Bega Council says the works will cost $2.8 million. Photo: Bega Valley Shire Council Facebook.
The brakes have been applied on part of a $2.8 million shake-up to Merimbula’s CBD.
Bega Valley Shire Council (BVSC) has been working on a long-awaited upgrade, to be delivered via $2.8 million in grant funding.
Under the project, the Merimbula CBD will be transformed in three stages, starting with traffic changes that were discussed at a recent meeting.
“The long-term goal is that we make the Merimbula CBD an even better retail, entertainment and tourism precinct,” a BVSC spokesperson told Region.
“Council has secured $2.8m in grant funding to deliver this project which will include traffic calming measures to improve safety, accessibility and public amenity in the town centre.”
In the second stage, there will be a series of upgrades to Hylands Corner, while a detailed masterplan for the CBD will be designed in the third stage.
A timeline given on the council’s website states that work on the project started in December 2024 and has involved site investigations, completion of various reports and the release of a tender for the traffic works.
So, where are things up to?
At their recent meeting, councillors voted to defer adoption of a tender that would let them change traffic arrangements in the CBD, as part of the wider project.
Staff made the recommendation in the meeting documents that the councillors accept a tender for the supply and installation of temporary road infrastructure.
However, the council’s CEO Anthony McMahon proposed that a decision be deferred.
“The reason for that is in line with some of the feedback that came through … [It has indicated] that we need to do a better engagement process on this before progressing any further.”
Councillors unanimously accepted the changed recommendation.
It means there will be no immediate changes to traffic in the area.
What comes next?
In their comments to Region, the council spokesperson said the deferment would give time for “further refinement and community consultation” ahead of the implementation of the promised upgrades.
“The community will be able to view detailed plans and have the opportunity to provide feedback before any of the traffic changes are implemented,” they said.
This is set to take place over the next few months.
Speaking after the meeting, Bega Valley Business Forum president Nigel Ayling said the organisation welcomed the news of further community engagement.
“We would like to see some more public communication, some plans and things like that, so people can come in and see what’s happening.
“If they don’t know, they start to get worried … [then] all the scuttlebutt and rumours come out and that’s not positive.”
He also said the chamber welcomed the planned upgrades, labelling works at Hylands Corner a priority.
Those works are set to include installing a foundation for the Christmas tree, replacing furniture, adding bollards and other measures.
“We want to see the CBD improved; we want to see better pedestrian flow and traffic flow. … We’re supportive of the ideas,” he said.
“It’s just working to get the best result we can.”
Further information on the Merimbula CBD upgrade project can be found on the council’s website.
