The works are expected to be finished by Christmas. Image: Bega Valley Shire Council.
Staged closures and lost carparks are on the horizon as Bega Valley prepares for a major infrastructure upgrade.
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.
In late 2025, the Southern Regional Planning Panel (SRPP) gave a unanimous tick of approval to Bega Valley Shire Council’s (BVSC) plans to replace it and carry out major upgrades to the site.
Site establishment works are set to begin in late May, a council spokesperson said, once the council receives the final approvals.
Construction will be carried out in stages along the length of the boardwalk, with sections closed progressively as works move through each area.
These early works will include site establishment measures, installation of temporary fencing, vegetation protection, surveying and traffic management.
Demolition, piling and construction of new boardwalk sections will follow.
In February, a demolition and construction contract was awarded to Wagners Pty Ltd.
BVSC project manager Jess Crawford said the beginning of site establishment works represented an important step forward for the project.
“We’re working closely with the contractor, Wagners, to stage the works efficiently and ensure the project is delivered in a timely and coordinated way, while minimising disruption for the community and maintaining strong environmental protections,” she said.
During construction, pedestrian access will change, with temporary diversions and trail closures in place to ensure public safety and reduce environmental impacts around work areas.
There are no formal detours planned.
The closures, shown above, will be staged over several months. Image: Bega Valley Shire Council.
During the upgrade, Lakewood Drive and Market Street will remain open but are expected to see short-term increases in construction traffic.
All truck movements will operate on a forward-in, forward-out basis.
The Market Street carpark will remain closed for the duration of the works, while the Lakewood Drive carpark will lose three spaces.
Bodalla Place will be impacted from late July, with the contractor to liaise directly with residents.
Sunny’s Kiosk will remain open throughout construction, with access to be maintained for customers.
It’s hoped the upgrade will be completed shortly before Christmas this year (depending on approvals, weather conditions and construction staging).
“We appreciate the community’s patience as we deliver this upgrade and look forward to reopening sections of the boardwalk as soon as it is safe to do so,” Ms Crawford said.
According to documents filed with the SRPP, the project will involve rebuilding the entire boardwalk using more resilient materials and making a wider platform.
Two new lookout platforms will also be created.
Other elements of the works include a compacted screen gravel path with a timber edge to replace the existing path and gravel areas, as well as upgrades to the boardwalk’s signage, lookout platforms, carparks and jetties.
Construction work will be carried out between 7 am and 6 pm (Monday to Friday) or 8 am to 1 pm (on Saturdays).
There will be no work on Sundays or public holidays.
All works will be delivered under approved environmental controls to protect Merimbula Lake, surrounding vegetation and local wildlife.
Temporary fencing and pedestrian controls will be in place to protect sensitive areas, including saltmarsh and mangroves.
The community is asked to avoid entering construction areas or creating informal access paths through vegetation.
The project is being supported by $2 million from the Australian Government’s Investing in Our Communities Program, as well as $8 million in funding from the NSW Government.
