United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) geoparks are “single, unified geographic areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development”.

Speaking at the Tuesday, November 14 Eurobodalla Shire Council meeting, Cr Nathan said these principles reflected the council’s Community Strategic Plan and ‘Unspoilt’ tourism campaign.

A park could also promote sustainable economic growth through educational tourism.

Cr Nathan said geology and educational tourism were under-exploited marketing features in the Eurobodalla coast.

One other site in Australia has been proposed as a potential geopark, however, it included privately owned land and landowners had objected to to the idea. Cr Nathan said no such issues existed in the Eurobodalla, and all proposed sites would be publicly owned.

The council will investigate if areas in the Eurobodalla meet the criteria. Planning director Lindsay Usher said the work involved with the project at this stage “does not seem excessive”.

A proposal to trial an off-leash dog area in Nelligen is on hold until a review of the Companion Animals Management Plan in 2018.

A Nelligen resident on November 14 told Eurobodalla Shire councillors the area was already used informally as an off leash area. His house was one of three adjacent to the area. He said he suffered significant distress due to dogs barking, fighting, and being out of their owners’ control.

“I’m medicated in the evenings in anticipation, and I’ll try to leave the house and go for a walk for an hour while they’re there,” he said.

“They just bark and bark and bark. My granddaughter was in tears after a dog ran at her – it was friendly, but she didn’t know that.

“I’m begging and pleading with council to review this decision. Last week I put my house up for sale because I couldn’t stand it any longer. It’s broken me. I feel like the bad man on the corner. People I used to say ‘hi’ to down the street won’t even make eye contact with me any more. I feel socially isolated from the Nelligen community.”

More council stories online and in Friday’s Bay Post/Moruya Examiner.