Now that restrictions have been scaled back, more activity is happening.

Boot Camp is back; the ladies walking group will restart and all the driftwood teepees have been rebuilt after the high tides of a few weeks ago knocked them down.

Up to ten people can socialise outdoors provided they are maintaining social distancing.

With COVID-19 restrictions in force, the Old Bar Beach Sand Replenishment Group has been in a type of hibernation for some time.

But recently president, Mrs Elaine Pearce, had a meeting with some committee members (with proper distancing observed) to discuss possible action into the future.

They will continue efforts to have a retention dam installed in Badger's Park to address urban runoff into Racecourse Creek. This was a condition of the development application approved in 1982.

Andrew Staniland from MidCoast Council is endeavouring to correct the stormwater problem, but he is restricted by requirements under the current state required Coastal Management Program.

On the topic of beach preservation and protection, it is proposed to commence with the construction of sand traps in the short term. Commencing south on the fore dune where Racecourse Creek exits, the volunteers will proceed north and hopefully cover any unprotected areas up to Second Corner.

The group has sought advice and can operate within the requirements of COVID restrictions. The group still has some materials left to commence this work.

Mrs Pearce advises that they will now press for more beach scraping as it proved quite successful last time it was done.

They will also continue to press for transfer of dredged sand from the back of the beach berm at Farquhar Inlet, say 30,000 cubic metres costed in 2016 (Neumann dredging contractors) at $450,000.

Council is pressing the Lands Department for the transfer of responsibility of Mudbishop's Park to council so that improvements can be carried out.

"We are always happy to accept more members to the Old Bar Beach Sand Replenishment Group," Mrs Pearce said. "Anyone interested should phone me on 0407 229 145. It is just made up of ordinary people who have an interest and passion for their beach and town."

With many people finding they have more time on their hands due to COVID-19 restrictions, it can be a good time to utilise that time productively to help make our community better.

As we are about the streets more, getting exercise, we probably notice things that require attention by council or other authorities.

Matters such as pot-holes in streets, graffiti, damaged signs and trip hazards on pathways can be reported quickly via MidCoast Council website, which is probably the most efficient way of reporting, rather than telephoning.

This is not complaining, it is helping council identify areas that need attention. If council is not informed of the issues, the issues will remain unknown to them.

Some matters, such as trip hazards, will be attended to quite quickly while others will be subject to inspection and inclusion on a works program but that is better than not being addressed at all.

Go to midcoast.nsw.gov.au, then Menu, Our Roads Our Focus then Report Road Damage or Danger. A simple form to fill in allows you to tell them what the problem is, with photos attached if you have them.

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