National Parks across NSW have recorded their highest ever visitation, with 65.5 million visits last financial year, driving economic growth and getting more people into the great outdoors.

Our state’s network of around 900 parks and reserves offers an affordable way for people to connect with nature, whether they are exploring their own back yard or discovering new parts of NSW.

National parks inject $19.5 billion to the state’s economy and support 62,000 jobs annually. Regional communities and businesses reap significant benefits as visitors travel far and wide to experience our native wildlife, with 37 million visits recorded outside Greater Sydney.

In response to soaring popularity, the Minns Labor Government has invested more than $352 million in national park visitor infrastructure, including new and upgraded trails, campgrounds, lookouts and other visitor facilities.

The top 10 most visited parks in the 2024-25 financial year are:

1. Blue Mountains National Park – 7.8 million visits
2. Royal National Park – 4.9 million visits
3. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park – 4.3 million visits
4. Lane Cove National Park – 2.4 million visits
5. Kosciuszko National Park – 2.4 million visits
6. Sydney Harbour National Park – 2.2 million visits
7. Brisbane Water National Park – 2.1 million visits
8. Morton National Park – 1.9 million visits
9. Bouddi National Park – 1.6 million visits
10. Glenrock State Conservation Area – 1.5 million visits

The NSW Government together with 10 aquaculture businesses are investing $14.3 million into boosting the local Bega and South Coast oyster, kelp and seafood sector to expand production and sustainability and to create more jobs and drive economic growth.

The aquaculture sector is a natural fit for NSW’s coastal communities and landscape, and the Minns Government is driving new economic opportunities by funding modernisation and productivity gains.

The Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, launched the NSW Aquaculture Vision Statement in September 2024 in collaboration with the industry to target a doubling of the sector’s economic output to $300 million by 2030.

Moving forward on that vision the Government last year announced a new $20 million Aquaculture Industry Development Program to turbocharge productivity gains and seafood production.

In the first round of funding, the NSW Government is investing $7.4 million and the proponents are funding $6.9 million, across the following 10 South Coast projects.

NSW Government funding for the projects:

• $1,882,750 – Ocean2Earth, expansion of a marine waste recovery
  • Expand innovative marine waste recovery and biofertilizer manufacturing capability from pilot scale to industrial scale. Enabling the sector to access a cost-free, environmentally compliant outlet to process unavoidable seafood by-products and create new local skilled jobs and value-add capabilities.
• $1,284,798 – Wapengo Rocks Wild Organic Oysters, modernise oyster farming operations
  • Replacing traditional methods with automated on-water infrastructure with 10,000 additional units, solar power, reduce water fouling and grow premium product.
• $959,491 – Tollgate Oysters, Clyde On-Grower support precinct
  • Develop collaborative and expansive oyster farming infrastructure on existing leases that are presently under-used and fixed to traditional farming systems. Introducing new on-water floating bag systems, installation of a complete wet storage system and purpose-built processing and holding sheds.
• $896,805 – Auskelp Pty Ltd, enable advanced kelp farming research and production
  • Purchase, modify and operate a specialised offshore research vessel based at Eden to expand planting, collecting and preparing kelp, plus installing permanent specialist equipment. Vessel will enable large scale seeding of kelp lines and efficient harvesting. Deployment will enable trialling up to 100 one-hectare rigs.
• $684,435 – Ritchie Oysters Pty Ltd, improve productivity through automation
  • Supporting modernisation, resilience and expansion by replacing traditional methods with automated on-water infrastructure with 10,000 additional floating units and onshore processing to meet growing demand for premium product.
• $544,465 – Sandingroove Oysters, to modernise and upscale facilities 
  • Expanding automation, cold-chain capacity and solar power to better control fouling, improve oyster health and survivability, doubling production from 55,000 dozen to 110,000 dozen oysters per year, and increasing job creation opportunities.
• $465,188 – Sapphire Coast Oysters, upgrade oyster nursery and farm infrastructure
  • New equipment and upgrading of the oyster nursery will improve outcomes for growing Pacific Oyster spat (oyster larvae) through to a strong juvenile size allowing for the supply and restock of oyster farms. Plus, double production size from 55,000 dozen to 100,000 dozen oysters annually by 2030.
• $348,480 – OysterLife Unit Trust, electrifying operations towards NetZero aquaculture
  • This will support Batemans Bay operations to transition towards net-zero by decommissioning fossil-fuel based operational equipment with electric alternatives and adopting cleaner energy solutions across its operations.
• $211,000 – Ballantyne Commercial Fishing, improve cold chain (refrigeration) management
  • Upgrade freezing and refrigeration systems to increase bait and catch capacity, to improve fish handling efficiency, storage hygiene, food safety and market outcomes.
• $139,148 – Glasshouse Rock Oysters, implementation of automated and upgraded infrastructure
  • Upgrade from manual to automated oyster grading equipment to improve processing capacity and increase stock security. Installation of 2,000 new floating oyster basket units will reduce stock losses during weather events and improve product quality.

With these projects, domestic and international customers of NSW seafood will benefit from a reliable, year-round supply of high quality, and carbon reduced food products that taste fantastic.

Further announcements of successful recipients under the Minns Government’s Aquaculture Industry Development Program will be made in the coming weeks.

More than $200 million from the NSW Government’s Regional Development Trust Fund is currently being delivered through programs and projects that provide strategic and sustainable investment where it is needed to support regional and rural industries, businesses and communities grow.  

 Following on from the Extraordinary Council Meeting of 10 March 2026, Eurobodalla’s councillors will attend a workshop on the Batemans Bay Masterplan next week.

This ‘open’ workshop is a result of the new Local Government Code of Meeting Practice rules, that NSW councils cannot hold private workshops, in the aim of public transparency.

The draft Bay Masterplan proposed 80m – 100m tall buildings with a timeframe right out to 2100 and lacked many details of planning viability.

See https://moruyamail.com.au/batemans-bay-masterplan-mess-set-to-continue-2/

After a damning Probity Report by Centium Pty Ltd into the Batemans Bay Masterplan, Council resolved to press on with the Plan.  The probity report is available on Council’s website.

Starting at 11am on Tuesday 14 April, following the monthly Public Access session, the workshop is open for community observation.

Council staff will propose a work program and demonstrate how the recommendations and findings of the Batemans Bay Masterplan Final Probity Report will be addressed in order to finalise and deliver the plan, providing Councillors clarity around the plan’s implementation.

The community are invited to attend in person at the Moruya Administration Building’s Council Chamber or online using Council’s webcast service (live for the workshop), with the understanding this is an observation-only – not an active-participatory – opportunity. 

IRT has reached a major milestone in its commitment to the Far NSW South Coast, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Wattleview in Moruya.

Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives have charged a man accused of shooting another man during an armed robbery at a hotel on the state’s south coast.

About 10.30pm on Friday 20 March 2026, emergency services were called to a hotel on Campbell Street, Narooma, following reports of a shooting.

On arrival, officers attached to South Coast Police District located a 31-year-old man with a gunshot wound.

He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Moruya Hospital in a stable condition.

Police were told an unknown man had entered the hotel, before allegedly shooting at the 31-year-old and stealing an amount of cash.

He then threatened patrons inside the premises and demanded money before leaving the scene.

The unknown man then approached a 17-year-old driver of a Toyota Landcruiser in a carpark adjacent to the hotel, where he produced a firearm and demanded the teenager get out of the vehicle.

The man then left the scene in the vehicle.

A short time later, the vehicle was located on fire on the Princes Highway, Narooma. The fire was extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW.

The matter was investigated by local police before it was handed over to State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad under Strike Force Cornto.

Following extensive inquiries, about 7.10pm yesterday (Monday 30 March 2026) strike force detectives – with assistance of the Tactical Operations Unit and detectives from South Coast Police District – arrested a 31-year-old man on Bronte Crescent, Sunshine Bay.

A short time later, police executed a search warrant at a home on Billaroy Road, Cobargo, seizing items believed to have been used in the alleged offence.

He was taken to Batemans Bay Police Station, where he was charged with assault with intent to rob armed offensive weapon wound / grievous bodily harm, robbery while armed with dangerous weapon, fire firearm in or near public place and robbery while armed with dangerous weapon.

The 31-year-old man was refused bail to appear at Bail Division Local Court 3 today (Tuesday 31 March 2026).

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Moruya Unit is actively seeking new volunteers and used the Moruya Riverside Markets on Saturday as an opportunity to encourage community members to join. The unit is calling for local residents, particularly those with daytime availability, to help strengthen its emergency response capability and ensure Moruya is supported when emergencies occur.

SES volunteers provide vital services to the community, including road crash rescue, vertical rescue, general land rescue, and flood and storm response. These roles are essential during severe weather events and accidents, and continued recruitment is critical to maintaining these services locally.

While at the markets, SES members also spoke with local residents about their flood risk and how to prepare for storms, floods and tsunami events. The engagement allowed the community to ask questions, learn about local hazards and gain practical advice on how to be better prepared during emergencies.

During Saturday’s event, the Moruya Unit successfully recruited three new volunteers. While this is a positive result, the unit is seeking additional community support to continue growing its membership. The SES is particularly keen to hear from people who live in the Moruya area and can assist during daytime hours, when many emergency responses take place.

Along with our 3 new members, they now have 8 members that have joined us over the last couple of weeks and we will soon be setting up training for our new members to prepare them for their adventures in the SES.

The Moruya SES Unit meets every Tuesday at 6.00 pm at 10 Yarragee Road, Moruya. Nationally accredited training is provided to all volunteers, and no prior experience is required.

Community members interested in making a real difference and supporting local emergency response are encouraged to apply via the NSW SES website – www.nsw.ses.gov.au or phone the Zone Volunteer Engagement Officer on 0448 280 441

The Eurobodalla Business Awards are back for a third-year running, following a triumphant return in 2024, with entries open today (Monday 23 March).

Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher says it’s time businesses started tooting their own horn.

“This fantastic program recognises how hard our business community works and their enormous contribution to the local economy. Let’s celebrate that work and acknowledge the impact,” says the Mayor.

“Nominating is easy. Just jump online, fill in your business and contact details, then tell us your achievements or challenges you’ve overcome. Don’t be modest, give yourself a decent pat on the back and share the love.

“There’s a range of categories to accommodate different businesses. I’m excited to see nominations roll in for the new category excellence in the arts and we’re proud to continue the award for local Indigenous businesses.”

Award categories for 2026 are:

·Outstanding Employee

·Outstanding Young Business Leader

·Excellence in Sustainability

·Outstanding Community Organisation

·Outstanding New Business

·Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion

·Excellence in Micro Business

·Excellence in Small Business

·Excellence in Medium Business

·Excellence in Large Business

·Outstanding Visitor Experience

·Outstanding Indigenous Business

·Excellence in the Arts

·Business of the Year.

Nominations close on Thursday 30 April. Finalists will be announced on Monday 1 June with the winners announced at the awards gala on Saturday 20 June.

Mayor Hatcher says it will be a huge celebration and party not to be missed: “It’s a black-tie celebration for Eurobodalla businesses and a great networking opportunity. Back yourself, get your nomination in and join us for a night celebrating the best of local business.”

Finalists in select categories are eligible for regional awards and the chance for state-level recognition. For more information visit the Eurobodalla Business Awards page on Council’s website.

Expressions of interest for sponsorship and partnerships are also open. Contact Council’s events team for more information: events@esc.nsw.gov.au

Council has unanimously resolved to form a Creative Arts Advisory Committee.

A powerful group of talented creatives addressed Council on Tuesday in support of the formation.

Arts administrator and visual artist Mandy Hilson said: “Over the last 15 years, I have observed growth of the creative sector in the Shire, with many artists moving here and an increase in opportunities for participation in the arts. More visual artists have established their studios and built their practice. There are more venues for live music in Tomakin, Broulee, Moruya, and Batemans Bay, new dance studios and classes for young and older people, theatre workshops, writers sessions, book clubs, arts trails, etc initiated by the community either as volunteers or as businesses.

Council as you know has developed a strong arts program through the BAS, Mechanics Institute and the PAV.

Organisations such as the Arts Council of Eurobodalla, CABBI, and Narooma School of Arts are going from strength to strength while other groups are emerging. This growth is making a strong contribution to community life and its vitality.

The energy in this field is so remarkable to observe and be a part of.”

Mandy continued, “So, the benefits to the Community are:

having a direct voice to Council, being heard, and understood and being part of the policy making and strategic planning process which develops and supports this sector and the broader community, and having well-informed and relevant arts policies, strategies, and actions supporting a vibrant cultural sector in which there are many opportunities in which to participate.”

Bernie O’Neil representing A Better Eurobodalla and the Arts Council of Eurobodalla Inc. said “The proposed Creative Arts Advisory Committee fills a gap in the current committee list.

This committee could work collaboratively with other advisory committees, such as the Aboriginal Advisory Committee and the Visitor Economy Advisory Committee, to consider and advise Council on matters of mutual interest. Creative arts are a foundational element of our community.”

Bernie added “Councillors by establishing this committee, you are telling your community that you recognise that creative activities are legitimate and important, that you value the advice from this sector and the benefits that flow to people and groups from these activities.”

Visual artist Mirabel Fitzgerald, writer Inga Simpson and musician Hannah Matysek also spoke from the perspectives of their own arts practice.

Council will advertise for representatives to the Creative Arts Advisory Committee.

At the ESC Monthly meeting on Tuesday, Council resolved to allow for Carroll College students to be able to walk and ride to school with a trial crossing across George Bass Drive near the Broulee Road roundabout.

Carrol College Principal Andrew Keneally and Father Joshua Scott both presented to council on the issue.

A resolution from Council in 1994, resolved to prohibit pupil cycle or pedestrian access to the school. Since then traffic conditions have changed with school zones in place and the new roundabout.

The intention is to run the trial for the duration of terms 2, 3 and 4 of 2026

.The College is proposing to mow and maintain a grass pathway along the western side of George Bass Drive from the school to the roundabout at Broulee Road. This is to allow students to walk and ride but exclude e-bikes, scooters or motorized personal transportation devices. The College is also proposing signage at the roundabout notifying road users of pedestrian refuge in combination with pavement marking “Look out before you step out” to support safe vehicle and pedestrian interactions. This, in addition to dedicated staff supervision at the new gate before and after school to assist with student movement ensuring safe entry and exit.

The College said “We’re thrilled to announce that Eurobodalla Shire Council has approved a new pedestrian crossing at the corner of George Bass Drive and Broulee Road, starting from Term 2, 2026.

This crossing will make it safer and easier for students to walk or cycle to school, supporting healthy habits and greater independence. Please note: e-bikes, scooters, and other motorised transport won’t be permitted.“

Boaters are being warned to avoid hitting the water over the next few days, with massive seas set to lash the east coast of NSW.

The coastal waters forecast from Point Danger south to Eden is hazardous, with giant swell and strong winds expected to develop from Friday.

Marine Rescue NSW Acting Deputy Commissioner Dan Duemmer said a southerly swell is forecast over the coming days, ranging between 4 and 6 metres along the Byron and Coffs coasts, increasing to 4 to 7 metres on the Macquarie Coast. Swell of up to 8 metres is forecast for the Hunter, Sydney, Illawarra and Batemans coasts, while the Eden Coast is expecting swell of 4 to 6 metres.

“It is going to be incredibly dangerous on the ocean. Please heed the warnings and don’t endanger yourself or others by hitting the water. No recreational trip is worth risking your life.

“Hazardous surf warnings are currently in place along the entire NSW coastline, with some areas expecting gale-force winds and giant swell from tomorrow into Saturday. Now is not the time to go boating.

“The forecast winds and swell will make boating hazardous, don’t risk it.

“If safe to do so, please secure your vessel with appropriate mooring or anchoring arrangements,” he said.

In emergencies, boaters should contact Marine Rescue NSW on VHF Channel 16 or call Triple Zero (000).

Acting Deputy Commissioner Duemmer is also urging rock fishers to avoid going fishing over the coming days.

“We have seen far too many rock fishers lose their lives recently. Rock fishing is a high-risk coastal activity even in favourable weather; with the forecast conditions over the next few days, it is an absolute no-go.

“People should also avoid walking near rock ledges exposed to the full force of the ocean.

“Boaters and anglers are encouraged to continually check the weather forecast before choosing to hit the water once conditions improve,” he said.

Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer‑based, not‑for‑profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe across the state. Our 3,500 trained volunteers support communities through search and rescue operations, marine radio monitoring and boating safety education.