Community’s battle to move Batemans Bay Pavilions disabled parking to facility entrance

A south coast community’s “no-brainer” and “common sense” plea to move an aquatic centre’s disabled parking closer to the facility’s main entrance has made it’s way to local council, after a petition was signed by nearly 50 individuals.

The disabled parking at the Batemans Bay Pavilions. Picture: Tom McGann

The battle over disabled parking placement at a south coast aquatic centre has swum its way to local government, after a mobility group penned a petition requesting the parking be moved closer to the entrance.

Nearly 50 people have signed the Bay Pavilions Aqua Mobility Fitness Class petition, which states the disabled parking at the Batemans Bay Pavilions is situated too far from the facility entrance.

The petition asks Eurobodalla Council to consider moving the disabled parking to be directly adjacent to the facility doors, saying the current lengthy walk to the building is “ironic” for people who struggle with mobility issues.

“The Mobility Fitness Class in the warm water pool is specifically aimed at members with mobility issues,” the petition, signed by 48 individuals reads.

“These issues cover a multitude of disabilities, often displayed as unsteadiness while walking, difficulty getting in and out of cars and frequently falls.

Batemans Bay Pavilion’s opened in 2022. Picture: Tom McGann

“For many of the Aqua Mobility participants, the Batemans Bay Pavilions is unfortunately not conducive to meeting their needs because the disabled car park is a considerable distance away from the main entrance.”

Some Bay Pavilions patrons told this publication that they agreed the parking was too far a walk for those who dealt with disabilities, some even saying moving the parking was “common sense”.

Eurobodalla mayor Mathew Hatcher said moving the parking would take “a lot of work”. Picture: Eurobodalla Council

“It’s a no-brainer,” Bay Pavilions visitor Jenny Brown said.

“Of course that parking needs to be closer.”

Another visitor, Matthew Dreman, said he never realised how far the parking actually was.

“Looking at it now, it is pretty far, isn’t it?” he said.

Batemans Bay Pavilion’s main entrance. Picture: Tom McGann

“That is a considerable walk which seems somewhat counter-intuitive.”

However, some community members said the parking needed to stay where it was.

“Parks are located at the pedestrian crossing because it’s the safest parking and access to the pavilion,” Shelley Scheid said.

Despite the mobility class petition, Eurobodalla Council general manager Warwick Winn said moving the disabled parking was unlikely, noting the current location was selected for a reason.

“Painting disabled parking spaces closer to the raised crossing would not meet standards as people with disabilities will enter directly into active traffic lanes,” he said.

Eurobodalla Council general manager Warwick Winn. Picture: Eurobodalla Shire Council

“Accessible parking needs a direct path of travel.”

Eurobodalla mayor Mathew Hatcher agreed, telling this publication it would be a difficult task with “a lot of work”.

However, Mr Winn did note council staff would investigate the proposal and estimate the possible cost of works for consideration in future operational planning.

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