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As we con nue to see the devasta on of the floods up north and the heartbreak it is bringing to so many we can also appreciate that the impact of the floods will con nue in these communi es for years to come.

Homes have been destroyed and farms and businesses now face financial ruin. The general response from many will be “It’s OK, they are insured”. But as we discovered recently in the Mogo floods and also following the bushfires is that many of the proper es affected were either not insured or drama cally underinsured.

The floods up north are being called “unprecedented”. That might be so but it raises the point that the probability of floods rising to that level again is now real. And as a consequence, even as we read this, insurance companies and councils are mapping out new flood maps. Council’s will say they need to do this to iden fy infrastructure at risk such as sewer pumps, water services, public buildings and general network infrastructure.

An example in Eurobodalla is the Council’s flood mapping of our low lying towns. Council say they have done this to iden fy key assets that need to be raised ahead of flooding or sea surge. Fair enough. But their maps of these predic ons, based on rubbery figures and generalised algorithms now shade proper es with a Alarming RED that is officially registered against that property.

Imagine you have a house in one of these low lying towns. You know that storm water, floods or dal surges has never been on your property because of historical records and anecdotes. But now, during an “unprecedented flood” the flood waters lapped at the far corner of your otherwise elevated property. By virtue of a line drawn by someone based on a mathema cal equa on, you are now Flood Prone, and as such you will now pay a much higher premium. The same applies if another layer of Council’s mapping says you are bushfire prone.

In the Eurobodalla the residents of Surfside found that a layer in Council’s mapping system declared them at risk of rising seas and sea surges. Based on some very rubbery mathema cs their proper es were iden fied and, while it is only a “predic on” those affected are now paying an increased premium simply because Council makes the layer available to insurers who react to reduce their exposure to risk.

Those in the north who have never experienced the flood levels of this week may well discover that they are underinsured, as many across the State did a er the bushfires, or they might find their premiums don’t cover floods and only storms and rain.

A er the Great MopUp property owners will find themselves with higher premiums and newly imposed condi ons if they decide to rebuild, such as increased floor heights above the latest flood level.

Much like we have in the South East there will be new homeless. Those who can’t afford to rebuild. Those who can’t find rentals, those who have no-where to go, that have no belongings and li le hope of ge ng back to “normal” because they were underinsured, and now the property they own faces increased premiums because the “unprecedented” is now the new normal. There is a lesson in there somewhere. Un l next—lei

A woman has died in hospital following a two-vehicle crash in the state’s south west this morning. About 9.15am today (Friday 4 March 2022), emergency services responded to reports of a two-vehicle crash on the Kings Highway, Carwoola. Police have been told a Toyota Yaris - driven by a 55-year-old woman - was travelling west, and a Mazda 3 - driven by a 35-year-old woman - was travelling east, when the two vehicles collided. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated both drivers at the scene before they were airli ed to Canberra Hospital. This a ernoon, the older woman died in hospital. The younger woman remains in a serious, but stable condi on. Officers from Monaro Police District established a crime scene which was examined by specialist officers from the Crash Inves ga on Unit. As inquiries con nue, anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has dashcam footage of the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. A report will be prepared for the informa on of the Coroner. Anyone with informa on about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or h ps:// nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Informa on is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report informa on via NSW Police social media pages.

Narooma man charged with peep or pry

A man has been charged following an alleged incident in a public bathroom on the state’s South Coast last month.

Police have been told a man allegedly followed a woman not known him into a bathroom at a shopping centre on Perry Street, Batemans Bay, on Monday 14 February 2022. It will be alleged the man le and returned a short me later, when he viewed a woman from under a cubicle divider before becoming verbally aggressive towards her. The woman sought help from a male known to her nearby, when the unknown man allegedly threatened him.

Officers a ached to Batemans Bay Police were no fied and commenced an inves ga on. Following inquiries, police a ended a home in Narooma and spoke to a 22-year-old man about 12.45am on Tuesday 15 February 2022. He was arrested and taken to Narooma Police Sta on where he was charged with peep or pry, common assault, and stalk/in midate intend fear physical etc harm. The man was refused bail, to appear in Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday 7 March 2022. Anyone who believes they may have been a vic m of this type of crime is urged to contact Batemans Bay Police on 4472 0099 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Community Stars of Eurobodalla Dance For Cancer

WHAT A NIGHT...CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR AWARD WINNERS Highest Fundraiser - Dean White and Rachel Piper Judges choice winner - Mark Ethell and Rebecca Stanley Peoples choice award - Dean White and Rachel Piper Best Costume - Anke Dutschke and Kassi Lozzi Tara has uploaded more photos to h ps://regen mages.crevado.com/ eurobodalla-stars Stars of Eurobodalla Dance for Cancer is in it's 5th year in 2022. Stars of Eurobodalla is Images: Regent Images loved by the community and in 2020 ran the first virtual Stars event in the state during COVID. Stars of Eurobodalla Dance For Cancer say "A big thank you to our Stars and Dance teachers! Thank you for saying yes, pu ng yourself outside your comfort zone, giving up your me, dedica ng yourself to raise over $120,000 for those affected by cancer and taking to the stage like true STARs"

Join next Thursday 10 March 5:15pm at the Moruya Golf Club for a fascina ng panel discussion with Chris Bowen, Shadow Minister for Climate and Energy and key local leaders.

Emergency services say current forecasts don’t show any river rises above the peaks we’ve had already this week, but monitoring will con nue. Next update: mid-a ernoon Saturday 5 March. Roads and bridges closed NEW Bumbo Road, at Snake Flat Cheese Factory Bridge, Eurobodalla Road Dwyers Creek Road, Moruya - at the causeway Old Bolaro Road, Nelligen – at the causeway Silo Farm Bridge, Bodalla Sunnyside Road, Mystery Bay - at the causeway Kiora Bridge, Araluen Road River Road, Nelligen - at the causeway Roads and bridges re-opened NEW Eurobodalla Road, at the turf farm NEW Tyrone Bridge, Eurobodalla Road Shore St, Moruya - closed from Thomas Street to River Street Wamban bridge 1, Wamban Rd, Moruya Kings Highway – two landslips on Thursday cleared by Council crews with only minor traffic delays Albert Street, Moruya, from O on Street to Haslingden Street

Sportsgrounds and parks Riverside Park, Moruya – no markets this Saturday All sportsgrounds closed

Dr Michael Holland, Member for Bega to be sworn in. The Electoral Commission has returned the writs for the 12 February State byelec ons. Dr Holland will be sworn in as members of Parliament during the March si ngs. Michael Joseph Holland was declared elected at 11:28am on Wednesday, 2 March 2022.

community

Changed traffic condi ons on Clyde Street, Wharf Road and

Old Punt Road in

Batemans Bay

Motorists are advised of temporary traffic changes on Clyde Street, Wharf Road and Old Punt Road from Monday to allow for asphal ng and paving work as part of the Batemans Bay Bridge replacement project. These traffic changes will be in place between 7am and 6pm on weekdays only. Traffic changes on Clyde Street will include a single lane closure and stop/slow traffic control and will be in place from Monday 7 to Wednesday 9 March, weather permi ng. Intermi ent closures of the Clyde Street east off-street car park located adjacent to the T-Wharf will also be required during this me and the community are encouraged to use alternate parking along Clyde Street. The Clyde Street west boat ramp will also be impacted during this period and the community are encouraged to use alternate local boat ramps located on Old Punt Road or at Hanging Rock. Traffic changes on Wharf Road will be in place from Tuesday 8 to Friday 11 March, weather permi ng. During this me, the southbound slip lane from the Princes Highway onto Wharf Road will be temporarily closed. From the Princes Highway, motorists will be able to access Wharf Road via Peninsula Drive. Traffic changes on Old Punt Road will be in place from Monday 14 to Friday 18 March, weather permi ng. This will include a temporary closure of all boat trailer parking spaces at the Old Punt Road boat ramp. The community are encouraged to use alternate local boat ramps located on Clyde Street west or at Hanging Rock.

Motorists are advised to drive to the condi ons, allow five minutes addi onal travel me and follow the direc on of signs and traffic control. Electronic message boards will advise when boat ramp closures are in place. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all mes during this work and pedestrians are advised to follow the direc on of signs and traffic control. Transport for NSW thanks motorists and pedestrians for their pa ence during this work.

NSW Health confirms Eurobodalla Hospital land s ll not acquired, more than a year a er announcement In a remarkable admission today during Budget Es mates, NSW Health bureaucrats today confirmed that the Liberal Na onal Government s ll does not own the land earmarked for the new Eurobodalla Hospital. Senior execu ves from NSW Health confirmed that the acquisi on of the land was s ll under nego a on, even though the site was first selected in 2020. In response to ques oning from Labor’s Walt Secord about acquisi on of the land, Deputy Secretary Dr Nigel Lyons said: “It hasn’t been finalised yet…there have been ongoing nego a ons with the person who owns that land, they haven’t been able to reach agreement.” This is the latest in a string of statements by the Government a emp ng to downplay the protracted process of acquiring the land. Shadow Minister for Health, Ryan Park, said "What is clear is that the Government’s handling of the Eurobodalla Hospital has been shameful. They only promised a Level 4 hospital around by-elec ons, but the devil is always in the detail with this Government. "The Opposi on will con nue to advocate on behalf the people of Bega to ensure they deliver on their word – because this community deserves adequate health services. On 1 February, appearing at a Parliamentary Inquiry, senior execu ves from Southern NSW LHD stated that NSW Health was “currently finalising the sale agreement with the landowner”. On 2 February, Health Minister Brad Hazzard stated that “the process is proceeding as planned”. On 8 February, the Minister revealed that the landowner had in fact been served no ce to begin compulsory acquisi on of the land back in December 2021, following 13 months of nego a ons. The Shadow Minister for Health said: "This is a Government that has completely failed the community when it comes to actually delivering the improvements to health services they need." "Dr Holland and I will con nue to fight for local residents to ensure this project gets back on track, that’s what they expect and that is what we will do." Dr Michael Holland, Member for Bega, said: “It is deeply disappoin ng to hear that the land for the Eurobodalla Hospital s ll has not been acquired, more than a year since the site was announced.” “From day one, this Government has failed to be transparent with our community about the new hospital, whether it’s about services, staffing, or even if they own the land to build it on. All we get from this Government is spin.” “How can the community have faith that the hospital will be up and running in three years’ me when the Government doesn’t even own the land yet?” “We don’t need more announcements and photo ops. We need a new hospital.” NSW Labor’s representa ves on the hearing are the Hon Greg Donnelly MLC and the Hon Walt Secord MLC.

The Mogo Village Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the start of the Phoenix Community Wellbeing Program, an innova ve wellbeing program for the greater Mogo community. Funded by the NSW Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund and supported by Campbell Page, the Phoenix Program will give local people the opportunity to learn effec ve tools and techniques to reduce stress, build happiness and boost resilience. The program involves hands-on workshops and experiences, including evidence-based tools and techniques, to help strengthen individuals’ mind, body and spirit and bring people together. The program will culminate with the crea on of a book that captures local stories of resilience. Program Manager, Natalie Stockdale, is an author and resilience coach and brings to our community her vast knowledge and years of experience in stress management and resilience training. Natalie says, “the program will not only help people recover from the trauma of bushfires, but it will also empower them to manage other life challenges, in posi ve and healthy ways. Importantly, the program will also empower people to help others – friends, family and colleagues - who may be struggling.” “The program is really for everyone who is open to learning healthy ways of coping with life’s inevitable unwanted events.” The program is free and open to adults from the Mogo, Malua Bay, Tomakin, Rosedale, Lili Pilli, Jeremadra and Broulee areas. Workshops have begun with the RFS in Mogo and the first community workshop will be held at the Boomerang Centre in Mogo, on Wednesday 9 March at 6.30 for a 7pm start. Refreshments will be available. Please contact the Project Manager, Natalie Stockdale, by phone 0424 975 997, or by email natalie@stockdalewellbeing.com , to express your interest in the Mogo workshops, or to find out how the program can benefit you or your organisa on in greater Mogo.

community Local people Gather for Ukraine

Thirty people gathered in the rain in solidarity with the people of Ukraine at noon on Wednesday at St John’s Anglican Church, Moruya. The Rector, Rev Linda Chapman rang the church bell for peace and freedom. People were invited to light a candle. The gathering gave a focus for the distress that many are feeling and to witness to the need for peace in the world. “We came together concerned at the suffering caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the threat to freedom and democracy. We stand for peace in the world and for giving shelter to more refugees in Australia.” Hosted by St John’s Church, the gathering was supported by the Refugee Ac on Collec ve Eurobodalla and climate ac on group 350 Eurobodalla.

Teachers, nurses and tradies forced to live in tents due to housing crisis

The South Coast is in a housing crisis so bad there have been reports that teachers, nurses and tradies are being forced to live in tents because there is nowhere to rent or buy. Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson has met with community members and housing groups across the South Coast and consistently heard the urgent need for more affordable housing. "Dwelling prices across regional NSW have risen at almost double the rate of values in Greater Sydney. On the South Coast, they have risen by almost 21% over the past year alone. "Vacancy rates on the South Coast are as low as 1% effec vely meaning there are no places to rent in many towns. "Professional people with decent full- me jobs and good rental histories can’t find a place to rent or afford a place to buy. More and more people are being pushed into homelessness, or living with inflated rents and no housing security. The Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said “The government released their Regional Housing Taskforce months ago and s ll have not implemented a single recommenda on. We need ac on right now, every day our communi es are suffering.” To review the findings, visit Regional Housing Taskforce. www.iga.com.au/catalogue

Community Exper se wanted for Council advisory commi ees

Applica ons are invited from members of the community to join Eurobodalla Council’s advisory commi ees for the 2022-2024 term. Residents with exper se and experience relevant to coastal management, disability inclusion, Aboriginal community representa on, heritage, and public art, are encouraged to apply. Each commi ee has at least one councillor as a member.

Mayor Mathew Hatcher said councillors want to tap into Eurobodalla’s vast skillset. “These commi ees serve as Council’s panel of experts. They review policies and plans in development, give staff feedback and advice on big projects, and share their ideas for the future,” he said. “Eurobodalla has such a diverse mix of people with varied and accomplished backgrounds, and we want to bring those skills to our table. I encourage residents with relevant exper se to apply. Let’s learn from each other.”

Advisory commi ees typically meet four mes a year at the Council Chamber in Moruya. The commi ees are:  Aboriginal Advisory Commi ee  Coastal and Environmental Management Advisory Commi ee  Disability Inclusion Advisory Commi ee  Heritage Advisory Commi ee  Public Art Advisory Commi ee Head to Council’s website www.esc.nsw.gov.au/council/commi ees for informa on on your commi ee of interest, including the terms of reference and the online applica on form. Applica ons close 8pm Sunday 27 March 2022. For more informa on, or for help with the applica on process, please contact Council’s execu ve services team on 4474 1005. Above: Know a thing or two about public art? How about coastal management, or heritage? These skills and more are wanted for Eurobodalla Council’s advisory commi ees, now calling for applica ons.

Today our president Sue Fahey, along with sponsor Jane McClusky, welcomed Catherine Ward to our club. Jane introduced Catherine to our Quota Club last year. Catherine then a ended several mee ngs and social ac vi es, and decided to join. Catherine is looking forward to being involved in our many community based ac vi es, and of course our members are very pleased to have Catherine bring her experience and community commitment to our club.

Photo: President Sue Fahey, along with Jane McLusky, welcome Catherine Ward to Quota Club Narooma.

The Far South Coast Group of

the CWA of NSW is once again having our Handicra & Land Cookery Day on Tuesday 8th March at the Bermagui Country Club in Bermagui when members from the Branches of CWA from Batemans Bay to Eden enter the compe ons. There are also sec ons in Land Cookery where nonmembers can compete as well as a Junior sec on for non-members. All items must be benched by 9am when judging starts. The doors open about 1pm when all judging is completed allowing Branch members and interested members of the community access to see the large display of Handicra & Cookery. It will be a special year this year as those prize winners who go onto State Compe on and take out a prize will be doing it in the Centenary Year for the Country Women's Associa on of NSW

Community Head to Jobs Drive and care about your career

It’s been called a caring workforce ‘crisis’ and Eurobodalla is not immune. Local health and community care providers are screaming out for staff and what this means for locals is, there’s plenty of jobs. A Jobs Drive will be held on Wednesday 16 March in Moruya where jobseekers and career-changers can apply on the spot for more than 50 posi ons across the community services sector. It’s an ini a ve of Eurobodalla Council’s Employment Revolu on Project, which is seeking to address the shire’s higher-than-average unemployment rate by ge ng more workers into community care. Employment Revolu on project coordinator Rhonnie South concedes there are many industries needing staff – hospitality and retail especially. However, there’s an important factor that sets the community sector apart – care. “When you are an essen al worker, you’re o en the best part of somebody’s day,” she said. “That person looks forward to you coming, genuinely appreciates the service you provide – and you’re respected and thanked for it. It can be very rewarding to work in care.” Jobs within community services include admin, human resources, hospitality, care work, gardens and maintenance, and more. Posi ons are flexible - some don’t even require experience - and it offers fantas c career pathways. “Plus, as a care worker you’ll never be without work,” says Rhonnie, “you can travel anywhere in the world and you’ll always get employment. “If you’ve been wondering if this line of work is for you, come down to the Jobs Drive and have a chat”. “We’ll have stalls from at least 15 different employers who are looking for new team members and if you bring a resume you can apply on the spot. You can enrol in free training courses offered from various training providers on the day and speak to TAFE, South Coast Community College and University of Wollongong staff about care careers.” The community services jobs drive will be held Wednesday 16 March at the RSL Memorial Hall, 9 Page Street, Moruya, from 10am-12pm. A ending employers include IRT, Anglicare, Fresh Hope Care, Muddy Puddles, Hammondcare, Es a Health, Banksia Villages, Aligned Leisure and Eurobodalla Council. For more informa on or to register to a end contact Council’s employment projects officer Amy Kovacs on 4474 7380 or email amy.kovacs@esc.nsw.gov.au Above: Eurobodalla Council’s Employment Revolu on team is hos ng a community services jobs drive in Moruya on Wednesday 16 March in Moruya, where job-seekers can apply for more than 50 jobs from local employers. Pictured is admin officer Ashley Darby, project coordinator Rhonnie South and project officer Amy Kovacs.

Community Rain delays Merimbula Airport reopening

The closure of Merimbula Airport has been extended to 25 March due to rain delays. Project Services Manager, Daniel Djikic said Council has been working closely with the contractor to iden fy the most effec ve way to complete the works with the least impact on the community and airlines. “We’ve looked at a number of scenarios to complete the work as close to the original schedule as possible, but with the amount of rain we’ve had, and more rain forecast, we’ve had to plan for a 10-day extension to the airport closure,” Mr Djikic said. “We know this is inconvenient for travellers, the airlines and the broader community, but unfortunately we are at the mercy of the weather and there’s not much we can do. “If anything changes with the weather that will impact the planned re-opening date, we will inform the airlines and the community as soon as possible. “Work is s ll being carried out on-site in prepara on for the sealing to re-start. All being well, this should start again on Thursday 10 March.” The north and south runway extensions have been completed, the taxiways and apron have been strengthened and stabilised, and about 80% of the runway has been sealed with its first coat. The sealing of the remainder of the runway, taxiways and apron will commence once the pavement has sufficiently dried out, followed by line marking and final safety checks before the airport re-opens. Council has been working closely with the airlines and emergency services throughout the project and would like to thank the community for their pa ence. The runway extension and strengthening project is funded through two grants from the Commonwealth Government, two grants from the NSW Government and a Council contribu on. More informa on about the project is available on Bega Council’s website.

Community The wider Tilba community are invited to an upcoming Tilba District Strategic Plan Update

to hear the outcomes of the strategic plan project. The Tilba District Strategic Plan is a long term plan that embraces the district’s dis nc veness to guarantee it is protected, prepared, and proac ve in responding to future challenges. The Strategic Plan Steering Commi ee Bushfires say climate crises, and Covid-19 have all posed serious challenges to businesses, the environment, and overall liveability in the last two years. "This plan ensures that the Tilba District’s future paves the way for it to become an even be er loca on to live, work, and visit, as well as a more responsive to the growing threat of climate change. The strategic plan includes in-depth research into what makes the Tilba District so unique, in order to ensure the charming and intrinsic community character is preserved and amplified. The Strategic Plan Steering Commi ee invite the community to a end an informa ve community forum. When: 21 March Where: Central Tilba, Big Hall Time: 5-6.30pm Refreshments will be served.

Limited spaces so please email Carrie to RSVP, projects@visi lba.com.au

Changes to Companion Animals Legisla on

On Wednesday, 23 February 2022, a private members bill to standardise the rehoming process for seized or surrendered companion animals passed Parliament. Under key changes to the Companion Animals Act 1998, Councils now must: give wri en no ce to at least 2 rehoming organisa ons that an animal is available for rehoming take reasonable steps to adver se that an animal is available for rehoming on a webpage or a social media pla orm follow new record-keeping requirements. For further informa on about the Amendment, visit the NSW Parliament website.

Community Anyone Able To Care For Mack For A Week Whilst His Carer Is Away?

Could you look a er Mack for a week, while his carers are away? Mack needs a foster home from the 8th to the 15th March.

He's a sweet, affec onate 7 year old desexed English Staffy who is wai ng for his forever home. If you love strong yet sookie staffies, Mack will fit right in to your life. He needs a secure yard, indoor/outdoor access, and no other pets.

Mack is not interested in other dogs and wants to be the only pet in the household, so he can soak up all the affec on and a en on. Mack is perfectly house trained and adores human company. There are no costs involved. Mack walks well on a lead and enjoys his daily ou ngs, which are important for his mental and physical wellbeing.

As a typical English Staffy, Mack is stocky and strong. He loves travelling in the car and is perfectly house trained. This lovely boy is ready to bring lots of joy into the life of some lucky person or family.

Mack is staying at Moruya and is available for adop on in NSW and the ACT. In the mean me please consider whether you or anyone you know might be able to help us out by giving Mack a bed for a few nights. Phone 0424 228 425

Webinar 8 March 2022 6pm – Electric Vehicles – Driving the Future 8 March @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm FREE

March 2022 is NSW Small Business Month! To celebrate, the SouthCoast Health and Sustainability Alliance (SHASA) invite you to a FREE Webinar on “Electric Vehicles – Driving the Future”. SHASA has received funding from the NSW Government in support of NSW Small Business month to host a webinar with speakers who are leaders in the Electric Vehicle industry. This Free webinar will focus on electric vehicles (EV) and how small business can benefit from making the shi to EV’s. The NSW Government is inves ng almost half a billion dollars in tax cuts and incen ves to drive uptake and reduce barriers for electric vehicle (EV) purchases over the next four years. For small business this helps reduce the barriers to purchasing an EV. This webinar will explore some of the incen ves available as well as benefits to small businesses of EV’s. The webinar will run 6-7pm on March 8th. Register at h ps://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/free-webinar-electric-vehicles-driving-the-future-8th-march- ckets249978551577 for the 8 March 2022 Webinar.

All a endees will go into the draw to win an SHASA Energy Audit up to the value of $1,000.00!

real estate OUT NOW—your latest Beagle Abode : Eurobodalla’s leading real estate guide

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. CLICK HERE: h ps://www.beagleweekly.com.au/real-estate