RED HEAD VILLAGES ASSOCIATION (Inc) North Bendalong, Bendalong, Berringer, Cunjurong Point, Manyana Email: [email protected] Phone 4456-5240 441 Bendalong Road Bendalong NSW 2539 Mr Robert Domm Manager Ulladulla & South 2 December 2019 Shoalhaven City Council Re: New Approach to Building Relationships with Surf Schools Operating in the Shoalhaven Dear Sir The residents represented by Red Head Villages Association (RHVA) would like to offer a way of maintaining the surf schools/tours and encouraging sustainable growth with minimal negative effect on tourism and commercial growth. Currently there are several instances of thoughtless behaviour each month from visiting large (40-70 people) commercial surf schools/tours who: 1. park their buses and large van convoys across carparks, blocking access and egress for others; 2. appropriate all of the available facilities at a beach (ie set up a tent/tarp over the only picnic bench for the day, cover the ground around the bench with their boards, towels, backpacks); and 3. enter the water with their surfboards where people are already swimming in a safe area, and show no regard for swimmers as they inexpertly practice their surfing. This and their noticeable trail of litter is creating unnecessary consternation and unhappiness for residents and other visitors alike. The most recent events were on the weekend 5th/6th Oct when two surf schools converged on Washerwoman’s Beach with a number in excess of eighty surf students One school headed to the north and one to the south and immediately took over all picnic facilities and converted them into a make shift change room with the grass picnic area used as a parking bay for the 40 surfboards not being used each lesson. The lessons were conducted straight out from each end of the beach and after a short time, the two surf schools drifted into contact with each other. This meant that the public were being pushed out as surfboards used by the students with low skills can become devastating weapons. Some tempers raised as conditions suddenly became crowded and dangerous for swimmers. As most other Councils to the south of Sydney and north of Shoalhaven have moved these groups on, and as the upgrading of the Princes Highway makes the Shoalhaven more easily accessible for these Sydney backpacker and uni student surf schools/tours, this problem will only increase. RHVA suggests that Council create a requirement that these out-of-town surfing backpacker and uni student groups join a register with a small fee (say $5-$10). Being on the register confers permission to use Shoalhaven beaches whilst ever they comply with Council’s adopted Code of Conduct (detailed below). Failure to follow the Code of Conduct would lead to them being taken off the register and therefore off the beach for the rest of their stay. They would be welcome to return another time – if they agree to follow the code of practice and re-join the register. In Australia we are fortunate that the beaches are owned by the public but under the present arrangement in the Shoalhaven this incident shows it is possible for a company receiving payment, to very quickly and easily take ownership of a public beach thus leaving the community with a loss. So, our position is that Council should be proactive and welcoming to surf schools/tours that behave in the right way. We wish to follow other Councils between here and the Queensland border where surf schools work well under an affordable registration arrangement, and we believe this delivers a better-quality surf school/tour experience. The register gives Council a course of action that when needed can be activated by Council Rangers and we believe the cost would be minimal because Council Rangers are already in the field. The Code of Conduct is broad enough to be applicable to any situation on any Shoalhaven beach as deemed by the Ranger at the time, using his/her discretion. Our suggested Code of Conduct is Surf School/Tour Operators are to: 1. ensure the safety of swimmers and other beachgoers at all times; and 2. show consideration for others who may wish to use the available facilities; and 3. respect the space and environment at the beach; and 4. ensure that residents and visitors would be happy to share a beach with them again. This Code also helps operators understand what their obligations are regarding safety and appropriate use of public reserves. RHVA has for the last few years worked with Council and suggested portable toilets at places that surf schools/tours frequent; this arrangement has worked well and helps look after the environment. Introducing a register will further our goals of maintaining a harmonious community with amenities that can be used by visitors and residents alike with good tourism promotional outcomes. The register also gives Council a direct line and reason for two way dialogue with operators around this matter. We look forward to meeting with yourself or an appropriate staff member who has the necessary delegations to begin this negotiation. Please do not hesitate to contact me as convenor of the RHVA working group on this issue. Kind regards Kevin Millar Committee Member Red Head Villages Association .