Dear Members
The following has been achieved or continues as part of Chamber’s projects and advocacy over the past Chamber executive term.
Murra Mia Walkway Tree Lighting
Chamber has replaced bud lighting around trees on the Murra Mia Walkway. Thanks to Tim Powell from South Coast Electrical for his assistance.
Love the Bay Revival
Chamber has engaged a website and PR person to improve the website and revive the Love the Bay cards.
Tesla Electric Vehicle Chargers
Chamber contacted and worked with Tesla to bring Tesla chargers initially directed for installation south of Batemans Bay back to Batemans Bay. We understand 6 chargers will be installed in the CBD which will be great for tourism – especially from Canberra.
Christmas Tree
The new large Christmas tree now has a permanent home in a container on Council land. Thank you to South Coast Steel and Your Place Creations for erection/dismantling and transport of the tree. There have also been lighting upgrades to the tree.
Nomination of Batemans Bay for 2024 Top Tourist Town Award
We have sought and gained Council support for this nomination which will help tourism and CBD improvement.
Council Rates
During Council’s Shire wide presentations of its financial situation and current difficulties, Chamber has made clear that all should be done to balance budgets while also mitigating large rate and charge increases, This does mean that some services or projects may be cut back.
Destination Action Plan Reference Group
Chamber was represented in the Eurobodalla Destination Action Plan reference group and continues to advocate for an effective tourism operation for the Shire.
Disability Upgrade to the CBD New Pontoon
Chamber has received funds and will proceed with the disability upgrade when NSW Transport finalises approvals for a disability hoist plus modifications to accommodate sea planes.
Winter Comedy Dinner
The comedy dinners this winter and last winter at both the Club Catalina and Batemans Bay Soldiers Clubs were paid for through membership contributions. While all who attended enjoyed the evenings it is hoped that in future more members avail themselves to this annual event.
Batemans Bay Development Height Review
The Chamber had comment on the last height review and has asked Council to include Chamber in current and future height and development reviews.
Sculpture Dive Site
Charles Stuart has met achieved endorsement with Council, State Government and Federal Government representatives for the Dive Site though it still has a long way to go.
Cruise Ship Visits
Chamber plays an active role in the local cruise ship visits with Charles Stuart organising Welcome events and activities for guests. The Chamber is also involved in various groups to further the number, quality and type of cruise ship visits.
Chamber submission to NSW Minister Sophie Cotsis, Minister for Industrial Relations, Work Health and Safety.
Chamber met with Minister’s Sophie Cotsis and Dr Michael Holland to discuss various policies not having sufficient regional relevance, plus the need for small business to access help in navigating the legal implications of new Fairwork and IR requirements. We suggested promoting an advice line number which they will consider and this received positive comment.
Chamber submissions on property Insurance difficulties in bush fire areas and associated price gouging on public liability.
Chamber received support from the previous federal government and then started sought support for the issue with new Federal Government. Both MP Fiona Phillips and MP Dr Michael Holland share our concerns, though now Business NSW has taken up the cause.
“Meet Your Candidate” public meetings
Chamber ran a Meet Your Candidate public meeting for Mayor , State and Federal candidates at the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club
Conclusions
Chamber membership remains strong which is essential for effective lobbying. Attendance at Chamber meetings and events is low, including the free of charge for members comedy night dinner.
I believe the new Chamber executive needs to continue to respond to the fact that members are time poor and review how often meetings are delivered.
I would like to thank the executive for the work they have done, whereby our Chamber is consistently viewed as punching above its weight both politically, in the media and in our achievements.
Most importantly I would like to thank members for your support. Your discretionary spend of $165 for membership is appreciated and has allowed all the above to occur in our community.
Thank You for the Privilege,
David Maclachlan
Outgoing President
