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The Cardno report contains details of the 1.6 kilometre final route, which would extend from the Trevethan Reserve in the north to Duguid Way in the south, and how it was determined, including the results of community and other consultations.
A number of stakeholders made written submissions, including the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries), Roads and Maritime Services, Minnamurra Progress Association and Landcare Illawarra.
Some of the suggestions from the groups included floating docks, a café that serves coffee to kayakers without them having to get out of their vessel and an education space for school groups.
While some concerns raised included increased traffic, litter, river bed scouring and likely impacts on local Aboriginal heritage.
Respondents to the feedback form, which was part of the public exhibition process, revealed a jump of 8 per cent usage of the site for cycling based on future usage, while most people wanted to see a timber handrail installed, native landscaping and nature based information signage installed.
The most common issues raised included the impact on marine life/vegetation (12 per cent of responses); parking/traffic (10 per cent of responses); impact on residents (10 per cent of responses); the need for passing areas/resting spaces/fishing platforms (10 per cent of responses); access and connections to existing pathways (10 per cent of responses).
Only 6 per cent of respondents were not in favour of the project going ahead at all.
The final route involves three sections:
- Section 1 - A concrete footpath from the northern car park heading south along Riverside Drive, would provide linkages to existing infrastructure.
- Section 2 - A mix of concrete, raised timber and composite decking along the riverbank, next to the mangrove forest. The timber and composite decking would avoid damage to fig trees roots.
- Section 3 – The waterway route, designed to avoid seagrass beds, mangroves and the boating channel, uses an elevated deck, before resuming as a concrete pathway at the southern end, and would be located within the Minnamurra River with opportunities to connect to future recreational facilities.
Cardno has organised a further community information session to explain the final route report on Monday, November 12, from 6-8pm at Kiama Golf Club, Oxley Avenue, Kiama Downs.
Determining the final route allows Cardno to develop a detailed design for the boardwalk.
It also allows Cardno to complete the investigations and assessments needed, before the final details of the project can be confirmed.
The final route report is available online at kiama.nsw.gov.au/your-council/consultations-exhibitions
