Merimbula: $14m boardwalk overhaul to be determined by NSW Regional Planning Panel

One of the South Coast’s top tourism town’s ageing boardwalks could soon see new life, with a $14m, multi-agency push to revamp the nearly three-decade-old popular track.

Artist impression of the revamped Merimbula Boardwalk. Picture: Bega Valley Shire Council

A beloved boardwalk in one of the South Coast’s top tourist towns is set for a $14m overhaul – if is gets the green light from the state’s Regional Planning Panel.

Bega Valley Shire Council’s long-running plan to completely replace the ageing Merimbula Boardwalk has reached a critical juncture, with a final decision expected later this year by the NSW Government body.

The two-kilometre stretch, built nearly three decades ago, is showing its age according to a council spokesman, who confirmed maintenance costs were becoming “disproportionately high”.

“The boardwalk was built in 1997 and since then has seen an increase in use demonstrating its popularity,” he said.

“While popular as ever, [the boardwalk] is showing significant signs of decline.”

The ageing Merimbula Boardwalk was built in 1997. Picture: Bega Valley Shire Council

First announced in 2022 when the NSW Government pledged $8m towards the project, the upgrade aims to widen the structure to improve accessibility for wheelchairs, prams, and dog walkers, as well as add new fishing platforms, swimming access points, and lighting.

A further $2m in federal funding was secured under the ‘Investing in Our Communities’ program, while the council announced it would contribute the remaining funds.

According to Bega Valley Shire Council, the boardwalk rebuild will also include environmental considerations, such as using marine-grade materials and fibre-reinforced plastic grating in sensitive saltmarsh areas to allow better light penetration.

The project comes as part of a broader push to transform Merimbula’s foreshore and CBD into a premier tourism hub.

Eden Monaro MP, Kristy McBain, previously praised the bid to overhaul the coastal town of 3800.

“There is a lot to love about Merimbula,” she said.

“It recently took home silver in the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards.

“This will help deliver an even better tourism experience for all, including for our fabulous small businesses.”

The NSW Regional Planning Panel will make their determination on the project later this year.

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Originally published as Merimbula: $14m boardwalk overhaul to be determined by NSW Regional Planning Panel