Concept image of the new playground at Merimbula’s Beach Street. Image: BVSC.
Bega Valley Shire Council (BVSC) is anxious to get community feedback on its proposed playground, streetscaping and street furniture in Beach Street, Merimbula, which will form part of the changes to the CBD.
BVSC is on a tight timescale for the entire project, for which it has received a $2.8 million federal government grant, and has to deliver the project by March to meet the funding deed milestones and allow time for the grant acquittal process.
With the timeline in mind, BVSC wants comments on the playground and streetscaping plans by Sunday 27 September. BVSC has asked for a nautical, marine or coastal theme to cater for children aged 0-12 years, an enclosed fence and rubber soft fall.
Demolition of the existing playground and garden infrastructure, including removal of the tree on the boardwalk in Beach Street is scheduled to take place in October. Installation of planter boxes and seating, landscaping planting and lighting will take place from October to December. Installation of the new playground, which will be a little further along Beach Street, is due in December.
To date $1.34 million has been spent of the overall $2.8 million, covering roundabouts, pedestrian crossings and design, but council’s director of infrastructure, Andrew Latta warned that some elements may not be delivered due to budget constraints.
He said that while the funding would deliver a positive outcome for the community, it was insufficient to complete the entire Beach Street concept.
“Beach Street is in a great location overlooking the waterfront in the heart of Merimbula, and these improvements will create more opportunities for people to spend some time enjoying the area. We encourage the community to take a look at the proposed plan and let us know what they think before it is finalised.
“Now the new traffic and parking arrangements are in place, our focus is turning to creating a space that’s welcoming and inviting for everyone,” Mr Latta said.
The one-way system in Beach Street has not been welcomed by everyone, with the Merimbula Chamber of Commerce and local business managers expressing strong reservations regarding the system. Chamber representatives and local stakeholders questioned the necessity of the project and voiced fears that restricting traffic flow could create severe gridlock and hurt tourism during peak holiday seasons.
Mr Latta said council would continue to monitor the road changes, but councillor Mitchell Nadin asked what money had been set aside to make changes if needed. Mr Latta said there was no money included after the February deadline.
“A contingency has been built in but it’s not huge,” he said. Cr Nadin brought the matter up again at the council meeting this week and was told by Mr Latta that the traffic changes could be reversed.
Despite the controversy over the one-way system, there has been positive feedback for the new roundabouts in Merimbula. Feedback on the roundabout close to Club Sapphire was “all positive” with a lot of positive comments on the roundabout at the top of Market Street.
Mr Latta said he wanted to see the majority of works completed by Christmas with the traffic monitoring results supplied provided for councillors in February.
Councillors endorsed the installation of ‘No Right Turn’ signs at the property access of 47 Merimbula Drive (Sapphire Coast Physiotherapy) and 3 Sapphire Coast Drive (NPWS offices) at the meeting.
To view the improved streetscaping plan and provide feedback, visit the council’s Have Your Say webpage. Feedback closes on Sunday 27 September.
