Engineers are now working on an attraction to rival the Kiama Coastal Walk, and improve safety for locals in Minnamurra and Kiama Downs.
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At its meeting on Tuesday night, Kiama Council endorsed the awarding of the contract for investigation and design of the Minnamurra River Boardwalk and Cycleway to Wollongong-based company Cardno.
The contract involves the completion of a detailed design, environmental impact assessment, community consultation and to acquire relevant stakeholder approval for the four metre wide and 1.6km long shared boardwalk and cycleway alongside the Minnamurra River on Riverside Drive.
“We have been lobbying for this for many years, it’s our pet project,” Minnamurra Progress Association president Cliff Mason said.
“The Minnamurra residents are excited about this, because a section of the bends is quite dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians trying to walk there.
“We’ve always been worried about safety, and this will solve it with a lovely tourist attraction.”
Work will start immediately and should be done by early 2019.
In July last year, the project received backing from the NSW Government with the announcement that it would be fully funded in the state government’s current budget.
“After community petition and campaign, I was delighted to secure a commitment in the last NSW Budget for the construction of an iconic missing link which is the Minnamurra boardwalk and cycleway project,” Kiama MP Gareth Ward said.
“Together with the mayor, we hosted the premier on-site when we made the funding announcement, and I am pleased that Cardo has now been awarded the task of preparing the investigation and design work for this project.
“Every single day, I am working to secure major grants for our community, but I would like to particularly thank Cr Mark Way who worked with me to secure this major allocation of funding from the NSW Government.
“These funds come on top of a $500,000 grant announced for the Bombo walk and $4.2 million secured in the last budget to upgrade the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk and Centre.
“As your local MP, I love nothing more than fighting for projects that make a real difference in people’s lives and improve our community.”
Kiama Council will be responsible for maintenance of the boardwalk, and Mr Ward said there would be state government grants available when maintenance is required.
The contract marks the second phase of the project, with preliminary designs and community consultation conducted over the last couple of months.
Kiama Mayor Mark Honey said he is thrilled that the project has reached the next step.
“We’re delighted to have Cardno onboard to develop this exciting link between Minnamurra and Kiama,” he said.
“The shared boardwalk is another step forward for the tourism industry in our municipality, while also serving an important and unique link for our community.”
“The boardwalk will be located in an idyllic and unique location and will be a wonderfully iconic attraction for visitors, residents and environmental groups.”
