Published: 20 June 2025

A few locals stopped in to talk about the Batemans Bay Masterplan at this month’s Councillor Catch-up, while others came with great questions and thoughtful observations about things like weeds, walkways and electric vehicles.

Three Councillors attended the catch-up at the Batemans Bay Foreshore Markets on Sunday 15 June: Amber Schutz, Colleen Turner and Sharon Winslade.

Among the friendly faces stopping by was a local oyster farmer, who shared updates on the season and the continued success of the Narooma Oyster Festival.

Tomakin local Charlie Bell rolled up in his new electric Kia EV3 and councillors kicked off the conversation asking about charging costs and savings.

“I don’t get a feed-in tariff because I use my solar and battery at home to charge my car,” he said.

“At home I’m paying about 5 to 10 cents per kilowatt hour. Compare that to 60 cents when you’re on the road - it’s still about half the cost of petrol.”

Charlie raised a common question from his part of the shire: the lack of a pathway between the Tomakin roundabout and the IGA.

“People are getting bogged on their mobility scooters and prams. When are we getting a path?” he said.

The section between Tomakin and Mossy Point was included in Council’s 2017 Pathways Strategy, but not the section near the IGA. That’s because the remaining link is the responsibility of the Moorings development and includes environmental constraints such as coastal vegetation and a bridge.

Council has previously completed designs for the next stage of the path, but a portion would cross into privately-owned land. For this project to proceed, the land would need to be formally dedicated to Council or acquired.

The Eurobodalla Pathways Strategy is due for review, and Council encourages locals to have their say during the upcoming engagement process.

Charlie also voiced concerns about invasive weeds at Melville Point, Tomakin.

“Council used to spray the blackberry and asparagus fern - but not anymore,” he told Councillors.

“The Control of weeds used to be reasonable and now it’s not. They’re spraying the roadside but not the weeds just a bit further back.”

Councillors followed up with Council’s infrastructure team who said roadside vegetation near Melville Point was last treated in February this year.

Spraying usually occurs up to three times a year, depending on growth and location, and the focus is on rural and non-residential urban roads. Charlie’s request has also been referred to Council’s environment team for a site inspection and follow-up in the reserve area.

Charlie also mentioned he was a member of the Tomakin Landcare group before it folded recently. Council has plenty of resources and connections for volunteers wanting to join of start a Landcare group. For more information visit Council's webpage Landcare | Eurobodalla Council.

A long-time Batemans Bay resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, also raised concerns about the spread of invasive weeds near Mackay Park.

“I managed to control the sticky weeds and moth vine around my property and the fences of others near the carwash in town,” she said.

“But there’s a few plants near Mackay Park sportsground that need to be taken care of – they’re getting out of hand. It’s mostly the moth vine that fruits and spreads everywhere.”

Councillors have requested the environment team to investigate and assess the area.

At 1pm, the markets were wrapping up, and councillors were greeted by a friendly elderly woman who shared her wishes for more kids’ activities in town.

“When I was young, there was so much we could do around here,” she said, reminiscing about the old putt putt golf. She spoke about the need for more kids’ activities beyond just sport.

Councillor Schutz agreed, noting that many 18–24-year-olds relocate out of the shire.

“It’s the apprenticeship age — to see free TAFE would be amazing to keep youth living, working and studying in the area,” she said.

“Oh, that would be great, wouldn’t it?” the resident replied.

“I’m also hearing talk of satellite university opportunities coming to the region,” Councillor Schutz added.

Councillor Shutz mentioned the chance to speak with the planning team at the Batemans Bay Masterplan pop-up shopfront at the old Rivers Store in town. The resident was keen to check out the plan and see what has been included with younger generations in mind.

The next Councillor Catch-up will be at Moruya Country Markets on Saturday 5 July, 8am – 1.30pm. For upcoming markets and previous catch-up discussions, visit the Councillor Catchups webpage Councillor Catch Ups | Eurobodalla Council.

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