The Australian Government has announced up to $4.8 million for two major infrastructure upgrades in Merimbula on the Far South Coast.
More than $2.7 million has been committed to the Merimbula CBD upgrade project to transition the CBD to a multi-modal shared space, providing a pedestrian-friendly zone that is an inviting social and economic hub for the community and its surrounds.
The project will be delivered over the next three years and will focus on three key precinct areas:
- Merimbula Drive/Market Street Precinct (including Hyland’s Corner)
- Main Street/Market Street Precinct
- Market Street/Beach Street Precinct
The project will aim to improve the CBD’s accessibility, active transport connections, upgrade street furniture, upgrade pedestrian paths, kerb and gutters, landscaping, the installation of new town signage and the installation of new crossings.
The Australian Government has also committed $2 million towards the upgrade of the Merimbula Boardwalk which will provide exceptional nature-based experiences, including construction of an elevated boardwalk structure and foreshore path, new viewing platforms, improved accessibility, and interpretative signage.
The project will support and complement the existing tourism infrastructure and facilities in Merimbula. Design work will begin in October this year.
The upgrade will continue to support a range of outdoor and nature-based activities such as walking, paddling, swimming, fishing, bird watching and photography.
Member for Eden-Monaro and Minister for Regional Development, Kristy McBain, said the projects had been long campaigned for by the Merimbula community, including the Chamber of Commerce, and she congratulated them of their longstanding advocacy.
“I know these two projects will provide an enormous boost to Merimbula’s economy – and I’m so proud to be delivering this significant funding,” Minister McBain said.
“There is a lot to love about Merimbula – it recently took home silver in the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards. This funding will help deliver an even better tourism experience for all, including for our fabulous small businesses.”
Bega Valley Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick, welcomed the news for Merimbula and the Shire as a whole.
“We already know people flock to Merimbula for its perfect mix of beach, recreation and things to do, whether it’s enjoying great food or hitting the shops; and now with this generous investment we can make it even better,” Cr Fitzpatrick said.
“Since the day it was built, the Merimbula boardwalk has become an iconic asset linking the town with its pristine lake environment. It’s fantastic that this popular boardwalk will continue attracting countless people to invest in the area,” he continued.
“Hopefully construction will start later this year, but we still have a few things to get through with the DA process.
“And what a win, collaborating with the Australian Government to implement plans in the Merimbula CBD that will transform the area into a hub of activity and major boost for business.
“We’ve always had complaints about the power poles in the main street and and things like that so this will allow councillors a chance to assess what’s vital in that main street and see what works we can actually do around that with the $2.7 million.”
The projects are being delivered by Bega Valley Council and are being funded under the Australian Government’s Investing in Our Communities Program.
Under the Program, the Government is delivering community and sporting infrastructure, open space improvements and other community priorities nationwide intended to help communities to build on their strengths and improve liveability.
For more information on the program visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website.
Images: James Fennessy – ARN Bega Bay, Bega Valley Shire Council
