Wallaga Lake boardwalk destroyed by floods, wild seas | Photos

The structure was almost completely destroyed by the huge seas and flooding waters on Sunday night.

Click here to see the widespread damage

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 Wallaga Lake boardwalk out to Murunna Point was built by the Wallaga Lake CDEP in conjunction with Bega Valley Shire Council in 2004. Click here for original story

“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.”

While elder Lorraine Naylor suggested: “Maybe we can look into community groups or PB even Green Army to rebuild it.”

Bega Valley council meanwhile has shifted into recovery mode but at this stage the Wallaga Lake boardwalk was not listed as a priority in its latest statement. 

Bega council shifts into recovery

In the wake of the weekend’s storms and floods, Bega Valley Shire Council has shifted into clear-up mode.

General Manager Leanne Barnes said there was some major damage still being assessed including the Towamba Bridge, the Tathra Wharf and the Quarantine Bay pontoon.

“We estimate the cost of repairing and replacing damaged infrastructure to be well in excess of $2million.

“This covers items such as bridges, marine infrastructure, roads, culverts, recreation facilities and buildings.

“Initial estimates are being compiled but we still have limited access to some assets. A full estimate will not be known until we complete the assessment work.

“Staff are currently focussed on getting assets operational and doing this work.  This initial assessment enables us to apply for disaster funding from the NSW Government and this process is already taking place.

“Many of the road closures have been lifted and regular updates are being posted on Bega Valley Shire Council’s Facebook page, and as always we ask all residents to drive to the conditions as there is still water over the road in some places.

“Damage to our rural roads is being assessed and repair work will be scheduled according to the severity of the damage.”

Ms Barnes said a Water Boil Water Notice for communities serviced by the Brogo River water supply catchment was still in place and this precautionary measure will be in place until water turbidity returns to acceptable levels.

“People travelling in the Towamba area have also been advised not to use the Towamba Bridge which sustained significant damage in the flood waters.

“We understand this is a difficult situation for people living in the area and we are in the process of gathering more information and working towards making the bridge operational again.

“Beach goers should be cautious of major erosion which has left large sandbanks on many beaches which can be very dangerous to children.

“The presence of sea foam in many areas can mask hidden debris and changed conditions, and there will still be strong currents around river mouths, so please be careful,” Ms Barnes said.

Sports grounds were closed over the weekend and are being monitored in the lead up to this long weekend. Information on the grounds will be posted on council’s Facebook page in coming days.

Ms Barnes thanked everyone who worked throughout the weekend to make life safer for the community.

“As ever, community volunteers stepped in to do whatever was needed and, as a community, we are very grateful,” she said.

“I also thank the many council staff who carried out a wide range of tasks before, during and after the weekend. These include works teams, town teams, lake opening staff, water and sewer teams, communications and contact centre staff, and the people who staffed the emergency operations centre around the clock. Council also acknowledged, at its meeting on Wednesday, the work done by volunteers, the SES, Police from NSW and Victoria and council staff.”