Eurobodalla community rallies to fill 'missing links.'

The missing links in the Eurobodalla‘s impressive network of pathways are being filled in.

A community bike ride this Sunday (September 18) marks the latest achievement, the opening of a 1.6km pathway extension.

A safe, sealed track now travels from Mossy Point to Broulee, past the windsock at Moruya Airport and on to the North Head campground.

The Broulee Mossy Point Community Association recently donated $25,000 towards the cost of the $75,000 track extension.

“We were thrilled to be able to raise the money to contribute to the final section of path and the Council staff have done a great job,” Association President Ross Hayward says.

Fundraising has been a partnership with the Broulee Surfers Surf Life Saving Club, with raffles, the annual New Year’s Eve sandcastle competition, and according to Mr Hayward – thousands of sausages sizzled.

“The big one has been surf club’s annual ocean swim, held every March for the last five years, which has contributed a fair slab of the money,” Mr Hayward says.

“Our shared pathway from north to south Broulee really has become the community’s meeting place, and to have the path all the way to North Head now is just wonderful.

“No matter what time of day, you’ll find someone on that track,” he says.

“From photographers to dog walkers, runners, cyclists, even local students studying the environment.”

On the other side of the Moruya River though, there is one section still on the community’s ‘to do list.’

Former Eurobodalla Councillor Danielle Brice came to Council four years ago to build a safe shared pathway from Moruya, along South Head Road to Moruya Surf Club.

The Tuross based mum was driven by the death of her two young adult sons in separate accidents in 2008 and 2011.

Eighteen-year-old Chris Brice was hit by a car and killed while walking to a party with friends along Moruya’s South Head Road in 2008.

At the time, Mrs Brice told the Bay Post, “Chris had a lift to the party that night but the girls didn’t, he did the gentlemanly thing and walked with them.”

Mrs Brice hadn’t been a public figure in any way until that point. But she was determined to see the long talked about safe pathway built on the narrow road in memory of her son.

Between 2012 and 2016 Eurobodalla Shire Council and the community made significant inroads towards that ambition, but the section between Halyard Drive and Keightley Street remains.

Mrs Brice and the Moruya South Head Cycle/Pathway Committee are urging the community to make the missing link a priority for the new Council.

“The Draft Eurobodalla Pathway Strategy is now open for public comment and we need people to show their support for the work that still needs to be done and complete the survey,” Mrs Brice says.

The closing date for submissions is September 24.

“The pathway that has already been constructed is extremely popular and I am so proud to have been apart of the Council and the community that achieved that,” Mrs Brice says.

“But it needs to be completed, the stretch between Halyard Drive and Keightley Street has no safe off road shared pathway.”

The Draft Eurobodalla Pathway Strategy will guide Council’s spending over the next decade.

To make your submission and get the ‘missing link’ on the agenda, Mrs Brice and the Committee suggest you:

• Write a letter addressed to, The General Manager, PO Box 99 Moruya NSW
• email [email protected]
• use councils online feedback form
• complete the Eurobodalla Pathways Strategy 2016 Community Survey

This Sunday’s community bike ride, taking in the coastline between Broulee and North Head Moruya, will be a real demonstration of the communities love of these assets and give Eurobodalla Shire Council the impetus to push on and add to the ground that’s been broken so far.

Riders of all ages and abilities are encouraged to join the ride, with giveaways, prizes to be won and a barbeque afterwards.

There are two rides to choose from.

A four-kilometre ride that will follow the sealed shared pathway from Broulee Surf Club to Candlagan Creek bridge and back. This ride is best suited to families with younger riders and for people who are less experienced.

The second option is the 13km ride from the Broulee Surf Club to North Head Campground and return. This is a gravel track through Bengello Forest and suited for more experienced riders.

Council spokesperson Heidi Hanes says, “An organised community bike ride means we can provide a safe and supported environment for new and less confident riders.

“The idea is that you can ride at your own pace and enjoy what Eurobodalla’s shared pathways have to offer. We’re hoping for a beautiful Spring day and a big turnout.”

The ride coincides with NSW Bike Week, and all riders will receive Bike Week giveaways and go into the draw to win great prizes, including a luxury ‘glamping’ weekend at The Bower in Broulee.

To join the ride, meet next to the Broulee Surfers Surf Life Saving Club for registrations starting at 9am, with the rides getting underway at 10am.

All riders must wear a helmet, and children 10 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information visit www.esc.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 4474 1347.

Pic 1: Broulee to North Head Moruya, from Google Maps

Pic 2: The missing link starts here. Left to Right: Jeff de Jager, Danielle Brice, John Seltenrych (President Moruya South Head Cycle/Pathway Committee), Gary Cooper and Bruce Roberts (Committee Secretary)

Pic 3: A section of the Narooma to Dalmeny Shared Pathway, from eurobodalla.com.au

*Written with the assistance of Kelle Pisanos at Eurobodalla Shire Council