Batemans Bay Boaters Association

28/07/2025

Here is a very interesting post about the bar dredging solution for Surfside.
Is it conformation that it will not work and actual solutions will be implemented?

A high-powered meeting has been held in Moruya to discuss the plight of Surfside residents whose homes are at risk...

22/07/2025

The Association wrote the our local Member to show categorically that the Dredge Project was short of money and consequently would fail to address the issue of shore erosion at Surfside. So we wrote to the Mayor and Dr Holland. Now.

Update on Funds to dredge Clyde River bar after the Association made representation to your local State representative Dr Michael Holland.......

NOTHING, not a word. Not even a sorry the Minister has not responded in the time-frames required.

What did the Association receive as per the last FB post.
"Dr Holland has made representation on our behalf to the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, the Hon Jenny Aitchison MP, regarding the Clyde River Bar Dredging."

His web site states: "Holland has dedicated his entire working life to listening and helping people." That he does but what results come from the time spent face to face and writing submission.that we put into inform him?

What can voters, tax payers and ratepayers do if our elected representatives do nothing expect maybe open an envelope? Answer nothing

See the Facebook post about announcement; https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=716187264310135&set=a.131059459489588

Today I met with Minister Jenny Aitchison and the Mayor of Eurobodalla Mat Hatcher to discuss Transport for NSW's action to commence dredging of the Clyde River and the consequent sand renourishment at Surfside.
I spoke tonight in NSW Parliament on this issue and the Minns Labor Government's response after years of neglect.

23/06/2025

Following the email sent to both the local ESC Mayor and the local NSW State Member for Bega - see previous posts. The Association did not receive an acknowledgement from ESC for the communication and a full copy of the Associations submission to Maritime... we wait

Dr Michael Holland on the other hand acknowledged our communications and request to find more funds for the dredging project.

His office sent a letter to us which states:
"Dr Holland has made representation on our behalf to the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, the Hon Jenny Aitchison MP, regarding the Clyde River Bar Dredging."

We thank Dr Holland for this effort and trust that the work the Association put in to analyse the REF especially the movement of the spoils not reaching Surfside may just have a positive outcome and more funds will be forthcoming.

We appreciate that politicians at all levels are invariable advised by people with a career stake in the advice they render while the Association attempts to inform them based on local knowledge and facts.

28/05/2025

The following email was sent to the State Member for Bega Dr Holland which included communication to the Mayor Mat Hatcher

Dr Holland
I sent this email to Mathew Hatcher, Mayor of Eurobodalla Shire Council.
The below email is self explanatory.

I understand you met Surfside residents on 11 April 2025 and stated that you were advocating to secure funds to address the local erosion issue. You have, I understand from the Dredging Project Office, only secured $1 million for the 2025 project. This amount has severely limited the proposed project options and the resultant restrictions on the dredge spoils deposit locations compounded by flaws in the sand movement modelling thus the project objectives will not be achieved. Neither will your and others commitments to the Surfside community be realised.

More funds are urgently needed or the project will be a failure.
Your continued advocacy in all quarters of Macquarie Street is needed.
Regards

Dear Mat,
The Batemans Bay Boaters Association has conducted a detailed analysis of the Clyde River Bar Dredging 2025–2035 Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and other relevant information on the subject. While we commend the quality and thoroughness of the REF document, the Association has identified several critical concerns and we offer some key recommendations.

It is clear that the effectiveness of the project is being compromised by inadequate funding. The proposed sand distribution model and dredge spoil disposal strategy, as currently presented, are unlikely to achieve their stated objectives due to these funding limitations.
Your statement on 3 May, along with Dr. Holland’s announcements regarding the Surfside “renourishment” component of this project, will not be realised under the current budget constraints and assumptions.

I urge you to review our attached response and share it with fellow Councillors and Council staff. We also encourage you to continue advocating for increased funding to ensure the success of this important project.

Time is of the essence, as the submission period closes on 2 June 2025, with planning and scheduling expected to commence soon after. Without additional funding, the project is at serious risk of failure, and Surfside ratepayers—as well as NSW State voters—will once again be left disappointed.

Below is a brief summary; the full report is attached. I would be pleased to present our findings at a public forum if that would assist Councillors in understanding the complexity of the project and the urgency of this matter.

Executive short form summary
The Batemans Bay Boaters Association supports the strategic dredging of South Coast river bars, including the Clyde River, but questions the immediate priority of the Clyde project given low local maritime traffic compared to bars at Narooma and Bermagui.
While the REF is commended for its quality, the Association raises key concerns about the proposed spoil disposal strategy. We strongly rejects the assumption that within-bay spoil deposition will naturally nourish the eroded northern shoreline at Surfside and Wharf Road, we highlight significant inconsistencies between the TfNSW sediment model and decades of local data and published expert reports.

The Association recommends a revised dredging footprint that better aligns with historical sediment movements and calls for direct spoil placement onto the shoreline, either via pumping or vessel deposit, if land transport is not viable. We also emphasis the need to avoid dredging during incoming tides or conditions likely to spread a sediment plume upstream into oyster lease areas.

Finally, the Association urges that the project be fully funded before proceeding, particularly for spoil disposal, and warns against misleading public expectations about shoreline restoration unless supported by clear, evidence-based outcomes. The project should be delayed until funds are available.

**** The question is: What will our representatives do about a project which will not achieve it goals? ****

Make your submissions to Maritime at [email protected] before 5pm Monday 2 June 2025

24/05/2025

The Batemans Bay Boaters Association (BBBA) supports the proposed Clyde River Bar dredging project but we raises significant concerns about its ex*****on and expected outcomes. We have drawn on 30 years of local knowledge and maritime expertise in our response. We note that the REF is the best we have received in a very long time but has some fundamental flaws.

What the BBBA Supports:
• Strategic dredging program for ALL NSW South Coast river bars
• The 2025 Clyde River bar dredging project in principle
• Option 4 (Flexible Channel Alignment with Provision for Over Dredging) but would prefer other options
• Development of a maintenance schedule based on maritime needs
• The proposed navigation channel specifications (-2.4m LAT, 40m width)

What the BBBA Opposes:
• Current spoil disposal strategy placing dredged material in the littoral transport system
• Political claims that the project will achieve beach "nourishment" at Surfside
• The rectangular dredging footprint (recommends delta-shaped configuration)
• Reliance on TfNSW's sediment transport model, which contradicts local knowledge

***Major Concerns***
Scientific Modelling Issues: The TfNSW sediment transport model shows significant discrepancies from established local knowledge and previous studies. We argues that this model is unreliable which questions the project's scientific foundation to achieve a key objective.

Beach Nourishment Claims: Political statements suggesting the project will renourish Surfside beaches are misleading. Historical evidence and scientific studies indicate that depositing spoils in the proposed locations will not achieve meaningful beach nourishment.

Project Priority: Based on vessel numbers and maritime needs, Clyde River bar ranks lowest among South Coast bars for dredging priority, behind Bermagui, Narooma, and Moruya.

Timing and Environmental Factors: The REF contains apparent contradictions about seasonal sediment movement patterns, particularly regarding winter storm impacts and East Coast Lows.

*** Recommendations ***
Modified Dredging Approach:
• Change from rectangular to delta-shaped dredging footprint
• Realign channel toward northeast direction based on historical bar migration
• Consider channel realignment further north toward Square Head

Alternative Spoil Disposal:
• Pump spoils directly onto Surfside shoreline using proposed hopper dredge
• Abandon reliance on natural redistribution through littoral transport
• Ensure adequate funding for proper spoil disposal

Project Management:
• Delay project if insufficient funds for proper spoil disposal
• Remove any references to beach nourishment as a project outcome
• Acknowledge responsibility for reparation if negative outcomes occur.

**** Conclusion ****
We strongly support the strategic need for the Bay bar dredging, but the current proposal falls short due to inadequate funding, questionable scientific modelling, and unrealistic expectations about beach nourishment outcomes.

We call on all levels of government to secure additional funding for a more scientifically rigorous approach—one that prioritises maritime safety over political pressures and ensures sufficient resources for effective project completion.

Our full report is available on request - 4,200 words with illustrations

15/05/2025

The Clyde River bar at Batemans Bay has raised it head after a storm washed away the foreshore at Surf Side and elsewhere in the bay. Under local and State political pressure Maritime Dredging Office has been pressured to escalate the schedule of dredging the bar to try to solve the disappearance of sand on the shore. While dredging the bar is a good thing for all boater particularly those with deep draft vessels the deposition of the dredging spoils where it has been proposed is a totally different question.
Maritime has referenced a academic study to justify their choice to dump the sand in the middle of the bay near the isolated danger mark they have given weak explanations as to why this site was chosen. In the Associations judgement cost and political pressure are the primary reasons. To say that the sand will migrate to the shoreline just does not stack up in the real world in our area.

Please make a submission to Maritime to give your point of view. The Association has developed a submission which is being reviewed and when we agree we will publish it.
Wait for the next post. Photo from Maritime,

16/04/2025

Before you even hitch your vessel to the vehicle to head out from the Bay think about how the Clyde River bar may change with the rising or falling tide. If in doubt about crossing the bay go to Chain Bay at Maloneys beach and wait there. Unfortunately the informal boat ramp has been closed by Eurobodalla Council so you will not be able to recover your vessel from that sheltered beach. You can drop off people and anchor or pick up a courtesy mooring while you wait for the tide.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid05FbXeQibZLu2YhYU2Q5qx23FqS6u3zaqhj8CuzAbvjCMwSsf1LSVALoUT8Jeiyzzl&id=61570061355654&rdid=ObrH3fW38JQ1dXW7

31/12/2024

BOAT RAMP ETIQUETTE EXPLAINED
An article by Elena Manighetti from Deckee
Launching and retrieving your vessel at a boat ramp isn’t difficult - you just need to practise it a few times to get used to the process. However, when the ramps are busy, it’s essential that you adhere to boat ramp etiquette, so you can avoid a shouting match with other boaters.
The golden rule of boat ramp etiquette is to be considerate. Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself. What annoys you as you wait for your turn at the ramp? Avoid doing it yourself.

PREP THE BOAT AND TRAILER IN THE STAGING AREA OR at HOME
Don’t head straight for the ramp - you’ll need time to set up before you can launch. Big facilities have a staging area, while you’ll find parking near smaller ones. Head there first, so you can start removing the tie-downs, put all safety gear on board, fix the drain plug in place, mount the nav lights, angle the drive unit ready to splash, and more. Remember to check that the battery works before you get in the ramp lanes, so you don’t have to retrieve the boat as soon as you’ve launched her.

TURN OFF YOUR HEADLIGHTS AT THE RAMP
Once you’re in position, turn off your headlights. These could shine directly into the eyes of fellow boaters waiting for their turn. The lights will make it hard for them to see the ramp lanes properly and manoeuvre.

LAUNCH EFFICIENTLY
Every boater wants the launching process to be as swift as possible, so they can enjoy more time out on the water. Try to launch as efficiently as possible - follow the proper procedures to avoid damaging your boat and trailer, but don’t waste any time. Don’t chat with other boaters; focus on what you’re doing.

GO PARK THE CAR AS SOON AS THE BOAT IS IN THE WATER
Once the boat is floating, you need to free the ramp as fast as possible. It helps if you brought a friend or family member, so they can stay on the boat while you go park the car.
If you’re alone, you’ll need to tie the boat up at a nearby dock and rush back on foot to move the car. Just be mindful of other boaters waiting for their turn.

AVOID HOGGING THE RAMP
On ramps where there are no curbs or dividers to indicate different lanes, allow for enough space for other boaters to use the ramp at the same time as you do. This is especially important if you are launching solo and will need extra time to dock the boat and get back to the ramp on foot. Take up as little space as possible, so other vehicles can fit on the ramp.
It should go without saying, but don’t ever park or stop the car in front of a ramp. There may be no one around, but you may eventually prevent other boaters from reaching the ramp when they need it. Always go park the car nearby. If you need to pick up a passenger with limited mobility, approach the area once they are ready to board your vehicle.

ASK FOR PERMISSION TO TIE UP TO ANOTHER BOAT
If the courtesy dock is full, you may need to tie up to another boat temporarily. Always ask for permission before you do it - the other boater will probably want to assist. Make sure that your fenders are well-spaced at the right height. Ask the owner which cleats are safe to tie up to - some might be loose.

DON’T PULL UP TO THE RAMP BEFORE YOUR BOAT IS READY TO BE RETRIEVED
When retrieving your boat, wait for your crew to hover near the ramp, or have your boat tied up at the courtesy dock in advance. Approach the ramp only once the boat is ready to get retrieved. This will allow the ramp to be free for as long as possible, so you won’t create a queue (line).

AS SOON AS THE BOAT IS ON THE TRAILER, HEAD TO THE STAGING or WASH DOWN AREA
Once the boat is secured to the trailer, drive to the staging area or a nearby parking space. You can prep the boat for the ride home there, so other boaters can use the ramp to pick up their own boat.
There you have it. Boat ramp etiquette is very simple and fairly intuitive, yet many boaters fail to follow it. Being considerate requires little effort, but will help you have a more pleasant experience at the ramp and maybe even make new boating friends. Happy boating!

Download the Deckee app from the App Store or Google Play to have a better and safer boating experience. Find boat ramps on the map, measure distances, check the marine weather forecast, and file a float plan.
© 2022, Copyright Deckee Pty Ltd. and MR

30/12/2024

Water conservation measures at all boat ramps within Eurobodalla
Our Council has implemented “Permanent water conservation measures”

“To help make sure we have enough water in the future and to reduce the need for water restrictions, it is important to conserve water throughout the year.”

The web site outlines the following:
*** Washing boats and trailers at boat ramps is always prohibited.
*** Wash private vehicles, boats and flush motors on grass areas where possible using buckets and a final rinse with a trigger nozzle hose.
Why? Well we have enough water for the busy holiday season but Council thinks that we still have to conserve water and the boaters will misuse the “FREE” water at the boatramp if they don't restrict it’s usage.

Now what does the sign try to indicate:
• No detergents and chemicals: OK, we are in a Marine Park
• No washing your car: OK
• No washing a boat on a trailer – Why? See below
• Yes to washing a boat motor – Let be serious Just hose the exterior down?

Now let go to the web site because the danger is always in the detail.

So what are the conservation measures applicable to boat owners?
Wash private vehicles, boats and flush motors on **** grass areas **** where possible using buckets and a final rinse with a trigger nozzle hose.

Now I read that to say use a bucket (you should have one in your vessel with a line attached as a safety requirement) fill it with water then rinse off your vessel with a hose attached to the local tap at the grassed area near the car park. Yes, it does not say at your place of residence.

But they get you with the last dot point: Washing boats and trailers at boat ramps is always prohibited.

?????? Why are we using drinking water at the boat ramp while Bermagui and many other boat ramps uses recycled water and there are no water restrictions.

Well Council is investigating using recycled water at the local golf course which is further away from the source that the boat ramp. SO will Council place a pipe to the boat ramp? Or may be just turn off the sprinklers during a rain storm at the upgraded Hanging Rock grass oval.

27/12/2024

Batemans Bay Boaters Please be aware
The Clyde River entrance has been designated as a coastal Bar and therefore every person on board MUST wear a life jacked of suitable size and type when crossing. Many may dispute the logic of there use but to save you money and court time the Association advised you to wear one when crossing.
Where the actual bar is and when you cross it, the Association can help solve that problem if it occurs.
Most coastal bar have web cams now focused on the important parts for you to see the conditions prior to leaving home or prior to attempting to come in if the weather turns nasty. https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/using-waterways-boating-and-transport-information/conditions-weather-and-tides/webcams/batemans-bay
Maritime has some very good advice regarding crossing bars here is just an example:
Whether you're going out or coming in:
* Cross with an incoming tide – it's always safer.
* Avoid crossing with an outgoing (ebb) tide – this is the most dangerous time to cross because dangerous waves are more likely.
* Once you start crossing, keep going – trying to turn around in the middle of a bar can be risky, including an increased risk of swamping.
****** Just some lies, damn lies and statistics. *****
In Canada 20% of people who downed in boating accidents were wearing lifejackets.
100% of people who downed in backyard pools were not wearing life jackets.
More people have been saved from an upturned vessel hanging onto their escy than any other form of flotation.
The crew member of the Sydney to Hobart yacht that was swept overboard and then rescued was wearing a life jacket and furthermore the crew had practised man-over-board rescues which they put in place when he disappeared. Thus saving his life.
Can you pull a crew member on board if they fell into the water? Plan what you would do in this situation.
Again the Association recommends every person on a small to medium size vessel wears a lifejacket when underway or during inclement weather. Dont put it back in the locker soon after crossing the bar but keep it handy.
The next post will be covering washing down you vessel at the boat launching ramp.

17/12/2024

For those following the three main issues that the Association is tracking, let me give you a heads up - Little progress.

For those launching or visiting the Batemans Bay area, the Eurobodalla Council has not prepared the report regarding access from Chain Bay via Maloneys Beach to the road. Yes, we expected a quick turnaround on the report requested by Councillors regarding the removal of the three sandstone blocks preventing access we have had for the past 50 years from the informal boat ramp at Maloneys Beach to the road.

The community expected this report to be presented at today's Council Meeting, to be rubber-stamped, and the restriction to be removed prior to the summer holiday period or before the movement south to Tasmania by visiting yachts calling and spending money in the Bay. The bar at the mouth of the Clyde River is still silted up, so the only alternative is to stop in Chain Bay and go ashore for spares, provisions, and to spend money in the local economy. – No progress on this issue.

The second issue is the maintenance and upgrade to Crown Land facilities taken over by Transport for NSW – Maritime last year.
In a previous post, the Association raised the issue regarding the contract forced upon berth holders when this transfer took place. We have sought legal advice which clearly states that the terms and conditions are onerous and one-sided in favour of Maritime – that is not new, but that is water under the bridge. We can only point that out to others further north to negotiate prior to signing.

However, there is a clear duty of care that falls upon Maritime to provide a safe and well-maintained structure which complies with Standards Australia - Marina standards.
Bermagui floating pontoons have been broken for years. Some sections are held together with straps and incorrect rubber fittings, while bolts are loose and broken. There is a possibility that the finger will break away with two vessels attached and drift into a third vessel, damaging or sinking all involved.

Here we see some success.

As previously posted, a posse of Maritime arrived from Eden to inspect the marina. A few days thereafter, two young fellows from Queensland arrived with a box of rubber buffers to fix the pontoons. Unfortunately, the rubber buffers did not fit as designed, so they cut and pushed to get them to conform. Did they investigate before flying from Queensland what they needed to do the job? They spent most of their time fishing and sightseeing on this trip south.

They will return, as per the sign cable-tied the day prior to the inside of the gate, to inform ALL berth holders that the contractor may require temporary relocation of vessels during these works. I am sure they will communicate this information to all berth holders well before the next big maintenance project so vessel owners can make arrangements to be onsite if their vessel is to be moved.

The South Coast Maritime harbour manager is taking leave, so all communications with him seem to go into a yet-to-be-clear inbox, but you can "reach out" to MIDO to get a response.

The response from the Minister is only 3 days away, and the Association is looking forward to seeing what Maritime will be doing regarding billing, improved communications, and other matters.

03/12/2024

A possie from Maritime arrived from Eden this morning at Bermagui accompanied by the Manager of the Coop and did a walk around of the Bermagui Harbour marina. One live aboard did a runner and left the wharf for the open sea just after sun rise.

Others had clearly been warned that the suits would be in town because they cleared all their possession off the floating pontoons and every thing looked neat and tidy.

The straps are still on the loose finger and floating pontoon, there are still no safety ladders and electrical cables still run from the pedestals to the vessels 24/7.

We will wait to see what comes of this. The Narooma fleet have also been warned and they took all the hoses off the taps so that looks correct. The concrete wharf was inspected after they refurbishment project was put on hold.

We wait to see what comes from this – fact finding expedition.
One might ask why not involve the berth holders?