Extra Council - 4 Nov 2026 2:00pm

Topics

• Merimbula Beach Street two-way traffic and parking plan revived
  Council has directed a new plan examining the return of two-way traffic and restoration of lost parking in Beach Street.
  The decision could materially change vehicle movement, parking supply and access to Merimbula businesses and public spaces.
• Merimbula CBD grant must be spent by March 2027 as council seeks fresh project budget
  Council acknowledged a March 2027 deadline for existing Federal grant funding and will return with a budget and funding-source proposal.
  The deadline may accelerate CBD works and expose additional funding requirements for proposed traffic, parking and landscape changes.
• Businesses and residents to be consulted on Merimbula CBD redesign
  Council has committed to meaningful consultation before refining plans for the CBD, including business access, loading zones and utility servicing.
  The consultation may influence how waste collection, grease-trap extraction, deliveries, pedestrian movement and public-space changes are designed.

Decisions

• Merimbula CBD plan to be reworked
  Council resolved to prepare an integrated traffic, parking and landscaping plan for Merimbula’s central business district. The objectives include reinstating two-way traffic in Beach Street, providing options to restore lost car parking, identifying a renewed Beach Street playground location and redesigning pedestrian connections, including a possible shared trafficable pavement between Twyford Hall and the Promenade.
  Residents and visitors could see changes to traffic flow, parking, pedestrian access, landscaping and the playground in central Merimbula.
• Further report required for December meeting
  Council requested a report to the December ordinary council meeting recommending short-term steps to meet the current funding deed milestones, an action plan for an updated landscape and community consultation plan, and a preliminary realistic budget and funding source.
  The December report is expected to clarify the project timeline, consultation process and likely funding requirements.
• Meaningful community and business consultation
  The resolved plan is to be developed with genuine and meaningful consultation with local businesses and the broader community, with options provided where necessary. The plan is also to consider access for utilities and loading zones for waste collection and grease-trap extraction along the Promenade.
  Businesses, residents, utility operators and service providers will have an opportunity to provide input, while construction or design changes may affect deliveries, waste services and access.

Discussion

• Merimbula CBD traffic and parking
  The proposed integrated plan includes returning Beach Street to two-way traffic and examining ways to restore lost car parking. Any further traffic, parking or landscape changes would require additional funding.
  Changes may affect daily travel, parking availability, pedestrian safety and access to central businesses.
• Project funding deadline
  Council acknowledged that existing Federal grant funding must be fully expended by March 2027 and directed staff to recommend short-term actions to meet the funding deed milestones.
  The deadline may influence the timing and scope of works in the Merimbula CBD.
• Landscape, playground and pedestrian design
  The plan is to include updated landscape design informed by the 2015 Spiire Masterplan, a renewed Beach Street playground location and improved pedestrian connectivity. A shared trafficable pavement between Twyford Hall and the Promenade may require Transport for NSW endorsement and may not be possible if two-way traffic is introduced.
  The outcome could change public spaces, walking routes, playground provision and the way vehicles share parts of the precinct.

Impacts

• Possible future restoration of two-way traffic in Beach Street, subject to further planning and funding.
• Options will be developed to restore lost car parking in Beach Street.
• The Beach Street playground location and design are to be reconsidered.
• Businesses and residents are to be consulted before the updated plan is progressed.
• The December report is expected to outline costs, funding sources, milestones and next steps.
• Utility access, loading zones, waste collection and grease-trap servicing are to be considered in the precinct plan.

Places

• Merimbula CBD (project area)
  Central business district subject to the integrated traffic, parking and landscaping plan.
• Beach Street, Merimbula (road and precinct)
  Possible return to two-way traffic, parking changes, playground renewal and landscape works.
• Twyford Hall (facility)
  One end of a proposed shared trafficable pedestrian connection to the Promenade.
• The Promenade, Merimbula (street and business area)
  Potential shared pavement, loading-zone and utility-access considerations.

Next

• Prepare an integrated plan covering traffic, parking, landscaping, pedestrian connections, the playground and access for businesses and utilities.
  Following the 4 November 2026 resolution.
• Undertake genuine and meaningful consultation with local businesses and the broader community, providing options where necessary.
  As the updated plan is developed.
• Bring a report to the ordinary council meeting with recommendations on project milestones, the action plan, consultation, budget and funding source.
  December 2026 ordinary council meeting.
• Meet the current Federal grant funding deed milestones and fully expend the grant.
  By March 2027.

Extract

Bega Valley Shire Council - 1 - DRAFT Extraordinary Meeting Minutes Held on Wednesday, 4 November 2026 at Council Chambers, Biamanga Room Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre Bega commencing at 2:00pm PRESENT Cr Russell Fitzpatrick, Mayor Cr Tony Allen, Deputy Mayor Cr Simon Daly Cr Peter Haggar Cr Clair Mudaliar Cr Mitchell Nadin Cr Peggy Noble Cr Helen O’Neil Cr David Porter IN ATTENDANCE Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Andrew Latta Director, Community, Environment and Planning, Mrs Emily Harrison Director, Organisational Services, Mrs Iliada Bolton Manager Engagement and Corporate Strategy, Mrs Kaliegh Smerdon Executive Officer (Minute Secretary), Mrs Jackie Grant Statement of Comme...