There have been repeated calls for improved access to this South Coast beach – and it might be on the cards. Photo: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
A South Coast council has unveiled plans to extend formal pedestrian and vehicle access to Maloneys Beach Reserve.
Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC) has long been called on to improve access routes (or restore closed ones) to the area, located north of Batemans Bay.
Previously, a rough access track led to an informal boat ramp, but this was decommissioned in 2008.
The council’s general manager Mark Ferguson said it would “simply be irresponsible” if the council restored that access.
“There was no point in maintaining a track to the beach when NSW Government regulations don’t allow vehicles in marine parks except at designated boat ramps. … The only alternative location for a boat ramp would require access through Murramarang National Park, but is not supported under the park’s plan of management.
“These constraints have shaped our approach and we’re focusing on what we can do – improving access for vehicles and pedestrians within the reserve to make it safer and easier to use.”
Instead, a narrow majority of councillors voted in early 2025 to build a new sealed road and additional paths located west of the toilet block.
Under the council’s proposal, this is expected to improve access to the beach while still blocking vehicles from getting onto the beach.
As required under planning guidelines, ESC has prepared a review of environmental factors (REF) that assesses potential environmental impacts of the proposal.
“The objectives of the project are to improve vehicle and pedestrian access to Maloneys Beach while remaining compliant with marine park regulations by not facilitating unauthorised vehicular access onto the sand within the Batemans Marine Park,” the document states.
The plans put forward a sealed road and timber barriers that would limit vehicle movements.
There would also be 11 formal parking spaces along a path connecting the picnic and toilet facilities and a pedestrian footpath connecting to a beach access track.
“The project involves the construction of a sealed access track and pedestrian footpath and will not have any impact on habitat of protected or endangered fauna as the works do not involve clearing of any key habitat vegetation.
“The proposed works area has in some areas been previously modified, and the works are contained to the recreational area and adjacent Crown reserve, with no extensive clearing to occur.”
Drains would also be installed to manage water flow and prevent erosion, while the barbecue would also be moved.
The REF states the works would not “impinge” on land owned by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Image: Eurobodalla Shire Council.
The draft document notes that heritage and environmental approvals are still needed, and further consultation will be required (including through a public consultation process).
According to the REF, the proposed works would cover an area of about 1426 sqm, with the land being council-owned community land or Crown reserve land under the council’s control.
Field observations referenced in the REF also state that some of the work area could contain acid sulphate soils.
Mr Ferguson called on locals to make a submission on the draft REF, which put the proposed upgrade works under the microscope.
This round of consultation was extended to accommodate Christmas and the summer holiday period.
“Given the strong and differing community views about vehicle access to the reserve we want to ensure locals have an opportunity to share their thoughts,” he said.
The council has released an estimated cost for the works of $255,000.
Construction works are proposed to run from 7 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and between 8 am and 1 pm on Saturdays.
People can give feedback until 4 pm on 4 February, with the proposal documents available on the council’s website.
