The Merimbula Boardwalk was damaged during a recent king tide event.
11 June 2025
Repair works have commenced on the Merimbula Boardwalk, with Bega Valley Shire Council crews focusing efforts on the western end of the popular lakeside walk.
Council staff are on-site repairing the timber structure with assistance from trainees under a civil works training program.
"Taking on a big job in such a fragile spot doesn't happen every day, so it's a great hands-on learning chance for our trainees," Parks, Aquatics and Recreation Manager John Grady said.
Council has secured a permit from NSW Fisheries to make sure the work goes ahead without upsetting the lake's delicate ecosystem.
"We know locals and visitors love this boardwalk, so our first mission is to make it safe to stroll on again while we continue with the planning and approvals needed to do the full upgrade project," Mr Grady said.
The western section is expected to reopen to the public by the end of July.
"This place is special, and we're treating it with the respect it deserves every step of the way. It is difficult work in a sensitive environment. All going well we are aiming to have the western section reopened again by the end of July."
While the central section of the boardwalk remains open via Bodalla Place, Council is continuing to assess damage to the eastern section closest to town, which was more severely impacted by recent tidal surges and high winds. A decision on possible repair works for this section is expected in the coming weeks.
These temporary repairs are to get sections of the boardwalk reopened again before on site works to fully replace the entire boardwalk start in mid-2026.
This future upgrade will deliver a longer-lasting, elevated boardwalk built to better withstand coastal conditions. The next step in this major project is the outcome of a Development Application which is expected later this month.
"We understand how much the community values this space, and we're working hard to balance short-term access and costs with long-term resilience."
Council urges the public not to enter closed sections or disturb surrounding vegetation. Further updates will be provided as repairs progress.
For more information on the full boardwalk replacement project, visit Council's website.
