A blog by Wagners CFT Business Development Manager, Matt Hammond (Connect via LinkedIn)
For almost 30 years, the Merimbula Boardwalk has been one of the Sapphire Coast’s most loved attractions.
Winding its way along the edge of Merimbula Lake through mangrove forests and saltmarsh habitats, the boardwalk has provided generations of locals and visitors with a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the region. Whether walking, birdwatching, fishing or simply taking in the scenery, the boardwalk has become an iconic part of the Merimbula experience and a valuable community asset.
Today, that iconic structure is entering a new chapter.
Supported by a significant investment from the Australian Government, NSW Government and Bega Valley Shire Council, the Merimbula Boardwalk and Foreshore Path upgrade is transforming one of the region’s most visited attractions into a modern, future-ready community asset. The project will preserve the character and natural beauty that have made the boardwalk a local landmark for almost three decades while creating infrastructure designed to serve the community for decades to come.
As principal contractor, Wagners Composite Fibre Technologies (CFT) is proud to be delivering this landmark project on behalf of Bega Valley Shire Council.
Preserving a community landmark
Since opening in 1997, the Merimbula Boardwalk has become much more than a pathway.
The structure connects residents and visitors with some of the region’s most significant natural environments, providing access to scenic foreshore areas, recreational spaces and important ecological habitats. It has become a destination in its own right, attracting visitors from across Australia and supporting local tourism throughout the year.
However, after nearly three decades of continuous service in a challenging coastal environment, the original boardwalk had reached the end of its serviceable life.
Exposure to salt air, moisture, tidal influences and extreme weather events had taken its toll on the structure. Regular inspections, repairs and replacement of deteriorated timber components were necessary to keep the boardwalk safe and operational, placing ongoing demands on council resources. While maintenance works had helped extend its service life, a full replacement was identified as the best long-term solution to ensure the boardwalk could continue serving the community safely and reliably into the future.
Rather than simply replacing like-for-like, Bega Valley Shire Council recognised an opportunity to create a modern asset that would enhance accessibility, improve visitor experiences and provide greater resilience for the decades ahead.
A significant investment in Merimbula’s future
The Merimbula Boardwalk and Foreshore Path upgrade represents one of the region’s most significant public infrastructure projects in recent years.
The project includes the demolition of the existing boardwalk and construction of approximately 1.7 kilometres of new boardwalk and upgraded foreshore pathways. Once complete, the upgraded infrastructure will provide improved accessibility, enhanced recreational opportunities and a more enjoyable experience for the thousands of people who use the boardwalk each year.
The design places a strong emphasis on inclusivity, ensuring people of all ages and abilities can access and enjoy the foreshore environment. Improved pathway connections, upgraded amenities and enhanced viewing opportunities will help create a welcoming destination for both residents and visitors.
Importantly, the project has been developed with the long-term future of the community in mind, creating infrastructure that can continue supporting tourism, recreation and active lifestyles for decades to come.
A key feature of the upgrade is the use of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) structural components manufactured by Wagners CFT at its advanced production facility in Wellcamp, Queensland. Specifically selected for harsh coastal environments, FRP offers exceptional durability, corrosion resistance and low maintenance requirements compared with traditional construction materials.
Beyond improving accessibility and visitor experiences, the project has been designed with whole-of-life asset performance in mind. With significantly reduced maintenance requirements, the upgrade represents a long-term investment in community infrastructure that will continue to deliver value for generations.
Building within a sensitive environment
One of the defining characteristics of the project is its location.
The boardwalk passes through environmentally significant mangrove and saltmarsh ecosystems that form an important part of the Merimbula Lake environment. These habitats support a diverse range of wildlife and contribute to the ecological health of the broader estuary system.
Protecting these environmental values has been a key consideration throughout planning, design and construction.
The boardwalk incorporates FRP decking, allowing greater light penetration to the vegetation below. This helps support the ongoing health of sensitive saltmarsh ecosystems while still providing a durable and safe walking surface for users.
The use of FRP materials also helps minimise future maintenance requirements, reducing the need for ongoing works within this environmentally sensitive setting.
During construction, extensive environmental management measures are being implemented to protect surrounding vegetation, waterways and wildlife habitat. The project demonstrates how infrastructure can be delivered responsibly while preserving the natural environments that communities value most.
Delivering the project in stages
Construction of a project of this scale requires careful planning and coordination.
To minimise disruption to the community and maintain safe access around the work zones, construction is being delivered through a staged approach. This allows sections of the boardwalk to be progressively demolished and reconstructed while ensuring public safety remains the highest priority.
Early works have included site establishment, surveying, environmental protection measures and preparation activities before demolition works commenced.
Throughout the project, Wagners CFT is working closely with Bega Valley Shire Council and local stakeholders to ensure residents, businesses and visitors remain informed about construction activities, access changes and project progress.
The staged delivery approach not only supports efficient construction but also helps reduce impacts on surrounding environmental and recreational areas.
Wagners CFT appointed as Principal Contractor
Following a competitive tender process, Wagners CFT was awarded the demolition and construction contract for the Merimbula Boardwalk and Foreshore Path upgrade.
The appointment reflects Wagners CFT’s extensive experience delivering infrastructure in challenging coastal, marine and environmentally sensitive locations throughout Australia and New Zealand.
As Principal Contractor, Wagners CFT is responsible for managing the safe demolition of the existing structure and construction of the new boardwalk, while maintaining strong environmental controls and meeting the project’s demanding quality and performance requirements.
The project also supports regional participation through the engagement of local suppliers, subcontractors and workforce resources where possible. A key feature of the project is the use of FRP profiles manufactured by Wagners CFT at its advanced production facility in Wellcamp, Queensland. By combining Australian-made materials with regional delivery capability, the project contributes to the local economy, supports sovereign manufacturing and strengthens the long-term sustainability and resilience of Australian infrastructure.
For the project team, the opportunity to contribute to such a significant community asset is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Creating a legacy for the community
Projects like the Merimbula Boardwalk are particularly rewarding because they involve more than replacing infrastructure. They are about helping preserve a place that holds genuine significance for the community while creating an asset that can continue to be enjoyed for decades to come.
The Merimbula Boardwalk and Foreshore Path upgrade will improve access to nature, support local tourism and provide a safer, more accessible experience for residents and visitors alike. Designed to last for many decades and constructed using Australian-made FRP materials specifically selected for coastal environments, the new boardwalk has been created to deliver lasting value while minimising future maintenance demands.
As demolition and construction progress simultaneously across the project, the project stands as an example of how thoughtful planning, innovative materials and responsible environmental management can help communities invest confidently in infrastructure that will serve them well into the future.
Learn more about the project at the Bega Valley Shire Council project page: https://www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au/About-Council/Council-Projects/Merimbula-Boardwalk-and-Foreshore-Path-upgrade
