Inspecting plans for the existing inclusive playground at Corrigans Reserve. Photo: Eurobodalla Shire Council Facebook.
A plan to expand South Coast inclusive facilities has received “overwhelming support”, but there are still key issues to resolve.
Batemans Bay Business and Tourism Chamber treasurer Charles Stuart said the proposal resulted from the existing accessible playground at Corrigans Reserve.
He established not-for-profit charity The Bay Push, which developed the facility.
“I had it named the Variety Inclusive Playground … Our group saw that as a way of being able to have a family playtime together, fenced in, for safety.”
But he always wanted to expand the playground further, following an attempt several years ago that, “frankly, went nowhere”.
As part of a renewed push, a petition with 850 signatures – nearly double the 500 signatures needed to get a ministerial response – was submitted to the NSW Legislative Assembly this year.
“You would appreciate that’s [Batehaven] not a huge area … It’s overwhelming support, as far as I’m concerned,” he said of the number of people who signed.
If approved, it would bring “an inclusive tourism precinct” to the area.
In the NSW Government’s response to the petition this month, Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said there were no issues foreseen by Crown Lands at this stage.
“It is likely that there is a planning pathway for a water park under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 subject to the usual assessment and approval processes, including resolution of the Aboriginal land interests in the land.
“If council supports this proposal, [the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure] can work with council to explore the matter further.”
Mr Stuart welcomed the response, saying it gave them the green light to push ahead with their plan.
“For Crown Lands to say they don’t have an objection, that’s a lot of ammunition for us to take to council,” he said.
He sees the project as including a pump track and a water playground in its first stages.
“I envisage it will be the area between the existing playground and the carpark to the north … Obviously, a quarter of it’s [used by] Bells, we would never touch that. It’s so popular,” he said.
But Minister Kamper poured cold water on the call for $1 million, writing that state and federal government grants could be accessed by Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC).
“As CLM [Crown Land Manager], council is the lead agency responsible for the review and determination of the proposal, and in seeking sources of funding.”
In response, Mr Stuart told Region they were looking into potential funding sources.
“The funding is not on the table from the NSW Government at this stage, and I agree it’s probably too early [to call for it],” he said.
Mr Stuart said the next step would be working with ESC on the planning process.
“We’re going to mount a campaign, if you wish, to bring council on board for this!”
He expects the expanded facility to be open 24 months after the project receives necessary approval.
An ESC spokesperson confirmed council was aware of the chamber’s calls regarding Corrigans Reserve.
“At this stage, council has not received a formal community proposal for a tourism precinct at the reserve and has not undertaken any work or made any decisions in relation to the concept,” they told Region.
They also said any proposal, once lodged with ESC, would need to follow council strategic documents and be “considered in partnership” with state bodies.
“Council recognises the value of initiatives that support inclusive recreation, tourism and local business.
“Any specific proposals, including elements such as a water play park, would be subject to further assessment, community consultation and funding considerations.”
In August 2025, ESC adopted a Plan of Management (PoM) for Hanging Rock, which includes the Corrigans Beach area and Observation Point reserves.
The PoM document describes maintaining the Variety Inclusive Playground as a priority.
A review of the council’s Recreation Open Space Strategy is set to begin this year.
