Callala Bay included in marina review

In March, council voted to consider Huskisson, Ulladulla and Greenwell Point, and at Tuesday’s ordinary meeting Cr Bohdan Brumerskyj moved to include Callala Bay in the review.

At a Callala Bay Community Consultative Body meeting members indicated that they would support the town being included in the review.

Vice president Damian Casserly said the motion was passed but not all members were enthusiastic about the idea.

“A lot of people were in favour of having a marina but some were totally against the idea, they want to keep things the way they are,” he said.

“The consensus was that we would like to be included in the review and a motion was passed.

“The possibility of having a marina in Jervis Bay, I think, is a good idea.

“It will bring something that is needed to the area, which is more jobs.

“If a marina is planned for Callala then the development and infrastructure will follow.”

Commodore of the Jervis Bay Cruising Yacht Club Tony Byrnes said Callala was not an ideal location for a marina but said the Shoalhaven needed such a facility.

“Callala isn’t the preferred site because of its lack of infrastructure. Where are they going to put shops and cafes when it’s all pretty much residential zoning?” he said.

According to Mr Byrnes, Jervis Bay needs a marina because of a dramatic increase in boating.

“Boats are more plentiful and they are getting bigger with no real facilities to service them,” he said.

Local yachting identity Kanga Birtles has been sailing yachts for about 50 years and in that time has almost lost a couple off moorings to severe weather in Jervis Bay.

He said sailing to a location where there was a marina compared to one where there wasn’t was like chalk and cheese.

“This area could really do with a marina. It’s difficult to get a mooring in Currambene Creek, and if you’re going to moor at Callala Bay, you may as well anchor in the middle of the bay,” he said.