CONSTRUCTION on the long-anticipated Urunga Boardwalk upgrade is set to officially commence on Monday 16 June.
All tenders for the Boardwalk project have been locked in, and the first stage will involve establishing a site compound to support construction works.
The boardwalk will be closed from 23 June.
Part of the new boardwalk is expected to be accessible to the public for the Christmas Holiday period, with completion planned for 2026.
“The Boardwalk upgrade marks a pivotal step forward in the revitalisation of Urunga,” said Bellingen Mayor Steve Allan.
“The Boardwalk is not only a much-loved local attraction, but also a vital connection to nature and a treasured part of our community’s identity.
“These works will ensure its long-term resilience and accessibility for generations to come.”
The project is jointly funded by the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program and Bellingen Shire Council.
Additional funding was secured through NSW Government Disaster Recovery Fund Assistance Program to fund the reconstruction of the south arm of the boardwalk, after it was impacted in the 2022 flood event.
Memorial plaques currently on the boardwalk will be carefully removed and stored for safekeeping during the construction phase.
Council is attempting to contact families connected to these plaques but is asking that anyone with a plaque or knowledge of one reach out to Council to discuss future plans or express their wishes regarding the plaques.
“These plaques carry deep personal meaning and community history,” said Mayor Allan.
“We are treating them with the utmost respect and encourage families to connect with us to ensure their voices are heard.”
The Boardwalk upgrade is just one part of a larger transformation taking place across the Urunga precinct.
In the heart of town, the Urunga CBD Upgrade Project has secured funding from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund and the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program to bring the community-led vision in the Urunga CBD Master Plan to life.
This includes streetscape upgrades, improved public spaces, and a more accessible and vibrant town centre.
To support this project, a Community Reference Group is being formed to collaborate on the design and reflect local aspirations, including representation from the Indigenous community and Crown Land Reserve management.
Additionally, a new shared pathway and footpath replacement project is being delivered through $3.36 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active Program.
“This is an exciting time for Urunga,” said Mayor Allan.
“We are seeing years of planning and community consultation come to fruition through a coordinated series of projects that honour Urunga’s character while improving its liveability.”
