Sport - Moruya Mail

The Bay Pavilions losses get worse

Phil Herrick — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 06:47:26 +0000

The Bay Pavilions losses get worse

By Phil Herrick

The financial losses at the new Bay Pavilions Arts and Aquatic Centre are getting worse according to the latest report that will be tabled at the Eurobodalla Shire Council’s monthly meeting next Tuesday.

On current trends this one facility in Batemans Bay will consume 10% of the General Rates raised in the year. General Rates are used to fund essential community infrastructure like roads, footpaths, parks, halls, pools, libraries and a myriad of other services across the shire.

A number of identified community needs worth $2.6 million have already been chopped from this year’s budget as council struggles to deal with the situation. If the financial state at the Pavilions worsens, further cuts may be needed or rates increased to cover the shortfall – both risky moves in an election year.

The council hopes to see revenues of $3.95 million for the full year to June 30 at the Pavilions. For the first half year $1.7 million was received, $308,000 below what would be expected. If that trend continues, the revenue shortfall for the year will be over $600,000.

At the same time council staff expenses have blown out to $89,750 for the first six months. If the trend also continues it will see staff expenses 50% over budget by year’s end.

Council is already budgeting an operating loss at the Pavilions of $5.1 million for the full year.

That includes depreciation of $2.5 million. The budgeted cash loss is $2.6 million. The cash losses will be paid by General Fund ratepayers.

If the shortfall reaches the $600,000 indicated by current trends, the cash loss will surge to $3.2 million for the year – 10% of the $32 million General Fund income projected in council’s Operating Plan.

Last year council received advice from consultants on how to stem the losses. Steps included renegotiating the contract with the Pavilions operator, improved marketing and finding other business partners to locate at the Pavilions to generate revenues.

Consultants told council last October an acceptable operating loss level should be determined for this community facility. Losses over this number would be unacceptable and be the target for savings and new revenues.

In other words, council was advised to clearly define a target, implement a strong business plan to achieve it and move the Bay Pavilions onto a sustainable footing.

To date, council has not provided the community with an acceptable loss figure or business plan, telling the Moruya Mail last year the cost to operate the Bay Pavilions is part of the wider budget and they will reduce costs where possible.

The post The Bay Pavilions losses get worse first appeared on Moruya Mail.

Nature Coast Dragons in Canberra

admin — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 05:31:14 +0000

On Saturday 13/1,19 members of Nature Coast Dragon Boat Club competed successfully at Canberra’s fourth regatta of the season. The competition was very strong with 7 Canberra clubs competing and teams from Sydney, Merimbula, Orange, Bathurst and Wagga.

Canberra runs open age dragon boat races and the Nature Coast team was made up of paddlers ranging in age from 16 to their 70’s. There were 8 male paddlers and 11 female paddlers. We had 4 paddlers from one family, Sharon Gmur and her son’s,Toby, Jordan and Josh. We were also joined by 3 paddlers from Jindabyne.

Nature Coast competed in a mixed 20’s 2 kilometre race and performed creditably finishing fifth. They also raced in 10’s events over 200 metres in Open, Women and Mixed categories. The Open team was very pleased to win the minor final and the other teams made finals.

Our competitive paddlers are now preparing to compete in Canberra again on 10 February – this time 500m racing in 10s events.

Dragon Boating racing is an exciting water sport catering for all ages and genders. At State, National and International level teams compete in age categories, so matter what your age you can compete at a high level against your own age group.

Nature Coast Dragon Boat Club welcomes new members over 11 years of age. You can try out at our open training sessions 8.15am Saturday or Tuesday 5.15pm. Bring a drink bottle and wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet. Our facilities are located next to the Moruya Wharf.

See you on the water!

Therese Holgate

Nature Coast Regatta Coordinator

The post Nature Coast Dragons in Canberra first appeared on Moruya Mail.

Narooma Cup Race Day Sunday 17th December

Alex Rea — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 05:56:48 +0000

Sunday’s Narooma Cup Race meeting at Moruya was held in perfect weather with around 2000 people attending. The races were so popular that even Santa took the time out of his busy schedule for a visit.

Local Moruya trainers shone on the day with Jamie Stewart winning Race 3 the Stitching Sisters Narooma Maiden Plate (1650m) with Fudge.

Matthew Stephens won the Cleanaway Class 2 handicap (1650m) with Temple Garden.

Kevin Cassidy won the Mitre 10 Class 1 Handicap (1010m) with Lord Remy.

There were highly contested fashions on the field with the Best Dressed Man going to Gary Doody, with Michael Ta second.

In the Ladies, Best Dressed Lady went to Victoria Nicholson, with Maddie Wright runner up.

The post Narooma Cup Race Day Sunday 17th December first appeared on Moruya Mail.