for the Narooma rodeo – he would drive 

them to Narooma with Reg Brice and then drive them back home afterwards. Sometimes they were sold 

on the day. 31 These sports days were mainly used as fundraisers for the community, either to help pay for 

the construction of the town’s then multi-purpose hall – the Narooma Soldiers Memorial School of Arts - 

or from 1948 and in the 1950s, to raise money for the Narooma Community Aid Centre. 

Camping also continued in the area, but now around the perimeter of the oval. “It was like a tent city, 

always called that,” Ron Constable said. “There weren’t many flats or houses to rent in those days. Each 

year the visitors and local cricket teams would play several matches on the oval.” 

The Narooma Urban Committee was advised in September 1941 of the notification of the ‘Reserve for 

Recreation at Narooma’, presumably that applied to this area on the flat including the areas now 

occupied by the bowling club and the Ambulance Station. 

This section of a much larger aerial photo dates from 1937/38, dated from the house having been moved to the 

reserve for the camping ranger (see left arrow near the junction of McMillan Rd and the Princes Highway. Note 

tennis courts on the site where the Sport and Leisure Centre is now, but no courts over on the Crown Reserve 

where the Bowling Club’s Number 2 green is today. The cabins were Ken Rose’s. (Photo courtesy Narooma 

Historical Society). 

Two more clay tennis courts with a grandstand were built for the community on the reserve in the late 

1930s, presumably by the Narooma Tennis Club or the Narooma Urban Committee. The Narooma 

Urban Committee minutes of 20 August 1934 notes correspondence from the Department of Lands about 

an agreement for a permissive occupancy for Narooma Tennis Courts. This could be a different 

arrangement for the new courts or the existing courts. While there are various mentions of 

30 Ron Constable notes. 

31 Bertie Martin 

Page 9 of 38

correspondence from Narooma Tennis Club to the Urban Committee in the Committee’s 1937 minutes, 

it does not actually refer to the construction of two courts. 

In July 1938, Narooma Cricket Club and the Football Club wrote to the Urban Committee about the 

possibility of erecting a sports pavilion at the new sports ground, but the committee replied it did not 

have the funds to it at that stage. But it added it was “very sympathetic towards the scheme” and would 

consider it again when funds became available. 

Then in 1939, the Urban Committee proposed building a sports pavilion, presumably what was to 

become the grandstand beside the tennis courts. At the instigation of the Narooma Chamber of 

Commerce, the committee approached the Defence department for assistance so they could make 

provision for it to be also used as a Drill Hall. 32 The football club used the change-rooms underneath the 

grandstand. 33 

This photo, taken probably 1949/1950, shows the newly created Bowling Club house and original green with the 

two clay tennis courts and grandstand. Note football being played on the oval. (Photo courtesy Narooma Bowling 

Club. 

Camping in Narooma had become very popular, particularly on this reserve. The Urban Committee 

appointed A Maver to clean lavatories and collect fees on the camping ground, take bookings and collect 

fees for tennis for the 1934/35 tourist season. 34 The Urban Committee also accepted Mason Johnson’s 

offer of collecting camping fees for the season from Surf Beach. 35 Johnson also took on the job of camp 

ranger for the 1935-36 season, and was then kept on as full time camp ranger with the extra 

responsibilities of impounding officer and poundkeeper. 

32 Minutes of the Narooma Urban Committee 

33 Ron Constable notes 

34 Minutes of the Narooma Urban Committee, 6 September 1934, Narooma Historical Society archives. 

35 Minutes of the Narooma Urban Committee, 7 December 1934, Narooma Historical Society archives. 

Page 10 of 38

He was given permission to occupy a tent alongside the tennis courts for the 1936/37 season. 36 By late 

1937, the Committee had erected a caretaker’s cottage - ‘the urban cottage’ - with front office complete 

with telephone. It was rented to Mr Johnson for ₤-/18/1 from 1 September that year. 37 The Committee 

decided the front office should only be used for Urban Committee business. 38 The cottage was where the 

croquet lawn is now. The back verandah was closed in the following year. The Urban Committee 

supplied Mr Johnson with a pair of gumboots “for use on the wet places on the camping area”. 39 The 

reserve was well known for flooding problems, with swampy areas on the edge of the Reserve, 

particularly where the netball courts are now. 

Andrew Carr stood in for Johnson during his holidays, before being appointed camp ranger and caretaker 

in 1941 at the ruling basic wage, less ₤-/18/9 per week for the use of the committee’s cottage. 40 . His son 

Bob remembers waiting out the front for months for the return home of local Prisoners of War. “The first 

Christmas holiday season after the end of the war was huge with about 5,000 people camped in 

Narooma,” Bob said. “People were camped absolutely everywhere,”. 41 

Camping ranger Andy Carr shows the problems campers sometimes faced on this reserve (Photo courtesy Angela 

Hansen . 

36 Minutes of the Narooma Urban Committee, 5 December 1936, Narooma Historical Society archives. 

37 Minutes of the Narooma Urban Committee, 24 August 1937, Narooma Historical Society archives. 

38 Minutes of the Narooma Urban Committee, 4 November 1937, Narooma Historical Society archives 

39 Minutes of the Narooma Urban Committee, 31 March 1939, Narooma Historical Society archives. 

40 Minutes Narooma Urban Committee (15 Dec 1931-Dec 1941), 

41 Interview with Bob Carr, 9 July 2006. 

Page 11 of 38

The Urban Cottage for the camping ranger, that used to be located where the croquet lawn is now located. (Photo 

courtesy Angela Hansen). 

Many campers had their regular spots year after year. Many played tennis on the courts at the grounds or 

across where the Sport and Leisure Centre is now. Bob Carr remembers the Armstrongs from 

Cootamundra and others from Sydney who played regularly. Many campers were also keen fishermen. 

Camping on the other side of the oval. (Photo courtesy Angela Hansen). 

Page 12 of 38

Bob thinks they lived there until the early 1950s when Athol Wheatley took over as Camping Ranger. 

The cottage was still there in 1964, but part of the enclosed yard shown in the 1950s aerial photo had by 

then been taken over for the ambulance station. 42 

Local dentist Paul Mood leased the cottage from the Lands Department for his surgery from 1975 for 

two to three years until his current premises were built. 43 Dr Jenny Wray then used the cottage as her 

temporary surgery while her current premises were completed in late 1980. 44 Paul thinks the cottage was 

demolished soon after. There was then a playground on the site for a number of years which became 

quite rundown and was dismantled before it became the croquet lawn. 

This photo believed to be from the early 1950s (before extensions to School of Arts) shows the location of the 

town’s four clay tennis courts – two on the site of what is now the Bowling Club’s No. 2 Green (complete with 

grandstand), and two where the Sport and Leisure Centre is now. Note you can vaguely see the cattle yard for the 

steer-riding etc for the sports days just past the entrance off McMillan Road and the campers. Note camping 

around the perimeter of the oval and on the inlet side of the intersection of Bluewater Drive and the Princes 

Highway. Photo courtesy Narooma Historical Society. 

On 28 March 1958, the area was notified as Reserve 80515 for Public Recreation & Resting Place, but 

still included the area set aside for the Ambulance Station (Portions 660 and 546). Eurobodalla Shire 

Council was appointed Trustee on 1 August 1958 when Bill Smyth was a Eurobodalla Shire Councilor, 

hence the name of the Reserve. 45 At that stage the Reserve also still included the Bowling Club area 

Over the years the Reserve has had a myriad of uses. It is the home of Narooma Football Club (which 

built the change room and kiosk facilities), initially Union and then League, and when AFL started 

playing on the ground, the netball courts that had been at one end of the oval went. 46 

42 

Letter with site plan of Ambulance Station site from Surveyors F S Mance & D N Allen to Builders Messrs Tober & Tober, 

2/12/1964, Narooma Ambulance Station Records, 

43 

Conversation with Paul Mood, 31/7/2006 

44 

Conversation with Jock Munro, 31/7/2006 

45 

Note from Department of Lands Linda Barr, via Council. 

46 

Former chairman of the Narooma Ovals Management Committee George Barker. 

Page 13 of 38

The Narooma Ovals Management Committee managed the Narooma Oval and NATA Oval (see later) 

for over 20 or so years. 47 George said soccer and cricket were played on the reserve for many years until 

they moved out to Dalmeny. 

The tennis courts finally moved back onto the Crown Reserve in 1992/1993 after been removed from 

this reserve in 1954 and from the Sport and Leisure Centre site in 1967. 

This Reserve is where circuses are located when they come to town, the destination of many town 

parades, and in the last few years the home of the Blues Festival. Last year, camping returned to the 

Reserve in association with the Blues Festival. 

47 George Barker, ibid. 

Page 14 of 38

Narooma Bowling Club 

All of Narooma Bowling Club is located on a Crown Reserve, but the greens and club house area 

(Portion 829) are now under perpetual lease with the Club as Trustee not Council. That portion was 

revoked from Reserve 80515, then under Council’s Trusteeship, in September 1967 and gazetted 18 

April 1968. The parking area at the rear of the Club is on a term lease from Council as Trustee for 

Reserve 80515. 48 

A public meeting was held on 27 August 1946 to consider forming Narooma Bowling Club. The meeting 

agreed that Narooma’s Urban Committee be asked to make sufficient ground available between the 

tennis courts and the then septic tanks [for the camping area?] for a bowling green. 

It also agreed that the Urban Committee be asked to approach Council for a loan (no more than ₤1500 to 

build the bowling green and auxiliary building). Noel Woods was elected Foundation president. 

The new facility was officially opened on 11 December 1948, the first bowling club apparently in the 

Eurobodalla Shire. 

Photo from 1948/49 shows the original clubhouse (before extensions in 1950), the tennis courts next door and 

camping on the Crown Reserve. (Photo courtesy Narooma Bowling Club). 

This photo from 1948/49 shows the original clubhouse and the Number 1 bowling green. Recent work 

on that green showed it had been built on top of a well (at northern end of Rink No. 4 – note the whole 

area had been originally reserved for the town’s water supply). The clubhouse was extended in 1950. 

In May 1954, the committee decided the site of the two tennis courts next door with grandstand should 

be secured for an extra green, that ₤250 be paid to the Urban Committee for the removal of the Court, 

and that the Club should clinch the deal with the Urban Committee immediately with a ₤25 deposit. 49 

The tennis courts became Number 2 green in 1956 - the Club signed a lease with Council for the new 

48 Graham Reeve, President Narooma Sporting and services Club, June 2006. 

49 That money was raised from loans from members. 

Page 15 of 38

green on 11 July1956. 50 (It would be interesting to find out what the tennis players thought of this, 

especially the loss of the impressive grandstand or sports pavilion as it was called. Apparently about this 

time several private tennis courts were established in Narooma and this could have contributed to a lack 

of interest by tennis players in this facility.) 

In 1965, the Club was looking to buy the land where the bowling greens were located and build a future 

clubhouse on the hill. Instead, in July 1968 the Department of Lands gazetted a lease to the Club in 

perpetuity over the land they had applied to buy (Special lease 1967/5 Land District Moruya). What had 

once been the camping area behind the clubhouse and greens became Number 3 green in 1973. 

In January 1979, the Club approached Council for land south of the clubhouse. In December, the Club 

wrote to the Department of Lands about the possibility of acquiring more land for a fourth green. In 

December 1984, the Southern Star reported the Club’s application for more land on the south-eastern 

comer to the Land Office would be supported by Council. That land had been used as a BMX track 

In 1992, Council supported the Club in gaining a lease from the NSW Department of Lands for extra 

land at rear of the club for car parking, part of Reserve 80515 (DP 729206 – Lot 911). 

50 

Page 16 of 38

The Ambulance Station 

The area where the Ambulance Station is located was once part of this Crown Reserve. 

Narooma community raised money in the late 1940s/early 1050s towards building the Narooma 

Community Aid Centre. This was to consist of an ambulance station, baby health centre and an exservicemen’s 

club for the town in Campbell Street (where the current Servos Club, CWA and council car 

park are located). But apparently it soon became apparent there was not enough room for all three so 

Council organised for the corner block of the Crown Reserve where the ambulance station is now 

located to be excised from the Crown Reserve in 1958. 51 It had been part of the yard of the camping 

ranger’s cottage. 

The town’s ambulance service started about 1951 with 12 volunteer drivers and no ambulance, initiated 

by Alf Compton and Les Flukes. 52 Narooma Community Aid contributed ₤350 in 1951 to the town’s 

first ambulance, a secondhand Buick purchased from the Armidale District for ₤650. 53 It was first 

housed at Alf Compton’s residence. 54 

In 1956, the community built a timber ambulance station on the present site using voluntary labour and 

donated materials. 55 The station consisted of a garage for the ambulance and a small casualty room (see 

top right of pic). 

Narooma’s voluntary ambulance drivers and ambulance. (Photo courtesy Joan Hyland and Narooma Historical 

Society) Note the camping ranger’s cottage far left. 

51 

Notes from Cliff Field’s talk on the early days of Narooma’s ambulance service, Narooma Historical Society Minutes 

Book, 15 August 1999. 

52 



53 

Narooma Community Aid Centre Minute Book, Annual General Meeting 19 November 1951, Narooma Historical Society 

records; ‘The History of the Ambulance Service in Narooma’, Narooma Ambulance Station files. 

54 

Narooma Community Aid Centre Minute Book 

55 

The timber was donated by Mrs Face from Faces’ Sawmill, the roofing tiles were donated by Mr W Heard, according to a 

handwritten note (in red biro) in the station’s records. The shed was moved to the rear of the property when the present station 

prior to the present building being built in 1965 and became a garage. The ambulance was only stored in the shed when not in 

use. Otherwise it was taken to the home of the officer on duty. OIC Mark Jolly said it was demolished a few years ago 

because of extensive white ant damage. 

Page 17 of 38

Then Ted and Daisy Street of Streets Ice Cream fame, who had sold Streets to Unilever in 1960 for 

nearly ₤4 million, retired to Narooma where they became local philanthropists. 56 Ted Street recognised 

the community’s efforts and the need to have a quality Ambulance Station especially because of its 

relative isolation. He gave a huge boost to the community’s efforts. 

The present station, complete with three-bedroom residence on top, was built by P J and T F Tober for 

₤13,225 and officially opened by Ted Street on 1 May 1965. The Station’s history states “this was made 

possible by the late Mr E Street and a loan with long term repayments at low interest”. 57 

New ambulance station . (Photo courtesy Narooma Ambulance Station). 

The community raised money to pay Street back plus pay the wages of the permanent ambulance drivers 

and general running expenses through over 20 years of raffles, housie and running the skating rink and 

carnivals (see section on Sport and Leisure Centre). 58 It was a huge community effort. So apparently the 

community ended up owning the station (it paid Ted Street off) plus the service. 

Portion 660 containing the Ambulance Station was revoked from Reserve 80515 and gazetted on 26 

April 1968. 

The Housie Room and rear of the residence were remodelled in 1971, with Ted Street lending more 

money to do it. 59 There were further renovations in 1975 to the rear of the station to form a bedroom for 

relief staff and a store room. 60 

When the NSW Government took over the Ambulance Service in 1977, much to the relief of many, but 

all the assets automatically went to the Government, much to the upset of many others in the Narooma 

community. 61 

56 

Stephen Garton, ‘Street, Edwin (1891-1975)’, Australian Dictionary of Biography – Online Edition, Melbourne University 

Press, viewed 14 June 2006, pp. 371-372. 

57 

Station Officer I C Bagster, ‘History of Narooma Ambulance Service’, 1978, Narooma Ambulance Station records. 

58 



59 


Book, 15 August 1999; Mark Jolly, OIC Narooma Ambulance Station.. 

60 

Station Officer I C Bagster, ‘History of Narooma Ambulance Service’, 1978, Narooma Ambulance Station records. 

Page 18 of 38

2. RESERVE 63051 

What was then the foreshore was gazetted as Reserve 63051 for public Recreation and Resting Place on 

13 November 1931, following some small reclamation following the construction of the western training 

wall. 

At that stage it did not include the land now occupied by much of NATA Oval, the swimming pool, nor 

some of the foreshore land. Council was appointed Trustee on 6 May 1938, no doubt following 

representations of the Narooma Urban Committee. 

The Reserve today extends from opposite the current town wharf to along the foreshore to the bridge. 

Narooma Sport & Leisure Centre site 

Originally it was part of the original Reserve for Water and Depasturage but formed into a separate 

reserve some time after. It had been a Crown Reserve though before that with its own three Trustees. 62 

It was part of Reserve 63051 gazetted in 1931. 

In the early 1900s, at least one boat was built where the Sport & Leisure Centre is today, fronting the 

shallow channel. The boat was nowhere near the size of the ships like the Kianga built in Mill Bay or 

over near Apex Park which were used for the coastal trade. Doug Rose said that as a boy in the late 

1930s/1940s, he would go prawning in front of the shipyard site and there were big girders and old logs 

in the water there. He believes they would still be there under the sand. 

Sometime pre 1930s, two clay tennis courts were built by the community on what was the old shipyard 

site, roughly where the Sport and Leisure Centre is now located. It is not clear at this stage when they 

were built or by whom. (Another two courts were built in the late 1930s/ early 1940s where the Bowling 

Green No.2 is now.) In the 1930s and later, bookings and collection of fees for the courts were done by 

the Urban Committee’s Camping Ranger. 

At some stage, Council (or the Urban Committee) must have decided to asphalt the courts on the Sport 

and Leisure Centre site, possibly in the early 1960s. 63 Keen tennis player at the time Kevin Young is not 

sure if it was a botched job or what, but says it was disastrous for serious tennis players because it made 

the balls and the racquets go black. This increased the popularity of the Young’s Girrahween Courts on 

Cemetery Road although the town courts continued to be used for casual games and visitors. Youngs 

sold the Girrahween Courts and surrounding block to Garry Darnell, Kevin thinks probably in the mid 

1960s. 64 

This coincided with the time of Ted Street’s grand plan of the community running regular fundraising 

events to pay for the new Ambulance Service, particularly when tourists were in town. He recognised the 

strategic importance of this site, then occupied by the community’s two tennis courts. 

Street encouraged local tennis players to form, or rather re-form, the Narooma Tennis Club (the 

inaugural meeting was held on 20 June 1967) and relocate the town’s remaining tennis courts to a new 

site in McMillan Road which Ted bought on the club’s behalf. He also helped finance the Club’s 

building of the new all-weather courts of plastic covered concrete (opened December 1967), with 

another low interest loan, which the club eventually repaid. 65 

61 

Laura Field and Bob Carr at Narooma Historical Society meeting, 16 July 2006. 

62 

Narooma Urban Committee Minutes Book, 

63 

Kevin Young conversation. 

64 

Phone conversation with Kevin Young, 14 July 2006. 

65 

Narooma Tennis Club minute books. Ted Street also encouraged the Club to buy an adjoining block of land from Bill 

Hyland. That block was bought by Council on the club’s behalf, and the money repaid over four years. 

Page 19 of 38

Tennis moves off the Crown Reserves for over 30 years to McMillan Road. (Photo courtesy Narooma Historical 

Society). 

Ted Street then had the old courts dismantled on the Sport and Leisure Centre site and organised a 

generous loan to pay for a concrete slab to be poured for an open air skating rink. George Barker says a 

specialist Italian concreter came down from Wollongong especially to do the job. A permanent carnival 

ground was located alongside. 66 It was completed in time for the 1966-67 holiday season. 67 

The community through the Ambulance Auxiliary ran carnivals on the skating rink site for many years 

and operated the open air skating rink each weekend and through the holiday season. They also ran 

housie from the rear of the ambulance station, and sold raffle and art union tickets. Funds raised in this 

way bought ambulances, financed the local service, paid for the ambulance station, and there were also 

generous contributions from residents of items for the Service. 68 

66 George Barker, interviewed 9 July 2006; Chairman’ Report, ‘NSW Ambulance Transport Service Far South Coast District 

Thirty-third Annual Report and Financial Statement for the year ended 30 June 1967’ 

67 

68 

Page 20 of 38

Outdoor roller skating funded the operation of the town’s Ambulance Service for many years and helped pay for 

the building of the station (Photo courtesy Narooma Historical Society). 

Initially all drivers were voluntary. The community continued to be responsible for financing the service 

until it was finally taken over by the NSW Government-funded NSW Ambulance Service in 1977. 69 It 

appears some fundraising continued for a few years for the Ambulance Service after that. 

Narooma Rotary Club, assisted by other volunteers, incorporated the open-air skating rink into the 

Narooma Sports and Leisure Complex in 1984. The concrete floor is still that built by Ted Street. This 

was a major undertaking for Rotary using their own and voluntary labour, assisted by a Government 

grant, a $10,000 loan from Eurobodalla Shire Council, and with financial contributions and loans from 

its own members. 

Narooma Rotary Club dismantles the fencing around the open-air skating rink ready for the construction of the 

Sport and Leisure Centre. (Photo courtesy Narooma Rotary Club). 

69 OIC Narooma Ambulance Station Mark Jolly 11/7/2006. 

Page 21 of 38

The enclosure of the open air rink is underway. (Photo courtesy Narooma Rotary Club). 

When Narooma High burnt down in 1987, the centre was rented by the school for use as several 

temporary classrooms for a few months until sufficient demountables were on site at the school for 

everyone to return to the school. 

Mick Turner managed the centre from about 1987 to 1997. He said the centre was run by a voluntary 

management committee under chairman Neville Gough answerable to Eurobodalla Shire Council. He 

said the bulk of the business was rollerskating, followed by indoor cricket, regular basketball and netball, 

indoor soccer, and also inline hockey. 

“One of the things that ultimately beat the centre was insurance,” Mick said. “Council brought in that 

people had to belong to associated sporting bodies which covered them for insurance, and council picked 

up the insurance for rollerskating and inline hockey and the prices had to go up accordingly. Many 

Narooma people just couldn’t afford to play.” 

He said it also coincided with the time when people over 30 were concerned at the damage concrete 

floors could have on their knees, but to put a sprung wooden floor in at that time was difficult to justify 

because rollerskating was the bulk of the business. 

The centre has also been used for a range of functions, from weddings to exhibitions, various auctions 

including the Apex (later VRA), music concerts and festivals, elections, and public meetings. It 

continues to be used in this way. 

Narooma High used the premises for tutorials for students having difficulties with normal classes for a 

number of years, up until fairly recently. 

Page 22 of 38

Swimming baths to covered pool on reclaimed land 

Training walls create first swimming baths 

This was not part of a Reserve, but its history affects it. 

The first big change to the foreshore area was the construction of the first training wall in the inlet to try 

to overcome the increasing problems the port was having with ships crossing the bar at the entrance and 

shoaling within the inlet. Many entries in the Narooma Pilot station logs and notes report the bar at this 

time was playing havoc with shipping. 70 

As the training wall on this side of the inlet was extended, it created a shark-free area which could be 

used as the town’s swimming baths by both tourists and locals. This was a time of increasing tourism for 

Narooma, with guest houses like St Kilda shown on the hill (top right), and Noorooma House and 

Hyland's Hotel nearby. 

The shark-proof swimming baths. Note the St Kilda Guesthouse on the hill, top right. (Photo courtesy Narooma 

Historical Society). 

In 1932, the newly created Narooma Urban Committee cleared the swimming baths of “seaweed and 

refuse" and provided two lavatories at the dressing sheds, at the request of the Narooma Swimming 

Club. The Urban Committee gave C M F Johnson permission to erect a diving tower etc at the baths in 

December 1932, provided the Committee had the option of purchasing them in two years, or they may be 

removed to the committee’s satisfaction. 

70 Narooma Pilot Station Logbooks 1.11.1910- 30.11.1931 CGS 4789 State Archives Kingswood 6/5124-24, 2 vols; Laurelle 

Pacey, Narooma’s Past – steamers, salmon and sawmills, Revised edition 2005, pp. 

Page 23 of 38

This photo from the 1930s shows the dressing sheds, and the diving tower. (Photo courtesy of the Douglas Fox 

collection and Narooma Historical Society). 

The Narooma Urban Committee strongly opposed an application for an oyster lease on the training walls 

round the Narooma Baths in 1936. They gained permission from the Department of Public Works to 

insert four sets of pipes through the training wall to improve the circulation of water in the baths. 71 The 

swimming baths continued to be a great attraction for the area, with change sheds, a diving tower and 

later swimming lanes. They continued to be used until pool was built in 1966. 

71 Minutes of the Narooma Urban Committee, 24 March and 8 May 1936, Narooma Historical Society archives. 

Page 24 of 38

Narooma creates in-ground pool on reclaimed land 

The inaugural president of Narooma Amateur Swimming Club John Burbidge said it was at Ted Street’s 

prompting that the community started pushing for an in-ground pool. One problem with the existing pool 

behind the training wall was the difficulty of running races there because the turning boards would grow 

oysters that cut swimmers’ feet. 72 

In 1964 the Streets gave ₤5,000 towards the construction of the Moruya pool and a similar amount 

towards Batemans Bay’s pool, but they gave ₤10,000 towards the construction of Narooma’s pool and 

offered to back loans for construction. 73 Mr Burbidge said the Streets always wanted to give something 

back to kids because they believed it was because of kids their company had been such a success. 74 

First though the ground had to be elevated above the tide. Sand was dredged from behind the training 

wall and placed on site. “Council had a dredge in there, operated by Roy Face I think, pumping sand up 

into this area,” said the new pool’s first manager and coach Alan Dufty. “Before that, this was all 

swamp.” 

The resulting land was gazetted as a Reserve for Resting Place and Public Recreation on 27/1/1967 and 

added to the existing Reserve 63051. 

The swimming centre with 50 metre six-lane main pool, toddlers’ pool, dressing sheds, a kiosk and a 

plant room, opened to the public on 16 December 1966 with the official opening in February the 

following year. Alan Dufty took up his appointment as manager on 20 December 1966. 75 

Narooma’s Olympic size in-ground swimming pool became a major tourist attraction, as it appeared in a late 

1960s tourist brochure. (Photo courtesy Narooma Historical Society). 

72 Neville Gough. 

73 William A Bayley, Behind Broulee - Central South Coast New South Wales, Eurobodalla Shire Council 1978, p.127. 

74 John Burbidge, conversation 31/7/06 

75 Alan Dufty, 

Page 25 of 38

“The pool was just ‘a pimple on a pumpkin’ then with sand all around it,” Alan said. Long time 

Narooma Pool manager and coach Alan Dufty said Ted Street had plans drawn up by an architect in 

Sydney for the construction of the pool which included a manager’s house as part of the complex. 76 

“Ted’s original plans were better than what we ended up with… 77 I think if they [Council] had gone with 

that [those plans], Ted probably would have paid for the whole lot,” Alan said. 

Alan had a fair bit to do with Ted over the years. “Everybody used to say ‘Oh, Ted’s always got strings 

attached’. He didn’t believe in giving things away. He would say, ‘people don’t appreciate it if you just 

give it to them, they’ve got to contribute somehow”. All the things I got the swimming club through Ted, 

the swimming club had to raise the rest of the money. The first thing the club got was grandstands. It 

cost $5,000 at the time. Ted put in $4,000 so the swimming club had to raise $1,000. We created a 

windbreak along the back of the grandstand – we had big letters along them saying ‘Narooma Olympic 

Pool’. Those grandstands are still at the pool and belong to the Club.” 

Alan said the Swimming Club put in a two million BTU oil-fired boiler to keep the water warm in 

summer because at the start of the season it would be 15 degrees. The swimming club paid for the oil. 

“But we found it was losing a lot of heat so we went to Sydney and found a mob and bought covers,” 

Alan said. “Ray McCarthy of Tilba Engineering built us a big roller so we then put covers on both the 

main and toddlers’ pools at night.” 

He said the swimming club also built a shadecloth windbreak at the southern end, put in hot showers 

with the two water heaters donated by “the electricity mob then”. The swimming club also put in the 

anti-wave ropes which are still there. 

In 1981 the Swimming Club built the Fitness Centre and Club rooms. “Theo Schutz was Club president 

then,” said Alan. “The pillars and beams were donated by Davis & Herbert where Theo worked.” The 

Club received some financial assistance from the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation. Labour was 

provided by various Narooma service clubs. 

Then the Club put solar heating on the Club Room roof to assist the boiler, after fundraising by the 

swimming club with assistance from various groups around town. 78 “It was never as efficient as it could 

have been – the slope of the roof didn’t help. That solar system went down to Cobargo but was never 

used. This new building would have been ideal now – it was built to take a solar system. 

Alan said Ted Street wanted to build the manager’s house for Alan Dufty, but Council didn’t want Ted 

to build it so they did.” 

76 Alan Dufty was manager from December 1966 until about 1995, but then stayed on until about 1997 helping his son Shane 

Dufty and his wife Wendy who had taken on the pool’s management. 

77 Alan Dufty said when he moved house he threw the plans away 

78 Narooma School of Arts $500, Letter Narooma School of Arts secretary Henry Ramage to Narooma Amateur Swimming 

Club secretary Pauline Gill, 8/5/1981. It was a Zane Solar Heating System, Letter Narooma Amateur Swimming Club 

president Theo Schutz to Narooma School of Arts secretary 1/9/80 

Page 26 of 38

Covering the pool 

The covering of Narooma Swimming Pool in 1992 and the extra heating was a joint community effort 

initiated by Narooma Hydrotherapy Club and the Swimming Club. 

“Pop Brown was terrific, he was the driving force,” Alan said. “He’d been running exercise classes in 

the pool but said it was too cold for old people. He wanted to build a wall as a windbreak, but I said it 

wouldn’t work. They also needed hydrotherapy through the year. So we decided we had to cover it. We 

formed the Hydrotherapy Club in April 1989, and started going about, looking at things.” 

The Hydrotherapy Club wanted to provide gentle exercises for those suffering from arthritis, cardiovascular 

problems and other ailments all through the year. The Swimming Club wanted to be able to 

provide year-round training for its talented swimmers, year-round learn to swim classes, as well as other 

water activities like aquarobics, water polo, and underwater diving. 

In May 1989, the two clubs formed a joint committee to gain community support and interest in 

fundraising for the project. That committee consisted of Gordon ‘Pop’ Brown (chairman), Dot Philip 

(secretary), Hilton Philip (?), Barbara McEwen, Swimming Club president Carol Mead and Alan 

Mulhall. 79 They set about investigating various grants and their availability, and possible fundraising 

activities. 

A deputation approached Council for a grant or interest free loan to help the ‘Cover the Pool’ Project 

proceed, the project’s estimate then being about $230,000. 80 The first public meeting was held on 16 

October 1990 at Narooma Ex-Servicemen’s Club. 

79 Alan Dufty and Hydrotherapy Club records. 

80 Narooma Area News, 30 August 1989 

Tireless workers to cover the pool – Pop Brown and Dot Philip. 

(Photo courtesy Narooma Hydrotherapy Club). 

Page 27 of 38

From all accounts, Gordon ‘Pop’ Brown was a remarkable man. He was a former chairman of Warringah 

Shire Council and understood the workings of all levels of government. He also knew how to bring 

people together to get something done. 

“No words could do justice to the relentless campaign Pop Brown undertook on the community’s 

behalf,” said Eurobodalla Mayor at that time Chris Vardon. “He would appear at home without warning, 

his big booming voice filling the air with a ‘dare to go against’ me attitude. We had some pretty good 

arguments but he always went away knowing that if he could back his argument Council would support 

him. I remember him with affection.” 

Pop Brown said the Club was “fortunate to have members like Doug Tribe with a lifetime of building 

experience and Peter Phelps, the local architectural designer, who put together this superb structure.” 

Doug became the honorary project director and laboured long and hard for the community. 81 

The committee refused to engage expensive consultants, which Pop Brown said saved them $15,000- 

$18,000 as a result. Some committee members visited other pools to check out at how they had been 

enclosed. 

Former pool manager and coach Alan Dufty inside the covered pool. 

“Doug Tribe, Ash Garrard and Peter Phelps picked out the best ideas and incorporated them into the 

design,” Alan said. “These big doors, for example, were an idea from Blacktown. The idea was to use 

nature and have an air flow through system but they never use it now. Like, if it’s a real hot day with a 

nor-easter blowing, you can keep this side open and it creates a beautiful atmosphere. That was why it 

was designed like that…And then we put louvres up the top at both ends of the pool so you could open it 

up to let air flow right through the pool. The main purpose was to get rid of the condensation, because 

we didn’t have air conditioning then and condensation was a real problem.” Pop Brown claimed this 

design in conjunction with the great doors (each cost $10,500) saved thousands of dollars in airconditioning 

costs at that stage. 82 

81 Pop Brown’s notes, ibid. 

82 Narooma Hydrotherapy Club records 

Page 28 of 38

Peter drew up the plans free of charge and lodged them with Council on 17 June 1991. Council approved 

the plans about a year later. Mr Vardon said technical details were dealt with by senior Council 

engineers. “They had some disagreement with the advice Doug and Ash were giving but eventually the 

project was approved,” Mr Vardon said. “Council contributed about $12,000 to the building program.” 

The committee’s emphasis from the start was that the facility should be for the use of the whole 

community, hence their push to cover the whole pool. These clubs eventually managed to get Council on 

side, after some councillors initially felt the community was railroading council. 83 Hydrotherapy Club 

records state Council had wanted them to build and cover a small hydrotherapy pool, but the Club 

wanted something to benefit the whole community, young and old. The Hydrotherapy Club felt it would 

not be fair to raise funds in the community to cover a pool just for the use of the elderly. 

The Club’s records also state Council was concerned the building and running of the covered pool could 

be a strain on ratepayers’ money. This was confirmed by Mr Vardon. “Some councillors believed the 

project was a ‘white elephant’ and would prove to be too costly to run and maintain,” he said. “This was 

food for thought and the Committee had much fast talking to do to convince Council. But Pop Brown 

was unrelenting in his pursuit of this project.” 84 

Council said they wouldn’t even look at the project until their committee had raised $80,000-$90,000. 

Once Council saw how the community had got behind the project and raised about $86,000 even before 

the project had really got underway, Council agreed to support it. 

Pop Brown said that from the start the Hydrotherapy Club and the Swimming Club had “splendid 

community support”. They received Council’s support and the cooperation of the then two MPs Russell 

Smith (State) and Jim Snow (Federal). 

In an article in the Narooma Area News soon after the opening, Pop Brown acknowledged the support of 

the project from day one of Councilors Vardon, Cairney, Blacker, Pollock, Reid and Doust, with Cr 

Doust Council’s representative on the committee. 85 

Work began on 18 July 1992 with the help of the swimming club and many volunteer and trades people 

giving their time to clear fences and seats so the work could begin. The new covered pool was officially 

opened by Eurobodalla Mayor Chris Vardon on 23 January 1993. 

Pop Brown believed their fundraising efforts were unprecedented “because in fact we [the community] 

were responsible for raising all the funds from the Federal Government, the NSW Government, Local 

Government and a wonderful community of approximately 5,000 people.” He said the whole project 

ended up costing about $450,000. That money was raised by the fundraising committee and members of 

the two clubs ($171,000), as well as from generous Federal and State Government grants and 

contributions by Eurobodalla Shire Council which the clubs applied for. 86 

The massive community fundraising effort was headed by Dorothy Wilson and assisted by members of 

both the Hydrotherapy and Swimming clubs. Activities included market stalls, theatre nights, street 

stalls, a monster car raffle, a recession buster raffle and of course the clubs’ famous lamingtons which 

appeared to be everywhere. In one year, Dorothy Wilson and her team made and sold 12,000 

lamingtons. 87 

Pop Brown proudly stated in 1996, Narooma’s was the only 50 metre fully covered enclosed and heated 

pool in NSW outside of Sydney. 88 It was also the biggest single span in the Eurobodalla Shire. He 

83 Narooma Hydrotherapy Club records 

84 Email Chris Vardon to Laurelle Pacey 12 July 2006. 

85 Narooma Area News, xx 1993 

86 Narooma Hydrotherapy Club records – ‘Questions and Answers’. 

87 Pat Eaton said Dorothy Wilson’s team included Betty Bettini, Betty Halford, Bee Beaumont and ? 

88 Notes by ‘Pop’ Brown for something on 1 March 1996, Narooma Hydrotherapy Club records. 

Page 29 of 38

always said the shire’s pools belong to the people of the shire and are administered and held in trust by 

Council on the community’s behalf. 

Pop Brown said that covering the pool “… was achieved because a group of the older generation had the 

vision to convert an existing facility which lay idle for at least six months of the year [April to late 

September], into a superb sporting venue that everyone from the unborn to the most elderly could enjoy 

seven days a week all year round”. 89 

That vision is now under threat with major structural repairs now underway and the heat pumps possibly 

needing to be replaced. 

Alan Dufty said part of the work in 1992 involved changing over to a gas-fired burner. After a few years 

the decision was made to up the water temperature which created greater condensation. He said that’s 

when they added the air conditioning with all the piping and heat pumps to cope with the extra 

condensation. He also maintains the structure has not been operated over the intervening years in the 

way it was intended which could well have contributed to the problems. 

89 Notes by ‘Pop’ Brown for something on 1 March 1996, Narooma Hydrotherapy Club records. 

Page 30 of 38

NATA Oval 

NATA Oval, sometimes these days referred to it as NATA Park, was mainly created from sand dredged 

from the inlet in the mid 1960s. Only the fringe of the reserve between Bluewater Drive and about the 

caravan park existed as dry land before then (See 1950s aerial pic). 

Former Chairman of the Ovals Management Committee George Barker said it was used for town cricket 

in its early days before it moved to Dalmeny as well as hockey up to the 1990s. It was used by Narooma 

Public School for weekly sports (cricket, soccer and softball) in the 1970s through to the late 1990s as 

well as Infants School sports carnivals until recent years. 90 

NATA stands for the Narooma Area Tourist Association which existed to promote tourism in Narooma, 

before it amalgamated with the Chamber of Commerce. NATA was responsible for building the 

Narooma Visitors Information Centre on part of the reserve in 1981. Various businesses and 

organisations contributed towards the cost of building the centre, including the Narooma School of Arts 

Committee. 91 

NATA Oval was the venue for the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron in Narooma, done by Narooma local Deb 

Tinson with Matt Tate. (Photo courtesy Narooma Historical Society). 

90 

Conversation with Bob Burnside, 4/8/2006 

91 

The School of Arts contributed $3,000. Letter from NATA Tourist Officer Robyn Hoyer to Narooma Hall Committee, 

12/9/1982, Narooma School of Arts archives. 

Page 31 of 38

Narooma Chamber of Commerce in the late 1990s suggested that NATA Oval should be considered as a 

possible site for the new town library and community health centre met, but it met with some community 

opposition. Many felt it should be kept as green open space, a kind of village green which could be 

adapted for a multiple of uses. 

It has had many uses since it was created. It is often used for informal recreation, just kicking a ball 

around, the odd game of cricket by campers or passers by, school sports, regular dog training, the 

Narooma Rotary markets on the fourth Sunday of the month, carnivals, Beach Missions over the 

summer, and various public events. 

NATA Oval is the venue for the monthly Narooma Rotary Markets. 

It has also been used for Australia Day ceremonies, the Sydney Olympic Torch relay in 2000, and Blues 

Festivals. 

Page 32 of 38

The Blues Festival covered NATA Oval and the outside of the Sport and Leisure Centre site for the 2003 Telstra 

Great Southern Blues and Rockabilly Festival. (Photo courtesy of Telstra). 

Page 33 of 38

Wagonga Inlet Foreshore Reserve & Ken Rose Park 

The following photo shows the greatly reduced area of the foreshore reserve prior to the reclamation, 

possibly some in the 1930s, and also as a result of the reclamation for the swimming pool. 

Camping fees were collected by the Urban camping ranger from the 1930s on. 

The foreshore reserve before the reclamation showing camping in the early days on the reserve along towards the 

bridge. (Photo courtesy Doug Rose). 

The Narooma Urban Committee which managed the Reserve on Council’s behalf from the late 1930s, 

decided in November 1940 that the trees in the camping area along the waterfront should be lopped. 92 

They also cleared a lot of undergrowth to provide extra areas for camping. 

92 Minutes Narooma Urban Committee , 10 October 1940, Narooma Historical Society Archives 

Page 34 of 38

Camping along the foreshore reserve in the 1960s, possibly before reclamation 

(Photo courtesy Doug Rose). 

This has been a popular camping area since at least the 1930s, as this postcard pic above shows. 

Apparently the camping area was leased to someone before Easts, details unknown at this stage. 

Easts have leased the area since 1986. 93 

The foreshore area was opened up to the public with the construction of the cycleway-pathway in the late 

1990s. Local architect Phil Rose came up with the concept while working on the Design guidelines for 

Development Control Plan the Narooma town centre for Eurobodalla Shire Council in 1995. It was an 

extension to his brief. 94 

That concept was developed further by him in association with Connybeare & Morrison in the Narooma 

Foreshore and Township Masterplan, adopted by Council in 1998. 

Ken Rose Park near the bridge was named after the ferryman who with his brother Alan operated the 

ferry for many years up until the bridge was built. Ken Rose’s house is the old cottage opposite. Ken also 

had holiday cabins on the flat for many years. 

93 Lyn Field of Easts. 

94 Phil Rose, conversation 14/8/2006 

Page 35 of 38

Ken Rose Park – Federation Arch 

The Federation Arch was built to commemorate the Centenary of Federation and Narooma’s Federation 

Festival which was held on 3 November 2001. It was funded by donations by the people of Narooma and 

surrounding district organised through Project Manager Coral Phillips. The arch was unveiled Australia 

Day 2002. Australia Day ceremonies have been held in the Ken Rose Park ever since. 

Page 36 of 38

CAPTIONS SUMMARY 

1. Narooma Football team of 1909 would have played on the Sportsground-recreation ground but the background looks 

more like the flat. Photo courtesy of John Annis. 

2. Camping at Narooma and Dalmeny became popular from the late 1920s with some families returning at the 

same time to the same site year after year. Photo courtesy Narooma Historical Society. 

3. The community gathers for a sports day on the reserve in the mid 1920s, before the sportsground relocated to 

the flat from the old recreation reserve where the golf course is now located. Crushes for the cattle and horses 

were then located around to the left of the photo. Photo courtesy Narooma Historical Society. 

4. Narooma’s football team on Narooma Oval on the flat circa 1930s. Photo courtesy John Annis and Narooma 

Historical Society. 

5. This section of a much larger aerial photo dates from 1937/38, dated from the house having been 

moved to the reserve for the camping ranger (see left arrow near the junction of McMillan Rd and the 

Princes Highway. Note tennis courts on the site where the Sport and Leisure Centre is now, but no 

courts over on the Crown Reserve where the Bowling Club’s Number 2 green is today. The cabins were 

Ken Rose’s. (Photo courtesy Narooma Historical Society) 

6. This photo, taken probably 1949/1950, shows the newly created Bowling Club house and original green with 

the two clay tennis courts and grandstand. Note football being played on the oval. (Photo courtesy Narooma 

Bowling Club) 

7. Camping ranger Andy Carr shows the problems campers sometimes faced on this reserve (Photo courtesy 

Angela Hansen ) 

8. The Urban Cottage for the camping ranger, that used to be located where the croquet lawn is now located. 

(Photo courtesy Angela Hansen ) 

8b. Camping on the other side of the oval. (Photo courtesy Angela Hansen ) 

9. This photo believed to be from the early 1950s (before extensions to School of Arts) shows the location of the 

town’s four clay tennis courts – two on the site of what is now the Bowling Club’s No. 2 Green (complete with 

grandstand), and two where the Sport and Leisure Centre is now. Note you can vaguely see the cattle yard for the 

steer-riding etc for the sports days just past the entrance off McMillan Road and the campers. Note camping 

around the perimeter of the oval and on the inlet side of the intersection of Bluewater Drive and the 

Princes Highway. Photo courtesy Narooma Historical Society) 

10. Photo from 1948/49 shows the original clubhouse (before extensions in 1950), the tennis courts next door and 

camping on the Crown Reserve. (Photo courtesy Narooma Bowling Club) 

NO PIC 11 

Page 37 of 38

12. Narooma’s voluntary ambulance drivers and ambulance. (Photo courtesy Joan Hyland and 

Narooma Historical Society) Note the camping ranger’s cottage far left. 

13. PIC of new ambulance station. (Photo courtesy Narooma Ambulance Station) 

14a. Tennis moves off the Crown Reserves for over 30 years to McMillan Road. (Photo courtesy 

Narooma Historical Society) 

14b. Outdoor roller skating funded the operation of the town’s Ambulance Service for many years and 

helped pay for the building of the station (Photo courtesy Narooma Historical Society) 

15. Narooma Rotary Club dismantles the fencing around the open-air skating rink ready for the construction of 

the Sport and Leisure Centre. (Photo courtesy Narooma Rotary Club) 

16. The enclosure of the open air rink is underway. (Photo courtesy Narooma Rotary Club) 

17. The shark-proof swimming baths. Note the St Kilda Guesthouse on the hill, top right. (Photo courtesy 

Narooma Historical Society) 

18. This photo from the 1930s shows the dressing sheds, and the diving tower. (Photo courtesy of the Douglas Fox 

collection and Narooma Historical Society) 

19. Narooma’s Olympic size in-ground swimming pool became a major tourist attraction, as it appeared in a late 

1960s tourist brochure. (Photo courtesy Narooma Historical Society) 

20. Tireless workers to cover the pool – Pop Brown and Dot Philip. (Photo courtesy Narooma Hydrotherapy 

Club) 

21. Former pool manager and coach Alan Dufty inside the covered pool. 

22. NATA Oval was the venue for the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron in Narooma, done by Narooma local Deb 

Tinson with Matt Tate. (Photo courtesy Narooma Historical Society) 

23. NATA Oval is the venue for the monthly Narooma Rotary Markets. 

24. The Blues Festival covered NATA Oval and the outside of the Sport and Leisure Centre site for the 2003 

Telstra Great Southern Blues and Rockabilly Festival. (Photo courtesy of Telstra). 

25. The foreshore reserve before the reclamation showing camping on the reserve along towards the bridge. 

(Photo courtesy Doug Rose) 

26. Camping along the foreshore reserve in the 1960s, possibly before reclamation. (Photo courtesy Doug Rose) 

27.Ken Rose Park Federation Arch 

Page 38 of 38



W06/128 MORUYA GOLF COURSE & SHOWGROUND DRAFT PLAN 

OF MANAGEMENT 95.9434; 95.9434.P 

SYNOPSIS 

The draft Plan of Management for the Moruya Golf Course and Showground has been 

publicly exhibited and submissions received. A copy of the finalised draft Plan of 

Management is attached. 

Once endorsed by Council, the Plan of Management will be forwarded to the Department of 

Lands for final adoption. 

BACKGROUND 

1995 – development of the draft Plan of Management for the Moruya Golf Course and 

Showground commenced at the requestion of the Department of Land and Water 

Conservation (now the Department of Lands). 

July 2002 – draft Plan of Management endorsed and exhibited at Council’s Works and 

Facilities Committee Meeting. 

October 2002 - Moruya Showground Working Group formed (including representatives 

from: Moruya Showground Management Committee, Equestrian/Dressage Association, 

Rodeo Association, Moruya Basketball Stadium & Community Centre Management 

Committee and the Moruya Show Society) to discuss the issues of the future development of 

the Moruya Showground. In particular the merits of extending the basketball stadium and/or 

constructing a Clear Span Pavilion was a central issue that the Working Group was aiming to 

resolve. 

November 2002 – Working Group’s first meeting and application for $12,500 in grant 

funding sought from the Department of Land and Water Conservation Public Reserves 

Management Fund (Showgrounds) to complete a Conservation Management Plan for the 

Moruya Showground precinct. 

December 2002 – Application for grant funding from the Department of Land and Water 

Conservation to complete a Conservation Management Plan for the Moruya Showground 

precinct was unsuccessful. 

May 2003 – Application for grant funding from the Department of Land and Water 

Conservation was reconsidered and Council was offered $4,000 in grant funding and $8,000 

in loan funding (total $12,000) from the Department of Land and Water Conservation. 

August 2003 – Department of Lands requested to review their offer. 

June 2003 – Council was advised that the Department of Lands offer had been resubmitted to 

the Public Reserves Management Fund (Showgrounds). Department of Lands staff sought 

support to increase the grant funding from $4,000 to $6,000 with an additional $6,000 offered 

in loan funds. The offer of $6,000 in loan funds could alternatively be matched by an equal 

contribution from Council.





February 2004 – Council resolved to “provide a matching contribution of $6,000 (in lieu of 

accepting a $6,000 loan) for the completion of a Conservation Management Plan for the 

Moruya Showground precinct, pending this revised offer being endorsed by the Minister for 

Natural Resources (Lands)”. 

June 2004 – Council advised by the Department of Lands that a grant of $6,000 for the 

Conservation Management Plan was available subject to Council contributing the balance of 

funds to complete the project. 

July 2004 – Council accepted the grant of $6,000 from the Department of Lands for the 

development of a Conservation Management Plan and confirms their previous resolution to 

match the grant funding with an additional $6,000. 

August 2004 – Expressions of Interest sought from appropriately qualified consultants to 

prepare a Conservation Management Plan for the Moruya Showground precinct. 

September 2004 – John Armes and Associates (Architects and Heritage Consultants) were 

selected to complete the Conservation Management Plan for the Moruya Showground 

precinct. 

January 2005 – Preliminary draft of the Conservation Management Plan for the Moruya 

Showground precinct given to the Working Group members for their comment. 

February 2005 - Preliminary draft of the Conservation Management Plan for the Moruya 

Showground precinct discussed at a meeting of the Moruya Showground Working Group with 

John Armes. 

March 2005 – Moruya Showground Conservation Management Plan adopted by Council for 

exhibition. 

May 2005 – Moruya Showground Conservation Management Plan exhibition completed and 

appropriate amendments made to the plan in response to submissions received. The 

Conservation Management Plan states that the Moruya Showground precinct, setting and 

some buildings and spaces are important values for: 

• associations with the consolidation of Moruya as a township; 

• the development of recreational activity in Moruya; 

• its reflection of pastoral and agricultural aspects of the Shire’s life; 

• supporting the activities of a number of community organisations; 

• its status as a cultural asset of the Shire; 

• its aesthetic features, notably some buildings, spaces, and relationship to the structure of 

the town; 

• a venue for sporting and Agricultural Show for a variety of users and supporters. 

The Conservation Management Plan found that although the basketball stadium contributes to 

the vitality of the precinct, proposals to expand the facility would have an adverse effect on 

the heritage character of the showground.





February 2006 – Second Draft Plan of Management adopted at Council’s Works and 

Facilities Committee Meeting for public exhibition and comment with the support of the 

Department of Lands who made comment on the draft. The Conservation Management Plan 

for the Moruya Showground precinct was also adopted at this meeting. 

ISSUES 

Legal 

Council has prepared this draft Plan of Management at the request of the Department of 

Lands. The land must be developed in accordance with the Crown Lands Act 1993 and 

activities on the reserves must be consistent with the Crown Reserve Purpose of “Public 

Recreation”. 

Once endorsed by Council, the draft Plan of Management must be adopted by the Minister for 

Lands. The Department of Lands may request that changes be made to the plan to facilitate 

final adoption. 

Policy 

The Draft Plan of Management is consistent with: 

• Crown Lands Act 1989 

• Food and Beverage Outlets on Crown Reserves Policy 1996 

• The NSW Coastal Policy 

• NSW Government Floodplain Management Manual 2004 

• Moruya River Floodplain Risk Management Plan 2004 

• Eurobodalla Local Environmental Plan 

Asset 

The Moruya Golf Course and Showground provides recreational, social and cultural benefits 

to the Moruya community and visitors to the area. These assets are well known and highly 

valued by the community. 


During the development of the draft Plan of Management there has been extensive 

consultation with the relevant stakeholders and the wider community. In particular, the 

Moruya Showground Management Committee and the user groups have provided valuable 

contributions and feedback into the draft Plan of Management. 

The first draft Plan of Management was publicly exhibited and submissions received during 

2002. 

The second draft Plan of Management was publicly exhibited and submissions received from 

1 March 2006 to 8 June 2006. Copies of the plan were sent to the following groups for 

comment: 

• Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee 

• NSW Heritage Office 

• NSW Department of Natural Resources





• NSW Department of Planning 

• Moruya Showground Management Committee 

• Moruya Basketball Stadium & Community Hall Management Committee 

• Council’s Action Plan Access Committee 

In addition, the draft plan was available on Council’s website, Council’s libraries, at the 

Moruya Administration Office and at the Department of Land’s Nowra Administration 

Office. An advertisement advising that the draft plan was open for comment was placed on 

Council’s Noticeboard in the local papers. 

Six submissions were received during this time and a summary of the submissions is attached. 

This summary documents the submission and the changes that have been made to the draft 

Plan of Management in response to the issues raised in the submission. The six submissions 

were received from: 

• Heritage Council of NSW 

• Eurobodalla District Show Society (2) 

• APAC Committee 

• Moruya Tuross JRLFC 

• Department of Natural Resources 

These submissions will also be considered by the Department of Lands prior to final adoption 

of the Plan of Management by the Minister for Lands. 


The draft Plan of Management reflects the recommendations of the Moruya Showground 

Conservation Management Plan. 

CONCLUSION 

The draft Moruya Golf Course & Showground Plan of Management has been completed for 

Council’s endorsement and presentation to the Department of Lands for final adoption. The 

Department of Lands may require that changes be made to the Plan of Management prior to 

final adoption.





RECOMMENDED 

That under delegated authority dated 26 August 2003 (Minute No 422) the Committee resolve 

the following: 

THAT: 

1. Council endorse the Moruya Golf Course and Showground Plan of Management located 

on Crown Land Reserves D580020 and 96313 for Public Recreation. 

2. Council forward the endorsed Moruya Golf Course and Showground Plan of Management 

to the Department of Lands for final adoption. 



STRATEGIC PLANNING AND DESIGN 

Attach

PLAN OF MANAGEMENT 

Moruya Golf Course & Showground Reserves 

Crown Reserve D580020 for Public Recreation 

Crown Reserve 96313 for Public Recreation 

Submitted to Council’s Works & Facilities Committee Meeting 14 November 2006

Table of Amendments: 

This Plan of Management was prepared by 

Eurobodalla Shire Council at the request of the 

Department of Lands. 

ESC Plan of Management No. 11 

This Plan of Management details the 

Moruya Golf Course and Showground Reserves. 

This land is identified as Crown Reserve 96313 for public recreation 

and Crown Dedication 580020 for public recreation. 

Any requests for further information or questions regarding this 

Plan of Management can be addressed to: 

Plans of Management Officer 

(Reference 95.9434) 


PO Box 99 

MORUYA NSW 2537 

Phone: (02) 4474 1000 

Email: council@eurocoast.nsw.gov.au 

No Date Endorsed by Council Exhibition Period Adopted by Minister for 

Lands 

Details of Amendments

Table of Contents 

1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................................................. 6 

1.1 Executive Summary.............................................................................................................................................................. 6 

1.2 About The Plan of Management........................................................................................................................................... 7 

1.3 Community Consultation ...................................................................................................................................................... 7 

2.0 LEGISLATION AND POLICIES .......................................................................................................................................................... 8 

2.1 The Crown Lands Act 1989.................................................................................................................................................. 8 

2.2 Food and Beverage Outlets on Crown Reserves Policy 2004 ............................................................................................. 9 

2.3 The NSW Coastal Policy 1997 ............................................................................................................................................. 9 

2.4 NSW Government Floodplain Management Manual 2001 ................................................................................................... 9 

2.5 Moruya River Floodplain Risk Management Plan 2004 ..................................................................................................... 10 

2.6 Eurobodalla Council Urban Local Environmental Plan 1999.............................................................................................. 11 

2.6.1 6a1 Public Open Space Zone ................................................................................................................................ 11 

2.6.2 5c Main Road Zone................................................................................................................................................ 11 

2.6.3 Heritage Items........................................................................................................................................................ 11 

2.7 Heritage Act 1977............................................................................................................................................................... 12 

3.0 RESERVE ANAYLSIS, USE AND MANAGEMENT ......................................................................................................................... 13 

3.1 Site Description .................................................................................................................................................................. 13 

3.2 Natural Environment........................................................................................................................................................... 14 

3.3 Existing Use and Facilities.................................................................................................................................................. 15 

3.3.1 Moruya Golf Club Ltd – Golf Course...................................................................................................................... 15 

3.3.2 Moruya Showground Precinct................................................................................................................................ 16 

3.3.1 Existing Conditions Plan - Moruya Showground and Golf Course........................................................................ 19 

3.3.2 Existing Conditions Plan - Moruya Showground ................................................................................................... 20 

3.4 Heritage.............................................................................................................................................................................. 21 

3.4.1 History of the Moruya Showground........................................................................................................................ 21 

3.4.2 Heritage Listing ...................................................................................................................................................... 22 

3.4.3 Conservation Management Plan............................................................................................................................ 23 

3.4.3.1 Background to the development of the Conservation Management Plan .....................................................................23 

3.4.3.2 Recommendations of the Conservation Management Plan ..........................................................................................24 

3.4.3.3 Recommendations of the Conservation Management Plan – Non Heritage Issues......................................................30 

3.5 Leases & Licences ............................................................................................................................................................. 31 

3.5.1 Requirements of the Crown Lands Act .................................................................................................................. 31 

3.5.2 Existing Leases & Licences.................................................................................................................................... 32 

3.5.3 Moruya Golf Course Lease .................................................................................................................................... 32 

2.5.5 Residential Tenancy Agreement – Moruya Showground Caretakers Cottage.......................................................33 

3.6 Management Committees .................................................................................................................................................. 34 

3.6.1 Moruya Showground Management Committee...................................................................................................... 34 

3.6.2 Moruya Basketball Stadium Management Committee ........................................................................................... 34 

3.7 Sports Liaison Committee .................................................................................................................................................. 34 

3.8 Moruya Golf Course – Pressures on Use........................................................................................................................... 35 

3.8.1 Access through Golf Course .................................................................................................................................. 35 

3.8.2 Access through the Showground & Golf Course.................................................................................................... 35 

3.8.3 Parking................................................................................................................................................................... 36 

3.9 Moruya Showground Precinct – Pressures on Use............................................................................................................ 37 

3.10 Native Title.......................................................................................................................................................................... 37 

August 2006 Eurobodalla Shire Council & Department of Lands Page 3 of 57

3.11 Finance............................................................................................................................................................................... 38 

3.11.1 Operating Costs – Moruya Showground Precinct.................................................................................................. 38 

3.11.2 Sources of Funds................................................................................................................................................... 38 

3.11.3 Capital Improvements ............................................................................................................................................ 39 

4.0 BASIS FOR MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................................................................................ 40 

4.1 Values................................................................................................................................................................................. 40 

4.2 Role of the Moruya Golf Course & Showground Reserves ................................................................................................ 41 

4.3 Objectives for Management................................................................................................................................................ 41 

5.0 STRATEGIC ACTIONS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 42 

5.1 Strategic Plan ..................................................................................................................................................................... 42 

5.2 Monitoring Strategic Performance ...................................................................................................................................... 42 

6.0 ACTION PLAN................................................................................................................................................................................... 43 

6.1 Access – Pedestrian........................................................................................................................................................... 44 

6.2 Access – Vehicular ............................................................................................................................................................. 44 

6.3 Conservation Management Plan ........................................................................................................................................ 45 

6.4 Environmental Management............................................................................................................................................... 50 

6.5 Management....................................................................................................................................................................... 50 

6.6 Recreation – Ack Weyman Oval......................................................................................................................................... 51 

6.7 Recreation – Basketball Stadium/Community Centre ........................................................................................................ 51 

6.8 Recreation – Camping........................................................................................................................................................ 51 

6.9 Recreation – Golf................................................................................................................................................................ 51 

6.10 Recreation – Showground Arena ....................................................................................................................................... 51 

6.11 Services.............................................................................................................................................................................. 51 

6.12 Signage .............................................................................................................................................................................. 51 

6.13 Weed Management ............................................................................................................................................................ 52 

7.0 MANAGEMENT ACTIONS – The Landscape Concept Plan ......................................................................................................... 53 

7.1 The Landscape Concept Plan – Overview ......................................................................................................................... 53 

7.2 Landscape Concept Plan – Moruya Showground and Golf Course ................................................................................... 54 

7.3 Landscape Concept Plan – Moruya Showground .............................................................................................................. 55 

Appendix A: Stakeholders and User Groups.............................................................................................................................................. 56 

Appendix B: References ............................................................................................................................................................................... 56 

Appendix C: Equal Access Shelter concept drawing ................................................................................................................................. 57 


List of Photos 

Photo 1: Aerial view of Study Area - 1996 ......................................................................................................................................................................................6 

Photo 2: View down the 1st Fairway ..............................................................................................................................................................................................15 

Photo 3: 9th and 18th Greens .........................................................................................................................................................................................................15 

Photo 4: Golf Course 16th Green...................................................................................................................................................................................................15 

Photo 5: Golfer walking through Showground area from the 12th Green to 13th Tee....................................................................................................................15 

Photo 6: Aerial Photograph of the Moruya Showground Precinct during the 1988 Eurobodalla District Show.............................................................................16 

Photo 7: Ticket Box 1/Entrance – December 2005.......................................................................................................................................................................17 

Photo 8: Ticket Box 2 – December 2005 .......................................................................................................................................................................................17 

Photo 9: Ack Weyman Oval scoreboard .......................................................................................................................................................................................17 

Photo 10: Moruya Basketball Stadium / Community Hall..............................................................................................................................................................17 

Photo 11: Caretaker’s residence - 2000........................................................................................................................................................................................17 

Photo 12: Caretaker’s residence - 2002........................................................................................................................................................................................17 

Photo 13: Old Secretary’s Office - 2005........................................................................................................................................................................................17 

Photo 14: Eurobodalla District Show 2003 – Horses in temporary yards .....................................................................................................................................17 

Photo 13: Moruya Showground Exhibits Pavilion (pre 2005 extensions)......................................................................................................................................22 

Photo 14: Moruya Showground Exhibits Pavilion .........................................................................................................................................................................22 

Photo 17: Moruya Showground Grandstand.................................................................................................................................................................................22 

Photo 18: Moruya Showground Poultry Pavilion...........................................................................................................................................................................22 

Photo 19: Bucking Horse at the 2002 Moruya Rodeo...................................................................................................................................................................24 

Photo 20: Bucking Bull at the 2002 Moruya Rodeo ......................................................................................................................................................................24 

Photo 21: Rides at the 2003 Eurobodalla District Show ...............................................................................................................................................................24 

Photo 22: Equestrian Events at the 2003 Eurobodalla District Show ...........................................................................................................................................24 

Photo 23: Eucalypts dominate the south eastern end of the Showground Precinct .....................................................................................................................27 

Photo 24: Pink Gates at the northern end of the north-south axis ................................................................................................................................................27 

Photo 25: Female Public Toilets – December 2005......................................................................................................................................................................28 

Photo 26: Male Public Toilets – December 2005 ..........................................................................................................................................................................28 

Photo 27: Western Grandstand additions –Changerooms............................................................................................................................................................28 

Photo 28: Western Grandstand additions – Male & Female Toilets ..............................................................................................................................................28 

Photo 29: Bar/Canteen – December 2005 ....................................................................................................................................................................................28 

Photo 30: Secretary’s Office - December 2005..............................................................................................................................................................................28 

Photo 31: Horse Stables – December 2005..................................................................................................................................................................................29 

Photo 32: Horse Stables – December 2005...................................................................................................................................................................................29 

Photo 33: Golf Club Maintenance Compound (east) – December 2005.......................................................................................................................................29 

Photo 34: Golf Club Maintenance Compound (west) – November 2001 .......................................................................................................................................29 

Photo 35: Pedestrian refuge Moruya Golf Course ........................................................................................................................................................................36 


1.0 INTRODUCTION 

1.1 Executive Summary 

Moruya Golf Course & Showground DRAFT Plan of Management 

Located just minutes from the central business district of Moruya, the Moruya Golf Course and Showground are well known attractions in the 

community. Both destinations host popular recreational, cultural and social events that attract local patronage and visitors from further afield. 

All of the land included in this Plan of Management is Crown Land included in the Moruya (D580020) Showground Reserve Trust and the 

Moruya (R96313) Reserve Trust. 

This Plan of Management illustrates the diversity of existing uses and potential future uses of the Moruya Golf Course and the Moruya 

Showground. The Moruya Golf Course is a popular 18 hole course with an open parkland character and the Moruya Showground features 

heritage listed buildings in an open recreational environment. The showground is an excellent venue for popular regional events such as the 

Moruya Rodeo and the Eurobodalla District Show. 

In order to continue to provide an attractive destination there are many issues that need to be addressed. For example, existing facilities 

need to be upgraded, shade amenity in the showground precinct needs to be improved and pedestrian and vehicular movement around the 

reserve made easier. 

This Plan of Management identifies the main opportunities and constraints that need to be addressed. Public consultation has been 

instrumental in identifying the current issues and the present and future needs of the various user groups of the reserves. The Plan of 

Management discusses the issues and authorises, among many things, measures that can be taken to ensure the appropriate future 

development of the reserves. The Landscape Concept Plan illustrates these developments and specific information addressing the 

management issues are addressed in the Action Plans. 

Photo 1: Aerial view of Study Area - 1996 

Eurobodalla Shire Council & Department of Lands Page 6 of 57

1.2 About The Plan of Management 

This Plan of Management has been prepared by Eurobodalla Shire Council with the assistance of the Department of Lands (owner of the 

land). It is a statutory document under the provisions of the Crown Lands Act, 1989. The final plan requires adoption by the Minister for 

Lands, as a statutory Plan of Management under section 114 of the Crown Lands Act, 1989. Once a Plan of Management is adopted for a 

Crown Reserve no operations may be undertaken on or in relation to the reserve unless they are in accordance with the plan. 

The main function of the plan will be to provide the Trust Manager (Eurobodalla Shire Council), the land owner (Department of Lands) and all 

users of the reserves with a working document that sets out a statutory framework for the future use, development and management of the 

area over the next 10-15 years. The strategies and actions outlined in the plan will be subject to a program of ongoing review and monitoring. 

Any proposed significant changes to the adopted Plan of Management will require the approval of the Minister for Lands. 

This plan provides a strategy for the management of the area that meets community expectations, complies with current government policy, 

legislation and statutory planning requirements and will enable the area to be utilised sustainably for the benefit of all users. The principles of 

Crown land management as set down by the Crown Lands Act, 1989 and the Moruya Showground Precinct Conservation Management Plan 

provided a basis for making decisions about the future use and management of this area. 

1.3 Community Consultation 

A draft Plan of Management was adopted for exhibition by Council at its Works & Facilities Committee meeting in July 2002. The draft was 

also endorsed by the Department of Lands for exhibition. 

Division 6 of the Crown Lands Act specifies that Draft Plans of Management must be exhibited for a minimum of 28 days and any person may 

make representations concerning the plan to the Minister. Once a Plan of Management is adopted for a Crown Reserve no operations may 

be undertaken on or in relation to the reserve unless they are in accordance with the intent of the plan. 

The initial draft was exhibited for public comment by both Council and the Department of Lands under the provisions of the Crown Lands Act, 

1989. This draft was exhibited from Wednesday 17 July 2002 to Friday 16 August 2002 and submissions were accepted until Friday 30 

August 2002. 

The main features of the draft Plan of Management were: 

• Possible developments including: a commentator’s box, clear span pavilion, outdoor basketball practice area, upgrading the pavilion, an 

equal access viewing shelter, landscape improvements and other long term upgrades for the showground precinct. 

• The relocation of the Golf Course Maintenance Compound from the Showground precinct to an area within the Golf Course lease area 

by 2010. This will create more area for additional facilities in the showground precinct. 

• Possible extension of the Golf Club’s carparking area to the south of the existing Club House. 

• Pedestrian refuges along the pathway from the Showground through the golf course to Murray Street. 

• Fencing the boundaries of the golf course along Evans & Albert Street. 

During the submission period 66 written submissions were received. All comments were considered jointly by Eurobodalla Shire Council and 

the Department of Lands, and where appropriate, the plan has been amended. The main concern regarding the draft Plan of Management 

was the inclusion of a large Clear Span Pavilion and the exclusion of an extension to the basketball stadium to accommodate another 

basketball court. 

The proponents of the Clear Span Pavilion withdrew their request for this structure and the Moruya Amateur Basketball Association submitted 

that a 2 court basketball facility be provided at the Showground. The proposed development of the showground precinct for this activity raised 

concerns in regard to the heritage value of the precinct and the impacts future built development may have on the showground. In order to 

resolve this development issue, a specialist heritage consultant (John Armes & Associates) was engaged to complete a Conservation 

Management Plan for the Moruya Showground Precinct. 

The Conservation Management Plan found that although the basketball stadium and community centre contribute to the vitality of the precinct, 

proposals to expand the facility would have an adverse effect on the heritage character of the showground. For more information on the 

Conservation Management Plan refer to Section 2.3 at page 15. 

The Plan of Management was amended such that the Clear Span Pavilion was removed from the Landscape Concept Plan. The plan was 

also amended to include the recommendations of the Conservation Management Plan. 


2.0 LEGISLATION AND POLICIES 

2.1 The Crown Lands Act 1989 

This Plan of Management is prepared in accordance the provisions of the Crown Lands Act (in particular Division 6) which governs the 

management and use of Crown Reserves. 

Crown land must be used and managed in accordance with the principles of Crown Land Management as set out in Section 11 of the Act. 

These principles guide the development, use and management of Crown Land. 

Principles of Crown Land Management: 

(a) that environmental protection principles be observed in relation to the management and administration of Crown land, 

(b) that the natural resources of Crown land (including water, soil, flora, fauna and scenic quality) be conserved wherever possible, 

(c) that public use and enjoyment of appropriate Crown land be encouraged, 

(d) that, where appropriate, multiple use of Crown land be encouraged, 

(e) that, where appropriate, Crown land should be used and managed in such a way that both the land and its resources are 

sustained in perpetuity, and 

(f) that Crown land be occupied, used, sold, leased, licensed or otherwise dealt with in the best interests of the State consistent 

with the above principles. 

Crown land may be reserved or dedicated for a variety of public purposes. There are currently 26 different purposes for which Crown land 

can be reserved. Uses and activities on land reserved for pubic purposes are, firstly, broadly defined by the public purpose of the reservation, 

in conjunction with any conditions and provisions within the specific zoning in the local council’s local environmental plan. The land uses are 

then more specifically defined by either a statutory mechanism (a Plan of Management), contractual agreement (lease or licences), or a 

combination of both. 

In addition, case law judgements influence the policy and practice of the Department of Lands and the Trust Managers. The body of case law 

which helps define acceptable uses and activities on public recreation reserves provides the following guidance: 

• Improvements and developments to land which is reserved or dedicated are confined to those which support, or are ancillary to, the 

public purpose of the reservation; 

• Land reserved or dedicated for public recreation must be open to the public generally as a right. The public may only be restricted 

from access to parts of the reserve and buildings thereon, if it is necessary for the public’s enjoyment of the reserve to be excluded, 

eg. a workshop, equipment storage or operational facilities; 

• Right of access does not mean entirely free access. Reasonable entry fees and charges may be imposed as well as other legal 

constraints to entry, such as those that relate to health and safety; 

• Use of the reserve must be consistent with the public purposes for which the land is dedicated or reserved. This includes uses 

ancillary or supportive of the purpose, such as a kiosk on land dedicated for public recreation; and 

• A lease or licence must be consistent with the reason or purpose of the land’s reservation or dedication. 

In order to change a reservation, a land assessment is required under the Crown Lands Act 1989. The Minister can waive an assessment if it 

is in the public interest, and if it is consistent with the principles of Crown Land management. 

In July 2005 the NSW Parliament passed legislation amending to Crown Lands Act 1989 to give the Minister power to authorise additional 

uses of Crown reserves providing such uses are compatible with the existing gazetted public purpose, consistent with the principles of Clown 

land management and determined to be in the public interest. 


2.2 Food and Beverage Outlets on Crown Reserves Policy 2004 

This policy provides guidance for assessing food and beverage outlets which may be acceptable and those which may not be acceptable on 

Crown reserves. In determining whether a proposal is appropriate the following criteria should be applied: 

• The facility should enhance the public use of the reserve and not become the main focus of the reserve; 

• The integrity of the reserve in terms of its public purpose and environmental qualities should be preserved; 

The public’s right of access to the reserve should be preserved. 

2.3 The NSW Coastal Policy 1997 

The Moruya Golf Course and Showground reserves are within the coastal zone as described by the Coastal Protection Act 1979: 

S 4A (c) the boundary is to follow the length of any coastal river inland generally at a distance of one kilometre from each bank of the river: 

(i) to one kilometre beyond the limit of any recognised mangroves on or associated with the river, or 

(ii) if there are no such recognised mangroves—to one kilometre beyond the tidal limit of the river, 

The 1997 NSW Coastal Policy responds to the fundamental challenge to provide for population growth and economic development without 

putting the natural, cultural and heritage values of the coastal environment at risk. To achieve this, the Policy has a strong integrating 

philosophy based on the principles of ecologically sustainable development (ESD). 

The nine goals of the Coastal Policy are: 

1. Protecting, rehabilitating and improving the natural environment of the coastal zone. 

2. Recognising and accommodating the natural processes of the coastal zone. 

3. Protecting and enhancing the aesthetic qualities of the coastal zone. 

4. Protecting and conserving the cultural heritage of the coastal zone. 

5. Providing for ecologically sustainable development and use of resources. 

6. Providing for ecologically sustainable human settlement in the coastal zone. 

7. Providing for appropriate public access and use. 

8. Providing information to enable effective management of the coastal zone. 

9. Providing for integrated planning and management of the coastal zone. 

2.4 NSW Government Floodplain Management Manual 2001 

Some of the land included in this Plan of Management is subject to flooding. The NSW Government Floodplain Management Manual 2001 

must be complied with by all agencies dealing with the management of flood risk as it relates to use and development of the floodplain. It 

incorporates the Flood Prone Land Policy. 

The primary objective of the NSW Government Floodplain Management Manual is: 

“To reduce the impact of flooding and flood liability on individual owners and occupiers of flood prone property, and to reduce 

private and public losses resulting from floods, utilising ecologically positive methods where possible”. 

The average of tangible (financial) flood damage in New South Wales is estimated to be more than $110 million dollars per year. There other 

intangible damages including increased levels of emotional stress and mental and physical illness caused be a flood episode. A flood is a 

traumatic experience for many victims. 

The manual provides guidelines for better management of flood prone areas. 


2.5 Moruya River Floodplain Risk Management Plan 2004 

The Moruya River Floodplain Risk Management study was carried out for the Floodplain Management Committee established by Eurobodalla 

Shire Council. The objectives of the floodplain management study are: 

• to define the nature of the flood hazard; 

• to examine the impact of flooding, in physical, economic and social terms on the existing community and the potential for future 

development; 

• to develop structural and non-structural measures for mitigating the effects of the flood hazard; 

• to review council’s current flood policy provisions in light of the hazard, the risk and the means of mitigating the risk; and 

• to discuss the environmental and social impacts of proposed mitigation works. 

The highest recorded flood, which occurred in 1925, is believed to have reached a level of approximately 5.4m AHD at Moruya Bridge. This 

flood was followed by two severe floods in 1963 and 1975. Since then, relatively minor floods have occurred in the Moruya River, and 

although primarily affecting agricultural land, these floods have had an impact on the entire community. 

The Moruya River Floodplain Management Risk Plan was adopted by Council on 23 November 2004. This Plan includes the Moruya River 

Floodplain Development Control Plan (DCP) which defines the flood planning levels and controls development within the Moruya River 

Floodplain. 

During periods of high rainfall the Golf Course may be required to close due to inundation. This occurs approximately two to three times per 

annum. During a sever flood, the Moruya Golf Course and Showground reserves would be subject to a high level of hazard. Under extreme 

flood conditions, Racecourse Creek flood inundation extends upto 100 metres from the creek channel. 

During the early stages of a typical flood, flood waters back up along Ryan’s Creek and Racecourse Creek from the river inundating adjacent 

land. Flood depths in the Moruya CBD area during a frequent flood event are upto ½ a metre, with velocities up to 0.4 metres/second. 

The flooding regime of the Moruya Golf Course Showground is well known throughout the community. 

The implication for the flood prone land included in this Plan of Management is that future development must comply with the provisions of the 

relevant planning controls in place for flood prone areas. In particular, the Moruya River Floodplain DCP severely restricts the development of 

any permanent structures within flood prone areas. Any developments proposed on the flood prone land must comply the Moruya River 

Floodplain DCP. 


2.6 Eurobodalla Council Urban Local Environmental Plan 1999 

Any land use proposed for any site within this plan of management must be consistent with the zoning that is applied to the land by the 

Eurobodalla Council Urban Local Environmental Plan (LEP). The LEP is established under the provisions of the Environmental Planning and 

Assessment Act 1979. 

Any land use, building or structure proposed for a site within this plan of management may also require development consent under the 

provisions of the LEP unless it is exempt development. 

The reserves included in this Plan of Management are zoned as follows: 

TABLE A: Zoning 

Property 

Reserve Name Area Lot & DP Reserve No Address Zoning as at the date of Proposed Future 

Identification No 

(ha) 

adoption of this Plan Zoning 

11876 Moruya Golf Course & Moruya 36.77 Lot 7035 Dedication Albert St, 6a1 Public Open Space 6a1 Public Open 

Showground Reserve 

DP 1029448 580020 Moruya 

Space 

26861 Moruya Golf Course Reserve 1.446 Lot 1 Reserve 96313 Murray St, 5c Main Road* 6a1 Public Open 

(previously a closed road) 

DP 44297 

Moruya 

Space 

2.6.1 6a1 Public Open Space Zone 

The objectives of the 6a1 Public Open Space zone are 

(a) to recognise the importance of land in the zone as open space and allow a limited range of uses compatible with keeping the land 

as open space and in pubic owner ship, and 

(b) to permit a range of uses, especially recreational uses, where those uses comply with the plan of management for the land, and 

(c) to allow development on foreshores where that development is water-related and enhances the recreational use or natural 

environment of the foreshore, and 

(d) to reserve privately owned land that is essential for future public open space and provide for its acquisition by the Council, and 

(e) to ensure that development in areas of environmental significance does not reduce that significance. 

2.6.2 5c Main Road Zone 

The area zoned 5c Main Road reflects the previous land use. This Plan of Management recommends that this zoning be reviewed and 

amended to 6a1 at the next amendment of Council’s Urban Local Environmental Plan. 

2.6.3 Heritage Items 

The Grandstand, Moruya Exhibits Pavilion and the Moruya Showground Precinct have been nominated for inclusion on the NSW State 

Heritage Register. The Grandstand and the Moruya Exhibits Pavilion are listed on Council’s LEP as heritage items of state significance. The 

Poultry pavilion is under further investigation for possible inclusion in the LEP and nomination for inclusion on the NSW State Heritage 

Register. The Urban Local Environmental Plan provides specific controls for development that may affect heritage items as follows: 

(1) Consent of the Council is required to: 

(a) demolish, deface, damage or move a heritage item, or 

(b) alter a heritage item by making structural changes to its exterior, or 

(c) alter a heritage item by making non-structure changes to the detail, fabric, finish or appearance of its exterior, except 

changes resulting from any maintenance necessary for its ongoing protective care which does not adversely affect its 

heritage significance, or 

(d) move a relic, or excavate land for the purpose of discovering, exposing or moving a relic, or 

(e) erect a building on, or subdivide, land on which a heritage item is located. 

(2) Development consent is not required by this clause if the Council is of the opinion that the proposed development would not 

adversely affect the heritage significance of the heritage item. 

(3) In assessing an application for consent required by this clause, the Council must take into account the extent to which the carrying 

out of the proposed development would affect the heritage significance of the heritage item. 

August 2006 Eurobodalla Shire Council & Department of Lands Page 11 of 57

2.7 Heritage Act 1977 

Legal protection for heritage items in New South Wales generally comes from the Heritage Act 1977. Items included in the State Heritage 

Register in particular are protected under this legislation. 

The Stage Heritage Register is a is a list of places and objects of particular importance to the people of NSW. There register lists a diverse 

range of over 1,500 items, in both private and public ownership. It includes a diverse range of places, buildings and objects including: 

Aboriginal places buildings, objects, monuments, gardens, natural landscapes, archaeological sites, shipwrecks, relics, streets, industrial 

structures, public buildings, shops, factories, houses, religious buildings, schools, conservation precincts, jetties, bridges and movable items 

such as church organs and ferries. To be listed, an item must be significant for the whole of NSW. 

A place or object is State significant if it is important for the whole of NSW. Heritage items may be valued by particular groups in the 

community, such as Aboriginal communities, religious groups or people with a common ethnic background. 

Once an item is included on the State Heritage Register it is deemed to be of particular importance to the people of NSW and enriches our 

understanding of our history and identity. 

The Moruya Showground Precinct was nominated for inclusion on the NSW State Heritage Register on 29 April 2003. If it is included on the 

NSW State Heritage Register it will be legally protected as a heritage item under the NSW Heritage Act and any major changes will require 

approval from the Heritage Council of NSW. 


3.0 RESERVE ANAYLSIS, USE AND MANAGEMENT 

3.1 Site Description 

All land included in this Plan of Management is Crown Land in the Moruya (D580020) Showground Reserve Trust and the Moruya (R96313) 

Reserve Trust. Bounded by Albert Street in the south, the Princes Highway in the east, Evans Street in the west and Murray Street in the 

north, the reserves comprise over 38 hectares and are located within the Moruya Township, approximately eight kilometres inland from the 

coast, as shown on Plan 1 below. The Moruya Golf Course however, also extends over adjacent freehold land and other Crown land that is 

leased directly from the Crown, as shown on Plan 1 below and is illustrated in Photo 1 on page 5. 

The Moruya Showground Reserve Trust was originally dedicated for Public Recreation on 2 October 1866. Eurobodalla Shire Council was 

appointed Trustee on October 2 1942 and now manages the Moruya Showground Reserve Trust. Eurobodalla Shire Council is also the Trust 

Manager for the Moruya (R96313) Reserve Trust which was created on 16 September 1994. 

Until 1985 the area also contained the Moruya Racecourse which has since been relocated to North Head, Moruya. The Moruya Showground 

is the Eurobodalla region’s only agricultural showground and the use of the area has strong links to the Shire’s early settlement history and 

heritage. The area is a visually and physically dominant feature of the area. The showground precinct includes sporting fields, pavilion and 

an indoor basketball stadium. 

Plan 1: Planning Area Location Map. The shaded area illustrates the land included in this Plan of Management. 

(refer to following plans for more detail) 


The Moruya Golf Course was developed on the reserve initially as a nine hole course in the period from 1914 – 1925. The course was 

expanded to an 18 hole course with the extension officially opened on 1 October 1988. Part of the expansion is located on freehold land and 

part on land that was previously Crown Road. The freehold land is owned by the Moruya Golf Club. This land is not considered in this Plan 

of Management. The Crown Roads became Crown Reserve 96313. All the Crown Land is dedicated for Public Recreation. 

The Moruya Golf Clubhouse occupies a Special Lease to the Department of Lands on Lot 308 DP 752141 which is not directly part of this 

Plan of Management. 

The reserve is also used regularly by the public for pedestrian access from the southern parts of town including the Moruya High School to the 

town centre. The closed road reserve extending Murray Street to the highway is also maintained for non vehicle public through access under 

the lease conditions. Table B, below, contains property details for the land included in this Plan. 

TABLE B: SUMMARY OF LAND INCLUDED IN THIS PLAN OF MANAGEMENT 

Property 

Reserve Name Area Lot & DP Crown Reserve Reserve No Address Zoning as at the date of 

Identification No 

(ha) 

Purpose 

adoption of this Plan 

11876 Moruya Golf Course & Moruya 36.77 Lot 7035 Public Recreation Dedication Albert St, 6a1 Public Open Space 

Showground Reserve 

DP 1029448 

580020 Moruya 

26861 Moruya Golf Course Reserve 1.446 Lot 1 Public Recreation Reserve 96313 Murray St, 5c Main Road* 

(previously a closed road) 

DP 44297 

Moruya 

* This Plan of Management recommends that Lot 1 of DP 44297 be re-zoned to 6a1 Public Open Space. 

3.2 Natural Environment 

The site is predominantly flat land with a low rise to the southeast and again in the northwest of the reserve. The area was extensively cleared 

of native vegetation earlier this century. However, a number of mature eucalypts remain scattered throughout. Most of the existing vegetation 

on the golf course consists of landscape planting for the extended golf course of approximately ten years growth. These native plantings are 

now providing a visually attractive area visible from the highway to the south of the town and an attractive backdrop to the town centre. In the 

showground area, apart from a number of mature Eucalypts, vegetation is minimal. The area is mostly grassed open space which is regularly 

maintained. 

The reserve is divided by Racecourse Creek which is a major drainage line for the south Moruya area into the Moruya River which flows to 

the sea. Racecourse Creek is a formed open drain that passes through the Golf Course, changing direction midway through the course and 

turning east before passing under the Princes Highway through box culverts. 

The Golf Course contains a number of artificial water bodies the largest of which acts as a holding dam for treated effluent from Moruya 

Sewerage Treatment Works prior to its use as irrigation water on the Golf Course. 

Birdlife, particularly native ducks, is abundant on the golf course due to the level of tree cover, grass areas and water bodies. Some of these 

species have been affected by management practices in the past and great care should be taken to manage the reserve for the benefit of 

both human and fauna users in the future. 

The reserve is subject to flooding. The severity of the flood is in part determined by the sea tide levels at the time of the flood event. Much of 

the reserve is subject to flooding in a minor flood event. 

The ‘Bugwatch’ program has been conducted on Racecourse Creek since 1997. Bugwatch is an educational program that shows the links 

between water quality and the bug numbers and types in a system. This allows for a scoring system to be utilised in identifying the pollution 

index and the water quality ranking of the waterbody. The process is relatively simple and fun for school children and people interested in 

monitoring the health of waterbodies. 

Water monitoring tests on the creek are also conducted, this assists in encouraging best environmental practices on the golf course and 

showground. 

August 2006 Eurobodalla Shire Council & Department of Lands Page 14 of 57

3.3 Existing Use and Facilities 

Plan 3797 (refer to page 19) shows the current boundaries of the Moruya Showground Precinct, the Golf Course lease area, the Golf Course 

licence area and all existing facilities located within the study area. 

3.3.1 Moruya Golf Club Ltd – Golf Course 

Approximately three quarters of the Reserve is leased and occupied by the Moruya Golf Club Ltd which operates an 18 hole public golf 

course. Racecourse Creek flows through the golf course fairways exiting the Reserve on the eastern boundary and there are several dams 

and ponds throughout the golf course. 

The Moruya Golf Course has undergone a period of significant development in the past ten years and provides a well utilised quality 18 hole 

golf course with a substantial clubhouse and facilities. The Golf Clubhouse is located on Crown Land which is leased directly from the Crown 

and is not included in this Plan of Management. 

Within the showground precinct the Moruya Golf Club operates a maintenance shed and yard. This facility is licensed to the Golf Club by the 

Trust Manager (refer to Section 2.4 Leases & Licences on page 31 for more information). 

The Moruya Golf Course has been using treated effluent from the Moruya Sewerage Treatment Plant since approximately 1985. The Moruya 

Sewerage Treatment Plant underwent augmentation in 2000 so that it now treats effluent to an advanced secondary standard including 

disinfection with ultra violet light. Effluent that is to be used on the golf course undergoes a secondary disinfection with ultra violet 

immediately prior to it being pumped to the golf course. 

The Golf Course operates seven days a week. On rare occasions the course may be closed prior to a tournament to ensure that the course 

is in excellent condition. Similarly it is only on rare occasions that the general public would be restricted access to play golf because of a 

tournament or similar event. Even on those occasions it is most likely that access would be restricted for ½ a day only. 

Photo 2: View down the 1 st Fairway 

Photo 3: 9 th and 18 th Greens 

Photo 4: Golf Course 16 th Green Photo 5: Golfer walking through Showground area from the 12 th Green to 13 th 

Tee 


3.3.2 Moruya Showground Precinct 

The Moruya Showground Precinct includes: 

• Grandstand (includes public toilets and change rooms) 

• Exhibits Pavilion 

• Poultry Pavilion 

• Bar 

• Public Toilets 

• Storage Shed 

• Ticket Box at main entrance 

• Eurobodalla District Show Society’s Secretary’s Office 

• Football oval with lights 

• Showground oval (fenced) with lights 

• Golf Club Maintenance Shed and Compound 

• Caretaker’s Cottage 

• Rodeo yards 

• Basketball Stadium/Community Hall 

• Ack Weyman Oval Scoreboard 

Various facilities including the show oval, rodeo yards and show pavilions, grandstand, basketball stadium/community hall and a major 

sporting field, are all equipped with lights for night use. 

The Moruya Showground area is well utilised by locals for regular sporting events and competitions and is the site for tourist attracting events 

such as the Eurobodalla Agricultural Show, travelling circus, equestrian events, the Moruya Rodeo, golfing competitions and various other 

events. In association with a number of these events, overnight or extended camping occurs managed by the Moruya Showground 

Management Committee. In situations of extended camping this places additional pressure on some site facilities such as toilets and waste 

removal. The provision of camping meets the requirements of the Local Government (Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable 

Dwellings) Regulations 1995. 

Photo 6: Aerial Photograph of the Moruya Showground Precinct during the 1988 Eurobodalla District Show 


Photo 7: Ticket Box 1/Entrance – December 2005 

Photo 8: Ticket Box 2 – December 2005 

Photo 9: Ack Weyman Oval scoreboard Photo 10: Moruya Basketball Stadium / Community Hall 

Photo 11: Caretaker’s residence - 2000 Photo 12: Caretaker’s residence - 2002 

Photo 13: Old Secretary’s Office - 2005 

Photo 14: Eurobodalla District Show 2003 – Horses in temporary yards 


3.3 Existing Conditions Plans 

The existing conditions plans illustrate the reserves as at February 2006. 

They provide a historical reference to the development of the reserves since 2002. 

There are two existing conditions Plans. 

1. Existing Conditions Plan - Moruya Showground and Golf Course (this plan illustrates both the Moruya Showground and the Moruya 

Golf Course). 

2. Existing Conditions Plan – Moruya Showground (this plan provides more detail of the Moruya Showground precinct). 


3.4 Heritage 

3.4.1 History of the Moruya Showground 

The Conservation Management Plan for the Moruya Showground precinct includes a detailed history of the development of the Moruya 

Showground precinct as researched by Mr Brendan O’Keefe. The following time line was prepared by Mr O’Keefe and summarises events in 

the history of the site. 

By 1871 

Before recorded history, the land was occupied by the Katungal Aboriginal people. 

Moruya has an agricultural and pastoral show. 

1878 Two portions of land on south of river dedicated as showground. 

1881 Exhibitions Hall complete for first show on dedicated site. Shed and committee room built late in 1881. 

By 1885 Lighting for Hall, and stalls and pens for livestock built. 

1890’s Economic depression restricts show activities. 

1904-5 Grandstand built at Racecourse (replaced an earlier one to the east). Sited to be overlooked from the Moruya 

township. 

By 1910 New secretary’s office, publican’s booth built. Show ring fences and gates painted. Cattle yards established. Poultry 

shown on temporary stands. 

By 1912 Luncheon booth and rotunda for brass band (Rotunda remains at golf club). 

1912 Some consideration of relocation of show to Moruya Park (present-day site). Original site proving to be poorly 

drained and subject to floods. A grandstand already in place at proposed site, used by racecourse, which was wellestablished 

there since 1866 

1913 Fruit stall, soft drink stall and Indian dart board stalls in place. Moruya Park re-dedicated to allow for showground 

uses. NSW provides assistance for relocation of old Showground buildings. 

1914 Exhibition Hall relocated to present-day site, east of the saddling. 

1915 First show on present site. Cattle yards pig pens and poultry coops located behind grandstand. 

1914–25 Nine-hole golf course built. 

1920 Addition to Exhibition Hall. 

1930’s Lighting to show ring, and installation of public address system 

By 1940 Additional lighting and a ‘main gate’ built. 

1940’s Showground used by the Army. Some war-time shows cancelled. 

1942 Eurobodalla Shire Council resumes trusteeship of showground. 

1944 Extension to pavilion. 

1952 Toilet facilities built. 

1977 Pavilion upgraded. Basketball Stadium/Community Centre built. 

1985 Horseracing ceases. 

1987-88 Ack Weyman Oval built. 

1988 Golf course extended to eighteen holes. 

10 May 2002 Grandstand and Exhibits Pavilion listed on Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Local Environmental Plan 

29 April 2003 Showground Precinct nominated for inclusion on the NSW State Heritage Register 


3.4.2 Heritage Listing 

Eurobodalla Shire has many places that are significant to the community because of their indigenous, natural or cultural values. The 

protection of these places adds value to living in or visiting the area. It also lends support to the tourism industry by ensuring that what 

attracts us is conserved for others. 

Council affords legal protection to individual heritage items by listing them in a Local Environmental Plan (LEP). Significant landscapes and 

villages, such as those within the Tilba Conservation Area, are protected in the same way. 

In 1997 a Shire Wide Heritage Study was completed on behalf of Council. The study included a thematic history of the Shire, a series of 

recommendations and the Eurobodalla Heritage Inventory. At the time that the study was carried out, members of the community nominated 

places thought to be of significance. The consultants then assessed those items and determined their values and level of significance. 

Most of the recommendations put forward in the Shire Wide Heritage Study have been adopted and implemented as a Heritage Conservation 

& Management Program. The program includes the creation of the Heritage Advisory Committee to provide expert advice to councillors and 

staff, the engagement of a consultant Heritage Adviser, and the listing of items identified in the Heritage Inventory in Local Environmental 

Plans. 

The Moruya Showground precinct includes two buildings which are afforded State Significance in Council’s Urban Local Environmental Plan – 

the Exhibits Pavilion & the Grandstand. These two buildings and the Moruya Showground Precinct have been nominated for inclusion on the 

NSW State Heritage Register with the NSW Heritage Office. DA plans have been approved for extensions and upgrades to the Exhibits 

Pavilion. As at the date of adoption of this Plan of Management, these nominations were being considered by the NSW Heritage Office. 

Photo 15: Moruya Showground Exhibits Pavilion (pre 2005 extensions) 

Listed at State Significant on Council’s Urban LEP 

Photo 16: Moruya Showground Exhibits Pavilion 

(October 2006) 


The Moruya Showground Precinct Conservation Management Plan found that the poultry pavilion warrants inclusion on the Heritage 

Schedule of the LEP. It is the major building that expresses the spirit of functional improvisation used by the Eurobodalla District Show 

Society to establish and consolidate the activities of the Agricultural Show. 

Photo 17: Moruya Showground Grandstand 


Photo 18: Moruya Showground Poultry Pavilion 

Further investigation is recommended for its inclusion as a Heritage Item on 

Council’s Urban LEP 


3.4.3 Conservation Management Plan 

3.4.3.1 Background to the development of the Conservation Management Plan 

In July 2002 Eurobodalla Shire Council adopted a draft of this Plan of Management for exhibition to seek community comment. Amongst 

other things, the plan proposed the development of a clear span pavilion to the west of the existing Basketball Stadium that would also 

encompass a new poultry pavilion. 

The community feedback on this draft Plan of Management demonstrated a high level of concern from the Moruya Amateur Basketball 

Association who requested that Council consider extending the existing basketball stadium to accommodate a second basketball court. 

However, this was in conflict with the draft Plan of Management which proposed to locate a Clear Span Pavilion in this same area. Other user 

groups felt that the showground should not be developed any more given its historical value and the pressures on the existing infrastructure 

during various show events. 

In an attempt to resolve these conflicting desires amongst the various user groups, Council established a working group. The working group 

comprises of the following representatives from the main user groups and government departments: 

User Group Representatives 

Moruya Showground Management Committee 

Equestrian/Dressage Association 

Rodeo Association 

Moruya Basketball Stadium & Community Centre Management Committee 

Moruya Show Society 


Manager Technical Services and Property Division – Mr Andrew Parkinson 

Strategic Unit Team Leader – Mr Allen Grimwood 

Plans of Management Officer – Ms Deborah Purss 

Department of Lands 

Reserves Co-ordinator Officer – Ms Karen Fowler 

Senior Land Manager/Surveyor – Mr John Filocomo 

Environmental Officer, Landscape Management – Mr Bob Britten 

The working group supported the development of a Conservation Management Plan in an attempt to provide a benchmark for decision 

making in the future and to assist with resolving the issues associated with the conflicting desires of various user groups. It would also assist 

with expediting the final adoption of the Plan of Management for the reserve. 

In November 2002 the Working Group agreed to apply for $12,500 in grant funding from the Department of Land’s Public Reserves 

Management Fund (Showgrounds) to complete a Conservation Management Plan for the Moruya Showground precinct. 

In June 2004 Council was offered a grant of $6,000 from the Department of Lands for the Conservation Management Plan subject to council 

contributing the balance of funds to complete the project. In July 2004 Council agreed to match the grant funding and expressions of interest 

were sought from Heritage Consultants to complete the Conservation Management Plan. 

A draft Conservation Management Plan (CMP) was completed by John Armes & Associates and exhibited for comment in March 2005. By 

this time, the Moruya Showground Management Committee had resolved not to pursue a Clear Span Pavilion on the site. Therefore, the 

main proposed development issue for the Conservation Management Plan was an extension to the existing Basketball Stadium/Community 

Centre to create a 2 nd basketball court. 

The draft CMP found that although the basketball stadium and community centre contribute to the vitality of the precinct, proposals to expand 

the facility would have an adverse effect on the heritage character of the showground. The draft CMP was supported by all user groups and 

Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee made some minor recommendations that were then incorporated into the final plan. The Moruya 

Amateur Basketball Association also made requests for amendments and these were also incorporated into the final CMP. 

The CMP was completed on 26 May 2005 and was adopted by Council at its Works & Facilities Committee Meeting on 14 February 2006. 

Copies of the CMP are available from Council and from Council’s website. 


3.4.3.2 Recommendations of the Conservation Management Plan 

This Conservation Management Plan (CMP) investigated and established the cultural significance of the Showground in Moruya NSW. The 

investigation found that the site, setting and some buildings and spaces are important values for: 

• associations with the consolidation of Moruya as a township; 

• the development of recreational activity in Moruya; 

• its reflection of pastoral and agricultural aspects of the Shire’s life; 

• supporting the activities of a number of community organisations; 

• its status as a cultural asset of the Shire; 

• its aesthetic features, notably some buildings, spaces, and relationship to the structure of the town; and 

• a venue for sporting and Agricultural Show for a variety of users and supporters. 

Photo 19: Bucking Horse at the 2002 Moruya Rodeo Photo 20: Bucking Bull at the 2002 Moruya Rodeo 

Photo 21: Rides at the 2003 Eurobodalla District Show Photo 22: Equestrian Events at the 2003 Eurobodalla District Show 

Council’s Urban Local Environmental Plan (LEP) contains provisions that apply to the protection of heritage values at the showground 

(clauses 71 and 73). The CMP emphasises the need for these provisions to be applied to the showground. 

The CMP found that the poultry pavilion warrants inclusion on the Heritage Schedule of the LEP. It is the major building that expresses the 

spirit of functional improvisation used by the Eurobodalla District Show Society to establish and consolidate the activities of the Agricultural 

Show. 

The need to recognise that the lesser buildings (toilets, grandstand additions, bar, horse stalls and secretary’s office) do not have a long, 

useful life ahead, and that their replacements are not being planned was also identified in the CMP. The loss of these lesser buildings will 

alter the character of the showground, which is a major element in the heritage value of the place. The CMP has found that the character of 

the showground relies on a scattered array of small buildings, which should be reflected in future replacements. 


The CMP made the following recommendations on the landscape, heritage buildings and non-heritage buildings in the showground: 

Statement of Conservation Policy 

The study has found that it is appropriate for the showground to be conserved as a site, which provides tangible links to the heritage of the 

Shire. These should be conserved and promoted for a wide sector of the community. The grandstand, exhibits pavilion, poultry pavilion and 

arena are key heritage elements for conservation. 

The heritage values of the showground are best protected by an emphasis of the traditional uses of the site, such as equestrian sport, the 

Agricultural Show and other sport limited to their present facilities and activities. 

It is essential for a clear plan to be devised for replacement of lesser buildings within the Showground Buildings Group, whilst maintaining the 

informal, understated and scattered character of the precinct. 

Heritage buildings 

Recommendations for the grandstand and exhibits pavilion are provided on the data sheets in the Conservation Management Plan. 

It is recommended that the heritage values of the cottage and poultry pavilion shed are recognised, and that it is recommended that they 

remain in their locations. 

All proposed work to heritage buildings should be guided by a suitably experienced, heritage architect. 

Showground Arena 

The arena is a key feature of the showground, and should be protected as a space to continue its present uses. 

New buildings 

The construction of additions to the basketball stadium are not supported (as proposed in 2002). 

New buildings will be required to replace those which have a short life expectancy. It is recommended that concept designs be prepared for 

replacement facilities. These will provide and architectural theme, and a direction to which to plan for the future. The new buildings should 

not be ‘mock heritage’ in design, but use traditional, simple details and materials that result in a pleasing, distinctive local character. 

The CMP has considered the impact of the proposed Equal Access Shelter for spectators with special requirements. Preliminary designs 

have been prepared. 

New buildings should be separate rather than amalgamated, in order to sustain the scattered character of the showground. However, their 

locations do need to be carefully considered, to a structured and effective plan. 


General Recommendations 

The Plan of Management has identified several values (refer to page 40) of a non-heritage nature. These are however, relevant to a full 

appreciation of the importance of the showground. Specific recommendations for each existing building are presented in the data sheets in 

section 4.3. This section of the CMP makes recommendations of an overall nature, as they relate to the buildings and the key open spaces 

in the precinct. The following recommendations are made with regard to the heritage values of the showground. These have been 

summarised in point form as follows: 

Ack Weyman Oval 

• Retain for continued use 

• Additional moveable seating acceptable 

• Additional shade trees 

Ack Weyman Oval Scoreboard 


Bar/Kiosk/Canteen 

• Retain surrounding open space 

• The bar is considered to be an important facility, but its 

appearance is poor. A new building is recommended. 

Basketball Stadium/Community Centre 

• Conserve in original appearance 

Caretaker’s Cottage 

• Retain in present location. 

• Compatible alterations and additions are acceptable. 

• Some internal elements are of heritage interest, but upgrading is 

possible 

Entrance / Ticket Box 1 

• The main entrance should be improved to provide a more 

inspiring sense of arrival to the facilities, and to highlight the 

precinct’s heritage values 

• Replace Ticket Box with improved facility 

Exhibits Pavilion 

• Complete Heritage Listing Process 

• Remove intrusive elements 

• Restump with timber stumps at perimeter 

• Prepare detailed Conservation Management Plan 

Golf Course Compound 

• Formulate strategy for use of the land 

• Record and remove 

Grandstand 

• The building should be progressively returned to a state where 

its original features are emphasised and project the original 

appearance. 

• Additions and block sidewalls are intrusive to the significance of 

the building, and should be progressively removed 

• Adaptation of the building can proceed, with sensitive 

architectural guidelines. 

Grassy Hill (west of Grandstand) 

• Retain and continue present use 

• Equal access shelter is acceptable 

Poultry Pavilion 

• Detailed heritage assessment recommended 


• Need to monitor condition of timber and corrosion of steel 

components 

Public Toilets 

• Formulate strategy for new facilities 


Rodeo Yards 

• Retain examples of timber elements of interest 

Stables 

• Formulate strategy for new facilities if required 

• Record and remove/replace 

Secretary’s Office 




• Retain and continue its use 

• Shade tree planting around the perimeter would improve the 

amenity of the area, as well as emphasise the circular character 

• No buildings or permanent structures should be permitted 

• Future fencing requirements be allowed on merit 

Showground Precinct 


• Develop Conservation Strategies for high ranking buildings 

• Develop program for replacement of lesser buildings 

• Commence Landscape Masterplan 

• Develop concepts for main entrance 

• An improved entrance at the northern end will provide some 

sense of arrival into the showground. This could be achieved 

with a gate structure with special design treatment 

Storage Shed 

• Conserve for continued use as storage, or possible new, small 

scale, compatible use. 

Ticket Box 2 (near the bar) 




Landscape 

The landscape and open spaces in the showground require the following works to enhance and improve the basic level of amenity: 

The lack of shade trees restricts full appreciation of the quality of events at the showground. The landscape masterplan should be revised to 

include more shade trees in key congregating areas, around the arena, and around the football pitch. Exotic species can be considered. 

Prominent eucalypts are a feature of the natural heritage of the precinct, those with poor health require assessment. This feature of the 

landscape’s character should be enhanced and strengthened with new plantings in selected areas. 

Photo 23: Eucalypts dominate the south eastern end of the Showground Precinct 

Northern Axis to Moruya Town Centre 

There is an opportunity to enhance the pedestrian and cycling link with the addition of suitable trees, and possibly some improvements to path 

alignment. These should be achievable without adverse impact on the golf course. The result should be to emphasise this axis, and increase 

a focus on the arena and a better northern entrance to the showground. It will also strengthen the visual connection to the town centre and 

local topographical features at the north and southern ends of the axis. 

The ‘Pink Gates’, which are located on this axis, have an historic association with the showground, and this report supports their 

reconstruction. It is understood that a surviving gate is available for reference, and the reconstruction should be accurate and authentic, rather 

than a poor imitation. 

Photo 24: Pink Gates at the northern end of the north-south axis 


Lesser buildings 

There is a need to recognise that the lesser buildings (toilets, grandstand additions, bar, horse stalls and secretary’s office) do not have a 

long, useful life ahead, and it is recommended that their replacements be planned. 

The loss of lesser buildings will alter the character of the showground, which is a major element in the heritage value of the place. Prior to 

replacement, they should be recorded photographically, and with measured drawings for archival purposes. 

Photo 25: Female Public Toilets – December 2005 

Photo 27: Western Grandstand additions –Changerooms 

December 2005 

Photo 29: Bar/Canteen – December 2005 

Photo 26: Male Public Toilets – December 2005 

Photo 28: Western Grandstand additions – Male & Female Toilets 

December 2005 

Photo 30: Secretary’s Office - December 2005 


Photo 31: Horse Stables – December 2005 

Lesser buildings - continued 

Photo 32: Horse Stables – December 2005 

Asset Management - Management Structure 

The Plan of Management outlines the areas of responsibility and the legal responsibilities for the management of the showground. This CMP 

recommends that the Plan of Management recognises the need for appropriate heritage advice on matters relating to all development within 

the showground. Some issues can be addressed by Council’s heritage adviser, but in some cases, consultant expertise will need to be 

appointed. 

Asset Management – Statutory Approvals 

Items within the Precinct can be altered, demolished, maintained or developed in terms of the heritage protection provisions of the LEP. 

Asset Management – Maintenance 

It is desirable that the high ranking heritage buildings (the Grandstand and the Exhibits Pavilion) and the moderate ranking buildings (Poultry 

Pavilion, Storage Shed and Caretaker’s Cottage) be maintained and developed with their heritage values in focus. The Shire’s heritage 

adviser is able to provide this expertise. It is appropriate that the heritage adviser meet with those responsible for maintenance, and coordinate 

mutual objectives. 

Future maintenance of buildings and the precinct shall be carried out with regard to this Conservation Management Plan, The Burra Charter 

and directed by suitably qualified expert supervision. 

Golf club compound 

The potential for this area to serve a number of interests should be explored as part of the development of the showground. The land will 

provide for a number of conflicting priorities, and its use needs careful consideration. Development of this area shall complement heritage 

values established in this report. 

Photo 33: Golf Club Maintenance Compound (east) – December 2005 Photo 34: Golf Club Maintenance Compound (west) – November 2001 


3.4.3.3 Recommendations of the Conservation Management Plan – Non Heritage Issues 

During the preparation of the CMP, many non-heritage issues emerged from the discussions with the user groups. These were beyond the 

scope of the CMP, but need to be appreciated, advanced and resolved. These issues and responses are as follows: 

Issue 1: The feasibility and cost-effectiveness of an enlarged stadium has not been established. 

Response: The issue of providing a two court indoor facility in the Eurobodalla Shire will be discussed through Council’s Sports Liaison 

Committee. 

Issue 2: The possibility of integrating new showground facilities into the existing or enlarged stadium has not been explored. 

Response: The development of the stadium to better accommodate the needs of the showground would be possible as along as the 

proposed development was consistent with the Moruya Showground Conservation Management Plan and Council’s LEP. 

This issue would require additional consultation with user groups if and when this requirement arises in the future. 

Issue 3: The separate ambitions of the Basketball Association and other user organisations hinder a cohesive process of planning for 

the future of the showground. 

Response: The Moruya Basketball Management Committee has a representative on the Moruya Showground Management Committee. 

Their regular attendance at this meeting would assist with a more coordinated approach to managing the Moruya Showground 

precinct wholistically. Refer also Section 2.7 Management Committees on page 34. 

Issue 4: There is a need to review the relevance of the role of the stadium as an effective ‘community centre’. 

Response: The stadium is available to the community as a venue that can be hired. It is anticipated that the booking of this facility will be 

through Council’s centralised booking system. This improve the general public’s accessibility to hire this facility. 

Issue 5: The valuable, air-thrust floor of the stadium restricts other uses. 

Response: Future developments of the stadium/community centre must obtain the consent of Council to ensure that the facility is 

managed to best meet the needs of the community and that maximum multi-use is achieved. 

Issue 6: Availability of the golf club compound will delay opportunities for change. 

Response: The land currently occupied by the golf club’s maintenance compound will return to the Showground precinct in June 2010. 

The Landscape Masterplan illustrates how this land will contribute to the development of showground precinct in the future. 


3.5 Leases & Licences 

3.5.1 Requirements of the Crown Lands Act 

Leases or licences of Crown reserves may only be entered into by trustees of Crown reserves who have been appointed under the Crown Lands 

Act. Consent must be obtained from the Minister (Department of Lands) before the lease or licence is executed. The following issues must be 

considered when Council, as Trust Manager, is granting a lease or licence on Crown Reserves: 

1. Broadly speaking, leases are executed where exclusive control of the whole or part of a reserve is proposed. A licence is executed 

where intermittent occupation or control of the whole or part of a reserve is proposed (eg a lease for a swimming pool or kiosk, a 

licence to a football club for the use of an area for the season on a Saturday). 

2. A lease may only be entered into by the Trust where it can be demonstrated that any Native Title interest in the land has been 

extinguished. 

3. The term of any lease/licence should be as short as practicable, appropriate to all circumstances and commensurate with changing 

community needs. Generally terms in excess of 20 years are not favoured. 

4. Generally options for renewal or holding over clauses are not favoured. Consideration can be given to the granting of a new 

lease/licence on expiry of the old lease/licence. Any "holding over" shall not exceed 12 months. 

5. The Minister may not consent to the granting of a lease for a term exceeding 5 years (or a lease for a term that, by the exercise of an 

option, could exceed 5 years) unless at least 14 days have elapsed since notice of intention to give consent has been published in a 

newspaper circulating in the locality in which the land is situated or in a newspaper circulating generally in the State. 

6. Clauses conferring a right to compensation for improvements are not acceptable, in appropriate cases the lessee should be required to 

clear and/or restore the land to the satisfaction of the Trust and the Minister. The lease should clearly reflect the intentions in respect of 

the improvements on expiry of the lease (ie lease area to be cleared and restored or improvements to remain and become the property 

of the trust). 

7. Where the conditions require the lessee to undertake development works, the agreement should specify that no work is to be 

undertaken until plans have been approved by the Trust and the Minister and any necessary development or building consents are 

obtained from the local Council. 

8. Rental should reflect a commercial approach of market rent having regard to purpose of the lease/licence, site value and ownership of 

existing improvements. 

Agreements for other than a short term should provide for regular periodic re-determination of rental (say every three to five years) as 

well as being linked to increases in the Consumer Price Index for intervening annual reviews. Where the parties cannot agree on the redetermination 

of the rent, clauses should provide for reference to an independent arbitrator (not the Department). Where a nominal 

rental is imposed because the lessee is a charitable or non-profit organisation, such rental should generally not be less than the statutory 

minimum rental ($350-00 as at 1 July 2004 and linked to CPI) prescribed for tenures under the Crown Lands Act, 1989. 

9. A diagram specifying the area involved must be annexed to and form part of the lease agreement. 

10. In the case of sub-leases, reference should be made to the head lease in the preamble and the term of any sub-lease should not extend 

beyond the date of expiry of the head lease. 

11. If the reserve has a Real Property title, then leases for more than three years must be registered at the Land and Property Information 

Office (formerly Land Titles Office). 

12. Where applicable, the agreement should include clauses providing for use/access by the general public. 

13. A clause requiring the lessee to bear the lessor’s reasonable expenses involved with the lease (eg Trust’s solicitors, advertising, stamp 

duty etc) should be considered for inclusion in the lease agreement. 

14. The proceeds from a lease or licence granted by a reserve trust shall be applied in accordance with directions (if any) given by the 

Minister under Section 106 of the Crown Lands Act 1989. In the absence of any direction, the proceeds shall be applied for the general 

purposes of the reserve trust and may be invested or applied by the trust accordingly. 

The following describes the general principles which a reserve trust manager must take into consideration when negotiating commercial lease 

or licence proposals on Crown reserves: 

• Leases or licences for commercial purposes can only be granted where the commercial activity is consistent with the purpose for which 

the reserve was dedicated or reserved and should not overpower or dominate the reserve. 

• Commercial leases/licences on Crown reserves should be established by a fair, open, impartial and transparent process and provide 

optimum environmental, social and economic returns from such use of the reserve for the people of NSW. 

• Appointed Trust Managers must be able to demonstrate that they have met their responsibility to the people of NSW of ensuring that the 

best possible result will be realised from the lease arrangement. 

• Other than where special circumstances exist, opportunities to lease/licence public reserves should be decided by a competitive process. 

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) advises public sector organisations against entering into negotiations which 

bypass a competitive process on the basis that direct negotiations can lack openness, fairness and accountability, and may result in 

outcomes which deliver less than the best outcome for the community. Accordingly, the Department of Lands has a responsibility when 

considering the granting of consent under Sections 102 & 103 of the Crown Lands Act 1989 to ensure that the best possible outcome 

has being obtained by the reserve trust. 

• Where public tendering is not to be used to identify a suitable lessee, then there needs to be a clear account of how alternative 

processes serve the public good. This account would need to demonstrate openness, fairness and accountability. 


• NSW Treasury directions which require that any commercial use of State owned public lands realise the best possible financial return. 

ICAC guidelines suggest that a public competition process would avoid the following problems: 

• Any public perception that the trust is not getting the best possible deal for the public 

• Opportunity for corruption in direct dealings with current lessee 

• Reduced opportunity to discover new or innovative ideas 

• Possible lack of transparency and accountability in the process 

• Lack of opportunity to test value for money 

In accordance with these guidelines the overall objectives of a Crown reserve trust when negotiating commercial lease/licence arrangements 

should be to: 

• Obtain the best value for money through a fair and impartial process 

• Minimise the level of risk for the trust 

• Minimise the opportunity for corrupt conduct 

• Obtain the best environmental, social and economic outcome for the public 

3.5.2 Existing Leases & Licences 

As at the date of adoption of this Plan of Management, the following leases and licences were current on the Reserves: 

PIN No 

Crown Reserve No 


Crown Dedication 580020 



26861 

Crown Reserve No. 96313 



Legal Definition Type of Agreement Expiry Date Activity Location Lessee/Licensor 

Lot 7035 

DP 1029448 

Lot 7035 

DP 1029448 

Lot 1 

DP 44297 

Lot 7035 

DP 1029448 

3.5.3 Moruya Golf Course Lease 

Residential Tenancy 

Agreement 

Annual Caretakers Residence Albert Street, Moruya Subject to change 

Lease 30 June 2025 Golf Course - Part Moruya Moruya Golf Club 

Lease 30 June 2025 Golf Course - Part Moruya Moruya Golf Club 

Licence December 2010 Golf Club Maintenance 

Compound 

Moruya Showground Moruya Golf Club 

Approximately three quarters of the reserve is leased to the Moruya Golf Club Pty Ltd by Eurobodalla Shire Council under a 20 year lease 

agreement which expires on 30 June 2025. Special conditions included in the current lease agreement that relate to the management of the 

Golf Course reserve include (but are not limited to): 

To keep the land (including all fixtures and additions thereto) in good and substantial repair and condition. 

To keep the land in such order that the game of golf may be properly played thereon. 

All residents within a radius of 20 kilometres from the Moruya Post Office shall be eligible for membership as a playing member. 

The land can only be occupied and used for a Golf Course. 

Eurobodalla Shire Council staff shall have access to the land at all time for any lawful purpose. 

The Golf Club will pay all rates and taxes levied, and excess water used on or in connection with the land. 

The public shall have reasonable access on foot that will not interfere with the playing of golf, nor have access to or interfere with 

the tees, fairways and greens. 

The public shall have the right to pass and repass on foot, horseback or pedal cycle on the existing path between Murray Street and 

the showground. 

The golf club must have current Public Liability insurance as per Council’s requirements. 

This is a summary only, the original lease agreement must be referred to further detail. 

The Moruya Golf Club has indicated that they may wish to provide additional parking to the south of the main Golf Club building. If this 

proceeds, it will require a review of the existing Golf Course lease. Any approval for additional car parking would only be approved on the 

basis that it would be available for all users of the reserve, not just for members of the Golf Club. 


3.5.4 Moruya Golf Course Maintenance Compound Licence 

The Golf Club’s Maintenance Compound is located within the Showground precinct and is licensed to the Moruya Golf Club. The licence 

agreement ends in December 2010 at which time the area will be returned to the Showground precinct. 

Special conditions included in the licence agreement that relate to the occupation of the Golf Course Maintenance Compound include (but are 

not limited to): 

To use the premises and structures for the purpose of a machinery and general storage shed, together with the provision of staff 

amenities, and for no other purpose. 

The licence can not be assigned or sub- licensed to any person. 

The premises must be kept clean and tidy. 

To comply with the directions and guidelines by responsible Commonwealth and State Government bodies, including the 

Environment Protection Authority. Including directions and guidelines for safe working conditions and the safe storage of chemicals, 

fuels and other hazardous substances. 

The golf club must have current Public Liability insurance as per Council’s requirements. 

On expiry of the licence, if requested by Eurobodalla Shire Council, the Golf Club must remove any fixtures, fittings or property 

belonging to the Golf Club. The premises must be left clean and available for use and occupation and in the same condition as at 

the commencement of the licence agreement. 

Must comply the Development Consent No. 565/00. 

This is a summary only, the original licence agreement must be referred to further detail. 

The Golf Club has committed to relocating its Maintenance Compound to the south eastern corner of the Golf Course reserve. This was 

confirmed in writing on 27 December, 2000 with an undertaking to remove the Maintenance Compound from its current location in a 5 to 10 

year time frame (ie by end of 2010). The Golf Club Maintenance Compound will form part of the “Rural Precinct” of the showground In 

January 2011. 

2.5.5 Residential Tenancy Agreement – Moruya Showground Caretakers Cottage 

This Plan of Management provides for an onsite Caretaker to accommodate the Caretakers Cottage, located on Albert Street and adjacent to 

the Moruya Basketball Stadium. The tenant will be a part time employee of Council. 


3.6 Management Committees 

Management Committee Agreements delegate many of the day to day management responsibilities of the reserve to the management 

committees. They are delegated responsibility for management and maintenance of facilities, such as booking of activities and the collection 

of fees and charges as adopted by council. The management agreements, which detail the responsibilities of the management committees, 

may be updated and changed over time to reflect more current circumstances. 

The establishment of two Management Committees at the Moruya Showground has evolved over time and was the result of a Council 

Resolution. 

Refer to Attachment 6 for a list of groups using the facilities as at the date of adoption of the Plan of Management. In addition, refer to Section 

2.8 on Council’s Sports Liaison Committee and the potential for change to the structure of Management Committees throughout the Shire. 

3.6.1 Moruya Showground Management Committee 

There is a management agreement in accordance with sections 355 and 377 of the Local Government Act with the committee known as the 

"Moruya Showgrounds Management Committee" authorised to control and manage part of the reserve and its related facilities in the area not 

covered by the Golf Club lease area and the Basketball Stadium. 

A representative from the Moruya Basketball Stadium Management Committee is a member of the Moruya Showground Management 

Committee to ensure that both management committees are communicating relevant information that assists the management of the reserve. 

3.6.2 Moruya Basketball Stadium Management Committee 

There is also a management agreement in accordance with sections 355 and 377 of the Local Government Act with the committee known as 

the "Moruya Basketball Stadium Management Committee" authorised to control and manage the basketball stadium/community hall and its 

related facilities on part of the reserve known as the Moruya Showground. 

3.7 Sports Liaison Committee 

In January 2005 Council established the Sports Liaison Committee. The role of this Committee is: 

To maintain, improve and promote Eurobodalla's Sporting and Active Recreation Facilities and activities in a fair and equitable manner. 

Over time, Council will be rationalising the number of Management Committees. The Sports Liaison Committee will work closely with the 

professional sporting associations throughout the Eurobodalla Shire in centralising the management of recreational activities. This will 

improve the distribution of funds throughout the shire for the development, maintenance and management of sporting facilities. 

This may result in the Moruya Basketball Stadium Management Committee and the Moruya Showground Management Committee being 

dissolved in the future. Instead, Council will work closely with the professional sporting and user group associations. 


3.8 Moruya Golf Course – Pressures on Use 

3.8.1 Access through Golf Course 

The Golf Club has experienced some problems with vandalism occurring on the golf course, in particular from where access is unobstructed 

on the wester perimeter. In order to reduce the risk of this occurring on the reserve, the Golf Club has requested that the western and 

southern boundaries be fenced. Following on-site consultation with the Department of Land and Water Conservation (now the Department of 

Lands), Golf Club representatives and Eurobodalla Council, DLWC have confirmed that the Evans and Albert Street boundaries can be 

fenced. This is subject to the following criteria being addressed: 

1. A north/south access route through the golf course/showground site is provided and is formalised by the construction of a track in 

the appropriate location. This may involve consultation with the Showground Management Committee as to its final location. 

2. The proposal is considered and discussed at the reserve consultative committee [Moruya Showground Management Committee]. 

3. The proposal is justified and outlined in the proposed Plan of Management for the reserve. 

4. Careful consideration of the route of the fence to minimise any impact on existing trees on or near the boundary. Council will need 

to give consideration to the appropriate footpath width to allow safe passage along the subject streets. 

5. The proposed fencing is subject of development application. 

The installation of fencing on the Evans and Albert Street boundaries will restrict public access to the Golf Course to the appropriate entry and 

exit points and will provide a degree of security for the golf course. This is consistent with the lease agreement which states “THAT the Public 

shall have: (a) reasonable access on foot to the area hereby leased but shall not interfere with the playing of golf nor have access to or 

interfere with the tees, fairways and greens.” (Section 9 (a)). 

3.8.2 Access through the Showground & Golf Course 

Public access north-south through the golf course and the Showground is mostly unobstructed. There is a gravel footpath that provides 

north/south access which is very well used and provides a connection between the Moruya township and residential areas, including the 

Moruya High School. At times, there has been a conflict of use between playing golf and the provision of safe public access through the golf 

course at this location. 

This issue resulted in the formation of the Golf Course Working Party in 1999 to consider safe public access through the golf course at this 

location. The Working Party also discussed the “Pink Gates” which were once the entry point from the main section of Moruya across to the 

then showground and racetrack, at that time the location of these gates was not know. Since then, as reported in the Moruya Examiner on 

May 15 2002, one of the Pink Gates may have been located by Mr Bob McLeay, who “found it at the tip years ago”. This discovery will assist 

with the re-creation/restoration and installation of the infamous “Pink Gates”. 

In November 1999 the Golf Course Working Party recommended that; 

a) That public access across the pathway must be maintained. 

b) That doing nothing is not an option. 

c) That the implementation of pedestrian refuges as a first step is warranted. 

d) That longer term the course layout may be adjusted and the pathway may be realigned in the eventuality of the Moruya Golf Club no 

longer being in a position to meet the conditions of the lease OR where higher levels of use or other factors deem it necessary to revisit 

the safety issues of the public pathway. 

That any course layout changes be accomplished while meeting each of the following requirements: 

1. the pathway remains open 

2. the pathway does not traverse a fairway 

3. the integrity of the golf course is maintained 

e) That the “ Pink Gates “ be recognised in the Plan of Management as having cultural value to Moruya Showground Reserve and 

provision be made for their reinstatement in timber - painted pink. 

In the event of the Moruya Golf Club not being able to meet their lease obligations for indemnity to Council we would need to address 

the reasons for this and possibly investigate course layout change options. 


The location of pedestrian refuges are illustrated in Figure 1 below: 

Figure 1: Locations of Pedestrian Refuges 

As a result, Council endorsed these recommendations at the Works and Facilities Committee Meeting on 5 November 1999 as follows: 

1. The recommendations of the Working Party be incorporated into the Plan of Management for Moruya Showground Reserve. 

2. Council consider funding pedestrian refuges and the “pink gates” from the annual lease rental from the Golf Club. 

3. Financial responsibilities for public pathway and any possible course layout/pathway realignment be examined in the preparation of 

the Moruya Golf Course lease renewal in 2005. 

The pedestrian refuges were installed at the locations indicated on Figure 1 in December 2004. 

3.8.3 Parking 

Photo 35: Pedestrian refuge Moruya Golf Course 

The Golf Course had adequate parking for the level of use at present. However, it is anticipated that in the future the increase in use of the 

facilities may require additional parking. The area south of the existing Golf Club, in the reserve, has been identified as a possibility for the 

construction of additional parking facilities. 


3.9 Moruya Showground Precinct – Pressures on Use 

Consultation with the various user groups has highlighted many pressures on the facilities within the showground precinct. 

Pressures are exerted on this reserve from a number of areas. Most notably, the increasing requirement for better quality facilities and/or 

upgrading of existing facilities by reserve users. Pedestrian and vehicular circulation and access during peak use periods can create conflict 

due to the informal nature of parking, roadways and pedestrian movement. Pedestrian access for golfers across the showground precinct 

and for the general public across the golf course pose increasing management difficulties in regard to unrestricted access and safety. 

Pedestrian access across the reserve for both golfers, other reserve users and members of the public is vital to the continued successful 

shared use of this reserve. 

Many of the buildings within the showground precinct are in poor condition. This includes the Pavilion, the Poultry Shed and other associated 

small buildings. The Management Committee and Eurobodalla Shire Council are endeavouring to maintain and improve the buildings where 

possible, however funding this work is very challenging. 

Camping on the reserve occurs in relation to events held over more than one day or where attendees travel great distances to participate. In 

general this proves to be a compatible activity due to its brief impact on the reserve, however, some camping does occur over extended 

periods by sideshow operators using the showground area as a base for operations during the summer months. This places additional 

pressures on facilities and services on the reserve not catered for within budgetary constraints. 

The availability of useable land within the Showground precinct is limited. In order to address this problem it is proposed that the Golf Club 

Maintenance Compound will be relocated to within the lease area of the Golf Course. The Golf Club has committed to relocating its 

Maintenance Compound to the south eastern corner of the Golf Course reserve. This was confirmed in writing on 27 December, 2000 with an 

undertaking to look at removing the machinery shed from the area in a 5 to 10 year time frame (ie by end of 2010). 

Some of the issues creating pressure on the use of the reserve are listed below: 

• Lack of space. This will be addressed to some extent when the Golf Club Maintenance Compound relocates from the showground to 

the Golf Course in 2010. However, this is an absolute constraint and it would be difficult to provide additional space for camping or 

parking on the showground. 

• The showground precinct is located on a low point and thus drainage will always be an issue on the site. However there are 

opportunities to improve the drainage in some areas. 

• Lack of shelter and shade. 

• There are problems with power being overload and circuits breaking. Although it has been addressed in the past, additional loads on 

the power have resulted in some inefficiencies in its use. More power outlets are required for the campers. 

These and other issues are addressed in more detail in the Action Plan on page 43. 

3.10 Native Title 

The land covered by this Plan of Management is owned by the Crown. Native Title may be found to exist on this land in the future if native 

title has not been extinguished under the terms of The Native Title Act 1993 and a valid claim was lodged, accepted for mediation and 

recognised in a process of mediation or court ruling. 


3.11 Finance 

The following information provides a guide on the finances for the Moruya Showground and Golf Course as at the date of adoption of this Plan 

of Management. These are indicative only. 

3.11.1 Operating Costs – Moruya Showground Precinct 

In 2004/05 Eurobodalla Shire Council and the Management Committees spent approximately $20,000 on the Moruya Showground Precinct 

on general maintenance which included the following: 

• mowing (with the exception of the golf course) 

• roadways 

• car parks 

• underground services 

• toilet maintenance (public toilets) 

• litter removal 

• painting 

• building structural maintenance 

• security 

• utility expenses (rates, water) 

• footpaths 

The Management Committee funded the following from income derived from the reserve: 

• signage 

• toilet maintenance (Grandstand) 

• painting 

• general building maintenance 

• cleaning 

• utility expenses (eg. gas, electricity) 

3.11.2 Sources of Funds 

Funds generated from activities on the Moruya Golf Course and Showground reserves and are re-invested in expenditure on the reserves 

included in the Reserve Trust (as per the requirements of the Crown Lands Act 1989). Funds are collected by both the Trust Manager 

(Eurobodalla Shire Council) and the Management Committees. In 2004/05 approximately $11,340 was raised from reserve activities. This 

was raised from the following sources as follows: 

The Golf Course lease area $800 1 

The Golf Course Maintenance Compound licence area $2,000 

Ground and facility hire fees $6,000 

Lighting fees $640 

Camping fees $1,900 

The residential lease for the Caretaker’s cottage generates $5,200 per year for the Trust (Eurobodalla Shire Council). However, his income is 

reinvested by paying the Caretaker $100 per week to undertake 4 hours per week of work on the reserve. This includes ground inspections. 

Fees and charges are proposed by Council in April each year and advertised for public comment during May for adoption in June. Fees 

charged must be in accordance with Councils adopted Fees & Charges. 

The Department of Lands administer the Public Reserves Management Fund – Showgrounds. This fund provides a potential source of grant 

funds for future developments. The NSW Heritage Office has grant programs that assist with funding works to Heritage Items of State 

Significance. 

1 At the Ordinary Meeting of Council of Tuesday 24 January 2006, Council resolved to offer a fresh lease to the Moruya Golf Club for the golf 

course lease area. The lease fee for the year commencing 1 July 2005 was determined to be $6,327.90 + gst with subsequent years 

calculated at 2.5% of the sum of 2/3 members’ subscriptions and total of green fees as per the Club’s annual reports. 


3.11.3 Capital Improvements 

Moruya Showground Precinct 

Major capital expenditure on new developments have in the past been funded by Council (Crown Reserve Funds) and users of the reserve 

via income collected by the Management Committees. In some cases applications for grants from Council and the State and Federal 

Governments have been successful. 


Improvements to the Caretakers Cottage cost over $4,500 in the period 2000 – 2002. This was funded by the Management Committee using 

work for the dole participants for labour. 

Moruya Showground Exhibits Pavilion 

In response to the Moruya Showground Exhibits Pavilion being in poor condition an architect was engaged to prepare plans for the 

rehabilitation and renovation of the building. These plans have been completed and development approval granted. As at the adoption of this 

Plan of Management, the cost for the upgrade of the Exhibits Pavilion is estimated to be at least $355,000. To assist with funding this capital 

improvement, the upgrade of the Exhibits Pavilion will be staged as follows. 

Stage 1: Kitchen & Meeting Room to lock-up, weatherproofing, structural framing, roofing, cladding, flooring, internal services (electrical, 

water, gas, drainage) and various structural repairs (completed in January 2006 – total cost approximately $150,000). 

Stage 2: Fit-out of a commercial kitchen, new verandah (140m2 verandah construction including: timber, decking, handrails, roofing, 

stairways, disabled access and painting), interior lining/painting, structural repairs, drainage repairs and floor restumping (this 

project was underway as at October 2006 - cost estimate $180,000). 

Stage 3: Toilets (included a disabled toilet) (cost estimate $70,000). 

Stage 4: Barbecue area (cost estimate $15,000). 

As at the date of adoption of this Plan of Management, Stage 2 upgrades were underway. 

Moruya Showground Grandstand 

In 2006/07 the following works are to be undertaken on the Moruya Showground Grandstand: 

Installation of barrier walls 

Repair of stair treads 

Exterior re-finishing and painting 

External Lighting 

The total cost of these works is estimated at $63,500. 

Future Projects 

This Plan of Management identifies many other projects that will require funding in the future. It is anticipated that these projects will be 

funded from a variety of sources such as Council funds, Crown Reserve funds, grants, Management Committee funds and other fund raising. 

Refer to the Action Plan on page 43 and the Landscape Concept Plan for more details. 

Possible sources of grant funds include: 

Public Reserves Management Fund (Showgrounds) – NSW Department of Lands 

Regional Partnerships – Federal Government Department of Transport and Regional Services 

Heritage Incentives Program – NSW Heritage Office 

Heritage Assistance Fund – Eurobodalla Shire Council and the NSW Heritage Office 


4.0 BASIS FOR MANAGEMENT 

4.1 Values 

Ascertaining the community values of land is identifying what the community finds important and special about it. Land management issues 

change over time, depending on the needs of the community; and community’s change – what may be important in the present may be less 

important in the future. Values however tend to transcend the everyday issues of land management and set a more strategic vision for the 

management of the land. Values coexist, augment and support each other. Where singular issues may be really important in the short term, 

the overriding values attached to the land will tend to be relevant for a longer period. 

How can values be implemented in land management? Once values and their level of significance are determined, land maintenance and 

development practices that recognise, manage and conserve these values may then be implemented. The following values have evolved 

through the community consultation process and in consideration of the requirements of relevant legislation and policies: 

Value & description 

Scenic 

The reserves provide visual relief from the Princes Highway as a significant patch of 

maintained landscape. From the surrounding residential areas, the Moruya Golf Club and 

Moruya Showground provide a very pleasant outlook. 

Showground 

The Moruya Showground is the only showground in the Eurobodalla Shire local government 

area. It is a focus for equestrian and dressage events, rodeos and sporting activities. The 

presence of the Showground strengthens the rural lifestyle and character of Moruya. 

Recreational 

The Moruya Showground precinct is the centre of many recreational pursuits in Moruya and 

occasionally for regional events. Sports such as golf, basketball and other indoor sports, 

rugby league, touch football, equestrian events and Aussie rules, all use the facilities 

provided within the showground. 

Environmental 

The reserves include important wildlife and drainage corridors. Racecourse Creek flows 

through the reserves and forms an integral part of the drainage system, linking with the 

Moruya River. The associated riparian vegetation creates a wildlife corridor through the 

reserves. 

Heritage 

The Grandstand, Exhibits Pavilion, Poultry Pavilion and the Showground Precinct have been 

identified as having various heritage status as discussed in this Plan of Management. 

Pedestrian Access 

Pedestrian access through the Moruya Golf Course and the Moruya Showground provides 

an important link between the township of Moruya and the south of town and has done for 

many years. 

Eurobodalla Shire Council & Department of Lands Page 40 of 57 

Neighbourhood 

- Local 

Suburb 

District 

 


Regional 

State 

 

 

 

 

 

Where: 

Neighbourhood – Local: the street and surrounding streets 

Suburb: within the suburb area (ie. within Moruya) 

District: the suburb and adjacent suburbs (eg. Broulee, Tuross, Mossy Point, Tomakin, South Head etc) 

Shire: within the Eurobodalla Shire 

Regional: south coast of NSW 

State: within the state of NSW 

National: within Australia 

National

4.2 Role of the Moruya Golf Course & Showground Reserves 

The main functions of Moruya Golf Course and Showground Reserve are recreation, sporting activities and gatherings for social activities. It 

is also a valuable urban greenspace within the township of Moruya. 

It is the vision of Eurobodalla Shire Council to maintain the existing Golf Course as a leased area and to continue to maintain the sporting and 

informal open space of the main part of the reserve for public enjoyment. All improvements will be aimed at increasing the amenity of the area 

for these purposes. The Moruya Showground precinct will continue to be the rural events focus of the shire, providing facilities to encourage 

rural activities and events to enhance the lifestyle and character of Moruya. 

4.3 Objectives for Management 

The management objectives of this Plan of Management are: 

• To provide a flexible open space reserve based on community needs and within budgetary constraints. 

• To protect and enhance the natural, scenic and heritage qualities of the area. 

• To improve the quality of recreational facilities and increase the recreational opportunities within the area. 

• To protect and enhance native vegetation, natural drainage systems and wildlife corridors. 

• To protect the reserve and its facilities from the effects of flooding. 

• To ensure that the area is effectively managed and sustainably developed for the benefit of all users. 

• To provide a safe environment for all users of the study area. 

• To maximise the utilisation of the showground facilities 


5.0 STRATEGIC ACTIONS 

5.1 Strategic Plan 

All proposed development must meet the following objectives: 

• Compliance with appropriate zoning, development and building regulations. Relevant building approvals sought for each development. 

Owner’s consent is gained for all developments and improvements. 

• Ensure all proposals are in accordance with the gazetted public purpose of the reserve and the principles of Crown Land Management 

and take into account the guidelines in the NSW Coastal Policy and other relevant legislation and policies. 

• That any new facilities are provided as planned within funding constraints. New facilities must be consistent with any Council adopted 

plans for local and regional recreational uses. 

• Heritage values must be considered in any re-development or new developments on the resereve. 

• The use of existing facilities must be fully realised before expanding or adding new facilities. Existing facilities are not to be duplicated 

unnecessarily. 

• Development to be consistent with the Landscape Concept Plan. 

5.2 Monitoring Strategic Performance 

The success of the strategic plan will be measured by a number of key indicators 

• Construction of new or expanded facilities carried out according to this plan and on schedule or as need arises. 

• Increased use of facilities. 

• Minimal flood damage to the reserve and its facilities. 

• Additional landscape amenity in key areas. 

• Resolution of any conflict in use of existing facilities by Management Committees. 

• No conflict in land use for future facilities. 

• Improved cooperation between users groups, Management Committees and Council. 


6.0 ACTION PLAN 

The Action Plan identifies the principal land management issues and identifies a set of management strategies and actions for each issue. It 

provides an ongoing framework for the management of the reserves. These management issues relate to the values of the reserve and are 

illustrated in the Landscape Concept Plan. Each action is given an implementation category. 

The following terminology is used in the Action Plan: 

Management Issue: The issue that requires a detailed approach to future management 

Strategy: The broad management strategy required to address management issue of concern. 

Action: The specific actions that address the strategies. 

Implementation Priority: Category 1 actions are those that can be implemented immediately or very soon after the adoption of 

the Plan. They are policy or procedural matters and require minimal or no funding. 

Category 2 actions are those that require some funding and are principally concerned with protecting 

or conserving the values of the reserves, improving public safety or are maintenance and 

imrprovement matters. 

Category 3 actions are capital improvement items or items requiring a significant injection of funds. 

The timing of their implementation would be dependent on the availability of funds from Council or 

external sources such as grants. 

Where action will be implemented: MS: For implementation on the Moruya Showground Precinct 

GC: For implementation on The Moruya Golf Course 

Note aht all priorities are subject to change depending on the availability of Council resources and funding availability. 


Management Issue Strategy Action 

Implementation 

MS GC Priority 

6.1 Access – Pedestrian Provide for safe pedestrian access through the reserves. 1. Define and maintain pathways to provide for pedestrian access as required. 1 

2. Maintain pedestrian refuges on golf course. 1 

Minimise impact of pedestrian activity on the golf course. 3. Maintain fencing at south western corner to reduce disruption to play and undesirable behaviour. 1 

Improve the surface of the ground in the Showground precinct. 4. Grounds to be levelled to best accommodate pedestrian movement around the showground and to 

adequately address drainage. 

2 

Provide access for golfers around the golf course where 

required. 

5. Construct a footpath along Albert Street (along the southern showground precinct frontage) for golfers to 

access holes outside of the showground precinct. 

2 

6.2 Access – Vehicular 

Provide adequate parking at the Moruya Showground precinct. 1. Access to parking areas is safe and clearly signed. 1 

2. Install vehicle barriers/speedhumps where required. 3 

3. Formalise existing informal parking areas if required. 3 

Provide parking facilities for disabled use. 4. Provide car parking spaces for disabled use within the vicinity of the Equal Access Viewing Shelter and 2 

the Grandstand. 

Provide adequate parking for the Golf Course. 5. Extend carpark from southern boundary of the Golf Club building into the reserve if demand for parking 

is sufficient to require an extension. 

2 Moruya Golf Course to develop and fund in accordance with Council’s requirements. 

Eurobodalla Shire Council & Department of Lands Page 44 of 57 

2 2


6.3 Conservation 

Management Plan 

To implement the recommendations of the Conservation Plan for the Moruya Showground Precinct as follows: 

Ack Weyman Oval 


• Additional moveable seating acceptable 

• Additional shade trees 

Ack Weyman Oval Scoreboard 


Asset Management – Management Structure & Statutory 

Approvals 

• Seek appropriate heritage advice on matters relating to all 

development within the showground. 

• Some issues can be addressed by Council’s heritage 

adviser, but in some cases, consultant expertise will need 

to be appointed. 

• The Grandstand, Exhibits Pavilion and Moruya 

Showground Precinct have been nominated for inclusion 

on the State Heritage Register. 

• Items within the Moruya Showground Precinct can be 

altered, demolished, maintained or developed in terms of 

the heritage protection provisions of Council’s LEP. 

Asset Management – Maintenance 

• It is desirable that the high ranking heritage buildings (the 

Grandstand and the Exhibits Pavilion) and the moderate 

ranking buildings (the Poultry Pavilion, Storage Shed and 

Caretaker’s Cottage) be maintained and developed with 



1. Maintain Ack Weyman Oval for active recreational use. 1 

2. Allow for additional moveable/relocatable seating that meets the relevant standards as required. 3 

3. Shade trees for Ack Weyman Oval included in the Landscape Concept Planplan and proposed Planting 

Plan. 

2 

4. Maintain Ack Weyman Oval Scoreboard for ancillary use to activities on Ack Weyman Oval. 1 

5. Heritage advice must be sought from Council’s Heritage Adviser on all development issues within the 

Showground precinct. 

6. Council’s Heritage Adviser to determine if specialist consultant expertise is required for assessment of 

and/or assistance with development proposals. 

7. Any items listed on the State Heritage Register are provided with greater level of protection. Under 

sections 60 or 140 of the Heritage Act 1977, the Heritage Office must be notified of any proposed 

alteration, damage, development or demolition. Where proposed work does not ‘materially affect’ the 

significance of the item, Councils are empowered to make determinations under delegation to approve 

the suitability of the proposed work. In the case of Council owning the property, the Heritage Council 

may make the determination to avoid conflicts of interest at local level. 

8. Ensure that the provisions of Council’s Local Environmental Plan are addressed (refer to page 11 on this 

Plan of Management). 

9. Heritage advice must be sought from Council’s Heritage Adviser on maintenance issues within the 

Showground precinct. The Heritage Adviser may wish to meet with those responsible for maintenance, 

and co-ordinate mutual objectives for the maintenance of items in the Showground precinct. 

10. Council’s Heritage Adviser to determine if specialist consultant expertise is required for assessment of 

and/or assistance with significant maintenance proposals. 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

their heritage values in focus. 11. Future maintenance works in the Moruya Showground Precinct must have regard to the provisions of 

the Conservation Management Plan, The Burra Charter and as directed by Council’s Heritage Adviser. 

1 

Bar/Kiosk/Canteen 

• Retain surrounding open space 

12. Provide for the future replacement of the bar as required and as funds become available. Seek Heritage 

advice from Council’s Heritage Advisor on the design and siting of any new bar facility. 

3 

• The bar is considered to be an important facility, but its 

appearance is poor. A new building is recommended. 

• There is a need to recognise this building does not have a 

long, useful life ahead, and it is recommended that its 

replacements be planned 

Basketball Stadium/Community Centre 

• Conserve in original appearance 

13. Maintain the Basketball Stadium/Community Centre for active recreational use and use as a Community 

Centre. 

1 

14. Ensure that the Basketball Stadium/Community Centre is maintained in its original appearance. 1 






15. Maintain the Caretaker’s Cottage in its current location. 1 

• Retain in present location. 

• 

• 

Compatible alterations and additions are acceptable. 

Some internal elements are of heritage interest, but 

16. Seek advice from Council’s Heritage Adviser if alterations and/or additions are required – Refer also to 

Asset Management – Management Structure & Statutory Approvals above. 

1 

upgrading is possible 

Entrance/Ticket Box 1 

• The main entrance should be improved to provide a more 

17. Improve the sense of arrival to the Showground. 2 

inspiring sense of arrival to the facilities, and to highlight 

the precinct’s heritage values 

18. Seek architectural advice from Council’s Heritage Adviser for replacement and siting of aTicket Box at 

the entrance. Replace existing Ticket Box with new structure. 

3 

• Replace Ticket Box with improved facility 

Exhibits Pavilion 


19. Seek advice from Council’s Heritage Adviser if alterations and/or additions are required – Refer also to 

Asset Management – Management Structure & Statutory Approvals above. 

1 

• 

• 

• 

Remove intrusive elements 

Restump with timber stumps at perimeter 

Prepare detailed Conservation Management Plan 

20. Follow-up with the Heritage Office on status of listing nomination. 

21. Complete extensions/renovations as per DA approved plan. 

22. Prepare a detailed Moruya Showground Exhibits Pavilion Conservation Management Plan. 

 

 

 

1 

3 

3 

Golf Course Compound 

• Formulate strategy for use of the land once the compound 

23. The area used as the Golf Course Maintenance Compound will be developed for uses ancillary to the 

needs of user groups once the Golf Club relocated by June 2010. Refer to the Landscape Concept 

3 

is relocated by June 2010. 

Planplan for more details. 


24. Before the compound is relocated, take photographs as a record of the past use of the land. 1 

25. The Golf Course Maintenance Compound will be relocated to the south eastern corner of the golf 

course. This area must be landscaped to screen the compound as it is located adjacent to the southern 

arrival to the township of Moruya. 

3 


26. Seek advice from Council’s Heritage Adviser if alterations and/or additions are required – Refer also to 1 

• The building should be progressively returned to a state Asset Management – Management Structure & Statutory Approvals above. 

where its original features are emphasised and project the 27. Investigate the opportunity to include a disabled toilet within the building, depending on the strategy to 1 

original appearance. 

progressively removed the additions and block sidewalls. 

• Additions and block sidewalls are intrusive to the 

28. Follow-up with the Heritage Office on status of listing nomination. 1 

significance of the building, and should be progressively 29. Prepare a detailed Moruya Showground Grandstand Conservation Management Plan. This plan must 3 

removed 

consider that the Moruya Showground Precinct Conservation Management Plan recommended that 

• Adaptation of the building can proceed, with sensitive 

”there is a need to recognise that the grandstand additions do not have a long, useful life ahead, and it is 

architectural guidelines. 

recommended that their replacements be planned.” and “additions and block sidewalls are intrusive to 

the significance of the building, and should be progressively removed”. 

30. Maintain and adapt the Moruya Showground Grandstand as per the Conservation Management Plan. 

This may require the removal of additions and block sidewalls to the Grandstand. 

3 

Grassy Hill (west of Grandstand) 

• Retain and continue present use 

• Equal access shelter is acceptable 

31. Maintain grassy hill area west of Grandstand as an open grassed area. 

32. Install Equal Access Shelter and access pathways as per location on the Landscape Concept Planplan. 

Refer to Appendix C for a concept drawing for this structure. 

1 

2 

33. Install pathways to connect the Equal Access Shelter to parking and other facilities as appropriate. 

Refer to the Landscape Concept Planplan. 

2 



Landscape 

• The lack of shade trees restricts full appreciation of the 

quality of events at the showground. Shade trees should 

be provided in key congregating areas, around the arena, 

and around the football pitch. 

• Exotic species can be considered. 

• Prominent eucalypts are a feature of the natural heritage 

of the precinct, those with poor health require assessment. 

This feature of the landscape’s character should be 

enhanced and strengthened with new plantings in selected 

areas 

New Developments 

• New buildings will be required to replace those which have 

a short life expectancy. It is recommended that concept 

designs be prepared for replacement facilities. These will 

provide and architectural theme, and a direction to which 

to plan for the future. The new buildings should not be 

‘mock heritage’ in design, but use traditional, simple 

details and materials that result in a pleasing, distinctive 

local character. 

• New buildings should be separate rather than 

amalgamated, in order to sustain the scattered character 

of the showground. However, their locations do need to be 

carefully considered, to a structured and effective plan. 

• There is a need to recognise that the lesser buildings 

(toilets, grandstand additions, bar, horse stalls and 

secretary’s office) do not have a long, useful life ahead, 

and it is recommended that their replacements be 

planned. 

34. Prepare a Planting Plan for the Moruya Showground Precinct to complement the Landscape Concept 

Planplan. The Planting Plan is to include: 

• Retention of existing vegetation where appropriate 

• Erosion control 

• Planting for shade in key congregating areas, around the Showground Arena and around Ack 

Weyman Oval 

• Planting in car parking areas 

• Consideration of both native and exotic planting 

• Enhancing the native Eucalypt character of the showground. 

• Shade tree planting around the perimeter of the Showground Arena to improve the amenity of the 

area, as well as emphasise its circular character 

35. New and replacement buildings are to be sited on the Showground Precinct to ensure that the 

‘scattered’ character of the Showground is preserved. 



2 

1 

36. Prepare architectural designs by a suitably experienced Heritage Architect for new and replacement 

buildings as required and as funds become available, including: 

3 

• Commentator’s Box (incorporating a scoreboard) 

• Bar/Kiosk/Canteen 

• Equal Access Viewing Shelter (refer to the section on the Grassy Hill (west of Grandstand) and 

Appendix C for more information) 

• Secretary’s Office 

• Stables 

Siting of the buildings is to maintain the scatter character of the showground. 

37. Public toilets to be demolished. There are other toilet facilities located in the basketball stadium and 

grandstand and the plans for the upgrade of the Exhibits Pavilion include toilets. 

1 

38. Ensure photographic records are taken of all structures prior to removal or renovation. 1 



Northern axis to Town Centre 

• There is an opportunity to enhance the pedestrian and 

cycling link with the addition of suitable trees, and possibly 

some improvements to path alignment. These should be 

achievable without adverse impact on the golf course. 

The result should be to emphasise this axis, and increase 

a focus on the arena and a better northern entrance to the 

showground. It will also strengthen the visual connection 

to the town centre and local topographical features at the 

north and southern ends of the axis.. 

• The ‘Pink Gates’, which are located on this axis, have an 

historic association with the showground, and this report 

supports their reconstruction. It is understood that a 

surviving gate is available for reference, and the 

reconstruction should be accurate and authentic, rather 

than a poor imitation. 


• The CMP has found that the poultry pavilion warrants 

inclusion on the Heritage Schedule of the LEP. It is the 

major building that expresses the spirit of functional 

improvisation used by the Show Society to establish and 

consolidate the activities of the Agricultural Show. 


• Need to monitor condition of timber and corrosion of steel 

components 

Public Toilets 



Rodeo Yards 

• Retain examples of timber elements of interest 

Stables 



Secretary’s Office 





39. Refer to Section Section 5.4 Conservation Management Plan – Landscape in regard to the preparation 

of a Planting Plan for the Moruya Showground Precinct which include more details on strengthening the 

north - south axis link to town. 

2 

40. Refer to the Landscape Concept Planplan for an illustration of the north – south axis link to town. 2 

41. Re-instate the pink gates at the northern end of the north – south axis link to town. 2 

42. Retain and maintain the Poultry Pavilion in its current location. 1 

43. Assess heritage significance for possible inclusion on Council’s LEP as a heritage item and possible 

nomination to the NSW Heritage Office for inclusion on the State Heritage Register. 

1 

44. Refer to New Developments. 3 

45. Retain and maintain Rodeo Yards for use in association with equestrian and rodeo events. 1 








• The arena is a key feature of the showground, and should 

be protected as a space to continue its present uses. 

• Shade tree planting around the perimeter would improve 

the amenity of the area, as well as emphasise the circular 

character 

• No buildings or permanent structures should be permitted 

48. Retain and maintain the Showground Arena for equestrian, rodeo and other agricultural show activities. 

49. Refer to Section 5.4 Conservation Management Plan – Landscape in regard to the preparation of a 

Planting Plan for the Moruya Showground Precinct which will include more details in regard to planting 

around the Showground Arena. 

50. No buildings or permanent structures will be permitted in or around the Showground Arena. 

51. Future fencing requirements must be assessed in consultation with Council’s Heritage Adviser. 

 

 

 

 

1 

2 

1 

3 

• Future fencing requirements be allowed on merit 

Showground Precinct 


• Develop Conservation Strategies for high ranking 

buildings 

• Develop program for replacement of lesser buildings 

• Commence Landscape Concept Planplan 

• Develop concepts for main entrance 

• An improved entrance at the northern end will provide 

some sense of arrival into the showground. This could be 

achieved with a gate structure with special design 

treatment 

52. Follow-up with the Heritage Office on status of listing nomination. 

53. Prepare Conservation Management Plans for the Exhibits Pavilion (refer to Exhibits Pavilion above) and 

the Grandstand (refer to Grandstand above). 

54. Refer to New Developments in regard to the lesser buildings (toilets, grandstand additions, bar, horse 

stalls and secretary’s office). 

55. Refer to Entrance/Ticket Box 1 for main entrance actions and priorities. 

56. Refer to the Landscape Concept Planplan for an improved entrance at the northern end of the 

Showground. Seek architectural advice and/or advice from Council’s Heritage Adviser on the design of 

a gate structure for this entrance. 

 

 

 

 

 

1 

3 

3 

2 

Storage Shed 

57. Maintain Storage Shed in its current location. 1 

• Conserve for continued use as storage, or possible new, 

small scale, compatible use 

58. Use of Storage Shed to be flexible. 

Ticket Box 2 (near the bar) 

59. Refer to New Developments. 







6.4 Environmental 

Management 

To maintain and enhance the biodiversity of the reserve. 1. 

2. 

Protect habitats where possible. 

Reinstate habitats or ecological systems where possible. 

 

 

 

 

1 

2 

3. Identify and maintain wildlife corridors on the reserves. 2 

4. Revegetate the riparian zone of Racecourse Creek 10m from the to of bank wherever possible, within 

the constraints of the golf course and the activities of the showground. 

To maintain and protect existing vegetation on the reserves. 5. Ensure that all vegetation removal and/or pruning is in accordance with approvals granted as per 

Council’s Tree Preservation Order. 

1 

To manage the impact of flooding and stormwater on the 

reserves. 

6. Maintain Racecourse Creek as required to allow for stormwater flow capacity and to minimise erosion 

and bank instability. 

1 

7. Maintain dams as nutrient/sediment traps. 1 

8. Prepare a flood evacuation plan for the Moruya Golf Course. 3 

9. Prepare a flood evacuation plan for the Showground Precinct. 3 

10. Ensure recreational areas are inspected prior to use to ensure that they can be used safely and with 

minimal damage to playing fields after rain and/or following submersion due to flooding. Access to flood 

prone recreational areas is to be restricted during severe/prolonged wet periods. 

1 

To ensure that the management of the golf course complies 

with the regulative and legislative requirements. 

11. Moruya Golf Club to complete an Environmental Management Plan for the Golf Course to ensure that 

effluent re-use, stormwater management, irrigation, nutrient monitoring and management, vegetation 

management, erosion control, stormwater particulate levels, water retention and pesticide use is 

managed in accordance with World Best Practice. Water quality of Racecourse Creek to meet desired 

standards. 

1 

To preserve and enhance the landscape character to maximise 

the recreational, aesthetic and environmental values of the 

12. Refer to Section 5.4 Conservation Management Plan – Landscape in regard to the preparation of a 

Planting Plan for the Moruya Showground Precinct. 

2 

reserves. 13. Moruya Golf Club to develop a planting plan or concept for the golf course. 2 

6.5 Management 

Fees 2. Fees for the hire/use of all facilities in the Showground Precinct to be included in Council’s Fees and 

Charges. 

Maintenance 3. The maintenance of the facilities in the Showground Precinct may be shared between Council, the 

Caretaker and the user groups. 

Management Committees 4. The Moruya Showground Management Committee and/or the Moruya Basketball Stadium Management 

Committee may be dissolved in the future. At that time, Council will work closely with the professional 

sporting associations and the user groups in the management and development of the showground. 

Sports Liaison Committee 5. Sporting activities are to be managed strategically in accordance with the direction of Council’s Sport’s 

Liaison Committee. 

Vandalism 

13. Provide and maintain a Caretaker’s Cottage on the Showground precinct to improve passive 

surveillance of the Showground Precinct. 

7. Continue to employ an on-site Caretaker at the Showground whose responsibilities may include regular 

inspections of the Showground Precinct. 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 



6.6 Recreation – Ack 

Weyman Oval 

6.7 Recreation – 

Basketball 

Stadium/Community 

Centre 


Camping 

Maintain for use an active recreational facility available for use 

by the general public. 

Maintain for use as an active recreational facility and as a 

Community Centre available for use by the general public. 

To allow for temporary, event related camping. 

6.9 Recreation – Golf To provide a quality golf course that is well maintained and well 

patronaged. 



6.11 Services 



1. Regular inspection of fields and maintain as required. 1 

1. Regular inspections of building and facilities and maintain as required. 1 

2. Investigate the opportunity for public art on the exterior walls of the Basketball Stadium/Community 

Centre. Subject to the requirements of Council’s Public Art Policy. 

3 

3. Investigate the opportunity to provide a disabled toilet within the building. 1 

1. Event organisers to secure temporary approvals for camping on the reserve as per the requirements of 

the Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable 

Dwellings) Regulation 2005. 

1 

2. Event organiser to comply with Council’s Special Events Policy. 1 

3. Event organiser to provide facilities are required by Council. This could include the provision of 

temporary toilets and showers, provision of facilities for waste collection and removal and any other 

requirements as directed by Council.d 

1 

4. Council Rangers will be requested to investigate any illegal camping on the reserve. 

 

1 

1. Continue to lease the land to the Moruya Golf Club for use as a Golf Course and to support activities 

ancillary to the management of the golf course. 

1 

To manage the Showground Arena primarily for events related 1. Regular inspection of condition of fields and maintained as required. 1 

to equestrian, rodeo and ‘show’ events. 2. Arena to be remediated after use to ensure it is available for all user groups in safe and useable condition. 1 

Maintain lights for use on Ack Weyman Oval, the Showground 

and the Rodeo Ring. 

1. 

2. 

Provide tokens for sale for uninterrupted operation of lights. 

Maintain lights for year round use as required. 

 

 

1 

1 

Provide access to water and power in appropriate locations. 3. Provide powerpoints in powerboxes or attached to power poles for access to power for circus, ‘side 

show alley’, entrance ticket booth, exterior of the basketball stadium, along the western and northern 

fences, camping activities etc to avoid extension leads running across roads. 

2 

4. Provide water as required. 

6.12 Signage To provide a coordinated approach to signage. 

1. Develop a Signage Strategy for the Moruya Showground Precinct in consultation with the user groups 

that indicates the location of signs including, but not limited to: arrival, general way finding, general 

information, interpretive information, facilities/amenities locations, pedestrian and vehicle access. 

Include a standard for the construction of all signs to ensure that signs are consistent in their form, font, 

colour, material, size and use of branding. 

2. Install signage as per the locations on the Signage Strategy. Where additional signage is deemed 

required beyond what is indicated in the Signage Plan, this will be resolved in consultation with Council 

and the user groups. 

3. Entrance signage should: identify clearly the “place” and its entrance, list the various facilities and 

amenities, inform members of the public of current and forthcoming events, direct traffic to off-site 

parking and/or other access points at appropriate timesf. 

3 

3 

3 





6.13 Weed Management Remove all weed species that are either declared Noxious 

Weeds (as per the Noxious Weeds Act 1993) or are identified 

1. Council’s Noxious Weeds Officer advised of noxious weeds and appropriate action taken to remove 

therm. 

1 

as Environmental Weeds (as per the Weeds of NSW South 

Coast booklet). 

2. 

3. 

Moruya Golf Club responsible for the removal of identified noxious weeds on the golf course. 

Progressively remove all other identified weeds from the reserve. 

 

 

1 

1 


7.0 MANAGEMENT ACTIONS – The Landscape Concept Plan 

7.1 The Landscape Concept Plan – Overview 

The Landscape Concept Plan illustrates the main proposals of the Plan of Management. It gives an indication of approximately where 

developments may take place, defines how pedestrians and vehicles move through the site, highlights what improvements need to be made 

and identifies the main activities on the reserves. 

It provides a visual summary of the Plan of Management as a guide for future development. To enable the construction of the elements 

proposed in the Landscape Concept Plan, more planning is required to prepare more detailed layout designs, planting plans, architectural 

plans and construction drawings. For this reason the plan is named a ‘Concept’ Plan, indicating that more detailed investigation and design 

work is required to facilitate the development. It is likely that changes will be made to the plan, however any changes will be in keeping with 

the intent of the Plan of Management and the Moruya Showground Conservation Plan. 

There are two Landscape Concept Plans: 

1. Landscape Concept Plan – Moruya Showground and Golf Course 

This plan illustrates proposals for the reserve containing the Moruya Golf Course 

2. Landscape Concept Plan – Moruya Showground 

This plan illustrates in more detail the proposals for the Moruya Showground 


Appendix A: Stakeholders and User Groups 

Moruya Golf Course & Showground DRAFT Plan of Management 

ORGANISATION FACILITIES USED 

Campbell Page Employment and Training Exhibits Pavilion 

Eurobodalla District Show Society Inc All facilities except Golf Course 

Eurobodalla Dressage Association Showground Arena, Grandstand, Horse yards, Stables 

Eurobodalla Equestrian Society Inc Showground Arena, Grandstand, Stables, Horse yards 

Eurobodalla Light Horse Troop Showground Arena 

Eurobodalla Showjumping Association Showground Arena, Horse yards 

Moruya & District Antique Tractor & Machinery Association Inc Showground Arena and Grandstand 

Moruya Amateur Basketball Association Basketball Stadium and carpark 

Moruya Amateur Rugby League Football Club Ack Weyman Oval, Grandstand amenities and Exhibits Pavilion 

Moruya District Poultry Club inc Poultry Pavilion 

Moruya Golf Club Ltd Golf course, Maintenance shed and compound 

Moruya Junior Rubgy League Ack Weyman Oval, Exhibits Pavilion 

Moruya Martial Arts Aikido Club Exhibits Pavilion and carpark 

Moruya Over 30’s Touch Football Association Ack Wayman Oval, Pavilion 

Moruya Pony Club Inc Showground, stables, horse yards and grandstand 

Moruya Rotary Club Various 

Moruya Showground Management Committee All facilities except Golf Course 

Moruya Surf Lifesaving Association Showground 

Moruya Touch Association inc Ack Weyman Oval and Exhibits Pavilion 

Moruya Women’s Touch Football Ack Weyman Oval 

Moruya Youth Club inc Exhibits Pavilion 

Rodeo Association of Moruya Inc Rodeo ground and yards and portable seating 

Scout Association Exhibits Pavilion, Ack Weyman Oval, Showground Arena 

Showground Caretaker’s Cottage Tenant Showground Caretaker’s Cottage 

Tomago River Crows Ack Weyman Oval 

Appendix B: References 

Eurobodalla Shire Council Local Environment Plan 1999 

John Armes & Associates – Moruya Showground Precinct Conservation Management Plan, 2005. 


Appendix C: Equal Access Shelter concept drawing 

As per John Armes & Associates – Moruya Showground Precinct Conservation Management Plan, 2005. 


No Date 

Submission 

Registered 

1 11 April, 

2006 

Summary of Submissions – Moruya Golf Course & Showground Plan of Management 

July 2006 

Author & Address Comments Response & General Comments 

Alice Brandjes 

Heritage Council of 

NSW 

Locked Bag 5020 

PARRAMATTA 

NSW 2124 

Thank you for referring the above mentioned Draft Plan of Management to the NSW Heritage Office for comment 

which was received on 2 March 2006. The documentation submitted with the application has been reviewed and the 

following comments are provided. 

It is noted that the properties that are the subject of the draft Plan are listed as heritage item of State significance 

under the provisions of the Eurobodalla Urban Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and have been nominated for listing of 

the NSW State Heritage Register (still pending). It is further noted that a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) was 

prepared for these sites. 

The draft Plan of Management has considered these listings and the recommendations of the CMP and includes 

appropriate provisions and strategies for the ongoing conservation and management of the subject sites. The draft 

Plan makes reference to the CMP and this is supported as a best practice process. Accordingly, no objection is 

raised to the draft Plan on this basis and the intentions of the draft Plan are supported. 

There is no need to return the draft Plan to the Heritage Office for comment unless the Plan is further amended as a 

result of the submissions received ruing the public exhibition period. If the Plan is changed, the Heritage Office 

requests that the Plan be returned for review and the following documentation provided for assessment: 

A copy of the draft Plan with any amendments highlighted; 

A copy of the Council Report and Council resolution (including justification as to why the changes are considered 

necessary and/or appropriate); and 

Any other information that will assist in the consideration of the draft Plan. 

Inclusion of the above information will ensure that your draft Plan of Management can be assessed quickly. 

I trust these comments are of assistance. If you require any additional information please contact Alice Brandjes on 

(02) 9873 8500. 

The Draft Plan of 

Management is supported by 

the Heritage Council of 

NSW. 

A copy of the final plan will 

be sent to them, highlighted 

with changes. A copy of the 

report to Council and 

subsequent resolution will 

also be forwarded to them. 

G:\Property\D Purss\Plans of Management\11 Moruya Golf Course & Showground\Submissions\2006 Draft\Summary of Submissions.doc Page 1 of 21

No Date 

Submission 

Registered 

2 21 April, 





Eurobodalla District 

Show Society 

PO Box 1 

MORUYA NSW 

2537 

Suggestions for the Showground Entrance, Albert Street, Moruya 

As requested at the February Management Committee meeting, our suggestions for upgrading the main showground 

entrance are listed below and photographs of the existing area - with comments highlighted - are attached for your 

ease of reference. 

We single out the main entrance at this stage as it presents the opportunity to “set the tone” for visitors entering the 

site. We believe the entrance should signal the Shire’s acknowledgement of the value of such a place to the 

community and consequently, its visual impact should reflect the community’s pride in the showground’s significant 

social, cultural and historical importance. 

At another level, it is generally acknowledged that areas with high presentation standards are less subject to the 

effects of anti-social behaviour - littering, bad behaviour, public drunkenness, vandalism, etc. In regard to this, we 

want every practical step to be taken to minimise such activities on the Showground. 

Naturally, we would like to see these visual and practical improvements in the entrance area being made in line with 

several other, much-needed enhancements throughout the whole site – we would be happy to discuss these with you 

during our proposed on-site inspections. 

General Impact and Information 

Photos 1, 2 and 5 illustrate the lack of positive features in the present entrance area. 

It is easy to drive past without realising where the entry point is, and the only signage visible for passing traffic is 

incomplete, faces one direction only, is relatively small and is in poor repair. 

In reality, at first sight, the poor state of the existing sign, the Community Centre building walls and the lack of 

continuity of the eastern kerb easily create a negative impression on visitors not to mention the lack of information 

available. 

A quality sign with more impact is required to - 

identify clearly the “place” and its entrance 

list the various facilities and amenities 


Management provides for 

entrance signage – as 

illustrated on the Landscape 

Masterplan and in the 

Operational Plan at page 51. 

The specific requirements for 

the entrance sign will be 

added to the final Plan of 

Management in Section 6.12 

of the Operational Plan. 


No Date 

Submission 

Registered 




inform members of the public of current and forthcoming events 

direct traffic to off-site parking and/or other access points at appropriate times. 

At present there is no physical feature that strongly identifies “arrival”. Apart from the suggested improved signage, 

something like a stone fence, archway, garden, carving (or whatever) is needed as a “grand gateway” to the site. 

Practicality and Safety 

See photos 3 and 4 

A ticket booth is sited on the western side of the access roadway with a very narrow passage between it and the low 

fence in line with the gatepost. It would be prudent to check the width of the passageway beside the booth and the 

fenced footpath to the south to ensure compliance with any relevant standards for pedestrian and wheelchair access, 

etc. 

The booth is 2400 long x 1200 wide and is a freestanding shed without a lockable door or window. There is no internal 

electrical power connection and proximity lighting would be inadequate for after dark functions requiring the use of the 

booth. 

For some events, when the gates are closed to vehicle access, this arrangement is quite satisfactory - although it 

could be said that turnstiles would enable better control and, if installed at the eastern end of the gates, could provide 

the separation of arriving and departing pedestrians. 

When vehicular traffic is allowed on site during events, a centrally positioned booth would be safer and more practical 

and is recommended. There appears to be sufficient width of roadway to accommodate, say, a 1000–1200 wide 

central island and gatehouse by relocating the eastern gatepost and incorporating locking points on the new 

gatehouse. While not suggested at this time, the ultimate extension of this concept might be the installation of boom 

gates controlled by the “gate keeper”. 

In any case, for both safety and aesthetics - 

the footpath leading to the existing ticket booth should be properly formed 

lighting and power should be supplied to the booth/s 

area lighting in the gate vicinity should be upgraded 


Management includes a 

concrete footpath from Albert 

Street to the Basketball 

Stadium. 

The final Plan of 

Management will provide for 

the provision of power to the 

ticket booth. See Section 

6.11. 

A centrally positioned booth 

is not supported by Council’s 

Traffic Engineer due to 

safety and costing 

considerations. The 

infrequent use of the facility 

(2-3 times per year) would 

not support the expenditure 

of funds to build such a 

structure. It would require 


No Date 

Submission 

Registered 




the over head power lines should be checked for vehicle clearances 

provision should be made at the gate for appropriate, alterable signage for event management – admission 

prices, etc – as well as permanent speed signs and general directional messages. 

Drainage 

The kerb and guttering stops near the eastern gatepost and adjacent to the informal pathway used by golfers. After 

rain, the area along the fence line becomes very boggy due to inadequate drainage. 

This should be addressed in conjunction with overcoming the aesthetic deficiency mentioned above. 

Art and Culture 

There is any opportunity to provide space on the Community Centre walls for mural art works reflecting the art and 

cultural flavours of the Shire – as well as hiding the shabby walls! 

An indigenous art statement – mixed with agricultural and pastoral images relevant to the showground - would not be 

out of place. 

We hope that you will agree with the thrust of these suggestions and that you will encourage and facilitate any further 

consultation with whichever groups are involved to achieve a satisfactory outcome for the gateway to our Shire’s only 

Showground. 

We trust, too, that you will note that our raising these matters is less motivated by attaining direct benefits to our 

Society than by the desire to promote the Showground acknowledging its past, present and potential contributions to 

our Shire. 

road widening, the 

construction of a concrete 

island and the installation of 

protective bollards. Funds 

could be more efficiently 

spent on other projects, 

especially considering the 

limited funds available. 

Drainage issues will be 

addressed when the new 

internal roadway is 

considered. 

The provision of mural art 

works is supported and will 

be added to the Plan of 

Management. This would, 

however, be subject to the 

requirements of Council’s 

Public Art Policy. Refer to 

Section 6.7. 


No Date 

Submission 

Registered 

3 24 April, 





APAC Committee 

Eurobodalla Shire 

Council 

The committees comments on the plans of Management for the Moruya Golf Course and Showground Reserves: 

• Pedestrian access to major on-site buildings: members felt that a pathway, at least to the toilets, viewing 

platform and grandstand was of major importance and should be included in the plan. 

• There was also a point raised about whether there was any consideration given to providing a level and 

accessible walkway around the actual arena itself. 

• For some members of the public, the Grandstand and proposed viewing platform may be too far away. 

• Disabled parking spaces: location , number and the actual pathway access to and from the parking areas. 

The committee members strongly recommend that a protocol be established and presented to any organisation 

wishing to use the showground, regardless of the event, stating that disabled parking was reserved for people 

who qualify to park there. Furthermore that an area, close to the activity or event be set aside for drop-off only. 

This is to ensure the elderly and people with disabilities still have access to the showground arena and / or 

football field, if the disabled parking spaces are full. 

• The committee have been informed that the parking around the football field is uneven and gravel and that the 

only task Council could do there was sign-post disabled parking spaces. 

The final Plan of 

Management will provide for 

pathways connecting the 

toilets with the viewing 

platform and to the Pavilion 

which will, when funds 

become available, include a 

disabled toilet. 

The construction of a 

footpath around the arena is 

not supported as will inhibit 

the use of the showground 

for rural events such as 

equestrian and show events 

for which the arena has been 

developed. 

The grandstand and 

proposed viewing platform 

are located as close to the 

arena as possible given the 

landform constraints. 

Council’s Recreation 

Coordinator has been 

advised of this concern so 

that it can be incorporated in 

the next review of Council’s 

Event Policy. 

G:\Property\D Purss\Plans of Management\11 Moruya Golf Course & Showground\Submissions\2006 Draft\Summary of Submissions.doc Page 5 of 21 

Noted.

No Date 

Submission 

Registered 




• Accessible toilets: There was no mention in the proposed draft for new accessible toilets, however committee 

members are aware that an accessible toilet will be located in the facility behind where the Bar is currently 

located. This facility will have a ramp for access. Public toilets in the Grandstand and near the storage shed are 

to be upgraded and a covered walkway is proposed between the toilets and the pavilion. 

• Uneven ground from car-park to all the facilities within the showground: While it is acknowledged that it 

would be extremely difficult to have walkways and pathways link all of the facilities, the committee believe it is a 

priority to address the pedestrian access for all, as it was not highlighted on the Plan. 

The new Pavilion extension 

includes a disabled toilet, 

however there are 

insufficient funds to complete 

this at this stage. 

The final Plan will 

recommend that the toilets at 

the rear of the grandstand 

and the basketball court be 

considered to be upgraded 

to provide disabled access at 

the next review of the Public 

Toilet Strategy. See Section 

6.7 & 6.3 

The grounds around the 

facilities in the showground 

are not at consistent grades. 

The Plan of Management will 

provide that the grounds be 

levelled to best 

accommodate pedestrian 

movement around the 

showground and adequately 

address drainage. See 

Section 6.1.4. 


No Date 

Submission 

Registered 

4 17 March, 





John Cornall 

President 

Moruya Tuross 

JRLFC 

4 Queen Street 

MORUYA NSW 

2537 

Whilst I am aware that the closing date for submissions has lapsed, I would appreciate consideration of the following 

points in regard to how the plan affects Ack Weyman Oval. 

The tree plantings on the north western corner of the oval, severely restricts the seating capacity of the ground. 

Currently this area is occupied by temporary grandstands which are increased when larger crowds are 

anticipated. The temporary grandstands on the southern end are poorly utilised as this is an unpopular place to 

watch the game. Reduced seating capacity reduces our club’s ability to vie for big fixtures such as representative 

games and NRL pre-season trials. 

The shelter for ground management sited on the south-western corner would be greatly appreciated, however 

the positioning could be more appropriate. Currently we provide a table, seating and shelter on the half way line 

on the western side for the ground manager and officials. These items must be provided by the club and are of a 

temporary nature so that they can be removed after each use. The positioning of the proposed shelter in this 

location would be of real benefit to the ground user groups, and is the appropriate position from which to control 

the ground. [near ½ way line – there is an existing concrete slab.] 

I thank you for your consideration of the matters raised and hope that implementation of the Plan of Management will 

benefit all users and the Shire as a whole. 

The proposed tree plantings 

at the north western corner 

of Ack Weyman Oval are at 

10m spacings so the 

temporary grandstands 

(which are approximately 

4.2m wide) will easily fit in 

between the trees. This was 

discussed during the 

exhibition of the first draft, 

hence the location of the 

trees at 10m spacings. 

Support for the location of 

the shelter at the south 

western corner is noted. 


No Date 

Submission 

Registered 

5 5 June 





Eurobodalla District 

Show Society 

PO Box 1 

MORUYA NSW 

2537 

The society would like to express thanks to those involved in the formulation of the Draft Plan of Management – their 

efforts to improve the area and to address many concerns of the past and present are very much appreciated. 

We believe that the provision of the new signage, improved roadways, additional parking and shade trees will 

significantly improve the amenity of the site and will, particularly in the establishment of the Rural Precinct, enhance 

its functionality not only for the Show Society but for the whole community through a wide variety of other uses. 

We support the use of the facilities throughout the year for appropriate community and commercial purposes and 

therefore welcome the prospect of an additional revenue stream from the upgraded Pavilion’s hire charges albeit, as 

noted below, that the current Pavilion plans do not appear to have addressed potential conflicts with the Society’s 

needs. 

In addition to matters pertaining to the Pavilion, there are a number of suggestions relating to aspects of the published 

Draft Plan and some other items that we believe should now be incorporated. These are listed below but not in priority 

sequence. 

In priority terms, we see there are dual needs - those items that enable – 

a. Full use of the upgraded Pavilion for both Show purposes and other functions. 

b. Safe and adequate provision of water and electricity and space efficiencies in areas used for camping and 

sideshows during show time and for any other events throughout the year. 

(Note: Where relevant the following points have been indicated by number on the site plan submitted with 

this document) 

1. Pavilion 

1.1. Pavilion Exhibition Space 

In the Meeting Room area, primarily used for Junior exhibits, the new and different configurations of windows, doors, 

servery hatch and kitchen size have already reduced the amount of floor and wall display space for Show purposes. 

There will be similar reductions of display space in the Main Hall due to the proposed new servery and access 

doorway/exit to the toilets. 

1.1 Pavilion Exhibition Space 

The provision and storage of 

demountable units to 

facilitate exhibitions during 

the show will be the 

responsibility of the Show 


No Date 

Submission 

Registered 




It is recommended that this reduction of space could be largely overcome by providing aesthetically acceptable and 

functionally suitable demountable wall units – pin boards and shelving – as ancillary items in the Pavilion’s renovation 

works. (Such units would require storage as mentioned below.) 

1.2. Pavilion Storage Space 

An obstacle to the desirable hiring out of the Pavilion at present is the lack of “out of sight” storage space to 

accommodate exhibit fixtures. 

At Show time, exhibits in the Main Hall are presented either on pin-boards, on particle board shelving – usually four 

shelves high - attached by stripping and brackets to the walls or on freestanding floor units which in turn, are either 

heavy display cases (used typically for cakes, bread, etc.) or, again heavy, tiered shelving units mostly constructed of 

rigid welded frames with particle board shelves. All these, together with a number of other items – tables, chairs, art 

and photography stands, etc - remain stored in the Pavilion from one Show to the next, mostly in the Main Hall space. 

In order for the Pavilion to reach its potential as a hire venue while retaining its primary show purpose, it is 

recommended that – 

• the areas named “display” on the pavilion plans be allocated for storage purposes 

• additional storage space for bulky items be provided adjacent to the Secretary’s Office. 

1.3. Pavilion Ventilation 

There does not appear to have been any provision made for insulation or ventilation of either the Meeting Room or the 

G:\Property\D Purss\Plans of Management\11 Moruya Golf Course & Showground\Submissions\2006 Draft\Summary of Submissions.doc Page 9 of 21 

Society. 

There are insufficient funds 

in the Pavilion upgrade 

budget to fund such units, 

however this will be 

considered for future 

upgrades 

1.2 Pavilion Storage Space 

The internal functions of the 

Pavilion may be utilised as 

agreed by the Moruya 

Showground Management 

Committee. This issue 

therefore will be referred to 

the Moruya Showground 

Management Committee for 

consideration. Note that 

there will be a fee for 

storage. As an indication of 

the fees that would be 

payable, storage at the 

Batemans Bay Children’s 

Centre costs $11.30 per 

week. 

1.3 Pavilion Ventilation 

Ventilation in the Meeting

No Date 

Submission 

Registered 




Main Hall. 

Apart from any show considerations, these issues would properly need to be addressed to make their hiring out 

feasible and therefore included in the Pavilion’s renovation works. 

1.4. Ground Space taken for Pavilion Verandah, BBQ Deck and Toilets. 

While welcome additions to the Pavilion, there will be the need to relocate at least four “stalls” at future Shows. See 

16. Access to Ack Weyman Oval below. 

2. Showground Main Entrance 

A separate submission dated 14 March 2006 suggesting improvements to this area has been made through the 

Showground Management Committee Chairman – copy attached. 

3. Show Secretary’s Office – Old and New 

It is unlikely that the “old” Secretary’s Office building would survive relocation so we support its demolition and re-use 

of materials if feasible. 

Room is considered 

adequate with the windows 

providing cross ventilation. 

Ventilation improvement in 

the Main Hall will be 

considered as part of Stage 

2 renovations, if funding is 

sufficient. 

1.4 Ground Space 

Ack Weyman can not be 

used for vehicular access 

due to the irrigation 

infrastructure and the 

potential for damage to the 

field. 

2. Refer to submission No.1. 

3. Show Secretary Office 

The future of the ‘old’ 

Secretary’s Shed will 

continue to be monitored. 


No Date 

Submission 

Registered 




It is also suggested the “new” Secretary’s Office be relocated further south than drawn on the plan and to form part of 

additional structure for storage of bulky pavilion and arena equipment (This will address some of the storage issues of 

the Pavilion and replace the “old” Secretary’s office’s current use.) 

Such a building – say 200M 2 - will provide the necessary space in a less visually obtrusive area while allowing 

vehicular access to the Community Centre’s roller door. 

4. Caretaker’s Cottage Changes 

It is suggested that the proposed fence around the yard between the cottage and the proposed garage be at least 

1800mm high and that there be prohibition of the use of other yard areas for storage. 

The relocation and upsizing 

of the ‘new’ Secretary’s 

Office will be located to 

ensure that its location 

conforms with the 

recommendations of the 

Conservation Management 

Plan of the Showground. 

The location and size of a 

new Secretary’s Office will 

be reconsidered in the final 

Plan’s Landscape 

Masterplan. 

4. Caretaker’s Cottage 

The height of the fence will 

be determined in 

consultation with the Moruya 

Showground Management 

Committee at the time when 

funds are available for its 

construction. 

The Moruya Showground 

Management Committee will 

be consulted at the next 

review of the lease for the 

Caretaker’s Cottage. This 

issue can be addressed at 

that stage. This lease 

agreement is due to expire 

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Submission 

Registered 




5. New Pipe Yards and Stables 

Access Spaces between yards and stables and any nearby structures should not be less than 5M wide 

Stables should be at least 3.6M x 3.6M and roofed. 

Demountable/portable pipe yards would be acceptable in this area – space would be available for other purposes 

throughout the year. 

Provision needs to be made for a livestock loading ramp (and for vehicle access to it) in this area. 

and be reviewed on 

10/10/08. 

5. New Pipe Yards & Stables 

Access around facilities will 

be maintained to be at least 

5m. 

The Landscape Masterplan 

will reflect the sizes of 

stables as 3.6m x 3.6m. 

Note that this will reduce the 

number of stables provided 

significantly (by about ½) as 

the currently plan illustrates 

stables at 3m x 2m as per 

the existing stables. 

Note that the Landscape 

Plan is conceptual and will 

be subject to change when 

design issues are 

considered in more detail. 

Demountable/portable pipe 

yards can be managed by 

the event organiser. 

A livestock loading ramp is 

already located near the 

Rodeo Ring. 


No Date 

Submission 

Registered 




6. Long Vehicle Access and Turning Space 

A roadway is required as shown on the plan for long (articulated and rigid) vehicles to access and turn in front of the 

existing livestock loading ramp adjacent to the Rodeo Yards. This would link with the roadway shown near the Pump 

Station. 

7. Wash Down Bay Drainage 

Currently waste water from the wash down bays is piped onto the roadway, possibly presenting some health and 

safety risks and causing mud which can be tracked out onto Albert Street by exiting vehicles. 

It is recommended that proper drainage be provided. 

8. Rodeo Yard Size 

At some time in the past, there was mention that the yards should be extended to the west. 

This might need to be discussed with the Rodeo Committee. 

9. Commentators Box 

6. Long Vehicle Access and 

Turning Space 

This will be accommodated 

in the final Plan of 

Management. 

7. Wash Down Bay Drainage 


recommend that connection 

of this overflow to the 

sewerage system and/or that 

it is appropriately treated be 

considered. 

8. Rodeo Yard Size 

The Rodeo Committee have 

not contacted Council in 

regard to this issue. 

However, the Plan will be 

amended to cater for this 

extension if required in the 

future. 

9. Commentators Box 


No Date 

Submission 

Registered 




While primarily a Rodeo committee issue, the Society would prefer the western site for this feature. 

10. Roadway around Arena 

It is recommended that, commencing near the rodeo yards, a designated roadway be provided around the western, 

northern and eastern sides of the arena to link up with the sealed road at the western corner of Ack Weyman Oval. 

The pathway from the “Pink Gates” could be incorporated in the northeastern section of this roadway. 

It is envisaged that this roadway would be some 3M wide and would run outside the line of existing power poles, ie 

some 1.2M off the arena fence; it will facilitate vehicular movement during events and help define areas for camping, 

for safe pedestrian/horse movement and provide a viewing area near the arena fence for standing or seated 

spectators. 

11. Shade Trees Around Arena 

It is recommended that the shade trees shown near the arena fence be located around the perimeter fence rather 

than immediately adjacent to the arena fence. This will leave relatively unobstructed views along the roadway. 

The Commentators Box on 

the eastern side will be 

removed from the 

Landscape Plan. 

10. Roadway around Arena 

A roadway around the arena 

is not supported. The grass 

stands up well to infrequent 

access by vehicles and a 

road will restrict the flexibility 

of use of this area. The 

capital and maintenance 

costs involved do not match 

the level of use or need for a 

roadway around the arena. 

11. Shade trees around 

arena 

The trees will be located 

adjacent to the fence as this 

is where they will be least 

obtrusive. They will be 

canopy lifted to ensure 

unrestricted access around 

and under the trees. The 

plan will be amended to 

show the shade trees at 

equal distances apart to 

achieve the best effect. 

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Submission 

Registered 




12. Western and Northern Fences 

At recent show times and no doubt for other equestrian events, there has been increasing demand for on-site 

camping and accommodation for horses. The lack of defined areas has contributed to situations where already limited 

space is wasted and where campers attempt to cluster around the water and electricity access points, often resorting 

to unsafe usage of extension leads and water hoses. 

It is recommended that subject to Golf Club consultation, the fences be moved to the edge of the creek bed on the 

western and northwestern sides and the northern fence east of the pedestrian access be move to the north side of the 

existing trees. This extra space will ease a lot of the past congestion and, in conjunction with more electricity and 

watering points, will permit a safer and more orderly environment. 

13. New Fence 

12. Western & Northern 

Fences 

The relocation of these 

fences was discussed during 

the development of the first 

draft of the Plan of 

Management. The fence at 

the northern end has already 

been relocated to provide 

additional area for the show. 

The fence can not be 

relocated to the other side of 

the creek as it presents a 

safety issue with cars 

manoeuvring around the 

area adjacent to the creek. 

The fence acts as a safety 

barrier to prevent people 

accidentally reversing or 

driving into the creek – 

similarly it provides safety for 

pedestrians. There may be 

an opportunity to move the 

fence closer to the creek in 

some areas. 

13. New Fence 


No Date 

Submission 

Registered 




The most difficult area to organise is the space within the northern boundary east of the pedestrian access. 

It is recommended that an arris rail fence (or similar) be erected 20M south of and parallel to the above fence as 

shown on the plan. This will segregate horse event entrants from side shows and provide mounting points for 

electricity and water. 

14. Electricity and Water Access Points 

Existing access to electricity and water for campers, exhibitors and side shows is limited both in capacity and location 

resulting in some cases of unsafe use of extension leads and hoses. Additionally, the extra load put on power points 

through multiple users’ connections - ie use of power boards and double adaptors – risks overloading circuits. 

It is recommended that additional electricity and water access be provided at 15M intervals – 

• along the western and northern fences 

• along the proposed fence 20m south of the northern fence 

• within the overflow parking area shown on the plan and 

• around the “side show alley” space (it is suggested that the Society arrange a meeting with representatives 

from ESC and the Showman’s Guild to determine hard requirements) 

It is suggested that electricity power boxes be at least 1500mm above ground level. 

It might be necessary for the capacity of existing wiring to be assessed prior to works commencing to ensure safety. 

(There has been some discussion of the need for an upgrade for capacity and safety in any case) 

15. Open Drains 

This is not supported. The 

Show Society can erect 

temporary fencing for the 

duration of the show – these 

are available from hire 

companies. 

14. Electricity & Water 

Access 

The Plan will recommend the 

locations to which electricity 

and water should be 

provided. However the 

proposed fence is not 

supported and will not be 

included. 

15. Open Drains 


No Date 

Submission 

Registered 




15.1 The dip for the open drain south east of the pedestrian access gate prevents effective use of the space. It is 

recommended that this area be levelled and provided with underground drainage. 

15.2 Similarly, the drain and water course on the western side of the rodeo yards require a safer and more sanitary 

solution. 

16 Access to Ack Weyman Oval 

Due to general space constraints now accentuated by the Pavilion’s proposed larger footprint, light vehicle and 

pedestrian access to the oval will be required at least at one point for exhibits and stalls each side of a roadway 

running east just north of the goal posts. 

It is requested that provisions be made to allow this access by ensuring the log barriers suggested are removable for 

this purpose at show time. 

17. Vehicle Access around Pavilions and Bar 

Although not shown on the plan, vehicle access will still be required to access the pavilions and the bar and to set up 

exhibits and stalls in adjacent spaces and in the space east of the Grandstand. 

While this access need not be in the form of a sealed road, it is recommended that adequate grading, surface and 

drainage be provided. 

18. Public Toilets 


recommend that 

investigation into the areas 

being re-levelled to drain into 

to Racecourse Creek be 

considered if possible. 

16. Access Ack Weyman 

Ack Weyman can not be 

used for vehicular access 

due to the irrigation 

infrastructure and the 

potential for damage to the 

field. 

17. Vehicle Access around 

the Pavilions and Bar 

Vehicle access will still be 

available over these grassed 

areas during events, for 

service and emergency 

vehicles etc. 

18. Public Toilets 


No Date 

Submission 

Registered 




The suggested upgrading might be almost as expensive as demolition and rebuilding. 

The Society recommends that the feasibility of rebuilding these amenities in a single structure be investigated with 

view to reducing the footprint and visual impact. 

19. Rotunda 

The Society believes that reinstallation of a rotunda in the space east of the Grandstand (similar to the one relocated 

to the Golf course some years ago) will add to the amenity and heritage feel of the site. 

20. Grandstand 

It is noted that the Grandstand amenities are listed for an upgrade. The society urges that fittings installed are vandal 

proof wherever possible. 

21 Shade Trees near Grandstand 

The provision of shade trees in this area is commended. 

The one shown on the plan to the east of the Grandstand, however, would impinge on the line of site should future 

outdoor movie screenings be held at the Showground and should be relocated. Similarly, it is recommended in 

selecting the other trees that their canopies be sufficiently high to ensure that clear lines of sight for onlookers to 

arena events is maintained. 

22. Site Grading 

Works on the public toilets 

will be considered when 

funds are available. If 

disabled toilet facilities are 

made available in the 

grandstand, the public toilets 

may be demolished. 

19. Rotunda 

This is not supported. The 

Conservation Management 

Plan did not discuss the 

need to provide a rotunda 

and there is no established 

need for such a structure. 

20. Grandstand 

Vandal resistance is 

considered for all Council 

assets. 

21. Shade Trees near 


Tree locations are 

appropriate, but their final 

location will be determined 

on site when funds are 

available to plant. 


No Date 

Submission 

Registered 




The surface of space between the existing Secretary’s office, the grandstand and the pump station has several 

irregularities. It is recommended that this space be graded, drained and re-grassed if necessary. 

23 Electricity Access near Stadium 

At times stalls and entertainment will be set up under the verandah of the stadium and on the roadway south of the 


It is requested that suitable electrical outlets be provided at say three points along the verandah wall and on the light 

pole at the southeastern corner of the Poultry Pavilion. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

The Society is grateful for the opportunity to submit the above suggestions and recommendations and looks forward 

to assisting in making the Showground a much more pleasant and useful place and in extending its usage to more 

members of our wider community. 

22. Site Grading 

This is supported and is 

included in the Plan of 

Management. 

23 Electricity Access near 

Stadium 

See comments to number 

14 above. 


No Date 

Submission 

Registered 

6 8 June, 





Keti Nikolovski 

Environmental 

Review Coordinator 

Department of 

Natural Resources 

Sydney/South 

Coast Region 

PO Box 867 

WOLLONGONG 

NSW 2520 

Coast & Estuaries Management Comments: 

The priority given to the Environmental Management of Racecourse Creek should be higher. For example: 

Racecourse Creek no only provides a valuable wildlife corridor within the Moruya Golf Course, the potential exists 

for this corridor to be linked to the Moruya River and the Endangered Ecological Community of Saltmarsh/SEPP 

14 wetlands through revegetation downstream. It is therefore more appropriate to actively pursue revegetation of 

the Creek as a high priority. 

The Creek also provides a valuable water feature for the Golf Course and revegetation would enhance this. 

Native species should be used in any future revegetation on the Golf Course. 

Planning & Strategy Unit Comments: 

The riparian corridor objectives for most streams in the Eurobodalla Shire have been mapped and Racecourse Creek 

is a Category 2 stream as it connects the upper catchment with a SEPP 14 wetland and the Moruya River. This 

means that the Racecourse Creek should be revegetated with native vegetation. The vegetation should consist of a 

core riparian zone with a minimum width of 20 metres from the top of each bank and a 10metre vegetated buffer. The 

attached map shows the appropriate width of vegetation required. 

Resource Access Comments: 

Consistent with the above comments, the protection of habitat values, channel stability and water quality within 

racecourse creek is considered a priority. This is best achieved through the development and maintenance of 

effective riparian buffers. 

The opportunity would exist to develop the golf course to accommodate much wider native vegetated riparian zone. 

This may challenge some of the traditional views of a clean and neatly sculptured course, however precedents have 

been established where environmental audits have necessitated the establishment of effective riparian buffers 

incorporating native vegetation. These have resulted in significant environmental benefit, reduced maintenance costs 

and ultimately an acceptance and acknowledgement of the benefits without significant loss of recreational or aesthetic 

value. 

Section 6.4 of the Plan of 

Management has prioritised 

the reinstatement of habitats 

or ecological systems where 

possible and to identify and 

maintain wildlife corridors on 

the reserves. This is given 

Priority Category 2 – 

Category 2 actions are those 

that require some funding 

and are principally 

concerned with protecting or 

conserving the values of the 

reserves, improving public 

safety or are maintenance 

and improvement matters. 

Category 1 actions are those 

that can be implemented 

immediately or very soon 

after the adoption of the 

plan. They are policy or 

procedural matters and 

require minimal or no 

funding. Category 3 actions 

are capital improvement 

items or items requiring a 

significant injection of funds. 

The timing of their 

implementation would be 

dependent on the availability 

of funds from Council or 

external sources such as 

grants. 


No Date 

Submission 

Registered 




Therefore the Category 2 

priority which is given to 

revegetation of the corridors 

is the highest in the Plan of 

Management. 

Additional information will be 

added to the plan 

recommending that the 

riparian zone 10m from the 

top of bank be revegetated 

where ever possible, within 

the constraints of the golf 

course and the activities of 

the showground – Section 

6.4.4. The Concept 

Landscape Masterplan will 

be amended to include a 

wider riparian zone along 

Racecourse Creek. 


INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT TO WORKS AND FACILITIES COMMITTEE MEETING 


W06/129 TRAFFIC COMMITTEE MEETING NO 2 FOR 2006/07 

HELD ON 12 OCTOBER 2006 06.0002 

SYNOPSIS 

To present the Eurobodalla Local Traffic Committee recommendations to Council for 

consideration. 

The Traffic Committee was convened at 9.30am. 

ITEM 1 ATTENDANCE AND APOLOGIES 

The Eurobodalla Local Traffic Committee No 02 for 2006/2007 was attended by 

Mr Rhod Stevens – Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA); Councillors Allan Brown, 

Michael Corbin and Alan Morton; Sgt Rob Young – Batemans Bay Highway Patrol; 

Andrew Parkinson – Chairperson, Stuart Jones – Secretary and Karen Sydenham – Road 

Safety Officer. 

Apologies were tendered by Mr Ron Ingram – Andrew Constance MP representative. 

Councillor Alan Morton who replaces Councillor Peter Cairney on the Committee was 

welcomed to the meeting. 

ITEM 2 CONFIRMATION OF WORKS AND FACILITIES COMMITTEE 

MINUTES 

Minute WM06/107 of the Works and Facilities Committee meeting held 8 August 2006 was 

read. 

ITEM 3 CONFIRMATION OF LOCAL TRAFFIC COMMITTEE MINUTES 

The minutes of the previous Local Traffic Committee (LTC) meeting held 27 July 2006 were 

read and accepted. 

ITEM 4 MATTERS ARISING FROM LOCAL TRAFFIC COMMITTEE 

MINUTES 27 JULY 2006 

0506.075 Batemans Bay Ambulance Station - parking 

Councillor Morton stated that the No Parking wording recently stenciled onto the driveway 

surface has faded and believes the wording is too small to make an impact and alert drivers. 

Road users still continue to illegally park at this location. The treatment needs to be more 

visible and permanent. 

It was agreed that a bold white line be painted to show the footpath/driveway boundary to 

enable proper enforcement and that the words be a larger format.





ITEM 5 SPECIAL EVENTS – TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLANS OR 

TRAFFIC CONTROL PLANS 

0506.104 Tilba Festival Easter Saturday 2007 

Mr Sol Ramana-Clarke, Publicity Officer for the event was welcomed to the meeting and 

briefed members about the 2006 event. The Tilba Festival is a Class 2 Special Event and the 

2006 festival had a capacity crowd of approximately 9,000. A designated parking area for 

750 vehicles was located on private land approximately 400m from the highway with access 

off Latimers Lane. No vehicles were reported queuing back to the highway and the Police 

confirmed this. A back-up parking area to the west of the village was provided with a 

capacity of up to 100 vehicles. 

Stalls were located in Bate Street that was blocked off and closed to traffic from 9am to 5pm. 

Corkhill Road was open for through traffic. Pedestrians were controlled by event officials but 

it was noted they were not accredited Traffic Controllers and the Committee suggested that 

for the 2007 event, organisers approach local VRA or SES who usually have accreditation 

and anyone controlling traffic and/or pedestrians must be accredited. The RTA further 

suggested that a buffer zone be created between traffic and any barricaded area as a 

precaution to protect pedestrians from any motor vehicle impact. 

The 2007 event will have all stalls in Bate Street located on one side to allow emergency 

vehicles a straight line access free from structures and that a fire shed also be located on the 

eastern side of the village. 

As Council is supporting this event, the Roads and Recreation Services will develop the 

traffic control plan and Mr Ramana-Clarke will liaise with the Highway Patrol Sergeant in the 

lead-up to this event. 

0506.082 Batemans Bay Bridge 50 th Anniversary – 18 November 2006 

Councillor Morton tabled the traffic management plan for this event that has been approved 

by RTA Wollongong. The bridge/highway will be closed for 10-15 minutes at midday. 

Clyde Street will be closed to traffic from 8am to 8pm. Fixed and portable VMS’ will advise 

traffic of the changed road conditions. 

It was agreed that the Roads and Recreation Services provide barricades for the road closures 

and a large skip type garbage receptacle. 

0506.085 Moruya Jazz Festival - 20-22 October 2006 

The Police reported that the event organiser has made no further contact since the initial 

contact several months ago. The RTA stated that if the event involved a street procession a 

Road Occupancy License is needed urgently. The Police will attend throughout the week. 

It was agreed that Police contact event organiser about any intended road occupancy.





ITEM 6 ACTION LIST 

0506.005 Perry Street, Batemans Bay – pavement arrows 

The removal of the pavement arrows has been outstanding for a considerable period of time 

and due to the time lapse, the pavements arrows have in fact faded and not visible to traffic. 

It was agreed to delete this item for the outstanding action list. 

0506.020 Ford and Queen Streets, Moruya - linemarking 

The warrant has been issued. Roads and Recreation Services has advised the new 

linemarking will be placed on the schedule and will be completed in conjunction with other 

linemarking projects. 

506.68 Batemans Bay Public School – road safety issues 

The new pedestrian fence is currently being installed and the RTA has approved the 50% 

grant contribution towards the costs. 

The design for the possible narrowing of the roadway at the bus bay exit is still pending due 

to difficulties with the turning template software. 

ITEM 7 REPORTS FOR CONSIDERATION 

506.101 Heron Road, Catalina – speeding 

Council received correspondence from a resident expressing concern about speeding vehicles 

along Heron Road and also sought consideration to installing traffic calming devices when 

Heron Road links with the future Batemans Bay Bypass road. 

Speed classifiers were positioned outside 54 and 55 Heron Road for one week including a 

weekend. The 85 percentile speed recorded was 69kph in a 50kph posted zone. Maximum 

recorded northbound speed was 98kph and southbound 87kph. The data showed traffic 

volumes from 6am to 11pm with heavier traffic from 8am to 5pm. The Police stated that they 

have patrolled this area but have not infringed any vehicles. 

It was agreed not to install 50kph advisory signs at the southern access to Heron Road and 

Albatross Road. 

It was also agreed that Police would continue to patrol the area especially where the speed 

classifiers were positioned. 

It was further agreed that consideration would be given to the installation of threshhold 

treatments at residential entry points as part of the Bypass project.





506.102 Princes Highway and South Head Road, Moruya – proposed 

roundabout 

A copy of Council’s correspondence dated 17 August 2006 addressed to the RTA Bega was 

tabled at the meeting. The correspondence requests the RTA to indicate the status of the 

Safety Review of Junctions on the Princes Highway project and whether this location will be 

considered for a roundabout treatment and the envisaged timeframe for construction. 

It was agreed to receive and note this correspondence. 

506.105 George Bass Drive, Malua Bay – speeding 

A resident corresponded to Council and Andrew Constance MP concerning speeding vehicles 

and lack of pedestrian crossing facilities on George Bass Drive at the intersections of Kuppa 

Avenue and Sylvan Street. Speed classifiers were placed on George Bass Drive south of the 

Kuppa Avenue and Sylvan Street intersection. The classifiers were in position for one week 

including a weekend in August 2006. The 85 percentile speed recorded was 66kph in a 70kph 

posted zone with maximum speed recorded at 100kph. Average annual daily traffic is 4563. 

The Police stated that speed detection was difficult to enforce along George Bass Drive due to 

the differing speed zones. The RTA stated that the differing speed zones were due to the 

differing built-up environments and due to these differing environs made setting consistent 

speed zones also difficult. 

It was agreed that the pedestrian counts at George Bass Drive where it intersects Kuppa 

Avenue and Sylvan Street did not warrant a pedestrian crossing facility and that the existing 

facilities are considered adequate at this time. 

It was also agreed that the RTA would investigate the speed zoning along George Bass Drive 

in conjunction with the review of Beach Road. 

0506.106 Evans Street, Moruya – disabled bus zone 

Moruya Public School has corresponded to Council seeking the removal of a disabled bus 

zone in Evans Street as it has not been used for several years and the school has catered for 

disabled parking on-site. 

It is recommended that the Disabled Parking Zone located in Evans Street, Moruya outside 

Moruya Public School be removed. 

It is also recommended that the Disabled Parking Zone located in Evans Street, Moruya 

outside Moruya Public School be replaced with 5 minute parking 8.00am-9.00am Monday to 

Friday and 2 hour parking 9.00am-3.00pm Monday to Friday.





0506.107 Action Plan Access Committee 

Correspondence from the Action Plan Access Committee (APAC) was tabled at the meeting. 

It provides feedback received from the community as part of the Eurobodalla Disability 

Action Plan Review. Listed below are the unedited comments from the community and the 

LTC’s response is provided in italics: 

• Unable to access the cyclepath between Moruya TAFE and Moruya CDB as traffic is too 

heavy on Princes Highway. 

Cyclepath exists from TAFE to CBD, does this comment relate to crossing road at South 

Head Road/Princes Highway intersection? More information is required to enable 

determination of issue. 

• Install a pedestrian island near IGA Narooma to enable pedestrians to cross Princes 

Highway safely. 

LTC previously considered a mid-block treatment but the RTA did not support the 

recommendation. 

• Install a pedestrian island near Blue Gums Garage to enable pedestrians to cross Princes 

Highway safely. 

Assume request is due to location being a bus stop area. This location is no longer used 

by bus/coach services. 

• Better access for passengers getting on the Premier Coach in Narooma near Ben Bate. 

Further information needed, maybe better addressed at Passenger Transport Working 

Group level. 

• Batehaven, Beach Road, remove No Stopping signs. 

Not supported, removal of No Stopping would seriously impede traffic flow and cause 

congestion at the Beach/Edward Roads traffic lights. 

• Examine traffic movements at corner Ballingalla Street and Bluewater Drive, Narooma as 

cars regularly cross double centre lines due to poor positioning of No Stopping signs. 

Statement suggests that vehicles are illegally parking in No Stopping zones – refer to 

Rangers. 

• Crossing needed across Perry Street to Stockland Mall, Batemans Bay. 

LTC has discussed this matter on several occasions. Traffic management in Batemans 

Bay CBD will be addressed shortly when the RTA set up a Technical Working Group. 

• It’s dangerous to cross Pacific and Beach Streets, Batemans Bay. 

Does this relate to passing traffic or the footpath ramps? 

• Roundabout needed at corner of South Head Road and Princes Highway. 

Refer to these minutes Item 7 - 0506.103. 

• Bus stop between Princes Highway and Mort Avenue at Dalmeny. Poorly lit and no 

paths. People have to walk on the road, as the grass is very uneven. Very difficult for the 

elderly. 

Council’s Footpath Strategy will be reviewed in near future – refer to Infrastructure 

Planning Engineer. 

• Lack of a pedestrian crossing on The Flat, Narooma. 

LTC previously considered a mid-block treatment but the RTA did not support the 

recommendation.





• Please build a bus shelter for the Premier bus stops on the highway at Dalmeny and 

Narooma. 

Refer to Infrastructure Planning Engineer who can advise on new bus shelter 

construction schedule. 

• A bus to Batemans Bay leaving to Narooma at 10-11am. 

Not LTC, refer to Passenger Transport Working Group. 

• There is a shortage of disabled parking spaces in Narooma, The Flat, Midtown, Plaza, 

Kimena and The Services Club carpark. 

Private property/developments should provide disabled parking in accordance with 

regulations. 

• Mandatory disabled parking in all CBDs, outside medical centres, aged care facilities and 

schools. 

Disabled parking is located in all Council owned car parks and businesses should 

provided disabled parking for their customers/pupils on-site in accordance with 

guidelines. 

• Disabled parking is needed near Narooma Post Office. 

Noted, installing parallel to kerb disabled parking spaces on roads is not preferred in 

Eurobodalla. To conform with Australian Standards, it requires a bay area plus two 

ramps and minimum widths (3.2m parallel and 5.4 perpendicular parking). ESC prefers 

to provide disabled parking in its own car parks, not on-street. A further report will be 

presented to the local Traffic Committee. 

• Moruya District Hospital. Disabled parking space has no ramp to the footpath so 

wheelchairs need to be pushed along the road (disabled parking is adequate adjacent to 

Community Health but this is too far and steep for a wheelchair user to travel to the main 

hospital entrance. The closest disabled parking to main entrance is surrounded by kerb 

and guttering). 

The hospital should provide adequate parking for its own clients/customers in 

accordance with parking guidelines. 

• Tuross Head shops, parking bays not marked and no disabled parking allocated (APAC 

feels that this could be a private car park). 

This location is a privately owned car park. 

• Improve visibility for drivers exiting corner of Hector McWilliam Drive and Princes 

Highway (APAC feels that the line of sight is good and the issue is more about driver 

behaviour). 

Concur, sight distance is in accordance with guidelines. 

• More policing of disabled parking sports. 

Refer to Council’s Rangers. 

• There are slightly raised slabs on the path over Moruya Bridge – trip hazards. 

The RTA is responsible for maintenance and repair of this bridge on the highway and the 

LTC will correspond to the RTA requesting remedial action.





0506.108 Perry Street, Batemans Bay - pedestrians 

A long time visitor to Batemans Bay corresponded to Mr Andrew Constance MP requesting a 

pedestrian crossing or shared zone be installed in Perry Street, Batemans Bay. Mr Constance 

MP’s office had been verbally advised of the action the LTC had previously taken on this 

matter, namely, conducting two pedestrian crossing audits with results not warranting the 

pedestrian facility and the other action being the soon to be formed Technical Working Party 

that will address traffic management issues in Batemans Bay CBD. Mr Constance MP’s letter 

states that as this matter had been previously raised, he wished the Committee to reconsider 

and action as appropriate. 

It was agreed that the Committee receive and note Mr Andrew Constance MP’s letter and 

provide return advice on the two pedestrian movement audits undertaken in 2005 with the 

results not justifying the installation of a pedestrian crossing in accordance with RTA 

guidelines. 

It was also agreed that a copy of Mr Constance MP’s letter be forwarded to the responsible 

person within the RTA who will co-ordinate the formation of the Batemans Bay CBD 

Technical Working Party for traffic management. 

0506.109 Council’s Management Plan 2006-2011 

Earlier this year, the Traffic Engineer, on behalf of the LTC made a submission to Council’s 

Draft Management Plan 2006-2011 seeking Council’s consideration for funding for additional 

parking in the Batehaven area and consideration to allocating funding for carparking on the 

land purchased by Council in Mirrabooka Avenue, Moruya. 

Council’s subsequent response in a letter dated 28 July 2006 informed that additional parking 

at Batehaven is a matter that is being considered in the Urban Settlement Strategy; and the 

situation in Mirrabooka Avenue, Moruya will be reviewed regarding the timing of the 

proposed works. 

It was agreed to receive and note the response provided by Council. 

0506.110 Derribong Avenue Cnr Calga Crescent, Catalina – motor vehicle 

incident 

Council has received correspondence from the resident of 33 Derribong Avenue, Catalina. 

The resident forwarded a duplicate copy to Mr Andrew Constance MP who in turn has 

requested the LTC’s advices on the matter. The resident informs about an incident that 

occurred at 3am on 16 August 2006 when a stolen speeding vehicle lost control at the 

intersection of Derribong Avenue and Calga Crescent and impacted with a vehicle parked in 

the driveway of 33 Derribong Avenue. The resident requests that a “slow point” be 

constructed at the intersection, erection of signs alerting to concealed driveways and a sign 

alerting to school children in the area.





Speed classifiers were placed in Calga Crescent, 100m south of the Derribong Avenue 

intersection for a period of one week. The 85 percentile speed recorded was 59kph in a 

posted 50kph zone. The Police are not aware of this particular incident of a stolen speeding 

vehicle impacting a parked car and causing property damage. 

It was agreed that this incident is a one-off unfortunate incident and that as the incident was 

not reported to the Police no further action can be taken due to lack of information. 

It was also agreed that positioning warning signs for concealed driveways and school 

children playing in the area is not practical in a built-up urban area and would be applicable to 

all residential areas within the Shire. 

ITEM 8 LATE ITEMS 

0506.111 Orient Street, Batemans Bay – bus zone extension 

A report was tabled at the meeting proposing the extension of the existing bus zone located in 

Orient Street at the Clyde/North Streets intersection. The extension would require the 

removal of the existing taxi zone currently located west of the existing bus facility. The 

current taxi zone, if replaced, has adequate length to allow a coach to enter and leave in a 

forward motion. This proposal was initiated by Council recognising the lack of accessible 

long term bus/coach parking facilities in Batemans Bay CBD and further propelled by the 

recent approach from a long distance coach service to utilise Batemans Bay as a meal break 

spot. Council has addressed the long-term solution of inadequate long-term bus/coach 

parking facilities in the Batemans Bay Structure Plan and will extend and upgrade the current 

bus facility as part of the Foreshore Park redevelopment works. These works include the 

removal of the existing concrete blister island that separates the current bus and taxi zones. 

It is recommended that the Taxi Zone located in Clyde Street at its intersection with Orient 

Street, Batemans Bay be removed. 

It is also recommended that the Taxi Zone located in Clyde Street at its intersection with 

Orient Street, Batemans Bay be replaced with a Bus Zone. 

It is further recommended that the concrete blister island that separates the Bus Zone and 

Taxi Zone located at the Orient and Clyde Streets intersection in Batemans Bay remain in 

place until the Batemans Bay Foreshore Park redevelopment works are carried out. 

0506.112 44 Hector McWilliam Drive, Tuross Head – motor vehicle incidents 

Council has received correspondence from a resident requesting the speed limit on Hector 

McWilliam Drive be reduced from 60kph to 50kph due to three separate incidents of vehicles 

impacting with the front fence of 44 Hector McWilliam Drive. The Police stated that they 

have no knowledge of these incidents. The Chairperson stated that the issue of the reduction 

of the speed limit on this road had been raised in the past and had been referred to the RTA 

who have jurisdiction over speed zones. 

It was agreed that the resident is informed of the action previously taken and what resolution 

the RTA determined.





0506.113 53 Orient Street, Batemans Bay – driveway obstruction 

Council has received a complaint from Ian Russell Motors, 53 Orient Street, Batemans Bay 

about repeated obstruction to the driveway due to illegally parked cars. Rangers have 

attended and infringed the offending vehicles. A suggestion to install No Parking signs at 

both ends of the driveway to 53 Orient Street was debated. 

It was recommended not to support the installation of No Parking signs at the driveway to 53 

Orient Street, Batemans Bay. 

0506.114 Stockland Centre, Batemans Bay – car park 

Councillor Brown stated that vehicles are queuing in Perry Street. This is caused when the 

vehicles entering the car park are stationary to make an immediate right-turn into the first 

aisle in the car park and vehicles leaving the car park do not give way. This occurs at both of 

the Centre’s car park access points and causes queuing within the car park and in Perry Street. 

It was agreed that the LTC would correspond to Stockland Centre Manager requesting a 

review of the car park traffic management. 

0506.115 George Bass Drive, Mossy Point - speeding 

Councillor Corbin stated that he has received complaints concerning speeding vehicles in the 

early hours of the morning along George Bass Drive between Tomaga River and Candlagan 

Creek Bridges. The Police stated that speed enforcement exists and will continue to be 

monitored along this section of road. 

0506.116 Princes Highway, Batemans Bay – speed cameras 

Councillor Morton requested that speed cameras be installed at the section of the Princes 

Highway known as the “Mad Mile.’ The RTA stated that speed cameras are not currently 

being installed at new locations. 

0506.117 Burri Point Road, Guerilla Bay – motor vehicle incident 

The Police informed the LTC about a recent motor vehicle accident involving a car and a 

truck in Burri Point Road. As the surface of the road is gravel and there is an increase in 

traffic volumes due to development, the Police enquired about the frequency of Council’s 

gravel roads grading schedule. The Chairperson responded that all gravel roads are graded 

three times per annum. 

It was agreed that the Chairperson examine the roads resheeting program and confirm Burri 

Point Road priority ranking within the schedule. 

ITEM 9 SITE INSPECTION 

There were no scheduled inspections for the meeting.





ITEM 10 ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING 

No matters were raised at the meeting. 

ITEM 11 NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING 

The next Committee meeting of the Local Traffic Committee is scheduled for Thursday 

30 November 2006 at 9.30am with the venue being the Committee Room, ESC 

Administration Building. 

RECOMMENDED 



THAT: 

1. The Disabled Parking Zone located in Evans Street, Moruya outside Moruya Public 

School be removed. 

2. The Disabled Parking Zone located in Evans Street, Moruya outside Moruya Public 

School be replaced with 5 minute parking 8.00am-9.00am Monday to Friday and 2 hour 

parking 9.00am-3.00pm Monday to Friday. 

3. The Disabled Parking bay situated outside 11 Clyde Street, Batemans Bay be removed. 

4. The Disabled Parking bay situated outside 11 Clyde Street, Batemans Bay be replaced 

with extending the adjoining parking restrictions of ½ P 8.30am-6.00pm Monday to 

Friday and 8.30am-12.30pm Saturday. 

5. The Taxi Zone located in Clyde Street at its intersection with Orient Street, Batemans Bay 

be removed. 

6. The Taxi Zone located in Clyde Street at its intersection with Orient Street, Batemans Bay 

be replaced with a Bus Zone. 

7. The concrete blister island that separates the Bus Zone and Taxi Zone located at the 

Orient and Clyde Streets intersection in Batemans Bay remain in place until the Batemans 

Bay Foreshore Park redevelopment works are carried out. 

8. The installation of No Parking signs at the driveway to 53 Orient Street, Batemans Bay is 

not supported. 






W06/130 GRANT FUNDING - COUNTRY PASSENGER TRANSPORT 

INFRASTRUCTURE 02.6655 

SYNOPSIS 

Council has been successful in gaining funding for the redevelopment of the main bus 

facilities in Clyde Street, Batemans Bay. 

BACKGROUND 

As part of the Batemans Bay Foreshore Redevelopment, it is proposed to make improvements 

to the current bus facilities in Clyde Street. Council made application for funds from the 

Ministry of Transport under the Country Transport Infrastructure Grants Scheme (CPTIGS) 

for the redevelopment of the main bus facilities in Clyde Street, Batemans Bay. 

ISSUES 

Advice has been received from the Minister of Transport that as a result of our application, 

$100,000 has been allocated to Council for the improvement to the bus facilities in Batemans 

Bay. 

We are required to advise the Department of our acceptance. 

The conditions of the grant are that work has to be completed within two years, regular 

reports provided and funds cannot be transferred to another project without the approval of 

the Department. 

Asset 

The current shelters have been damaged with time and the opportunity is being taken to 

replace them in conjunction with the foreshore redevelopment. 

Financial 

Council sought initial funding on a 50:50 basis, ie Council contributing $50,000. The 

Department has fully funded the project and therefore no additional funds are required. 

The design work for the project has not been taken further than concept stage, so detailed 

estimates are not yet available. If the project is estimated to cost more than the grant amount, 

the contribution proposed by Council originally will be available. These funds were to be 

made available from the Foreshore Redevelopment. 

CONCLUSION 

It is recommended that Council accept the funding. 

RECOMMENDED 



THAT the offer from the Ministry of Transport of grant funding for the redevelopment of the 

main bus facilities in Clyde Street, Batemans Bay be accepted. 





HELD ON TUESDAY 14 NOV EMBER 2006 Page 80 

W06/131 INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING (WORKS) - STATUS REPORT 00.4028 

SYNOPSIS 

This quarterly report presents Infrastructure Planning activities for the period to 30 September 

2006 to Council. It ensures that appropriate information is provided on a regular basis. 

ISSUES 

Infrastructure Planning is involved in a number of continuing projects. The following is a 

report on activities for the period to 30 September 2006. 

Operating Items 

Participation in local and regional infrastructure planning, study and lobby forums 

All relevant meetings and groups have been participated in as appropriate. These groups 

include regional groups involved in stormwater, transport, and strategic planning. 

Preparation of footpath/cycleway, road construction and reconstruction programs 

Nil activity was required on the preparation of new priority lists during the quarter. 

As part of the review of the current footpath strategy, the pointscores used in the development 

of the footpath strategy and the Eurobodalla Bike Plan have been located. A review of the 

methodology and weightings has been commenced, with a view to adoption of a revised 

system prior to the preparation of the 2007/08 Management Plan. 

Further review and updating of the sealed roads and unsealed road pointscores. This has 

primarily involved the collection of current traffic volumes and a review of the weighting of 

components. 

Strategic Items 

Strategy Development 

Cycleway and Footpath Strategies 

The review of these has commenced. An initial draft has been prepared that is compatible 

with other adopted strategies. The list of works in the previous strategies has been updated 

and some new projects identified. These have been mapped electronically to assist in the 

identification of deficiencies in the network and to assist in the future presentation of the 

strategy. 

To help identify the needs of the wider community, preliminary discussions have been held 

with interested persons. 

The pointscores used for the preparation of the previous footpath strategy and the Eurobodalla 

Bike Plan have been reviewed and a revised set of criteria is currently being prepared. 

Recreational Facilities Strategy 

Due to time constraints, no further action has occurred on the draft Recreation Facilities 

Strategy during the quarter. It is envisaged that the draft Strategy will be available for public 

exhibition in 2007.




Swimming Pools Strategic Review 

No further action has been undertaken on this review during the quarter. 

Strategic Plan for Shire Bridges 

As advised previously, it is proposed that the existing strategy be rewritten to reflect 

Council’s asset management needs rather than as a replacement plan as it is currently. Further 

work will be undertaken during 2006 and 2007. 

Water Sensitive Urban Design Policy 

As noted in previous reports, Council’s Development Design Specification will require 

modification to incorporate the requirements of this Policy. This has not yet been undertaken. 

It will be undertaken as soon as resources are available. 

To assist in the maintenance of skills, assistance was given to an application for Community 

Water Grant. This was by way of modelling and estimation for a rainwater harvesting project 

proposed by a local organisation. 

Coastal and Estuary Management 

Coastal Management 

Batemans Bay Coastline Hazard Management Plan 

Assistance has been provided in the determination of the status of this plan, including the 

sourcing of the final document. Inquiries have indicated that even though Council adopted the 

Plan, a final document was never issued. This has been rectified in association with the 

Consultants who undertook the study. 

Batemans Bay CBD 

Involvement has been had in the identification of the needs to be considered in the preparation 

of the Structure Plan. 

Surfside Erosion 

Observation of the site has continued on a routine basis. These inspections have shown that 

changes continue to occur with the beach returning to similar levels to those before the 

erosion event. 

Estuary Management 

Estuary Management Committee meetings have been attended and relevant technical input 

provided as necessary. These have primarily centred on the development of the Batemans Bay 

Marine Park. 

A meeting between parties involved in the opening of ICOLLs was attended and input 

provided. This meeting was part of the initial steps toward the development of an opening 

policy for all ICOLLs that Council is responsible for, based on the current polices for Coila 

Lake and Durras Lake. 

Moruya River Estuary Management Plan 

Assistance has been provided, as required, in the appointment of consultants to undertake the 

preparation of this Plan.




Floodplain Management 

The launch of FloodSafe for the Eurobodalla business community by the NSW SES was 

attended on behalf of Council, including the provision of a presentation on flooding data and 

risk to businesses. 

As an outcome of this event, work has commenced on the provision of flood data to business 

owners within the Moruya owners. This will include the provision of an estimate of the depth 

of water for specific flood heights at the Moruya bridge. 

Input has been provided to the preparation of the Local Emergency Management Plan with 

respect to flooding and associated risks. 

Input was provided as to the potential flood impacts on the proposed civic art project to be 

located in Riverside Park at Moruya. 

Grant Management 

Current Projects 

Roads to Recovery 

A works program for the new AusLink (R2R2) Program has been prepared and submitted. 

This includes the preparation of location maps, estimates and timings. 

The July quarterly report was submitted as required. 

The preparation of the Annual Report for 2005/06 has commenced. This report is required to 

be submitted by 31 October. The project is currently on-track. 

Floodplain Management 

Discussions were held with the Department to assist in the preparation of final certificates for 

all current grants. These included the Narooma Training Wall Restoration, the Batemans Bay 

Training Wall Restoration, and the Reedy Creek Voluntary Purchase Scheme. 

Funding Applications 

A number of applications for grant funding were made during the quarter. 

NSW Coastal Cycleway 

Applications have been sought for funding under the NSW Coastal Cycleway Program. An 

application was submitted for funding of the proposed works at Dalmeny. 

NSW Maritime – Maritime Infrastructure Program 

Applications were called for funding under this Program during the quarter. As noted above, 

an application was made for funding of a new pontoon jetty at Quarry Wharf on the basis that 

the existing wharf is demolished. 

Application was also made for funding towards Council’s contribution to the Nelligen 

Pontoon wharf (see Federal Fishing Grant below).




Federal Fishing Grant 

As advised previously, an application was made by Nelligen Progress Association to the 

(Federal) Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in 2005 for funds to construct a 

pontoon wharf adjacent to the Nelligen Wharf. The aim of this project is to improve access to 

and from the river for anglers. As the Association is not an incorporated body, Council was 

approached to hold the funds on behalf of the Association and to ensure the works are done to 

Council’s standards. 

The application by the community indicated a contribution by Council. This is proposed to be 

by the utilisation of grant funds under NSW Maritime’s Maritime Infrastructure Program. 

RTA – Southern Cycleway Project 

Advice was received that Council’s request for funding toward the review of our Bike Plan 

was successful. This funding will be accepted on Council’s behalf. 

No new application was made for funding for construction works. The existing projects were 

therefore adopted as Council’s continuing priorities. 

Transport Management 

Regional Transport 

Continued support has been given to the Regional Transport Initiative, as possible. 

Projects 

Discussions were held with Department of Lands regarding the redevelopment of the 

Batemans Bay Marina. Advice has been received that an Environmental Impact Statement has 

been prepared for exhibition. 

Quarry Wharf 

Discussions were held with the Department of Lands regarding the redevelopment of the 

wharf. Advice has been received that a Review of Environmental Factors has been prepared 

for the demolition of the existing wharf. On this basis, an application was made to NSW 

Maritime for funding for the construction of a new wharf if the demolition of the existing 

wharf proceeds. 

Cycle Facilities 

As part of Bike Week it is hoped to make available a cycleway map of the Shire on Council’s 

website. Preparations of the required map have been undertaken 

Development Standards 

Nil modifications to Council’s adopted standards have been required during this period. 

Discussions with the providers of the original documentation have indicated that a revised 

standard specification is due in the near future. This may require a full review of our adopted 

standards to ensure compatibility. The suppliers have also indicated that a revised method of 

updating the documentation is proposed and this will need investigation.




Other Tasks and Projects 

Annual Report 

Preparation of information for the Annual Report has commenced. 

State of the Environment Report 

Preparation of information for the State of the Environment Report has commenced. 

FORTHCOMING WORKS 

Strategic Plans 

In accordance with Council’s adopted policy for the management of its strategies, a number 

of adopted strategies are due for revision this year, having been at least four years since they 

were adopted. The strategies due for revision during the forthcoming year are: 

• Arterial Roads Strategy 

• Boat Ramps, Wharves and Jetties Strategy 

• Eurobodalla Cycle Plan 

• Footpath Strategy 

• Bridge Strategy 

• Public Toilets Strategy 

• Public Transport Strategy 

• Skateboard Strategy 

Due to the arising need for Asset Management, it is proposed that these will be revised as 

Strategic Plans that address the need for provision of new facilities with reference to Asset 

Management Plans for the renewal and maintenance components. Asset Management Plans 

have also been identified for: 

• Aquatic Facilities 

• Public Halls 

• Bridges 

• Sporting Grounds and Associated Facilities 

As identified in previous Management Plans the following new strategies are required to be 

commenced or completed: 

• Swimming Pools 

• Recreational Facilities 

• Cemeteries 

Council’s Road Safety Plan is due for revision. Council’s Road Safety Officer is progressing 

this matter. 

The forthcoming quarter will see significant work undertaken on the revision of the Footpath 

and Cycleway Strategy and preparatory works for the revision of other strategies. 

To assist in the proper review of the Footpath Strategy and the Bike Plan, it is proposed to 

attend a Bicycles and Pedestrians for Managers Training Course during October.




Monitoring of vehicle movements at specific sites will be undertaken to enable accurate 

traffic figures for the roads pointscores, the footpath pointscore and the proposed revision of 

the Boat Ramps Strategy. 

Work will continue on the development of a remote monitoring system for Narooma Bar. 

Investigations will continue into the provision of a new launching point for the Narooma 

VRA. 

As noted above, a review of the management of Council’s road assets has identified the need 

for a revision of its Unsealed Roads Priority Pointscore System and Footpath Priority 

Pointscore. It is proposed that this will be done during the second half of 2006 in time for the 

preparation of the 2007/2011 Management Plan. 

It has been noted that there is a need for a Bus Stop Program to ensure equitable provision 

across the Shire. It is proposed to develop a program during the forthcoming quarter. 

Grant Applications 

The Narooma Dalmeny Cycleway group has identified the possibility of gaining funding for 

their project under the Regional Partnerships Program. During the upcoming quarter, it is 

proposed to prepare and submit an application. 

Development Standards 

As noted above, Council’s Design Specification requires updating to ensure its currency. 

Work is proposed on this project during the forthcoming quarter. Included in this will be the 

completion of the Development Guide with a view to adoption. Subsequent to this will be the 

preparation of a revised construction specification, based upon the AusSpec Specifications. 

Other Projects 

It has been previously advised that it is proposed that the method of provision of information 

for Council’s web-based Management Plan be reviewed to enable viewing of priority 

programs and other similar information. This review will be undertaken during the following 

quarter. As well it is proposed to continue developing information able to be displayed on 

Council’s web site including cycleways, bus routes, and roadwork proposals. 

CONCLUSION 

All programs are being monitored and will be completed within acceptable timeframes.




RECOMMENDED 



THAT the Infrastructure Planning (Works) status report be received and noted. 






W06/132 CONTRIBUTION TO COST OF WOODEN CARVING 99.3482 

SYNOPSIS 

Council has received a letter requesting a donation towards a wooden carving of an 

Aboriginal woman, similar to the one of the Aboriginal fisherman displayed in the main street 

of Moruya. This report recommends Council consider an allocation of funds for the provision 

of the additional woodcarving. 

BACKGROUND 

A number of woodcarvings have been made using Council and community funds for the 

Moruya Streetscaping project. 

Hilda “Shanti” Zanadvoroff who was the leader of a small group of enthusiasts who set up the 

Moruya Historical Society in 1970 and assisted with many other community projects in 

Moruya, passed away in August this year. 

To “honour Aboriginal women and their children” Hilda wanted to see a wooden carving of 

an Aboriginal woman holding a baby or small child as she was concerned that the women 

were not honoured and hoped the carving could be placed in a prominent position in the main 

part of town. Local Aboriginal women were very touched by this idea and are keen to see it 

happen. 

Shanti’s words of “A tribute to show my love for Moruya” will be carved onto the monument. 

ISSUES 

Social Impact 

The works already completed by Mr Brian Carrick have provided a unique feature in the 

streetscaping works and have been the focus of much attention by visitors to the town during 

the construction of the carvings and their subsequent placement in the main street. 

The high degree of craftmanship and unusual design of the woodcarvings has proven to be an 

asset to the excellent works already completed in the Moruya streetscaping. 

The work will be carried out at Art Central to enable the public to view the work in progress 

as a fitting tribute to Shanti. It is proposed to seek media coverage at the beginning of the 

work and when it is placed in the main street. 

Staff 

Council staff will determine an appropriate position for the carving to be installed in the main 

street of Moruya. 

Financial 

The Executor of Hilda’s estate has advised Council they have received a quote for $3,000 for 

the carving. The Estate will contribute $2,000 towards the carving and they are requesting 

Council contribute $1,000 as a donation.



W06/132 CONTRIBUTION TO COST OF WOODEN CARVING 99.3482 

CONCLUSION 

It is suggested that the donation of $1,000 to contribute to the memorial woodcarving is 

acceptable and it will be recommended that the funding be approved. 

RECOMMENDED 



THAT a donation of $1,000 be approved from the Moruya Streetscaping budget to fund the 

memorial woodcarving for installation in the main street of Moruya. 

WARREN SHARPE 

GROUP MANAGER 




W06/133 REGIONAL RESOURCE RECOVERY PROGRAM 95.9550; 95.9385 

SYNOPSIS 

This report seeks Council endorsement of a proposal by the Southern Councils Group (SCG) 

to commence implementation of Regional Waste and Recycling Opportunities. The first step 

involves the appointment by SCG of a dedicated officer on a limited contract basis. 

BACKGROUND 

In 2003 the NSW Government introduced the NSW Waste Avoidance and Resource 

Recovery Strategy 2003 (NSW WARR Strategy), which set targets for waste minimisation 

and resource recovery. 

Each Council in the SCG has made progress towards meeting the targets through initiatives 

such as collection of recyclables and waste education programs. However, most of the entire 

member Councils are unlikely to reach the targets under their current arrangements. 

The SCG, with funding from the Department of Environment and Conservation, engaged the 

consultant GHD to prepare a “Regional Waste and Recycling Background Report and 

Opportunities Paper” to include the Council areas of Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, 

Wingecarribee, Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Bega. The Executive Summary is attached to 

this report and a full copy of the paper will be available at the Works and Facilities 

Committee meeting. 

The purpose of the study was to assist the SCG in identifying critical waste and resource 

management issues, practical problems and potential opportunities and to consider 

collaborative arrangements at a regional level. 

Collaborative arrangements offer significant benefits from potential efficiencies and cost 

savings through regional consolidation of materials, use of broader resource recovery 

networks and improved transport economics. These savings should have flow-on impacts on 

each Council’s ability to pursue increased resource recovery in line with the WARR targets. 

The top priorities, as identified for regional opportunities, that are most likely to significantly 

help achieve the NSW Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Targets are: 

1. organics processing, possible in one or two regions using alternate waste technology (eg 

enclosed composting); 

2. residual waste processing through alternative waste treatment facilities and final disposal. 

Other regional opportunities are detailed in the report’s Executive Summary, which is 

attached to this report. 

A presentation on the report was made to the meeting of the SCG General Managers on 

23 June 2006.




It was agreed to investigate funding opportunities under the Urban Sustainability Grant 

Program and this was subsequently done. However, while an application for a regional 

project of $2M over three years has been prepared and submitted, it cannot provide more than 

complementary actions to those requiring implementation from the GHD report. 

A proposal for implementation has now been developed, and includes the appointment by 

SCG of a dedicated officer for a 12-18 month contract. The primary role of this position 

would be to prepare a regional waste action plan, building on the findings of the GHD 

Opportunities Paper, advocate it to stakeholders and manage its implementation and 

evaluation. This position would report to the SCG Executive Officer and the General 

Managers Committee. 

The top priorities identified as regional opportunities in the report require sophisticated 

processing technologies. These technologies will require a critical mass of waste and 

substantial capital, which most if not the entire member Councils of the SCG lack. 

ISSUES 

Financial 

A budget for the dedicated officer has been prepared and member Council contributions have 

been calculated. Eurobodalla’s contribution for this financial year is $7,848. The remainder 

is anticipated to be about $14,159 for 2007/08. These amounts can either be accommodated 

from waste restricted cash balance as at 30 June 2006 (unaudited) or future revenues if 

necessary (as waste rates can be increased subject to “reasonable cost”. 

Social Impact 

By acting on the recommendations Council will be acting to provide the community with 

more sustainable waste management. 

The top priority recommendations mentioned in the GHD report are medium to long-term 

initiatives. Planning and implementation of the recommendation will protect the community 

in the future from excessive capital expenditure. It should also enhance Council’s ability to 

respond to possible changes in regulation and the community’s expectations. 

Consultation 

Consultation has taken place within the SCG, the General Manager Sub Committee, the 

Department of Environment and Conservation and the Southern Council Resource Recovery 

Network. Internally, consultation with the Finance Manager regarding funding sources has 

been carried out. 


Regional cooperation to implement the recommendations of the report is in keeping with the 

concept of resource sharing with other Councils. Further regulation to increase resource 

recovery and minimise waste should also be anticipated.




CONCLUSION 

Council faces many future challenges in managing the waste generated by our community. 

By working collaboratively with the other Councils of the SCG there are regional 

opportunities that will enable Council to improve the way our waste is managed and assist 

Council in achieving the WARR targets. Regional cooperation to implement the 

recommendations of the report is in keeping with the concept of resource sharing with other 

Councils. 

RECOMMENDED 

THAT: 

1. Council accept and endorse the “Regional Waste and Recycling Background Report and 

Opportunities Paper” prepared for the Southern Councils Group. 

2. Council commit funds of $7,848 as their 2006/07 contribution to the appointment of a 

dedicated officer within the Southern Councils Group to commence development of 

regional waste and recycling opportunities. 

CARMEL KROGH 

GROUP MANAGER 

WATER AND WASTE 

Attach



W06/134 SOUTHERN VILLAGES SEWERAGE COMMUNITY CONSULTATION 

01.5357 

SYNOPSIS 

To inform Council of the progress in determining the best options for provision of Sewerage 

Services to the Eurobodalla Southern Villages of Akolele, Koori Village, Tilba Tilba and 

Central Tilba, as well as Mystery Bay and to seek concurrence for release of a newsletter 

informing these communities of the options developed, prior to a public meeting. 

BACKGROUND 

A report was submitted to Council’s Works and Facilities Committee on 13 December 2005 

presenting a draft feasibility study for the provision of sewerage services to the villages in the 

south of the shire. The feasibility study examined the options for construction of a standalone 

sewerage system in the Eurobodalla area north of Wallaga Lake versus a scheme 

combined with the Bega Valley Shire proposed system. The feasibility study found that 

significant cost savings could be realised in the stand-alone system by the use of new 

technologies for Advanced On-site Treatment Systems (AOTS) and further minor treatment 

for disinfection to allow reuse of the effluent on agricultural land in the Tilba Valley. This 

compares with Pressure Sewer (PS) systems requiring a full package treatment plant to be 

installed and operated to provide suitable effluent quality for reuse. 

The preferred option was for a staged approach to provision of sewerage to the villages as 

financial assistance was only available for Akolele and the Koori Village at this time. 

At this meeting it was resolved in Minute W05/134 that: 

1. The draft Eurobodalla Southern Villages Sewerage Scheme Feasibility Study be noted. 

2. Council commence community consultation with the residents of the Koori Villages and 

Akolele to further develop a preferred option for the provision of sewerage services. 

3. Council continue to liaise with the Department of Aboriginal Affairs to ensure that any 

preferred option meets funding requirements. 

ISSUES 

Progress in implementing the project is as follows: 

• A Stakeholder Meeting for the Bodalla Sewerage System was held in April involving all 

interested Government agencies including representatives of the Department of 

Aboriginal Affairs (DAA) and the Koori community. The workshop considered issues 

similar to those for the Southern Villages scheme including options for Advanced On-site 

Treatment System (AOTS) versus Pressure Sewerage (PS) system. The workshop 

generally endorsed the former system subject to confirmation of the effluent standard 

produced by the AOTS systems being confirmed. 

• Trial of an AOTS system installed for this purpose in Koori Village is underway, with 

sampling to date providing some positive results.




01.5357 

• Further investigations by Department of Commerce have been commissioned. The terms 

of engagement have been agreed to in consultation with DAA. A preliminary Planning 

and Environment Overview is currently underway. Refined costs have been developed as 

listed in the attached draft newsletter. 

• Formal effluent reuse investigations are currently underway. Early indications are that 

there is more than sufficient suitable dairy land available in the Tilba Valley to sustainably 

reuse all anticipated volumes of effluent potentially generated. A local dairy farmer has 

confirmed willingness to accept the effluent. 

• A Procurement Workshop was conducted on 11 October 2006. The recommendation from 

the workshop is to call separate tenders for construction of the system and supply of PS 

units as well as AOTS units for a period of 5 years with possible extension. It is proposed 

that indicative numbers be included in the supply contract for the Southern Villages, 

Bodalla Sewerage Scheme and other development sites in the shire for which these types 

of technologies are appropriate. This will create a competitive climate for the possible 

greater number of units to be supplied and more certainty as to overall scheme costs. 

• A draft Newsletter to residents and property owners in the Southern Villages has been 

prepared for endorsement of Council prior to release (copy attached for Councillors’ 

information). The Newsletter outlines the issues identified with existing on-site sewerage 

systems and provides details of the solutions identified in the IWCMS. 

Legal 

There are no currently known legal impediments to adopting the proposed possible 

arrangements for connection and maintenance of the PS or AOTS systems. 

Policy 

Should the community and Government stakeholder organisations endorse the adoption of the 

PSS or on site system solutions, formal policies relating to the issues of connection and 

maintenance costs will be required at that time. 

Environmental 

Existing septic tanks have been identified as having a significant impact on the Wallaga Lake 

environment. Provision of sewerage services to these areas would greatly reduce this impact. 

Adoption of the option to provide reuse of highly treated effluent in the Tilba Valley has 

positive environmental benefits. 

The proposed sewer collection system relies upon individual properties being served by a 

small integral tank and pump system, discharging into a common pressurised main. This 

system has the benefit of reduced disturbance to the environment during construction and less 

chance of tree root blockages and inflow of stormwater.




01.5357 

Asset 

The PSS or on site system solutions may have lower overall capital costs than the other 

alternatives. However, with infrastructure being installed on each property, new arrangements 

for servicing and maintenance will be required to be developed. 


The release of the draft Newsletter and provision of the Fact Sheets on the alternative options 

is similar to the approach taken for the communities of Bodalla/Potato Point and 

Rosedale/Guerilla Bay. The Newsletter wording has been reviewed and endorsed by DAA 

and members of the Merrimans Aboriginal Lands Council. 

The Newsletter addresses the opportunities for provision of sewerage services for all of the 

Southern Villages, but advises that the staged approach of initial construction for Akolele and 

Koori Villages be proposed due to current funding constraints. While it is proposed to issue 

the Newsletter to all Southern Village residents and landowners within the village boundaries, 

it is proposed to issue two separate covering letters for the Newsletter containing specific 

advice for each of the areas. 

This approach provides Tilba and Mystery Bay residents opportunity for initial consultation 

while maintaining focus on gaining community feedback on the specific issues relating to the 

Akolele/Koori Village scheme required to be resolved in the near future. 

Financial 

At the recent Procurement Workshop, DAA funding for the Koori Village share of the costs 

was confirmed as available until June 2008. DEUS funding is also indicated as being 

available for the Akolele component of scheme costs until at least this time. The procurement 

strategy provides for substantial commencement of construction within this timeframe. 

The revised Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program rules provide for up to 20% 

DEUS subsidy of backlog component for the Akolele Village. 

The project has been included in the Capital Works program of the 2006–11 Management 

Plan. Firmer estimates will be available of the scheme costs when the tenders are received for 

procurement of the on site systems. 

CONCLUSION 

Progress is being made for the implementation of a sewerage scheme for the Koori Village 

and Akolele in accordance with Council’s previous resolution. 

The next stage in the process is to formally consult with the respective communities to gain 

feedback on the proposed options to allow further detailed investigations and design to be 

carried out.




01.5357 

A draft Newsletter has been developed for issue to the landholders and residents of the 

Southern Villages to advise on progress and options developed with a view to stimulating 

informed debate at a Community Workshop meeting proposed to be held in late 

November/early December 2006. 

RECOMMENDED 



THAT: 

1. Council endorse the release of the draft Community Newsletter attached to this report. 

2. Council endorse the proposed general timing for Community Consultation Workshops to 

inform and discuss with the community the proposed scheme options and seek indication 

of a preferred option. 

CARMEL KROGH 

GROUP MANAGER 


Clrs



W06/135 WATER AND WASTE QUARTERLY REPORT 91.3014 

SYNOPSIS 

This quarterly report presents key water and waste information to Council. It contains 

information on new infrastructure development, operational status and any key issues. 

WATER SUPPLY 

1. Water Supply Status 

The graph below shows the river flows and weekly consumption patterns since the beginning 

of July to the end of October. Council resolved on 24 October to implement Level 1 water 

restrictions. 

River Flows ML/Week 

2500 

2000 

1500 

1000 

500 

0 

9/07/2006 





Water Consumption V River Flows 3/7/6 - 29/10/06 




2. Water Quality 

The following table summarises the results for NSW Health testing of reticulation samples 

collected for the last quarter. 

Total coliform bacteria have been detected in 1 of the 90 samples submitted to the NSW 

Health laboratory during the September 2006 quarter. NSW Health consider that the presence 

of total coliforms in the absence of E.coli does not represent a health concern. No samples 

submitted for bacteriological analysis, during the quarter, tested positive for E.coli. All 

chemical analysis results met the Australian Drinking Water Guideline values. 


Flow-Bucken Flow-Moruya Flow-Tuross WaterToRetic 








Level 1 Water Restrictions Commenced 


120 

100 

80 

60 

40 

20 

0 

WaterToRetic ML/Week




Guideline Number Number % meeting 

of of guideline 

Parameter 

Value samples exceptions values 

Total Coliforms 0.0000 cfu/100 

mL 

90 1 99 

E. coli 0.0000 cfu/100 

mL 

90 0 100 

pH 6.5 - 8.5 3 0 100 

Turbidity 5.0000 NTU 3 0 100 

Free Chlorine 5.0000 mg/L 84 0 100 

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) 500.0000 mg/L 3 0 100 

Aluminium 0.2000 mg/L 3 0 100 

Antimony 0.0030 mg/L 3 0 100 

Arsenic 0.0070 mg/L 3 0 100 

Barium 0.7000 mg/L 3 0 100 

Boron 4.0000 mg/L 3 0 100 

Cadmium 0.0020 mg/L 3 0 100 

Calcium 9999.0000 mg/L 3 0 100 

Chloride 250.0000 mg/L 3 0 100 

Chromium 0.0500 mg/L 3 0 100 

Copper 2.0000 mg/L 3 0 100 

Fluoride 1.5000 mg/L 3 0 100 

Iodine 0.1000 mg/L 3 0 100 

Iron 0.3000 mg/L 3 0 100 

Lead 0.0100 mg/L 3 0 100 

Magnesium 9999.0000 mg/L 3 0 100 

Manganese 0.5000 mg/L 3 0 100 

Mercury 0.0010 mg/L 3 0 100 

Molybdenum 0.0500 mg/L 3 0 100 

Nickel 0.0200 mg/L 3 0 100 

Nitrate 50.0000 mg/L 3 0 100 

Nitrite 3.0000 mg/L 3 0 100 

Selenium 0.0100 mg/L 3 0 100 

Silver 0.1000 mg/L 3 0 100 

Sodium 180.0000 mg/L 3 0 100 

Sulfate 500.0000 mg/L 3 0 100 

Total Hardness as CaCO3 200.0000 mg/L 3 0 100 

True Colour 15.0000 Hazen 

Units (HU) 

3 0 100 

Zinc 3.0000 mg/L 3 0 100 

Increased monitoring of Deep Creek Dam has been necessary due to the identification of blue 

green algae in the dam. Blue green algae concentrations have been elevated but the dominant 

species has been of low risk type. Due to reduced river flows, all areas of the Shire are 

periodically being fed from Deep Creek Dam.




3. Water Supply Capital Works 

(a) Pipeline from Moruya to Deep Creek Dam 

The tender documents for the pipe supply and construction contracts are now complete. 

A letter has been sent to the Minister for Energy, Utilities and Sustainability (DEUS) advising 

of completion of preconstruction activities for the proposed works and requesting that 

approval be granted to calling of tenders for the construction of the proposed pipeline and 

associated pumping facilities. A submission requesting funding under the Country Towns 

Water and Sewer Program has also been sent. 

Despite numerous attempts to extract a response through DEUS, nothing has yet been 

received in writing from the Minister or DEUS. 

(b) Southern Dam 

The Environmental Impact Statement for the southern dam site is currently being undertaken 

by Consultants, Patterson Britton and Partners. It is expected that the EIS will be completed in 

December. 

A draft concept design has also been completed by the Department of Commerce which deals 

with embankment configuration, spillway capacity, inlet and outlet structures, and power 

requirements. The final concept plan will be presented to Council for consideration with the 

EIS. 

(c) Water Treatment Options Study 

A 50% review meeting was held on 13 October for the Options Study for the northern water 

treatment plant. The draft Options Report is due on 15 November. 

(d) Watermain Renewal Program 

Watermains renewed or upgraded in the first quarter of this year are as follows: 

• Moruya south extension (Bergalia Street) 

• Sunshine Bay Road 

• Spine Road – Stage 1 - Silverdell Place 

• Goolara Street, Dalmeny 

• Shore Street, Moruya 

• Clyde Street Carpark 

• Mort Avenue, Dalmeny 

• Various road crossings to meet General Fund Work Schedule ($31,000)




(e) Other Water Asset Works 

The New automatic chlorination system, installed by Council staff at Tilba Reservoir, has 

been working effectively and during this period, a second unit has been designed to be placed 

at Narooma. 

New electrical switch gear has been installed at the Buckenboura Water Pump Intake, to 

upgrade control mechanisms and improve reliability. 

New telemetry equipment to the value of $32,000 has been installed throughout the water 

system to provide reliable remote control and monitoring. 

Replacement of part of the ageing fleet of domestic water meters has taken place following 

the latest meter reading event. These new meters will improve meter records and accurately 

monitor individual consumption for accounting purposes to domestic properties. 

Tender documents were prepared and advertised, for the supply and delivery of pipes and 

fittings to support the eventual construction of the Spine Road water main relocation, 

scheduled for construction during November/December 2006. 

Eurowater electrical staff have upgraded the Mt Wandella Radio Tower to improve radio and 

communications throughout the southern portion of the Shire. 

(f) Deep Bore Investigations – Tuross River Valley 

A report submitted to Council during the period, has allowed Stage 1 of the investigations to 

proceed with approved funds. Field work is continuing to increase knowledge of the water 

bearing characteristics of the region. 

(g) Shallow Bore Preparation – Tuross River Banks 

The Tuross River Bank bores have been continually flushed in an endeavour to help with 

understanding the capabilities of the asset, for both quantity and quality. Current information 

indicated that relatively high iron content remains consistent. This iron content does not 

presents a health problem, rather an aesthetic problem with water coloration and staining. 

Investigations are continuing to confirm the consistency and quality of this supply, should 

current dry conditions determine that alternate water supply is needed beyond the capability 

of Deep Creek.




SEWERAGE 

1. Batemans Bay Treatment Plant Upgrade 

Discussions were held in October with the Department of Environment and Conservation to 

confirm their requirements for the treatment plant upgrade. Concept designs can now be 

finalised. 

2. Spine Road Sewerage 

A final concept report for the Spine Road sewage pump station has been received. 

The Spine Road pumping station will comprise submersible pumps in a 5 metre diameter wet 

well. The station will incorporate three submersible pumps – two duty and one stand by. The 

rising main will be 6500 metres in length and will utilise the section of the existing Rising 

Main 5 which will become redundant when the proposed diversion to the new Spine Road 

SPS is completed. That section is 1.5km in length and 375mm in diameter. The new section 

of rising main will be 450mm in diameter. 

3. Small Town Sewerage Program 

Council is aware of previous submissions for State Government funding for the provision of 

sewerage facilities in the Shire’s small towns. Council has been formally advised by the 

Minister for Energy and Utilities that funds have been made available under the Country 

Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program for the Bodalla Sewerage Scheme. 

The Country Towns Program requires Council to complete all pre-construction activities and 

approvals and seek funding approval prior to calling tenders. At that stage a subsidy 

percentage will be determined for the scheme and approval to call tenders will be given. 

Eurobodalla is eligible for 20% of the backlog components of the Bodalla Sewerage Scheme. 

Funding is also currently available under the DEUS program for Akolele. In addition, funding 

for the Wallaga Lake Village is available from the Department of Aboriginal Affairs. This 

scheme is the subject of a separate report to this meeting.




4. Sewerage Operations and Construction 

Sewer Operations Works 

Sewage odour in the Long Beach area continued to be controlled, using calcium nitrate, fed 

into the top of the sewage system. This chemical effectively locks the odour producing 

elements from joining together to produce the offensive hydrogen sulphide. This product is 

now being investigated at other locations throughout the Shire and if continued success is 

evident, a submission will be made to introduce a new budget item into the 2007/08 financial 

year. 

A tender was prepared, advertised and subsequently let to a contractor to construct a new 

sewer pumping station in Bergalia Street, Moruya. This work will allow neighbouring 

various developers’ sewer works to connect to the existing system. 

Improvement works took place to the Sewer Pumping Station 5 in Gem Crescent, Narooma. 

New hardware was positioned in the manhole and valve chamber, along with portion of the 

rising main, which had shown high levels of corrosion, influenced by the acid sulphate soil in 

that area. This work will improve reliability to the system in this environmentally sensitive 

area. The work was carried out effectively and efficiently by a local contractor, RJS 

Solutions. Similar work has commenced on Pump Station 3 at Apex Park Narooma. 

SOLID WASTE ISSUES 

1. Staff Issues 

The new Waste Unit Leader, David Owen, commenced on 26 October 2006. Temporary 

operational supervisory staff have been employed over the last few months to cover staff 

vacancies and absences. 

2. Brou Landfill 

Brou landfill has had no major operational issues for the past three months. Any day to day 

issues has been resolved following discussions with the contractor. The contractor has 

maintained its standard of operation with no recorded complaints. The contractor has been 

notified of Council’s intention to terminate the current agreement and discussions have been 

held with the contractor for a new short-term contract. 

The landfill has been operating two tip faces, one for household and the other for inert 

material. The household waste is going into the first lined cell of the extension area. The 

method of compaction of the household waste has been changed from previous practice to 

maximise landfill space. Operational water levels have been substantially reduced (the 

leachate pond via on-site irrigation) and the sediment pond (by off site discharge in line with 

EPA conditions). 

A number of on site and laboratory test have been completed that indicate the extension cell 

soils will not meet EPA guidelines for permeability without other methods being employed. 

This confirms that the remaining extension area will require installation of an impermeable 

liner.




A draft operational plan has now been developed for the site to allow development of the 

specification for the long-term contract. In addition, the operational review undertaken has 

provided some potential for modifications which could extend the life of the landfill to 25+ 

years. A full report with final landform levels is being finalised and a more detailed report 

will be submitted to Council with a full strategy for implementation. 

3. Surf Beach Landfill 

Over recent years the landfill has operated on the basis of separate cells for mixed solid waste 

and inert waste. Compaction of both cells being undertaken by a Caterpillar D7 Dozer. 

The inert cell has been developed by the method of dozing the deposited and accumulated 

waste over the edge of the cell. This has resulted in a cell characterised by a lift of 

approximately 10 meters plus (see Figure 1.1 in the Councillors’ attachment) with the 

compaction being carried out by the vehicle movement on the cell and by the weight of the 

operating dozer. 

Council in consultation with WSN Environmental Solutions (WSN) a waste collection and 

disposal contractor, recently completed a trial whereby the existing inert cell was reshaped 

and recompacted utilising a purpose built waste 31 tonne compactor (Tana). 

The purpose of the trial being to determine whether the use of this type of equipment would 

provide an increased level of compaction and a corresponding reduction in the volume of air 

space being utilised, and to provide a safer and more efficient methodology for the operation 

of the landfill. 

Figure 3.2 (in the Councillors’ attachment) shows the new working face after the major 

physical works were undertaken. Due to the achieved reduction in the volume of air space 

utilised (almost 50%), a compactor is still being utilised on site. A further report will be 

presented to Council to determine the most suitable plant procurement for the future. 

4. Litter Bin Collection and Issues 

The litter bin collection service is undergoing a major review in consultation with the Parks 

and Gardens staff. An audit of all litter bins is almost complete. This audit was necessary 

due to problems being experienced with bins overflowing and numerous complaints being 

received, particularly in the northern area of the shire. This situation has meant that 

additional collection days have been required to meet the demand and avoid public health 

issues. A full report detailing the outcomes of the audit including the financial considerations 

will be presented to the next Committee meeting. 

5. Hazardous Waste Collection 

The Household Hazardous Waste Collection was held in August. 

This year the Household Hazardous Collection received over 18 tonnes of material. This is up 

from previous years of 7 to 9 tonnes. Participation has also increased from 271 participants in 

2003 to 534 participants in 2006. Despite this dramatic increase the cost of the collection will 

fall within the budget due to the funding from the DEC.




RECOMMENDED 

THAT the Water and Waste Division Quarterly Report be received and noted. 

CARMEL KROGH 

GROUP MANAGER 


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