The tender has been approved without an expert independent assessment of the financial liability of the project and without the business case being made public.

Batemans Bay needs a gateway project that showcases the dynamism and optimism of our beautiful part of the world. The development recently agreed is short-sighted and will not meet the needs of the community.

Worse, in order to pay for this development it is likely the council will sell off other valuable community assets, including the Batemans Bay Community Centre.

A petition to keep the centre in public ownership with over 1000 signatures was tabled last year, yet the council continues to operate outside the public interest.

Councillors Pat McGinlay, Anthony Mayne and Phil Constable offered the opportunity to more carefully review this project by referring it to an independent review, but this was turned down by the six other councillors.

This is yet another example of the council making decisions without taking the time to carefully consider the consequences. Labor will be running candidates for the next council.

If we are elected we will work with the Batemans Bay community, to make the complex what it should be: a valued and important asset for the community.

Maureen Searson, President ALP Eurobodalla Local Government Committee

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions on the Princes Highway this week.

Roadside vegetation is being surveyed.

Work will be carried out between Durras and Dignams Creek between 7am and 5pm weekdays from Monday, August 3, weather permitting.

Traffic control, lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 60 km/h will be in place during work hours for the safety of workers and road users.

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.

Transport for NSW thanks the community for its patience while work is carried out.

For the latest traffic updates call 132 701, visit livetraffic.com or download the Live Traffic NSW App.

Resilience and renewal - that's the theme of this year's River of Art Festival to be held across the Eurobodalla region from September 18 to 27.

In the face of the hardship and destruction that much of the region has suffered this year, organisers of the annual River of Art want to showcase the community's resolution and strength through its artistic creativity.

"The bushfires and then COVID-19 have caused so much suffering up and down our region. We want the River of Art Festival to help people find enjoyment in the region's arts," said Di Jay, co-chair of the festival.

"Because of the COVID restrictions, we'll have a "slimmed down" festival this year. But there will still be everyone's favourites such as the River of Art Prize, Open Studios, workshops and exhibitions," added Vicki Lascelles, also the festival's co-chair.

"And we're very excited about some new features which we'll be announcing in coming days. While COVID has meant we couldn't go ahead with some of our regular features, it's opened up new opportunities particularly via the internet," Vicki said.

"As part of this, we're redesigning the website which, in these COVID days, is one of the best ways to share and promote our art. The launch of the new website will be later this month," explained Di.

"One of our most exciting initiatives will be the inclusion of an Arts Directory on the revamped website.This will provide a fantastic promotional service for our artists throughout the year via the internet. We'll also have video features of artists so you can see them at work in their studios," Vicki added.

Now in its 15th year, this year's River of Art Festival has been shifted from May to September. The date change which was decided last year aims to take advantage of Spring when more visitors come to the region.

Program entries are being accepted up until August 14. Inclusion in the program is free to all artists, makers, performers, musicians and venues in the Eurobodalla shire. Registration can be accessed on the festival website - www.riverofart.com.au

Ever conscious of the need to respond to the changing COVID-19 requirements, activities will meet all COVID-safe requirements at the time of the festival. These requirements are posted regularly by the NSW Government and a link will be created on the festival's website once the program has been finalised.

River of Art is funded by the NSW Government through Destination NSW and the Eurobodalla Shire Council.