By NIKKI TODD
TWEED Shire Council will look at ways to improve access to beaches along the Tweed River at Chinderah after a new rock revetment wall made it difficult for residents to access the popular fishing strip.
Councillor Gary Bagnall was unanimously supported at last week’s council meeting in his notice of motion calling on council to investigate ways to improve access to the popular fishing spot.
Tweed Shire Council recently constructed a new rock revetment wall at several points along the river at Chinderah Bay Drive as part of an upgrade of the foreshore and surrounding parklands.
But the wall, meant to maintain the integrity of the riverbank, has inadvertently prevented local residents from accessing the river to fish.
“This is a popular fishing spot for Chinderah people,’’ Cr Bagnall said.
“The elderly like to get their fish there but now they have to make their way across the rocks to get to the beach.
“The residents around this area mostly live in caravan parks; they are mostly elderly and many have no transport and this is their beach. It’s a nice, quiet spot, perfect for fishing and a bit of a paddle.’
To illustrate the problem, Cr Bagnall presented a photograph to council (pictured) which clearly shows an elderly fisherman on the beach, with his motorised scooter parked beside the rock wall.
Cr Bagnall said the gentleman, who usually required support to walk, had found it particularly difficult to navigate the rock wall to access his favourite fishing spot.
“It is dangerous for children and old people to clamber down this wall,’’ Cr Bagnall said.
Council officers will prepare the report as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, council will hold a public meeting at Chinderah to discuss a proposed new pontoon to be built on the foreshore following a successful motion by Greens councillor Katie Milne.
Cr Milne argued many members of the community remained unaware of the proposal to build a pontoon in front of the Chinderah Tavern, including local commercial fishermen and canegrowers who were concerned it could impact their activities.
“I appreciate this was proposed by the Chinderah Community Association but I’ve had a number of complaints about this and its possible impacts,’’ Cr Milne said.
“This could have a big potential impact on the community and it really needs to go to the wider community for consultation.’’
A date for the meeting is yet to be finalised.
