Plans to improve accessibility at Bruce Steer Pool, Bermagui, have run into some angry opposition from fishers at Bermagui Big Game Fishing Club who claim they have not been consulted.
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Speaking at the council meeting on Wednesday, Paul Blacka from the fishing club called the Coastal Accessibility Master Plans by consultants, Spiire Australia, “impractical”.
“This is the busiest facility on the South Coast and with these plans in place only the panel beating shops would benefit,” Mr Blacka said.
“You are planning to put a pathway across a three-lane boatway which has 300 boat movements a day at its peak and some of those are in reverse. At the moment with seven to eight-metre boats, every inch of tarmac used. It would make it impractical,” Mr Blacka said.
“We have more adult members than any other club. This is a boat ramp and no fishermen were consulted.
“It’s about as pragmatic as a pig wearing gumboots. The lack of consultation with our club is extremely disappointing,” Mr Blacka said.
When questioned later in the meeting, BVSC director of community, relations and leisure Anthony Basford said the council’s access committee had been scathing that the process had taken so long to get to this point.
“It’s about access to Bruce Steer Pool and allowing people to get into the water safely. The fishing club is only one stakeholder,” he said.
However it was later revealed that the Bermagui fishing club was not identified as a key stakeholder and councillor Tony Allen proposed any plans for access to Bruce Steer Pool be deferred pending a site visit by councillors.
Bermagui Bait & Tackle shop has also gotten into the debate calling on boaters and its followers to have some input with council.
“(The) plan that sees our local council effectively wanting to remove all practical access to the main boat ramp area of the Bermagui Harbour,” the post reads.
“The planning process is a disgrace. It includes a pathway that actually crosses over the boat ramp itself and removes all practical boat and tow vehicle movement.
“The existing parking area east of the cleaning table will also be consumed by further grassed areas. Car parking is also located around the whole turning circle.
“Anyway there are meetings underway this week to further discuss the plan however it is well underway with only limited consultation to local and regional fishing clubs. Obviously no practical awareness. Your constructive feedback here would be appreciated.”