Lake Mulwala foreshore works almost complete

Wednesday 4 December, 2019

A section of the foreshore at Lake Mulwala will open to the public before Christmas, with works to protect the area from further erosion almost complete.

The works, which extend from the vicinity of Hawkins Drive to the Yacht Club boat ramp at Yarrawonga, have included the installation of a retaining wall, a shared path and the replacement, removal or relocation of private jetties along the retaining wall. This has included the addition of stair access down the banks to the jetties.

Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) General Manager Water Storage Services, Martina Cusack, said Stage 3 works are the final step in the project, which is a long-term solution to reduce maintenance costs at Lake Mulwala, ensure the ongoing enjoyment and safety of recreational users, and protect water quality and environmental values.

“While the main purpose of Lake Mulwala is to provide water to NSW and Victorian farmers, we know it is a popular spot for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, walking and bird and wild-life watching,” she said.

“These works aim to better manage the important values of the lake and foreshore and will protect the foreshore of Lake Mulwala from further erosion, environmental damage and bank slumping for years to come.”

GMW has worked closely with residents along the foreshore to complete the Stage 3 works, particularly with those residents with private jetties and who have been in the immediate vicinity of the construction.

“Unfortunately the works schedule did extend beyond our initial timeframes and we do apologise to those residents who were affected by that,” Ms Cusack said.

“We were bound by the type of excavator-based machinery required to complete the works, as well as weather conditions and efforts to reduce noise and vibration for nearby residents.

“The good news is, this section of foreshore will be opened up to the public before Christmas – likely the week before - with the temporary fencing to be removed and the works largely complete.

“There may be some minor cosmetic works to complete beyond this date but in the meantime, the refurbished area will be able to be enjoyed by all.”

Ms Cusack thanked foreshore residents for working collaboratively with GMW to deliver the project and again, for their patience.

“We ran an extensive consultation process with residents to undertake these works and have been grateful for their input and feedback to make this happen,” she said.

Stage 1 works, comprising 160m of retaining wall, was completed in 2015 along Bank Street in Yarrawonga. Stage 2, comprising 160m, was completed in 2018 along River Road, during the drawdown of Lake Mulwala from May to July of that year. Both stages were funded by the MDBA.

Moira Shire Council has now commenced its portion of the Stage 3 project by integrating a shared pathway and kerb works on the targeted section of River Road.

Mayor Libro Mustica said the Stage 3 foreshore protection works will mark the final stage in the development of the Yarrawonga Tourism Trail.

“These works include completing a shared pathway and kerb works along River Road between Cade Street and Hawkins Drive to provide separation between the granitic sand pathway and the road,” Cr Mustica said.

“This project is jointly funded by the Federal Government’s Regional Jobs and Investment Packages, Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), Goulburn Murray Water (GMW) and Lotus Living.

“Once Stage 3 is complete the tourism trail will provide safe, off-road passage, from the current traffic bridge on the foreshore through to the Silverwoods development, offering picturesque and uninterrupted views across Lake Mulwala for residents and the thousands of tourists who visit the region each year. 

“This development will help Yarrawonga unlock its potential by investing in a key project to support the town’s economic future.”

 GMW manages the foreshore environment of Lake Mulwala on behalf of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA).