Originally, fishing enthusiasts would launch their boats off Ocean Avenue - near the site of the recently demolished toilet block - but the access point was moved to Robinson Reserve about 10 years ago.

Last December Port Stephens Council completed a $1.6 million upgrade of Robinson Reserve, featuring a new children's playground, barbecue facilities, new amenities and skate park.

Members of the social Anna Bay Fishing Club were shocked to learn the new equipment blocked their only vehicular path to the beach, leaving them angry and in fear of losing their launching point forever.

"They [council] say it is unsafe for us to drive through, and we agree, yet it is okay for emergency vehicles," said Paul Holliday, a longtime fishing club member and resident of Anna Bay since 1975.

"We accept that the access at Robinson Reserve has become unsafe... both the playground and the skate park are used by children and to have a vehicle towing a boat/trailer would be dangerous for all concerned.

"We have been in contact with the council about the situation and we feel there is an obvious solution... move the access point back to its original location at Ocean Avenue.

"The sign at the entry point to the beach allows vehicular access."

A Port Stephens Council spokesperson said the council was in discussions with the fishing club about beach access through Robinson Reserve but had not investigated moving the access point back to Ocean Avenue.

"Alternate access points have been suggested to us by club members however current discussions with representatives relate to the Robinson Reserve access point," the spokesperson said.

"As part of the Robinson Reserve upgrade, emergency vehicle access was maintained to the beach through the reserve. This location is not a public vehicle access point and general access onto the beach is not permitted.

"At present, emergency vehicle access only is permitted onto the beach at the Robinson Reserve site. We are currently working with representatives from the Anna Bay Fishing Club regarding a request for access to the beach in this location.

"This area forms part of the Birubi Point Aboriginal Place and is a culturally important and sensitive location. As such, we are also working with other stakeholder groups who oversee the development, protection and use of the Aboriginal Place."

The council provides boat launching facilities at nearby Boat Harbour Beach. The NSW Government provides boat launching facilities at Fisherman's Bay.

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