Batemans Bay draft master plan slammed for snubbing cruise ship port

A draft plan outlining the transformation of a South Coast town into a tourism mecca has been slammed by critics for snubbing cruise ship tourism, deeming it a “massive untouched market”.

Critics have slammed the Batemans Bay draft master plan for snubbing cruise ships. Picture: John McCutcheon, file

A draft plan outlining the transformation of a South Coast town into a tourism mecca has been slammed by critics for snubbing cruise ship tourism, deeming it a “massive untouched market”.

Eurobodalla Council’s draft Batemans Bay master plan, now on public exhibition, proposes height increases of up to 100m, expanded commercial and entertainment precincts, and a vision to turn the town into a southern Cairns.

However, critics argue the town’s full tourism potential will never be realised without a cruise ship port and dock.

Former Batemans Bay Chamber of Commerce president David Maclachlan has led the push for a cruise terminal in the area for years, and said it would be a “game-changer”.

“Eden sees 40 ships dock there per year and it’s so good for their local economy, they get heaps of people there from all around the world,” he said.

Former Batemans Bay Chamber of Commerce president, David Maclachlan. Picture: Supplied.

“We want that too.”

A 2017 council-funded report identified Hanging Rock breakwall – just 2km from the CBD – as the ideal location for a dock.

The Eurobodalla Council report completed seven years ago suggested the Hanging Rock breakwall could be extended. Picture: Google Maps

However, the investigation found construction could cost upwards of a staggering $60m.

Despite the pretty penny, Mr Maclachlan said the investment would be worthwhile.

“You’d have 50 cruise ships docking in the town per year, all with hundreds of guests who are on holiday and have money to spend,” he said.

“The dock would pay for itself.”

The masterplans showcases how Batemans Bay could become a southern Cairns. Picture: Eurobodalla Council

The former Chamber of Commerce president acknowledged the draft plan’s focus on reshaping the town’s CBD and agreed it was an “important” and “great” thing, but expressed dismay that the 68 page-long plan ignored cruise tourism.

“Cruise ships are a massive untouched market for us,” he said.

“The master plan is all about economic growth through tourism and cruise ships would inject serious money into the town.

“Hanging Rock is close to the CBD, shops, restaurants, and they would also create opportunities for local transport operators.”

The omission has also drawn criticism on social media, with one local calling it a “huge mistake”.

The plan states height limits will need to increase drastically. Picture: Eurobodalla Council

“Eden has one and the businesses down there thrive when hundreds, sometimes thousands of international and domestic visitors disembark the ship into their CBD,” a user posted.

Another suggested a cruise terminal could help struggling businesses survive the rising cost of living.

“Shops are doing it tough, and cruise passengers with money to spend would be a big boost,” the user said.

Calls for a dock have also gained traction among cruise operators like P&O and Abercrombie, who expressed interest in Batemans Bay due to its proximity to Canberra.

The draft master plan will remain open for public feedback until April 14.

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Originally published as Batemans Bay draft master plan slammed for snubbing cruise ship port