Concept designs for a renewal of the Merimbula Boardwalk includes an upgraded wading jetty. Photo: BVSC.
Plans for a renewed Merimbula Boardwalk include upgraded jetties, viewing platforms and seating as well as a widening of the town’s popular attraction.
While Bega Valley Shire Council currently has no funding for such an upgrade, it has released its concept design for the project which is now available for public feedback.
“Earlier this year we asked the community how they use the boardwalk now and how they’d like to use it in the future,” council’s project manager Amelia Souter said.
“What we found is the number one reason people use the boardwalk is to connect with nature.
“The proposed concept design seeks to honour this, while also balancing safety and improving accessibility.”
The boardwalk, which runs along the edge of Merimbula Lake from Merimbula Bridge to near Lakewood Drive, was built in 1997. It now shows signs of of decline and has high maintenance costs.
Council says it has reached the end of its serviceable life and it requires an upgrade.
There are many proposed features in the concept design, including widening the boardwalk from 1.5metres to 2metres to help allow people to pass more easily.
The wading jetty at the western end of the boardwalk will be enhanced to improve access into the water for wading via a non-slip ramp, while the swimming jetty on the eastern end will be widened for swimming and fishing and a fish cleaning station could be added.
Proposed east entry of the Merimbula Boardwalk. Image: Concept design.
There will also be viewing platforms and seating areas as well as low-level lighting along the boardwalk’s edge.
“The design also includes repairing the existing gravel footpaths, improved signage and safe connection across Market Street, the removal of invasive species and revegetation of native species and formalising the bush tracks and access to residential streets,” Ms Souter said.
Council wants feedback on the project before presenting it to the new councillors for endorsement next year. Once the concept design is finalised council will apply for funding.
To view the proposed concept design and have your say go to council’s website. You can provide feedback until 7 February 2022.
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