The condition of Shep's Mound

[Stefan I]

Being an infrequent visitor to Sydney I always try to get out to the airport and Shep's mound in particular when visiting. Earlier this week around mid afternoon I went around and promptly got my car bogged in the sand. When I arrived there were 5 cars spotting and in the next half hour or so as I tried to dig myself out all 5 drove off one by one without a single offer of assistance or word being spoken. My predicament was very obvious and you may understand I was most disappointed looking back by the lack of support. In the end the crew of an airport fire tender in the area helped me out.

I'm sure I wasn't the first and won't be the last to end up bogged given the poor state of parts of this area. I just hope whoever is there when the next person finds themselves in the same predicament proves more helpful than what I encountered from the fellow spotters (I presume) during my visit. My face was not familiar to anyone, but the common interest of spotting I thought would have overcome that.

[Peter Agatsiotis]

That's very unfortunate and obviously disappointing Stefan. I myself have been bogged a couple of times but luckily those around gave me a hand. I have also chipped in and helped others in the same predicement.

Next time it may help just to ask for help (which I did the second time).

[Matt_L]

Indeed,

that is sad to hear- sorry to hear it happened Stefan..

I haven't personally had it happen to me, but have seen it happen to others and was always willing to help out (and from what I saw other spotters were too) so maybe you just found the bad crowd

[Danny G]

Shep's Mound looks like its ready for redevelopment ? The poor condition that the owner leaves it in after the electric cable update maybe indicates its time has come . The encroaching buildings maybe indicates the future.Anyone know the plans ?

[Michael Atkin]

Im really hoping they don't turn it into more carparks or something like that, hopefully they won't get rid of it all together.

[NeilP]

Maybe we could petition Sydney Airport Corp or whomever else may be relevant to ensure we have at least some part of it kept for enthusiasts? Just a thought...
Cheers,
Neil.

[Brenden S]

Perhaps if everyone takes a bucket of gravel, or blue metal every time they head to the airport that the sand will not pose a problem. Just start repairing it for yourself. At the end of the day everyone uses it, so why not take it upon yourselves to fix the problem.

[Mike S]

I reckon we need to strike a deal with the tour bus operator just next to the mound.

That 2nd level of those bus, which is just nicely over the fenceline, would be PERFECT for spotting!

[Dave Powell]

Originally Posted by Brenden S

Perhaps if everyone takes a bucket of gravel, or blue metal every time they head to the airport that the sand will not pose a problem. Just start repairing it for yourself. At the end of the day everyone uses it, so why not take it upon yourselves to fix the problem.

you'd probably get pulled up for dumping material on private land

[Raymond Rowe]

Originally Posted by Mike S

I reckon we need to strike a deal with the tour bus operator just next to the mound.

That 2nd level of those bus, which is just nicely over the fenceline, would be PERFECT for spotting!

That would be an ideal situation.Those buses make spotting perfect.