Council asks community
about improving access to
Maloneys Beach reserve
Media Release – Residents of Maloneys Beach north of Batemans Bay are being asked to provide feedback on a proposal to improve access within the village’s beach reserve.
Earlier this year, Eurobodalla councillors voted to build a new sealed road and additional paths west of the toilet block to improve access while ensuring vehicles cannot get onto the beach.
The proposal follows concerns from some community members about the removal of vehicle beach access. Council’s general manager Mark Ferguson explains that access was removed for several reasons.
“The rough access track once led to an informal boat ramp that was decommissioned in 2008 because it wasn’t feasible to maintain on the open coast,” says Mr Ferguson.
“There was no point in maintaining a track to the beach when NSW Government regulations don’t allow vehicles in Marine Parks except at designated boat ramps. Providing that access would simply be irresponsible for Council.
“The only alternative location for a boat ramp would require access through Murramarang National Park, but is not supported under the park’s Plan of Management.
“These constraints have shaped our approach and we’re focusing on what we can do – improving access for vehicles and pedestrians within the reserve to make it safer and easier to use,” says Mr Ferguson.
The proposal includes providing a sealed road branching toward the beach from the existing access road with timber barriers to contain vehicle movements. 11 formal parking spaces are planned, along with a pathway to link the picnic and toilet facilities and a footpath to connect to a beach access track for pedestrians. Costs are in the vicinity of $255,000 and the construction timeframe is unknown, noting the work is subject to environmental and heritage permits.
As required under planning guidelines, Council has prepared a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) that assesses potential environmental impacts of the proposed work. The draft REF is now on public exhibition giving the community a chance to have their say.
“Given the strong and differing community views about vehicle access to the reserve we want to ensure locals have an opportunity to share their thoughts,” says Mr Ferguson.
The exhibition period has been extended to accommodate the Christmas and summer holiday period, with submissions closing on Wednesday 4 February 2026.
All residents of Maloneys Beach will receive information about the REF and the opportunity to provide feedback, either by letter drop or by mail prior to Christmas.
Visit www.esc.nsw.gov.au/publicexhibition to view the draft REF and lodge your submission.