We established productive rapport with Councillors and officers of the Bega Valley Shire Council.

Our group was set up after we gained around 160 signatures in a survey of residents’ interest in a number of Eden Cove issues. 

However, most recently a small number of residents conducted an unpleasant debate publicly on Facebook over a single issue, accusing the ECRG of causing the closure of an unofficial access vehicle track to the northern end of the Lake Curalo foreshore. 

The only access to this track is through private building blocks.  

The owners of these blocks do not want them to be churned up by 4WD and other vehicular traffic, especially since it makes mowing almost impossible. 

One of those blocks especially has been kept in spotless and attractive condition.

The truth of the matter is that BVSC did respond to ECRG’s request for a barrier at the southern end of the foreshore to prevent traffic entering into the area of the Curalo Lake Walkway, as it could destroy this expensive asset. 

The relevant environmental officer made the decision that the disputed track at the northern end was causing great erosion, and since the Foreshore Management Plan decreed it was a vehicle-free recreational area, the Officer ordered the closure.

Protestors who had written to BVSC were unfortunately given misleading information about the closure, which thus led to the bitter discontent and vitriol expressed in the Facebook site.  

Questions were raised about the legitimacy of ECRG to represent the area, and in another forum it was even queried whether the 160 signatures really represented the signatories’ real intentions.

Because of the divisiveness of the debate, we have decided to terminate the ECRG, and thus enable the protestors to seek approval of the Eden Cove community for them to set up their own residents group. 

We hope whoever takes that mantle will be able to demonstrate the capability to bring to completion all the work-in-progress (WIP) we have currently before Council.

In conclusion, we want to thank BVSC, and particularly Councillors Sharon Tapscott and Russell Fitzpatrick for their responsiveness and unfailing support.

We, the committee of the terminated ECRG, will not be nominating for positions in any replacement entity that may be created.

Peter Mansour-Nahra

Eddy Evans

John and Kath French

Mike Stebbings