Beagle Weekender Vol 189 January 8th 2021

Vol 16 September 15th 2017

28 December 7th, Vol 48 April 27th 2018 Vol 189 January 8th2017 2021

Your FREE online Eurobodalla weekend magazine.

Photo: Brian Kinsela Your Beagle Weekly Index Arts ……………………. 28 to 31 Cinema ……………….. 26,27 Community ………………4 to 15 Reading ……………………..16 to 22 Food………………………… 0 Sport and Fishing ………. 32,33 Editorial …………………..2,3 What’s On …………….... 23 to25

FIND ALL YOUR DAILY NEWS @ www.beagleweekly.com.au

beagle weekly : Vol 189 January 8th 2021

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editorial Welcome to this week’s editorial 2021. We made it through 2020 and many now hope we can return to “normal”.

As to what that “normal” might be... I Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018 didn’t think it would start with a horn ha9ed, bare chested protestor standing defiantly in the halls of US democracy.

If nothing else, 2020 has been a year that has brought about a heightened awareness of poli=cs. Interna=onally, Na=onally and even Locally. People are becoming aware of the Bu9erfly Effect that when the US, Europe or China sneezes we all get a cold (unless we have a mask on).

This year will see the ongoing impact of last years calami=es.

The bushfires that destroyed our homes, our environment and our financial well being, and Covid that con=nues to impact to our fiscal bo9om line.

Fortunately the government did step in with Job Keeper, Job Seeker and the many grants they created to help prop up the economy. These have certainly benefi9ed our local economy by at least keeping the wolves from many local doors, for the minute, but things are soon to change.

Before we know it our community will be required to stand on its own two feet and “move forward”.

We will return to the normality of high unemployment that exists because we are regional, less established and predominantly seasonal with li9le industry other than tourism and aged care. It’s just how it is.

We are also a region that has the highest median age in the State with our older residents, many on fixed or low incomes, able to enjoy a rich, yet simple and affordable life.

But things are changing fast. There are plans afoot being discussed in back rooms that look to change all of this. The bo9om line is that Council needs more income. They have lost revenue and have also commi9ed $20million to fill the missing GAP of the new Mackay Park pool. What they desperately need is Jobs and Growth that will bring more popula=on, more building and expansion. All contribu=ng to the gaping hole in Council’s coffers.

The region was fortunate, by way of $51 million uncondi=onal grants for the new Batemans Bay Aqua=c Centre and $300 million for the new Batemans Bay and Nelligen Bridges. Jobs and Growth. A further $200 million is earmarked for the new Regional Hospital in Moruya. Jobs and Growth. There will be by-passes with more Jobs and Growth along with a Mogo Mountain Bike venue and $5.3 million Coastal walking trail. Lots of Jobs and Growth there as well.

In fact there is oodles of money out there that has made its way into the region .

Some might think of it as manna from heaven whereas others are a li9le more cau=ous of “Gods bearing GiNs" and the tradeoffs or beagle weekly : Vol 189 January 8th 2021

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editorial consequences that might arise.

This week saw Na=onal Independent Media (MichaelWestMedia) put a spot light on the pork barrelling by both State and Vol 16the September 15thFederal 2017 Governments around the Mackay Park project in Batemans Bay. Ini=ally the 28community December 7th, 2017 a heated pool and an art exhibi=on space. The old bowling club was purchased for Vol 48 April 27th 2018 BBay wanted $2.7 million offering the community promise that finally what they wanted might come into being.

But the moneykeepers intervened and next thing we know is that Council were seeking to do a deal with the private sector to build a mul=-story complex on the site and had decided, behind closed doors, to ex=nguish the town’s 50m pool and replace it instead with a 25m pool, provide an inadequate theatre9e, a gym that had no demand and a waterslide. From out of nowhere came their grand plan to have an Arts and Aqua=c Centre (Design 1.0) to the tune of $48 million. This was endorsed and State and Federal grant funds were “found” (in close proximity to elec=ons). All for Jobs and Growth. Next we hear that the project (Design 5.0) has blown out to $70 million.

It is now clear that the Eurobodalla community are going to have to find $19 million from somewhere for the latest Version. So will that be an increase in rates, an increase in charges and fees (Eurobodalla Council already overcharges on water and sewer fees to pay themselves an annual dividend to go into the General fund) or will it mean a reduc=on in services?

Last year the Mayor, Liz Innes, told us “The community knows what the community knows”.

What is becoming clear from the ongoing revela=ons of pork barrelling, secret back room discussions and Council’s con=nued failure to engage with its community is that in fact “The community only knows what the Council tells it and does its best to reveal as li9le as possible”. The councillors knew this and, under threat of “consequences “ if they breached confiden=ality, said nothing.

Then in late 2020 Councillors discovered that “Councillors only know what councillors know” when it was revealed that Council senior staff keep them as much in the dark as their community.

The Local Government elec=ons are in September this year. The reality is that the names of the ones actually in charge, the Federal Ministers, the State Ministers and the Senior Council staff, won’t be on our ballot papers. We need to be cau=ous that our next elected councillors are not influenced to a9ach puppet strings and learn their lines, ready to pick up their rubber stamps and endorse what they are told is good “for Jobs and Growth at any cost”. They will quickly learn that they are pawns in a much bigger game that is out of their control. A few might challenge, and if they do they will soon find themselves beaten down.

Un=l next—lei

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community

George Bass Drive upgrade underway Eurobodalla Council is upgrading the Vol 16 September 2017 notorious bends15th at Grandfathers 28 April December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27th 2018 Gully on George Bass Drive between Surf Beach and Lilli Pilli.

Council received $3.8 million in Commonwealth Government funding toward the road safety improvements, which will include removing the =ght bends, providing protected right-turn intersec=ons to Grandfathers Gully Road and Denise Drive as well as widened lanes, centreline treatments and shoulders, improved ligh=ng, delinea=on and protec=ve fencing.

The upgrade will improve line of sight for drivers and provide safer access for residents to George Bass Drive from Grandfathers Gully Road and Denise Drive. It will also include a connec=on for a future off-road shared pathway to link Malua Bay, Lilli Pilli and Surf Beach to exis=ng networks that will eventually connect Malua Bay cyclists to Batemans Bay and even Surfside.

Council’s infrastructure director Warren Sharpe OAM said the upgrade was a key project in Council’s Road Safety Plan 2019-22.

Mr Sharpe said Grandfathers Gully bends has a poor history of road crashes including a recent truck rollover.

“We know that almost half of all our crashes are on busy roads like George Bass Drive. We also know this road is experiencing significant growth in traffic due to increasing development at Lilli Pilli, Malua Bay, Tomakin and Broulee, and higher visitor numbers. This will grow further as the Rosedale west development comes online. We need to be on the front foot and get the road infrastructure needed to service these growth corridors in place to avoid further road-related trauma before it occurs.

“The new road alignment and road forma=on will provide for vastly improved road safety and capacity to meet current and future traffic volumes using this cri=cal regional transport route. This project is a major win for community safety and transport in northern Eurobodalla.”

Fill removed from the site will be re-used to prepare for broader road safety improvements along the route to Malua Bay and the Guerilla Bay intersec=on.

Council has already completed preliminary shoulder widening work.

Earthworks and road construc=on is expected to begin late January and be complete by the end of June.

Residen=al access will be maintained, including for emergencies and Council will be in direct contact with residents to inform them of the construc=on arrangements. beagle weekly : Vol 189 January 8th 2021

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www.iga.com.au/catalogue

community

Eurobodalla Council makes Na(onal News for all the wrong reasons In her ar=cle of January 5th, 2021 published na=onally on the MichaelWest network =tled "In too deep: Vol 16 September 15th John’s 2017 rorts go wrong" journalist Elizabeth Minter has placed a spotlight on the rorts when Gladys’ and 28 April December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27th 2018

around the Mackay Park project in Batemans Bay. Leading into her very telling ar=cle Liz Minter says:

"Gladys Berejiklian’s defence of pork barrelling will hardly enthuse ratepayers in Batemans Bay, or taxpayers for that ma9er. The local government debacle over a leisure centre, which got the =ck from Deputy Premier John Barilaro in dubious circumstances, is the quintessen=al object lesson in why governments should do their homework before they start throwing money around for poli=cal reasons."

While the ar=cle ini=ally reveals the pork barrelling by both State and Federal Governments around the project Ms Minter delves deeper into the role that Eurobodalla Council is playing Ms Minter writes of Eurobodalla Council : No comprehensive business case As a prerequisite of the funding, the project was required to submit a full business case. Yet a comprehensive business case has never been released. When the Eurobodalla Shire Council finally released the applica"on, a#er blocking its release three "mes, it showed that the Council had submi%ed a consultant’s dra# business case containing a clear rider that the consultant’s report should not be used for grant funding applica"on.

The so-called “business case” projected opera"ng cost over-runs. Yet the assessment criteria for the Regional Cultural Fund grant required evidence that an “appropriate analysis has been undertaken (i.e. a financial and/or economic appraisal), and the ongoing feasibility is shown to be viable“.

Eurobodalla Council con"nued to fight a%empts by ratepayers to scru"nise the planning assump"ons and cos"ngs of the project under “commercial confiden"ality”, even a#er the tender for construc"on had been completed and the project was under way.

The Eurobodalla Council’s own Audit, Risk & Improvement Commi%ee has never been provided with financial details of the project on the grounds of “commercial in confidence”.

Furthermore, Eurobodalla Council has not fulfilled its statutory project financial repor"ng obliga"ons regarding the project to the Office of Local Government. The Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock, holds the neighbouring electorate of South Coast.

An “evacua"on centre” capability was later added to the Leisure Centre’s long list of func"ons. However, this “instant” evacua"on centre is on flood-prone land, with limited access and egress according to experts.

Eurobodalla Council has acknowledged that adding the evacua"on func"onality was driven by the need to obtain further funding from grants.

Then for reasons again not made public, the council decided not to include the bowling club site into the footprint of the leisure centre. This meant all the arts and aqua"c facili"es had to be squashed into half the space. So now the proposal only has a 25-metre pool, a much reduced auditorium (500 seats down to 350), no space for future expansion and the loss of the 50-metre outdoor pool. Furthermore, the smaller theatre%e means it is not economic to have travelling produc"ons, further reducing the capacity of the beagle weekly : Vol 189 January 8th 2021

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community centre to pay its bills. And the “art gallery” that was originally included in the concept plan has been reduced to hanging space in the foyer.

You can read the full ar cle by Elizabeth Minter HERE h%ps://www.michaelwest.com.au/batemans-bay-rort-goes-wrong/ Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 April December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27th 2018

The ar=cle, In too deep: when Gladys’ and John’s rorts go wrong by Elizabeth Minter | Jan 5, 2021, adds weight to the growing concerns around the project, how it came to be funded, the way it was managed by way of ques=onable processes and the revela=ons that it will be a considerable ongoing financial burden to a community already in fiscal plight.

To be published in MichaelWestMedia is a further blow as the ar=cle is endorsed by a highly reputable editor. Michael West was a commentator with The Australian for eight years and another eight years with the Sydney Morning Herald as a journalist and editor.

Michael founded his website to focus on journalism of high public interest. West is a Walkley-award winner and Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney’s School of Social and Poli=cal Sciences.

The Beagle has been following this project from its start and repor=ng on the many concerns it holds in regards to finances and processes.

You can read the full history with associated ar=cles HERE. h%ps://www.beagleweekly.com.au/mackay-park It has been an ongoing disappointment that other local media have not taken up the gauntlet to do their own inves(ga(ons and repor(ng into the rorts, the manipula(ons, the lies and the subterfuge that is, and will be, The Mackay Park project. Thank you to Elizabeth Minter and to Michael West Media for bringing this local issue to Na(onal a5en(on.

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community

Rock in to library exhibi(on The team from Eurobodalla Libraries are leUng the pictures tell the story this January.

Using photographs supplied by the Moruya & District Historical Society, Our past in pictures chronicles the Vol 16years September 15th 2017 early of granite mining in the shire. Libraries’ coordinator Samantha Fenton said people connected with 28 April December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27th 2018 pictures in ways that differed from reading.

“The exhibi=on of seven photographs show some landmarks from the quarrying days,” Ms Fenton said.

“The group shots are par=cularly compelling. There’s something about looking at portraits – you think: what was it like to live like that?”

From 1876, Moruya’s four granite quarries developed a reputa=on for stone with good quality and colour, and it was used in the construc=on of now-famous structures like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney cenotaph. Ms Fenton said the exhibi=on could be viewed at Eurobodalla’s libraries un=l the end of January.

“Each library has enlarged copies of the original photographs held by the historical society. We’ve also made available a small take-home fact sheet that includes the images with extended cap=ons and a brief overview of granite quarrying in the region. History-based exhibi=ons were always a hit with Eurobodallans.

“We’ve done two similar exhibi=ons previously – one about the Moruya Airport during World War II and another on the changing landscape of Eurobodalla’s main streets. And we’re already working on the next exhibi=on, which looks at influen=al women from the shire’s past,” Ms Fenton said.

Our past in pictures: a closer look at the history of Moruya granite runs un=l the end of January at the Narooma, Moruya and Batemans Bay libraries.

Above: The granite quarry workforce of 250 included men of 13 na"onali"es. Photo: Moruya & District Historical Society. beagle weekly : Vol 189 January 8th 2021

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community

SOUTH COAST POLICE DISTRICT update On Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th January 2021, Police from South Coast Police District Proac=ve Crime Team conducted a two day Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 April December 7th, 2017 opera=on targe=ng shopliNing and other offences within the Vol 48 27th 2018 Batemans Bay Central Business District.

The Opera=on resulted in the following; Persons Arrested – 12 ( 9 were caught ShopliNing – 5 were issued with Criminal Infringement No=ces $300 each) Persons Searched – 15 Vehicles Searched – 3 Traffic Infringement No=ces issued – 3 Summary of arrests as per below: On 6 January, a 23 year old male from Bermagui was arrested in the Batemans Bay Central Business District. He was charged with Contravene Prohibi=on/Restric=on in AVO and was bail refused before being issued with strict condi=onal bail from Wollongong Local Court.

He will next face Batemans Bay Local Court on 18th January On 7 January, a 16 year old young person from Batehaven was arrested in the Batemans Bay Central Business District. He was charged with Possess Prohibited Drug, Possess Drug Implement and Possess Knife in a Public Place.

On 7 January, a 17 year old young person from Malua Bay was arrested in the Batemans Bay Central Business District. He will be charged at a later date with the following offences; Steal from Person, ShopliNing, Possess Housebreaking Implements and Goods in Custody suspected stolen.

On 7 January, a 17 year old young person from Catalina was arrested in the Batemans Bay Central Business District. He was charged with Drive Whilst Disqualified, Drive Unregistered Vehicle and Drive Uninsured Vehicle.

Police are asking anyone with informa=on in rela=on to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online repor=ng page: h9ps://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/. Alterna=vely please call your local police sta=on. Informa=on you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

We remind people they should not report crime informa=on via our Facebook and Twi9er pages.

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community

Un(l further no(ce all residen(al aged care facili(es must:

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 April December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27th 2018

ensure all staff and visitors wear a surgical mask within the facility ensure residents in Greater Sydney (including Blue Mountains and Central Coast Local Government Areas ) have a maximum of only two visitors each day.

They may have different visitors each day exclude visitors from the Northern Area of the Northern Beaches, Wollongong LGA, Cumberland City Council and the Canterbury Ward of Canterbury Bankstown Council

exclude visitors who have been in the following Local Government Areas of Queensland since 2 January 2021: City of Brisbane, Logan City, City of Ipswich, Moreton Bay Region, Redland City, Lockyer Valley Region, Scenic Rim Region or Somerset Region .

Visitors from these regions should be excluded. staff who have been to the Queensland local government areas of City of Brisbane, Logan City, City of Ipswich, Moreton Bay Region, Redland City, Lockyer Valley Region, Scenic Rim Region or Somerset Region since 2 January 2021 and are essen=al for maintaining the service should have a risk assessment performed in consulta=on with the local public health unit.

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community

Ground water pumping of Mackay Park to cease: Vol 16 September 15th 2017 outcome unknown 28 April December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27th 2018

Members of the community are alarmed to hear that Eurobodalla Council intends to remove the standpipe on Mackay Park and stop pumping the ground water that lies only a metre below the surface.

Long term locals have known that the site of the Bowling Club, swimming pool and sports fields have sat on a site that was once covered in bogs and swamp. Over =me it was cleared and over =me it was also reclaimed with building materials and soil from town construc=on.

Above: Aerial view of the Bateman's Bay Township 30 May 1937 - Royal Australian Historical Society

With much specula=on that the ground below the now demolished Batemans Bay swimming pool was "fill", "sand as far as you can drill" and "quicksand", with sugges=ons that the water table was just below the surface the community con=nued to pester Council for the findings of their geo-technical report wan=ng to determine for themselves the validity of Council choosing that loca=on for the site of the $70 million community owned project in light of the construc=on difficul=es and ongoing complexi=es found just across the road in the Village Centre that sits less than 100 metres away on the same strata.

The June 2019 Geotech report was finally made available publicly and made for interes=ng reading.

In a nut shell: The Eurobodalla Shire Council commissioned Public Works Advisory (PWA) to manage the delivery of a Regional Aqua=c and Arts Centre (Centre), in Batemans Bay. On a separate commission, the Council engaged PWA (Geotechnical Engineering Sec=on) to undertake a geotechnical inves=ga=on at the proposed site. It was proposed to increase the number of boreholes to eight (8) and increase the depths of the boreholes to 10m, in lieu of the specified 6m. At the Council’s request, the scope of work was further amended to cover the car parking areas. The final program comprised the drilling of eight (8) boreholes to 10m depth on the proposed Centre’s site; and, seven (7) boreholes to 2m depth along the access road alignment and within the proposed car parking areas.

The program was further amended. Along the western perimeter of the site, the depths of the boreholes were increased up to 19.4m depth, to determine the levels at which the basement bedrock occurs. In addi=on, in two of the boreholes, the bedrock was diamond cored to determine the quality of the bedrock with respect to the degree of weathering, rock substance strength and defect spacing. The results of the inves=ga=on were presented in July 2018.

In January 2019, the Project Management requested that an addi=onal inves=ga=on be carried out. It included the drilling of two addi=onal boreholes to bedrock, installa=on of two groundwater monitoring wells and the drilling of an addi=onal borehole.

The June 2019 geotechnical report presents the data obtained from the field inves=ga=ons and laboratory tes=ng and discusses geotechnical aspects relevant to design and construc=on of the proposed development. With li9le surprise the report states that "drilling revealed that the sand deposits in the beagle weekly : Vol 189 January 8th 2021

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community upper 1.5m (approximately) of the profile are possibly windblown in origin, while the underlying sediments, characterised by their grey to dark grey colour and presence of shell and organics are inferred to be associated with the dal-delta flat environment." The report goes on to note "that all deep boreholes were drilled outside the perimeter fences of the swimming pool and mini-golf complexes. Consequently, the thicknesses of any fill, associated with the construc on of the exis ng development, are not known.

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 April December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27th 2018

"The subsurface profiles generally comprise a thin layer of topsoil/fill overlying unconsolidated sediments.

The upper strata consist of variably coloured, medium grained and fine to medium grained sands. The sands are underlain by estuarine clayey sandy silts and sandy clayey silts to variable depths and then silty sands with traces of or some clay.

The unconsolidated estuarine sediments are in turn underlain by meta-sedimentary bedrock or, locally, a sequence of residual clay and weathered bedrock to the termina on depth." "Although there is a certain degree of similarity in sediment types across the site, the subsurface condi ons are highly variable with respect to thicknesses of various units, and, in case of the upper sand strata, some varia ons in the degree of compactness of the sands."

Editors Note: The above descrip"on reflects the same geotechnical observa"ons of the Stocklands (Village Centre) project over the road. That site had CONSIDERABLE difficul"es in securing piering and con"nues to have issues with groundwater permea"on.

Of interest to those who warned of the presence of ground water just below the surface, the report reveals that "Groundwater was intersected in all of the boreholes, apart from borehole BH7 showing that the table was at an average R.L of 0.8m and an average depth of just 1.5m." The report provides its findings for each bore hole and summarises by saying "The groundwater is likely to be hydraulically connected to the McLeods Creek/Clyde River system and is expected to be subject to dal fluctua ons. Given that the sands are pervious, rises in groundwater levels are also possible during extended periods of adverse weather." In regards to the founda=ons required for the building the report reveals "Although condi ons within the footprint of the proposed structures are not known, the available data suggests that there is a high poten al for differen al se8lements to occur if shallow foo ng systems are adopted. For heavy loaded or se8lement sensi ve structures, piles bearing in weathered bedrock would be an appropriate founda on system. Due to the presence of shallow water table and collapsible strata, Con nuous Flight Auger piles would be a suitable op on."

"The inves ga on revealed the presence of groundwater table at rela vely shallow depths. If excava ons more than 1.5m (approximately) are proposed, then lowering the water table will be required.

Dewatering of the sand strata may best be achieved by external dewatering techniques, such as je8ed dewatering wells."

This week, however, we learn that Council will be closing the ground water filling sta=on in Vesper Street (Mackay Park) due to the "significant developments in and around Mackay Park."

This means that Council will be removing the ground water pump that was put in place to assist in limi=ng the impact of the ground water on the Mackay Park and Village Centre facili=es whilst also providing cheap, nonpotable water for water carts undertaking beagle weekly : Vol 189 January 8th 2021

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community construc=on.

Council instead now advise "We have inves=gated op=ons for a temporary filling sta=on nearby to no avail.

The difficulty is finding a high capacity water main with safe and prac=cal access to and from the roadway for watercarts.

However, we do intend installing a new water filling sta=on on the northern side of the Clyde Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 April December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27th 2018 River.

"A new site must have safe access and egress from both the Princes and Kings Highways as well as being located near a significant water main so that we can deliver high flow without affec=ng nearby customers. To this end, we have been upgrading the water mains in conjunc=on with the bridge works. We have a site iden=fied but are unable to provide access un=l the bridge works are completed."

From this we can assume that: 1) Council is demobilising the exis=ng Mackay Park groundwater pump 2) Council is aware of the groundwater and that lowering of the groundwater table is required 3) Council is aware that the groundwater table is the same one that impacts on the Village Centre.

4) Council is well aware it is building on a reclaimed swamp.

5) The cost of building on a swamp adds a significant unknown to substructure costs before the building even gets out of the ground (as was the case with the Village Centre) 6) That, depending on clima=c condi=ons, the ground water table may have an impact on the life expectancy of the building.

7) Council are advised that con=nued dewatering of the groundwater table and lowing of the ground water table WILL be required. This represents an addi=onal opera=onal cost.

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OUT NOW—your latest Beagle Abode : Eurobodalla’s leading real estate Vol 16 September 15thguide 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018

The beagle abode is an online weekly Eurobodalla real estate guide showcasing the current Eurobodalla market and our many realtors.

The beagle abode is the new addi=on to the South Coast Beagle that owns The Beagle and the South Coast Travel Guide: The Nature Coast of NSW : from Durras to The Tilbas The Beagle Abode has been established to provide that service while also providing our readers with a glossy overview of latest proper=es on the market each week.

You can find Beagle Abode on the Beagle website under REAL ESTATE The latest Beagle Abode lis=ngs are also available each week as a FlipBook on the website and also distributed to readers via our social media pages and our twice weekly mailouts.

The Beagle Trades and Business Directory provides local Trades and Businesses a free lis=ng in a hope that they might gain work from it, and con=nue to provide employment and economic benefit to their families and our communi=es. Adver=sing is usually outside the affordability of many smaller businesses and sole traders.

The Beagle supports locals. These lis=ngs are FREE. If you are a local business and would like to be listed please contact us as we oNen turn over these lis=ngs to give everyone a fair go.

Email beagleweeklynews@gmail.com Trades and Businesses can also list themselves on the Beagle Trades and Business Group in Facebook at h9ps://www.facebook.com/groups/1303512213142880/

beagle weekly : Vol 189 January 8th 2021

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community

Batemans Bay pop up COVID-19 tes(ng clinic open this weekend Following the discovery Vol 16 September 15th 2017 of fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 in a sewage treatment plant at 28 April December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27th 2018 Ulladulla, Southern Pathology IML in partnership with SNSW LHD will open a pop up tes=ng clinic in Batemans Bay this weekend. There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the area at this stage.

Details for the drive-through clinic are as follows: Hanging Rock Sports Ground Hanging Rock Place, Batemans Bay 8am – 4pm Saturday & Sunday Southern Pathology IML will be running this clinic, there is no need to register with the SNSW COVID Triage Service.

Community members seeking informa=on on COVID tes=ng clinics across Southern NSW LHD are encouraged to phone the SNSWLHD 1800 318 248 COVID line. Callers will be provided with informa=on on tes=ng eligibility and clinic =mes and loca=ons as well as support to register for their local hospital based clinic.

For a list of tes=ng clinics in the Southern NSW Local Health District Area go to: h%ps://www.snswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/our-services/ infec"ous-disease/covid-19 SNSWLHD is urging anyone feeling unwell – even with the mildest of symptoms such as a runny nose, scratchy or sore throat, cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache, =redness, loss of taste or smell, nausea, diarrhoea or muscle aches – to self-isolate and seek COVID- 19 tes=ng, so that cases in the community are iden=fied as quickly as possible.

To protect lives & stay safe: - Stay in if you are unwell -Arrange to get tested -Maintain physical / social distancing -download the COVIDSafe app

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Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 April December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27th 2018

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Reading

Gadfly 152 By Robert Macklin Phew!

Ra=onal, moderate Americans now know what it’s like to dodge a bullet.

Trump’s a9empted coup, culmina=ng in a riotous a9ack by his Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 April December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27th 2018 supporters on the Capitol building, was the last gasp of a disgraceful presidency. Or was it, perhaps, the forerunner to that country’s slide into a state of aggressive, uncompromising, debilita=ng division?

It came from a popula=on where only 32 per cent accept the reality of evolu=on by natural selec=on. The others believe in either a biblical ‘young earth’ or crea=onism by design, the designer being that supernatural character they invoke with their endless cries of ‘God Bless America!’ Li9le wonder that 74,223,744 of them voted for the inventor of ‘Fake News.’

Objec=ve truth in America has become an op=onal extra, like collard greens.

The coup’s leader was supported by a majority of House Republicans and many Senators in his vainglorious a9empt to overthrow Joe Biden’s victory, doubly confirmed that very day with the elec=on of two Democrat senators from Georgia who gave him a workable majority in both chambers.

The bullet went whizzing by.

However, America is not out of the woods. From coast to coast, it’s ravaged by Covid-19; and despite the arrival of vaccines, the worst is yet to come. The Trump administra=on has fumbled the vaccina=on program just as it botched every other element of resistance to the virus. The case load has long passed 21 million and the death toll climbs inexorably towards 400,000. And that’s before the new Bri=sh variant takes hold.

Un=l January 20, the incoming Biden administra=on can do nothing to speed up the program nor take the necessary emergency ac=on to slow the spread. And who knows what new mischief Trump will get up to before that vital moment when – or if - the new President-elect takes office.

One presumes that 78-year-old former Vice-President has had his Pfizer shot. That should get him over the star=ng line. But will Biden’s fragile cons=tu=on withstand the immense pressures of the presidency for a four-year term – let alone a second round? Every =me they play that clip showing him trying to run to the microphone like a clapped out Cliff Young I find myself holding my breath =ll he reaches it.

Curiously, the possibility of his un=mely demise hasn’t triggered a single note of concern from the scores of US columnists and pundits who have probed every other aspect of the poli=cal imbroglio. Yet we could be on the threshold of a Kamala Harris presidency that would transform the poli=cal equa=on.

Domes=cally, it would galvanize Trump and his followers to re-enter the presiden=al race. He’s already called her a ‘monster’ and couldn’t possibly resist a return to the ring with a woman in the blue corner. (Though I’d bet the house that she’d knock him out in the first round). Either way, the clamour of hatred from the Trump Republicans would further weaken America’s interna=onal standing.

Australia’s US rela=ons will not be helped by either our happy-clappy Prime Minister’s toadying to Trump nor his government’s persistent climate change denialism. However, if they run true to form they’ll respond to Biden-Harris with a grandiose announcement of a 2050 carbon neutral target, then quietly consign it to the never-never basket.

Mean=me, those ra=onal, moderate Americans will know that they cannot relax - the bullet Trump fired this =me only just missed. He can now take his =me to adjust the sights.

robert@robertmacklin.com beagle weekly : Vol 189 January 8th 2021

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Reading—le5er to the editor

Need a pee in Batemans Bay - best drive on Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 April December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27th 2018

The Beagle Editor, Our Councillors have supported moving ahead with many ma9ers in Batemans Bay in this term of the Council.

The shire’s economy is significantly dependant on tourists and the money, tourists bring to the shire. The tourists require the use of the areas public assets. Public toilets being one of the needs of tourists to the shire and par=cularly Batemans Bay During this term of council there’s been several public toilet blocks closed to tourists and locals in the Batemans Bay area.

The public toilets within the Batemans Bay Community Centre have already been closed for months with a sign saying go to the Informa=on Centre or to Clyde Street. If the Batemans Bay Community centre is agreed to be leased, will the public toilets included in that building remain accessible to the public ?

If they are not then where will those in need of the public toilets be directed to?

With the planned closure of the Batemans Informa=on Centre in February 2021, which also has public toilet ameni=es and access and to some extent to long vehicle parking provisions, where will they be relocated and those in need be directed to?

The construc=on of the new bridge also saw the removal of public toilets and the new foreshore plan indicates it is going to move the toilets from outside of the Boatshed fish and chip shop. Where will the public go during this =me?

And where will they put the new toilets? One of the current councillors appears to be of the opinion that the toilets in shopping centres, pubs, clubs and at fast food outlets are for general public use and tourists and locals can go there.

The proposed new block of toilets in Clyde Street, Batemans Bay will not provide provisions for tourists towing caravans or boats, how is it proposed to cater for them? In fact where does Council suggest that anyone in a bus, truck, towing a caravan, in a motor home or towing a boat stop and have a pee? yours sincerely Allan Brown Catalina beagle weekly : Vol 189 January 8th 2021

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Reading—another day in local poli(cs

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 April December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27th 2018

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Reading

What happens when a Popular Mayor driAs from popularity Eurobodalla residents and ratepayers went to the polls

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 in to vote their councillors. In July that year a 282004 December 7th,for 2017 Volin48 April 27th 2018

bi-elec=on saw them vote in a referendum that would set in place a separate ballot for the Eurobodalla Mayor in the next elec=on four years later in 2008.

Almost two-thirds of Eurobodalla voters backed the plan to reduce the number of councillors from nine to eight, with a mayor elected directly by popular vote.

While the cost of a separate elec=on is understood to be in the order of an addi=onal $100,000 it was put forward at the =me that having a four-year term mayor gave stability and con=nuity. Up un=l that =me councillors selected the mayor from their own number.

ONen that choice was due to fac=onalism and favouri=sm with li9le bearing on who might be the best candidate. Eurobodalla's first popularly elected Mayor was Fergus Thomson in 2008. Next came Lindsay Brown in 2012 and then Liz Innes in 2016.

The difficulty in having a popularly elected mayor for four years is that it is locked in for four years. But what happens if a popularly elected mayor, elected on promises and mandates, fails to deliver or perform. What if a popular mayor falls from grace?

There is a mechanism that, under referendum, the community could vote to go back to the old ways. That doesn't look to be on the cards in the Eurobodalla though. A council can decide to conduct a cons=tu=onal referendum. If the cons=tu=onal referendum is passed, the result takes effect at the next local government elec=ons. There is no indica=on that Eurobodalla will be running a referendum in September 2021.

Due to Covid the 2020 Local Government elec=ons were postponed un=l September 2021.

Our Councillors will return to work on February 9th for their first Council mee=ng of 2021. In all there will be ten mee=ngs before they step down for the next elec=on. But the elec=oneering has already begun with a myriad of promises, all too many handshakes, and fortunately for Covid, very li9le in the way of baby kissing.

The ques=on remains though. What happens if we vote in a sausage roll for a Mayor, a pork pie, a damp hand, an inept Wally? And what if we vote in a flock of lame ducks, a useless batch of Humpty Dumptys?

Fortunately we s=ll have the Council senior staff to rule the roost and to carry on in delivering Roads, Rates, Rubbish and Regula=ons aided by the rubberstamps of the elected of the day. So don't be surprised if you start to see elec=oneering by current councillors and prospec=ve candidates.

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Reading

100 Years Ago—January 8 1921 GOOD TRAVELLING.– Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Bate, of “Mountain View,” Tilba Tilba, have just returned Vol 16aSeptember 15th 2017 after 100027th mile spin in their handsome Buick car 28 April December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 2018 through the wheat and Murrumbidgee irrigation areas. Mr. Bate says that, although he traversed some of the very best wheat country, contrary to expectations, he found none damaged. Strippers were to be seen everywhere working both on holidays and Sundays. We hope to receive a few interesting items from the able pen of our energetic Shire Councillor.

OUR EXPERIMENTAL PLOT.—The Dept. of Agriculture, in conjunction with Mr. A. Louttit, of Moruya, is carrying out experiments with maize and sorghum. At present the promise of good results are encouraging. There about 16 varieties of maize under test and already a great difference in maturity is noticeable. U.S. 133, a variety imported from the United States of America by the Department and grown to advantage last year was much sought after during the past planting season, is now showing signs of very early maturity. These plots should be of interest to corn growers locally. The sorghum plots consist of four varieties, one of which has been bred by the Dept., and has shown to advantage in other parts as compared with the old varieties.

NEW YEAR’S EVE.– According to reports brought to this Office, some of the residents of Coila-Turlinjah received “over-the-odds” attention from the young bloods of the district on New Year’s Eve. A joke is a joke, and there are very few who begrudge periodical bursts of exhuberance of youth in this direction, but when property is interfered with and persons subjected to losses the joke, or lark becomes a “horse” of another colour. Boats are said to have been interfered with, gates carried away and fences pulled down but as the Police are investigating we will say nothing further at present, except to worn the lads of the fate of those who tried on some of these games in Moruya some little time ago.

A BETTER LAND.– For the coming year, what Australia needs most is a national conscience, a religion of faith in our country that will make every operation sacramental. If we milked every cow to the glory of Australia, turned every spadeful of earth to the hope of the future, yarded every sheep with the idea that its fleece had a patriotic meaning, sold every commodity as an act of Australian piety, and made the work of every day a solid Hallelujah, the vision of the ages (a better land) would become a sudden actuality.

UNVEILING OF SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL AT NELLIGEN. The unveiling of the Nelligen Soldiers’ Memorial took place on Friday last, 31st inst., in the presence of the largest crowd seen there for over 20 years. Despite the sweltering heat the people poured in from all directions, and by 3.30—the hour of unveiling—the town was thronged with visitors. ... beagle weekly : Vol 189 January 8th 2021

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Reading—history The ball was also a huge success but too crowded for comfort. … The sports on Saturday were also well attended, the gate takings amounting to £10 2s.

The hall was again crowded on New Year’s Night at the Cinderella.

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 ADVERTISEMENTS 28 April December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27th 2018

ST. PATRICK’S COLLEGE Goulburn. Conducted by the Christian College. Registered under the Bursary Endowment Act. The College is beautifully situated in a Park of 50 acres. Bracing climate, affording a welcome change from the enervating heat of the coast. The President may be interviewed at Moruya till January 17th, 1921. TERMS MODERATE. PROSPECTUS ON APPLICATION. ENGINEERS WANTED. To repair and erect Machinery at Spoke Factory, Bateman’s Bay. ALBERT PERRY, Manager CAUTION. PERSONS trespassing or removing firewood from my paddock known as “Noad’s” on the Bodalla road, after this date will be prosecuted without respect of persons. JOHN JEFFERY.

Next Teensafe course January 2021 school hols - book now The next Teensafe course is planned for the school holidays for Thursday January 21st, 2021 at Moruya Speedway 10am -3pm. To book email garys.home@bigpond.com The locally volunteer-run TeenSafe program is conducted during school holiday periods at the Motor Sports Complex on Donnellys Drive, Moruya by a group of dedicated driving instructors. The TeenSafe program commenced in 1999 as a request from members of the local community to provide young people with information and practical experiences in safe driving. 'L' and 'P' plate drivers develop driving skills in a controlled environment and under the supervision of trained instructors.

Their aim is to give 'L' and 'P' plate drivers basic driving skills and experiences in a safe and controlled environment. The courses are held over 1 day 10am-3pm with a maximum of 6-7 students.

The program consists of both theory and prac=cal elements and teaches basic skills as well as safety aspects of driving. It is a detailed presenta=on teaching driving skills in a fun, posi=ve and safe manner with emphasis being placed on slowing down, hazard percep=on and the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Tui=on is on a 'one to one' basis in the vehicles - all supplied by TeenSafe.

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Reading

Black Summer: Stories of loss, courage and community from the 2019-2020 Vol 16 September 15thbushfires 2017 Vol 28 December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 April 27th 2018

Black Summer, released for sale on January 6th, 2021, is a compila=on of stories of loss, courage and community from the 2019-2020 bushfires.

Told by ABC journalists, including ABC South East reporters Claire Wheaton, Daniel Doody and Adriane Reardon who were on the ground and broadcas(ng during our worst ever fire season, the book is spearheaded by Michael Rowland Publishers Harper Collins promote the book, ahead of its release, saying: "The bushfires that burnt across Australia from June 2019 to February 2020 were unprecedented. By the =me the rains came, they had devoured more than 18 million hectares of bush and farm land, destroyed nearly 3000 homes, claimed the lives of 33 people, killed about a billion animals and driven more to the brink of ex=nc=on. The heartbreak, pain, loss and uncertainty were felt far and wide. These were fires that burnt in every state and affected all Australians, directly or indirectly.

But out of the tragedies, the fear, the lost homes, the burnt forests, the bleak holidays, the unrelen=ng smoke have come stories of courage and community. ABC journalists on the ground during the crises brought many of these stories into homes across the na=on. This book contains updates, new stories and overviews by them, as well as reflec=ons on how such a catastrophe occurred and what we have learnt from it. It is both a record of the events and a tribute to those who endured, escaped, fought and in some cases paid the ul=mate price.

With forewords by Ita Bu9rose and Andrew Constance, and contribu=ons from our ABC South East reporters Claire Wheaton, Daniel Doody and Adriane Reardon along with Casey Briggs, Jessie Davies, Ma9hew Doran, Bri9any Evins, Richard Glover, Nick Hose, Melinda James, Tom Joyner, Jonathon Kendall, Stacey Lee, Hamish Macdonald, Jade Macmillan, Jennifer McCutcheon, Philippa McDonald, Karen Michelmore, Greg Nelson, Michael Rowland, Baz Ruddick, Erin Semmler, Josh Szeps, and Philip Williams."

All publisher profits from this book will be donated to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund. By purchasing this book you are assis(ng people, animals, forests and communi(es affected by the fires.

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What’s on

All the known gigs to date: All the known gigs to date: Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 December 7th, 2017– Tomakin Club (7.30pm) Jan 8th - Rob Vol 48 April 27thSimpson 2018

Jan 8th - Joe Quennell – Soldiers Club (6.30pm) Jan 9th - Robin Simpson– Tuross Club (8pm) Jan 9th - Joe Quennell – Soldiers Club (6.30pm) Jan 10th - Kane Ryan Waterfront Hotel - Moruya 4-7pm Jan 10th - Country Pumpkins – Bodalla Dairy Shed (12.30pm) Jan 10th - Rick Bamford – Camel Rock Brewery (12.30pm) Jan 10th - Guy Turk – Tomakin Club (4pm) Jan 16th - Roddy Reason – Tuross Club (8pm) Jan 16th - Two Dogs Plucking at Bend + Sip Jan 16th - Ma9hew Lloyd – Club Narooma (5.30pm) Jan 16th - Roddy Reason – Tuross Club (8pm) Jan 17th - Soul Stories – Club Narooma (3pm) Jan 17th - Salty Noise at Moruya Waterfront Hotel 2-6pm Jan 23rd- 1920 and SpindriN Saga at Moruya Waterfront Jan 26th - Country Pumpkins – Tuross Club (8pm) Jan 30th - Intensity – Tuross Club (8pm)

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What’s on

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 April December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27th 2018

Simon Kinny-Lewis comes back to the Quarterdeck, Narooma with the band and the Blues, Saturday 16 January 2021 at 9pm.

Australian blues ar=st Simon Kinny-Lewis has performed/recorded with the cream of the Blues crop including Robben Ford, Chris Cain, Andy Just (BB King, Buddy Guy) Nate Ginsberg (Herbie Hancock) and many more.

Not only recognised as a virtuoso guitarist, but also as an impressive singer and songwriter. Simon’s approach has been described as a musical intersec=on in which tradi=on, modern flair and personal style are enriched by pure emo=onal release.

Simon recently released his seventh album en=tled “Another Day in San Jose”. Recorded at Reed’s in San Jose during his 2020 California tour. The album features Blues legend Robben Ford (Miles Davis, George Harrison and more) performing on Simon's new original “Dagger Eyes ". It follows his previous albums “Ca`ish” & “A Day In San Jose”. Both reached #1 on The Australian Blues and Roots Airplay Charts. His next album is in produc=on, due for release in March.

If you a9ended his last show in December, you know how good he is. We're hoping to see your face in the crowd again, with many more.

DOORS OPEN 9PM—TICKETS $30 PP PURCHASES YOU A SEAT AT A SHARED TABLE - GREAT WAY TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS—LIGHT TAPAS AND FULL BAR AVAILABLE

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What’s on

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cinema

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cinema

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arts Untold Eurobodalla, Lee Grant and Amadis Lacheta—12 December – 7 February 2021 Basil Sellers Exhibi=on Centre, Corner of Vulcan and Campbell Streets, Moruya, NSW 2537 02 4474 7355 Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm www.thebas.com.au Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Grace Stabback 28 April December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27th 2018

Growing up in the Eurobodalla, Grace values the sense of community and friendly, welcoming nature of the people. She also adores the bush, paddocks, creeks and sea and has many favourite local places such as Donald’s Creek waterhole.

Her whole family loves and plays music, and with a talent for rhythm, Grace learnt to tap dance as a child. The compe==ons and make-up weren’t her cup of tea, but in the last couple of years she has taken it up again for her own enjoyment.

Since the bushfires and COVID-19, she has no=ced just how adaptable our community is and has had to be to keep up with unpredictable events beyond our control. She feels our capacity to look out for each other has really come to the fore in mee=ng the challenges of 2020.

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arts The current exhibi=on at The BAS in Moruya, 'Untold Eurobodalla' by Lee Grant and Amadis Lacheta is open un=l Sunday 7 February 2021.

To more about the exhibi=on, the ar=sts, Vol learn 16 September 15th 2017 28 April December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27th 2018 the si9er and this beau=ful area we call home, book into one of their guided tours.

They are held every Thursday morning from 11am un=l the exhibi=on closes.

Bookings can be made via thebas.com.au

Wendy Macklin’s Covid 19 year was filled with non stop pain=ng, resul=ng in so many art works she had to find somewhere to put them. Hence the converted Ping Pong Room at 'the bo9om of the garden" - now THE SUMMER HOUSE Jan 16th—2pm to 5pm - Chauvel Cres, Tuross Head (Opposite Bridges Ave Reserve) beagle weekly : Vol 189 January 8th 2021

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arts

Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 April December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27th 2018

Bi9er Sweet Melody, an outstanding collec=on of recent oil pain=ngs by Jus(n Pearson commences at Gallery Bodalla today 7 January and runs through to 14 February.

Featuring portraits, landscapes and works inspired by the theatre, Jus=n's pain=ngs are expressive, some=mes drama=c, and always beau=ful.

Born in Christchurch, Jus=n leN New Zealand and made his way to London in 1981, where he completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts at Byam Shaw School of Art (Central Saint Mar=n’s College of Art and Design).

He is represented in private and corporate collec=ons in New Zealand, Australia and the UK and has won several awards including the Southern Highlands Portrait Prize, 2013, the Fe9lers Heritage Art Prize 2011 and the Heysen Prize in 2007. He has also been a finalist in The Adams Portrait Award, Wellington New Zealand, the Fishers Ghost Award including 2020, and a semi-finalist in the 2014 Doug Moran Portrait Prize with a portrait of the ar=st Euan Macleod.

By visi=ng www.gallerybodalla.com.au you will be able to take an easy virtual tour of Gallery Bodalla and browse photographs and catalogue details of the works. If you would like to buy any of Jus=n’s pain=ngs but can’t get to the gallery please contact Valerie on 0421 238 174 or email gallerybodalla@gmail.com.

Gallery Bodalla is open Thursday to Sunday 11am to 4pm and by appointment.

In keeping with COVID safe prac=ce please wear a mask and only 4 people in the gallery at a =me.

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arts

S(ll Time To Enrol Your Children In These Fabulous Vol 16 September 15th 2017 Workshops 28 April December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27th 2018 Montague Art & CraN Society (MACS) are offering a free children’s holiday arts program during January 2021. This program, named “The Bush Telegraph”, is proudly sponsored by a Coordinare Bushfire Recovery Community Grant.

These free workshops will be offered to children from bush fire affected households from Bermagui to Nerrigundah.

Workshops include: Crea=ve Crayon & Watercolour 7 & 21 January Drama 9, 16 & 23 January Steampunk Art 14 January Framed Fabric 7 January Poster Making 21 January

Classes are limited to 12 par=cipants per workshop. Bookings are essen=al and enrolment forms can be picked up from the Narooma Visitor Centre or downloaded from the MACS website.

There are some age restric=ons, so read the enrolment form along with details on =mes and dates for each class.

Enrolments need to be submi9ed to: macsartnarooma@gmail.com

Pictured above right is what students who enrol in the Steampunk workshop will make...an upcycled bo9le, a journal & bookmark.

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sports An excellent turn out 70 starters for the first Broulee Run on the year.

There were lots of visitors, who came to enjoy the event.

The most notable being Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 April December 7th, 2017Darwin.

Vol 48 27th 2018 Golden Whitrod from In the 5 kilometres personal best =mes were recorded by/Thomas Menzies Stegbauer, Tony Maher, Jo Whithear, Robyn Smith, Jason Hawkins, and Rosie McPartland.

The star of the night is Geoff Hawke (right), who recorded his 30th run and received his shirt to commemorate the occasion. Geoff is an outstanding athlete having qualified and competed in the Hawaiian Iron Man. He has an excellent PB of 18.52 for the 5 kilometres, which he recorded on 5th January 2011 Upcoming annual cricket match between the South Coast Veterans side and ACT Over 60's on Thursday 11th February at Hanging Rock commencing at 10:30am.

The match has two purposes: to acknowledge the contributions made by two stalwarts for each side-Ron Axelby, the first Australian captain in 2011 and our own Peter Miers, now deceased, who was a leading figure in cricket on the coast and was an active campaigner against a charcoal plant in Mogo many years ago.

Secondly, to provide an opportunity for older men to improve both physical health. The fraternity of cricket is a wonderful experience for all.

This is the first time Eurobodalla been able to field a team made up almost exclusively of players of 60 years of ago or more. In fact, the oldest player is mid 70s! More games are envisioned.

It is a 40 over per side match with batsmen being able to retire after 30 not out and recycle if overs permit.

The standard of cricket will surprise spectators as many have played either first grade or have represented state/ territory or even Australia at veterans level This is also a call out for senior men who would like to play again, to sign up. Contact Paul Cullen on 0499415867 for more details.

Photo: a senior team at the Over 70s carnival at Armidale recently. beagle weekly : Vol 189 January 8th 2021

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fishing

Your UP TO DATE Fishing report courtesy of Tackle World Moruya Vol 16 September 15th 2017

28 April December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27thriver.

2018 Moruya

Anyone order an extra side of rain this week? Well we got it, as ordered! This has dir=ed the river up yet again, again forcing the fish into the deeper holes, or further towards the river mouth.

Preddy’s wharf con=nues to provide land based anglers and holiday makers with consistent catches of trevally, flathead and the occasional bream. Oilier baits seem to be the preference at the moment with pilchards, mullet and tuna fillets all working well.

The upper reaches are fishing a fair bit harder, as the fresh, dirty water is making the fishing more of a challenge.

Tuross river.

Tuross again this week has produced be9er catches of fish, with the lower sec=ons definitely fishing a lot be9er than further up the system. The Potato point side of the Tuross flats con=nues to see reasonable numbers of flathead, bream and the odd whi=ng.

The upper sec=ons have best been described as less than appealing to fish, with a good amount of mud finding its way into the system with the recent rains.

Rock and beach.

The beaches and break walls have provided the most consistent catches this week, with good numbers of salmon, bream and whi=ng being caught.

Moruya breakwall has seen a steady stream of salmon this week, as well as few trevally and bream.

The gu9ers in close are holding good numbers of bream and whi=ng, with live beach worms the best baits.

The bream have also been taken on small soN plas=cs worked along the beach with the waves.

Offshore.

There have been very nice catches of both snapper and flathead for the boat crews this week. Try in the magic 30-40m depth mark first before venturing deeper if required. The games crews are s=ll having fun with reports of a few yellow fin tuna geUng around, as well a some more marlin.

Just be cau=ous heading out over the Moruya bar, as there is a second bar out from the end of the breakwall at the moment. One local fisho waited out 3 sets before heading out, he navigated the first bar and once past the end of the wall was greeted by a single standing wave of about 3 meters. He’s not quite sure he remained upright, but his chin and the boat did have a discussion, with his chin losing out.

Take your =me and watch for as long as you need to be comfortable with the condi=ons. Moruya also has a bar cam that you can watch to check condi=ons before launching.

Mari=me are doing an expired flares collec=on at Preddy’s wharf this Saturday the 9th of January between 10am and 11:30am. So if you have any damaged or expired flares you wish to dispose of, they will be there to take them off of your hands.

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classiďŹ eds

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