New temporary boat ramp and changes to existing local boat ramp on the Clyde River

This summer will see changes to boating access to the Clyde River. In a Frequently Asked Questions – December 2018 release issued by the RMS they offer the following: Why will access to our existing boat ramps be changed? Roads and Maritime is committed to maintaining access to the river for Clyde River users during and after construction. To ensure the safety of the public while the new bridge is being built, the existing boat ramps within the construction zone north and south of the bridge will need to be closed for periods of time during construction. Construction in these areas will include a temporary jetty that will be used to move equipment to and from the river and the use of large equipment including cranes up to 450 tonnes. These cranes will operate within or in very close proximity to the existing boat ramps at Old Punt Road and Clyde Street. For the safety of workers, the public and river users, the two existing boat ramps will be temporarily closed while major work is underway. As Roads and Maritime Services is committed to maintaining access to the river for Clyde River users during and after major work a new temporary boat ramp and trailer parking area will be built in Korners Park, on the northern foreshore to the east of the existing bridge. Areas of the southern and northern foreshores near the new bridge will be used to load materials from the land to the water from a temporary jetty. Three piers will be built in the water and two on the land. The bridge deck will be built from large barges and temporary work platforms mounted to the piers as they are constructed. Box segments will be fabricated off site and transported to the site. They will be lifted into place using a large crane. When will our access to the existing facilities change, and how many boat trailer carparks will there be at any given time? Roads and Maritime Services is committed to maintaining access to the river for Clyde River users during and after construction. To ensure the safety of the public while the new bridge is being built, the existing boat ramps north and south of the bridge will need to be closed for periods of time during construction. In consultation with boating and fishing groups, we have finalised a plan that will ensure that access to the river and boat parking is still provided at all times. A new temporary boat ramp and boat parking area on the northern foreshore will be built. The existing boat ramps within the construction zone will be temporarily closed during construction. These changes will occur from late January 2019. Please view diagrams below that explains this staged approach.

What are the impacts of boat users using Hanging Rock instead of Clyde Street boat ramp? The project team is encouraging boat users to access the new temporary boat ramp at Korners Park, or the much larger and better equipped Hanging Rock Boat Ramp. This alternate facility is located about 4km or a seven minute drive from the Clyde Street and Princes Highway intersection. The much larger Hanging Rock Boat Ramp includes several fish cleaning tables, a large two-lane ramp, toilet and showering facilities, up to 100 boat trailer parking bays and is home to Batemans Bay Marine Rescue. The boat ramp can be used by large and small vessels. Once on the water, small and large vessels will be able to access the sections of the river that were accessible when using the Clyde Street boat ramp. How will construction of the new bridge impact water vessels that rely on the opening of the lift span bridge? The project will not stop upstream access for water vessels currently relying on the lift span bridge. The width of the navigation channel will be reduced and appropriate safety signage and navigation buoys will be in place for river users and workers during construction. There may be short periods of time during specific construction activities where the navigation channel may be temporarily closed for example during major crane lifts. The project would provide lengthy notice to the community when these activities are required. Do these required changes impact any commercial operations or services? The community will be provided considerable notice when the project intends to temporarily close the navigation channel for short periods of time for example during major crane lifts. With a temporarily reduced number of boat trailer parking spaces, what are alternative locations for boats wanting to launch onto the Clyde River? Owners of vessels intending to go to open water or downstream of the bridge are encouraged to launch from the much larger Hanging Rock boat ramp facility off Hanging Rock Place, Batemans Bay (travel along Beach Road towards Batehaven). (Please check the safety equipment requirements). This would allow for smaller boats to utilise the temporary boat ramp facility and launch into the usually calmer waters upstream of the mouth of the Clyde River.

There are also a number of boat ramps and trailer parking areas available in nearby Nelligen (around 15 minutes’ drive along the Kings Highway) upstream of Batemans Bay Will there be any opportunities for the existing boat ramp facilities to be re-opened for special public events during this time? The northern foreshore boat ramp may be temporarily re-opened for special public events. This boat ramp will be fenced off with access gates. The gates may be opened by special arrangement by contacting the project team. Due to the type of construction work being carried out on the southern side, it would be unsafe for the public to have access to the Clyde Street boat ramp from late March 2019. What is happening to the T-wharf on Clyde Street? Will it include a pontoon? As part of the Batemans Bay Bridge replacement project, Roads and Maritime plans to replace and upgrade the T-wharf, subject to further investigation and design, however, the structure will remain a Crown asset. This may include a pontoon. Any changes to the T-wharf are not part of the temporary boat ramp strategy and will be communicated to the public following investigation and design. What boat ramp amenities will be available for public use at the existing boat ramps during this staged boat ramp activity and during construction? Barbecue and shelter facilities will not be accessible at either the northern or southern foreshore boat ramps when they are closed to the public, however, some barbecues and shelters will be available at the new temporary boat ramp at Korners Park. Temporary toilet facilities will be made available at all times whenever the permanent toilet facilities are not available – permanent toilets will be reinstated when the existing boat ramp facilities are re-opened for public access. The proposed temporary ramp will be constructed on sand, will it be suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles?

The temporary boat ramp facility will provide similar vehicle access to the existing boat ramps. What is the long-term vision for the northern and southern foreshores? Will the number of boat trailer bays be increased on the southern foreshore when the boat ramp is re-opened? The Foreshore Advisory Committee was established in October to provide recommendations on the foreshore design. The committee includes representatives from Eurobodalla Shire Council, boating and fishing groups, local Aboriginal groups, the wider community and local business operators. The committee will continue to meet regularly to give advice on proposed parking facilities, recreational areas, access to the river, landscaping and artwork. The design of the foreshore, including parking arrangements, will be available to the wider community in early 2019. Is there any proposal to increase the number of boat ramp lanes and provide a wharf or pontoon at the existing boat ramps when they re-open? No, the existing boat ramps will not be removed, nor upgraded on either the northern or southern foreshores as a result of construction of the new bridge. The existing ramps will be closed to the public as they will be within the area of construction activities during the course of the project. Will the temporary boat ramp be retained when construction is complete? The Foreshore Advisory Committee will have input into the final design elements in and near Korners Park. The design of the foreshore will be available to the wider community in early 2019. Is there any plan to widen the access road to the existing northern foreshore boat ramp? As part of the final new bridge design, Old Punt Road will be widened and will connect with Wharf Road under the new Batemans Bay Bridge. Is there any plan to upgrade the existing northern foreshore boat ramp? The existing northern foreshore boat ramp will not be upgraded as part of bridge project.

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