The Merimbula Boardwalk is popular with locals of all ages – and restoration work is sure to keep it popular with generations to come. Photo: Bega Valley Shire Council.
A major upgrade and restoration project for a beloved South Coast boardwalk has been given formal approval.
The Merimbula Boardwalk, which runs along the edge of Merimbula Lake from Merimbula Bridge to near Lakewood Drive, was built in 1997.
While being a popular attraction, it has been plagued by high maintenance costs and has suffered some damage.
Earlier this year, Bega Valley Shire Council (BVSC) referred their plan to upgrade it to the Southern Regional Planning Panel for a decison, as it cost more than $5 million.
The panel recently gave it a unanimous tick of approval.
Council’s planning and projects co-ordinator Amelia Baum said the next step was calling for tenders in early August and awarding the construction contract.
“This upgrade means more visitors discovering what makes Merimbula special and better opportunities for locals to reconnect with this beautiful place.
“With planning approval confirmed, we’re working to finalise documentation in line with the development conditions.”
The approval has been long-awaited, with BVSC starting work on the project in late July and releasing concept design plans in 2021.
According to documents filed with the panel, the project will involve replacing the entire boardwalk, including sections that need urgent repairs.
Other elements include upgrades to signage, parking and some landscaping works.
“The primary purpose of this development application is to replace and improve these sections of the existing boardwalk and structures with more resilient materials and improve the user experience by increasing the width to 2.5 metres,” council’s submission to the panel reads.
“The construction works would need to be undertaken in stages for both water and land based sections of the development.”
The project is listed with a capital investment value of about $14,126,000.
The east entry of the Merimbula Boardwalk, as seen in the 2021 concept designs. Image: Bega Valley Shire Council.
Some parts of the boardwalk will be replaced with more resilient materials, and two new lookout platforms will be created.
“The design would need to consist of straight edges as opposed to the existing curved edge profile of the existing timber sections,” council’s submission reads.
A compacted screen gravel path with a timber edge will replace the existing path and gravel areas, while the boardwalk’s signage, lookout platforms, carparks and jetties will be upgraded.
Lighting at both entry points will be installed. There will also be car parking spaces for people with disabilities.
An environmental assessment determined there will be “minor impacts and mitigation measures” from the project’s impacts on things such as soil, air quality, traffic and noise.
The works will see about 0.39 hectares cleared.
The panel’s approval also notes that several documents – such as a noise management plan and a traffic plan – must still be prepared and approved before a construction certificate can be issued.
Repair works to the eastern section of the boardwalk are ongoing, following damage from recent tidal surges and high winds.
“We will provide a further update to the community once we have more clarity on the progress and timeframe for completion,” said Ms Baum.
“We wish to again thank the community for their ongoing interest and support as this important project progresses.”
Once those works are finished, on-site works to replace the boardwalk are expected to start in mid-2026.
Further information on the project is available on council’s website.
