In September 2023 Bayside Council resolved to conduct an Expression of Interest for a tenant to occupy some open space along the foreshore of Muddy Creek at Studdert Reserve.
The successful respondent was Marine Rescue NSW. This volunteer organisation, equipped to respond to emergencies and other incidents on our waterways already had a presence at Muddy Creek.
Bayside Community Recreation Club occupied about 1,500sqm of Studdert Reserve including a 100m long section of Muddy Creek with no approval or tenure from Council. Access to this area was restricted to the club members.
Council is now working on finalising its draft Muddy Creek masterplan that will open the waterfront area to the whole community.
This will include unrestricted access to a paddle-craft launching facility and returning large areas of informal car parking to green space for all residents to enjoy.
The slipways will also be assessed for safety, environmental compliance, permissibility, and appropriateness in a public park.
Council is also considering options to provide moored boat owners with convenient access to their boats.
Council’s masterplan would also see the existing car park improved and areas returned to the community as landscaped open space along a waterfront the whole community can enjoy.
Council will also install gates, in line with all other Council car parks to help combat anti- social behaviour and limit trucks taking community parking space.