Dolphin Point

From UlladullaWiki

Map of Dolphin Point

Dolphin Point is a small village situated on a headland to the east of Burrill Lake, at the southern end of the Milton-Ulladulla district. The 2001 census records a population of 207 persons. The area's main geographical features are it's ocean, lake and national park borders.

Things to do in Dolphin Point and surroundings include, fishing, surfing, swimming, diving and bushwalking. The entrance to Burrill Lake usually streams through to the ocean at the southern end of Burrill Beach. The lake's entrance closes infrequently making the entrance a drawcard for visitors in the summer months. Further south are the rocky platforms that provide surfers, anglers, divers and fossickers with interesting and varied choices for activities year round. From time to time, the lake entrance does close prompting concerns from some, but not all, residents. Each time this occurs, debate has ensued over the need, or otherwise, to provide a mechanical opening of the lake's entrance. Just prior to Easter 2007 the lake was opened by the Council but is now in the process of closing again as a result of natural forces. The long term issue of identifying a trigger for mechanical intervention - and at what level this may occur- remains unresolved pending constant review by Shoalhaven City Council and NSW State Government authorities.

The geology of the area carries visible links to it's past with examples of marine life recorded in fossils that can be seen in and around the headland. A major event, in the form of high seas, occurred in April 2006 and some footage showing ocean waves entering Burrill Lake is recorded on video held by http://ulladullaboardriders.com.

The township adjoins the Barnunj State Conservation Area and Meroo National Park. The Barnunj State Conservation Area may be merged into Meroo National Park according to a Draft Management Plan proposed by the NSW Department Of Environment for the area stretching from Dolphin Point to Termeil ^[1]. Principally, a State Conservation Area is classified in accordance with mining needs, of which there is none planned for the area.

A local community group, the Dolphin Point Residents Action Group, formed in 2006, exists to provide representation to Shoalhaven City Council on issues raised by residents and ratepayers.

The area's primary service centre is Ulladulla yet the major towns to its north and south, Nowra and Batemans Bay, provide needs not met at the nearest town of Burrill Lake where basic services and supplies can be found. Here, a newsagency, supermarket, cafe and hairdresser exist along with the Hot Glass Gallery, The Fish Shop, Ricks Bait N Tackle, Burrill Lake Cellars and an opportunity shop on the northern side of the bridge crossing Burrill Lake that has now closed. Accomodation for visitors is well catered for but can be scarce in the summer months and in Easter when the annual Blessing of the Fleet Festival occurs. The Blessing of the Fleet Festival for 2008 is shrouded with uncertainty and it is not clear if it may continue in it's present format.

Proposals for further development of the area are currently under consideration. It is understood that approval for a tavern on the old service station at Burrill Lake has been granted by the State Government. Further development is proposed for a new housing estate occupying an area adjoining the Princes Highway formerly known as Dingley's Farm. Dingley's Farm was a dairy farming venture dating back a number of years. Stage 1 of 5 proposed stages for a housing development known as The Dairy has been completed and further stages are under the planning and approval stages. Whilst none of this area is geographically located within the defined boundaries of the locality of Dolphin Point it is currently being marketed by L.J. Hooker and CountryWide as being so. It would appear that the suburb's descriptive name retains cachet for real estate marketing that extends past it's boundaries.

[edit] History

A number of aboriginal middens have been located in the area indicating an indigenous presence dating back hundreds of years. The Ulladulla Local Aboriginal Council made a successful Native Title claim on an area adjoining the Barnunj State Recreation Area and Meroo National Park. This area is currently proposed for housing development in a partnership with the local land council and Malbec Pty Ltd, a property developer based in Sydney. A recent decision http://www.nntt.gov.au/ntdetermination/1166424220_6468.html (December 2006) of the National Native Title Tribunal has determined that native title does not exist. What this might mean for proposed development on this site is unclear.

"Around 1900, W.G. Kelly experimented with shell grit to make lime, a commodity much in demand at the time. He burnt the shell in a big hole by the beach near Dolphin Point, and for a couple of decades the industry flourished. However it faded out with the wider use of superphosphate in agriculture" ^[2]. W.G. Kelly, as a company, continued to make it's mark in providing building supplies and road transportation services to people of the area for many years.

A plaque exists on the headland above the lake entrance that recognises Mr and Mrs Hooper as long term residents. It accompanies a seat which was installed by the Shoalhaven City Council. After the death of Maisie Hooper in February 1999, her daughters sought permission to install the commemorative plaque. Mr and Mrs Hooper lived at 27 Seaside Parade and purchased the land in 1961/2.