Broulee residents win battle to save ‘priceless’ coastal block

A long drawn-out fight to save the last “remaining fragment” of what a popular coastal town was like before it became prime real estate has finally come to an end.

Residents have won an almost 20-year battle to protect a slice of land just metres from one of the south coast’s most idyllic beaches.

Eurobodalla Shire Council has unanimously passed a motion to switch use of the sought after block near South Broulee beach from operational to community use, meaning it will be protected from being sold to developers.

The force behind the move, the Broulee Mossy Point Community Association, collected more than 500 signatures, with acting president Andrew Bain telling councillors the block, on the corner of Clarke Street and Broulee Road, should remain bushland.

Eurobodalla councillor Anthony Mayne celebrates the decision to hand the land back to the community. Picture: Facebook

Mr Bain said the block provided a “small area of vegetation within the desert of development”, and was the last “remaining fragment” of what the coastal town was like before it became prime real estate.

He said “green areas” were important for the mental wellbeing of residents, as well as for maintaining wildlife habitats.

Cr Anthony Mayne, who has been a vocal supporter of the petition, told councillors the petition “made it clear” residents wanted the land for community use.

He said the decision reflected the “mood and the essence” of the needs of the community.

“Thank you to our community for raising your voice. It has been heard,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Robert Pollock said the council had intended to hand the land back to the community in 2003.

Broulee Mossy Point Community Association has been lobbying for the trees (above) to remain. Picture: Facebook

He said he was unsure why the move “wasn’t achieved” over the last 18 years, despite the council “clearly” telling the community the block would be protected.

“This, obviously, completes a very long and onerous situation,” he said.

Broulee residents protest the potential sale of the land this year. Picture: Facebook

Resident James Weatherly said he welcomed the news of the unanimous vote.

“Let‘s remember the natural environment on the coast is priceless,” he said.

“It should not be surrendered to inappropriate and unattractive suburban development.”

Mr Bain said the association was concerned the council was intending on selling the land despite its 2003 decision to maintain it as bushland.

He said when surrounding trees were cleared by developers in June, there was community “angst” about the clearing and what he said was a lack of consultation with the community.

Nearby South Broulee beach is popular with tourists. Picture: Elizabeth Ladmore

It was following a presentation by the association at a council meeting in July that staff advised they would revisit the status of the pristine bush block, he said.

“The decision in 2003 was strongly supported by a similar community petition at the time and the community is not aware of the 2003 decision having been rescinded,” Mr Bain said.

“Consequently, the community had believed that the decision was implemented.”