A STUDY CASE:BATEMANS BAY-EUROBODALLA

Topic for Class discussion this week was about: a study case of south coast Batemans bay- Eurobodalla.

The class focuses on some important aspects related to Eurobodalla as one of the local-based tourism destination. As Eurobodalla is a tourism-based destination in NSW, infrastructure development in order to make the spot more attractive to local and/ or international tourist to come visit is very important. 

However, there are economic, social and environment issues effects Eurobodalla to be less attractive. Firstly, proportion of population is significantly increased simultaneously with demand of house and apartment.  Secondly, inadequate physical infrastructure such as libraries, swimming pools, sewage treatment plants, access ways, recreation and social facilities.  Thirdly, aging and low income population and financial growth constraint. Finally, impact of development to vegetation communities in the coastal areas is in risk. 

Environment issue has become a major concern of the government, population and stakeholders in the area. Most of issues related to risks from infrastructure development in the coastal area that can trigger adverse impact on environment. These adverse impacts are:

1.      1. Possible increase of erosion from coastal storms

2.        2.   Possible oceanic inundation

3.     3. Rise of sea level

In order to solve the existing issues, the NSW government is expected to create a planning scheme. The planning scheme should include following important element of planning; such as, the infrastructure policy, stakeholder’s participation, community engagement and public consultation.

In order for the local government to identify   issues faced by residents and local industries operator in the Eurobodalla, stakeholder and community engagement and consultation need to be done. By doing so, the government will be easier to identify and solve the issues effectively

In particular to sea level rise, the NSW government has provided a number of responses or solution approaches; such as, coastal risks assessment and evaluation, public notification, reduction of intensive land use in coastal risk area, considering more option for future infrastructure development, and minimization of exposure of development in coastal risks areas.

The NSW government has implemented some planning. As an example, two new infrastructure developments; such as, Surf beach Bulky Goods Retails/Lifestyle center and Batemans Bay Sewerage Treatment Expansion.

Community and stakeholder  round table meeting with the government authorities were also  demonstrated in the class. There were a representative from federal government (Chief Minister and minister of planning), representative of state government of NSW (Premier), representative of community/resident and also representative of restaurant. The meeting was focus on two important things, first, problem identification from resident and owner of restaurant. Secondly, the respond of government (federal and state) to issues.