Installation of steel sheet piling to improve and protect the foreshore of Lake Mulwala from erosion has been completed along River Rd, Yarrawonga.
This Stage 3 foreshore protection works are being undertaken to develop the Yarrawonga Tourism Trail, a shared pathway improving pedestrian access from the current traffic bridge on the foreshore through to the Silverwoods development.
Stage 1 works, comprising 160m of retaining wall, was completed in 2015 along Bank St in Yarrawonga. Stage 2, comprising a further 160m, was completed in 2018 along River Rd.
Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is again managing construction for the Stage 3 works now underway. They extend from the vicinity of Hawkins Dr to the Yacht Club boat ramp.
“Since site works began in August we have removed old vegetation, temporarily shifted jetties from the water and have now completed the most difficult aspect of the project - installing the sheet piling in the lake floor which forms the retaining wall,” General Manager Storage Services Martina Cusack said.
“The wall will protect the foreshore from further erosion and allow for a waters-edge pedestrian footpath and attractive landscaping consistent with previous stages.
“We’ve enjoyed good weather so far for construction,” she said. “We encountered more difficult pile-driving conditions than anticipated however these works have now been successfully completed.”
With this third stage of works closer to residential homes than Stages 1 and 2, Ms Cusack thanked residents for their continuing co-operation and understanding as the works progress.
Installation of the retaining wall will now be followed by backfilling with the pedestrian walkway, landscaping, public seating and access steps to be completed during October and November. As part of the landscaping, the aged willow trees that had contributed to bank erosion have been removed and will be replaced with Australian native trees and vegetation consistent with previous stages.
Major works are expected to be completed late November with re-installation of private jetties, the removal of construction fencing and return of pedestrian and two-way vehicle traffic.
“We have consulted with each and every jetty owner since May,” Ms Cusack said. “Jetties in good condition have been removed and will be replaced while those in poor condition are being replaced with new structures at no cost to the owner.”
The project was done under the guidance of Moira Shire Council. It is jointly funded by the Federal Government’s Regional Jobs and Investment Packages, Murray Darling Basin Authority and Lotus Living.
Once the stabilisation and pathway works are complete, the tourism trail will provide safe, off-road passage and uninterrupted views across Lake Mulwala for residents and tourists.