Residents are calling for the prompt rebuilding of the Wallaga Lake Heights boardwalk after it was destroyed in the recent storm.
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The structure was almost completely destroyed by the huge seas and flooding waters on Sunday night.
Parts of the boardwalk were washed out onto Murunna Point and there was even speculation that debris washed up at Horseshoe Bay, Bermagui could have been part of the boardwalk.
Local resident Ian McFarlane said he would like to see the Wallaga Lake boardwalk rebuilt as soon as possible, as it was an important tourism attraction and asset for locals, with an important connection to the local indigenous community.
“[The destruction] is particularly sad, since the boardwalk was built with local Koori cooperation, providing easy access to Murunna Point and the cultural pagoda, which mercifully remains undamaged, that includes some wonderful wood carvings and offers seating upon which to contemplate the timeless beauty of Mount Gulaga rising up behind the graceful curve of the old Wallaga Lake bridge,” Mr McFarlane said.
Fellow lakeside resident Sean Burke also posted about the boardwalk’s destruction, putting up before and after shots, and he too would like to see it rebuilt as soon as possible.
Mr Burke said the $60,000 Wallaga Lake boardwalk out to Murunna Point was built by the Wallaga Lake CDEP in conjunction with Bega Valley Shire Council in 2004.
“It's a community facility that is used daily by locals, visitors and tourists throughout the year and is an essential part of the Coastal Walk,” Mr Burke said.
“As such, I see it as a much higher priority for government funding than the chipmill wharf which is privately owned and contributes to huge losses for this country, both financially and environmentally.”
Sister Laurel Lloyd-Jones who works with the Koori community at Wallaga Lake said; “Let us hope that it will be replaced - it was such a great walk.”
Elder Lorraine Naylor suggested: “Maybe we can look into community groups or PB even Green Army to rebuild it.”
A Bega Valley Shire Council spokesperson said the boardwalk was severely damaged and an assessment was being undertaken.
They said it will be listed as one of the lost assets as part of the council’s disaster declaration funding.