THE Jindabyne community have expressed their anger at the state of the Lake Jindabyne foreshore area, and rightly so. As a key summer drawcard, the foreshore sees major pedestrian and cycle traffic along the foreshore path.
Snowy Mountains Magazine editor Steve Cuff contacted the Snowy Monaro Regional Council Mayor Chris Hanna and spoke to him in person in Cooma on Tuesday January 9. He was invited to attend for his own viewing of which he advised he would.
It was indicated to the Mayor by way of discussion and images that the state of the foreshore was unacceptable. He did not disagree and said he would take immediate action.
The same afternoon a video was uploaded to Jindabyne social media by resident Matt Fitzgerald showing the lack of any maintenance in sections of the foreshore.
Needless to say, it lit a social media fuse with over 140 comments and opinions of what should happen.
On Wednesday afternoon, January 10, the Mayor contacted Snowy Mountains Magazine and indicated that action will happen, and they will respond to the community with a plan. On Wednesday some areas had been mowed.
It is disappointing that council needed the community to raise awareness of the state of the foreshore. Even more frustrating for residents knowing council have parks’ management staff in Jindabyne who should be monitoring the condition of the area on a regular basis.
This has been an ongoing issue. The ride on lawn mower sees action in easy to access areas, but attention to detail around the edges has a blind eye turned to them. The main problem has been a huge lack of any trimming.
The community understands that with recent heavy rain the mowing schedule needs to be altered for wet conditions. And some areas are still very wet.
However it would seem the council’s whipper snipper has gone missing in action. And the weeds growing are not just weeks old, they have not been touched for several months.
Yes, council can plead their case of lack of funds and possibly short of staff. But really, when this is the main tourist town of the region and the foreshore a key element attracting tourists, it should just be tidied constantly. And not just a week before Christmas. Residents use the area year-round, and we have tourists every month of the year.
Lake Foreshore Damage
When the lake was at 100% capacity in recent years the foreshore area was damaged due to the high water. It has been well documented that decades prior, infrastructure was constructed below the 100% high water mark.
Grant money will fund repairs to sections of the foreshore path, but limited action has been taken even as a remedy before major works occur. There are dead trees lying around, bushes are overgrown and the area looks disgusting.
The Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct (SAP) master plan have plans for the foreshore. But with recent funding cuts we are still awaiting to see if the foreshore is now one of the projects.
Steve Whan, Member for Monaro, please take note. Jindabyne residents want the foreshore to be one of the priority SAP projects, even if the entire project is not complete, at least make acceptable works. Residents would welcome you to attend this area at any time to personally view the situation.
Action To Be Taken
The Mayor stated on Wednesday he has spoken to council CEO David Hogan and they will have more detail very soon. The mayor will also attend in person to view the foreshore. Works will include:
- Works on the entry road to Claypits.
- General clean up will be take place over the coming weeks.
- Kids playground equipment at Claypits area will be further assessed and awaiting quotes for repair.
- Tree stumps – will be removed.
- Exercise area quotes for sandstone rock repair.
- Banjo Paterson Park work has commenced with a re seeding program.
- Council will undertake a plan with firm timelines on future work and advise the community with updates.
