Max Castle - 9 December 2025

Fitzroy Boulting presented to Council on behalf of Max Castle at the Public Access Session on 9 December 2025:

I will be representing for the Peak Recreational Fishing Body - Recreational Fishing Alliance for NSW. (RFA)

It is disappointing access to Bowns Creek and Trunketabella Lake has not been reopened as instructed by a previous General Manager. Her instructions to remove fencing has been ignored.

* The DPI Minister has stated she wants to see a joint solution. To date no alternative access has been identified.

* The Lands Commissioner recommended Council not to proceed with the closure of Coopers Road.

* After numerous attempts to see the Road Permit for Coopers, neither Land Services nor Council have provided a copy. Why?

* The proposed Coopers Is Road closure will eliminate safe and reasonable access to a public waterway which as existed for at least 100 years.  I understand our first nations people are very concerned and they express their concerns.  The community invested $20m million from Fishing licenses income to establish Recreational Fishing Havens through NSW.

* The proposed sale of Coopers Is Road eliminates safe and easy access by using Coopers rd. On that basis Council are effectively closing down part of a public waterway. This position needs to be challenged as Council don't have that authority.

* I refer to the NSW Upper House Select Committee on Access to

restrictions to Public Lands.    Community presentations are taking place.  I therefor request an extension of time for Council to receive the recommendations before proceeding to sell Coopers Rd.

In the interim I recommend the fencing be removed to allow public access.

Max Castle

Vice President RFA - NSW 8.12.25