Driven by Daryl Dobson the Merimbula and Pambula Rotary Clubs propose to construct an all-access shared walkway using funding of $2m which has been received from the state government.

Council staff looked at three options. Option A utilises the existing road on Lake Street making it a one way road with separate path (on the closed road lane). Traffic would only be able to travel south on Lake Street and exit Long Point via Wyeebo or Wharf Streets. The 2.5m shared pathway would be separated from the road by a 150mm kerb.

Option A was recommended by staff as the best option. It is also the only option that is fully funded by the $2m grant.

Option B retains Lake Street as a two-way road but with a shared path as a cantilevered construction on the western side of the road shoulder. With tree top walks in the canopy and spectacular views it would offer an amazing visitor experience. However it is the most expensive option estimated to cost around $5m. This would in turn have an effect on asset maintenance funds due to the higher amount that would be needed to kept in reserve for repairs. 

Option C is a hybrid which maintains a two-way road to Bar Beach and a one-way road from Bar Beach to Wharf Street costed at $3.1m.

Council did not consider opting for a more expensive solution and only building what could be afforded while further funds were sought. And while this might be another option to consider it does not resolve the issue of asset management costs.

The matter is a somewhat pressing one as the funds come with a use-by date of the end of the next financial year. Mr Dobson said he wasn’t happy with the one-way solution but it was what could be afforded and would also offer the option of several viewing platforms.

“It will beautify and make the road a lot safer than what it is now,” he said adding that a one-way system worked well on Fishpen.