Families forced to move on as Bay Waters deemed unsafe

The now-defunct Bay Waters hotel sits above the Punthouse Restaurant with expansive river views. Photo: Lucy Cartwright.

Up to 50 low-income Batemans Bay families are being relocated after serious safety concerns were identified during an inspection of a property owned by Transport for NSW.

The former Bay Waters hotel was purchased by the State Government for $4 million in 2018 as an ongoing motel business as part of the Batemans Bay bridge works. A spokesperson said the property was acquired to facilitate roadworks.

As only a portion of the land was required, the balance – which included the motel building – remained under licence to the operator.

The 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires and then COVID-19 put even more pressure on an already overheated real estate market and the motel just north of the Batemans Bay bridge became a permanent home for many people.

However, the building sustained material fire damage in June last year and has been the target of vandals since.

After Transport for NSW received advice that the structure of the building had been compromised, a decision was made to end a month-to-month lease arrangement with the third-party operator who is leasing the site.

The third-party operator currently remains the leaseholder of the facility while Transport for NSW, Homes NSW, and the operator negotiate an end date.

“The decision to reduce serious risk and to ensure safety remains our top priority,” a Transport for NSW spokesperson said.

“People residing at the property need safe housing.

“Homes NSW, in collaboration with specialist services, is assisting residents to find alternative accommodation. Currently, 12 people have been successfully supported into alternative accommodation.

“Transport for NSW understands this process is disruptive and has been working with Homes NSW to find solutions.”

The spokesperson said steps had been taken to ensure people residing at the property had sufficient time to find safer alternate accommodation.

“Transport for NSW appreciates the support Homes NSW team members are providing and we are committed to working with Homes NSW to ensure all residents have access to safer accommodation as soon as possible.”

However, with the South Coast vacancy rate currently standing at 2.2 per cent and units renting for around $500 a week, it will be a tough slog for many.

A Homes NSW spokesperson said the loss of private rental accommodation was a real concern.

“This includes individuals being evicted from places such as boarding houses and temporary accommodation facilities,” the spokesperson said.

“Homes NSW provides housing assistance to the most vulnerable members of our community, who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. This includes residents of boarding houses or temporary accommodation facilities who receive a notice of eviction.

“Homes NSW remains committed to ensuring experiences of homelessness across the state are rare, brief, and not repeated. ”

Member for Bega Michael Holland and Eurobodalla Mayor Mat Hatcher were contacted for comment.