Long-awaited completion for Pindimar’s Boardwalk restoration project Myall Coast Myall Coast - popup ad Myall Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - November 15, 2023 The new Pindimar Boardwalk is a strong and sturdy escape route for pedestrians between the two halves of the village via the mangrove swamp. REUNIFICATION of the two Pindimars has been accomplished, with the recent completion of the Pindimar Boardwalk upgrades. The Boardwalk protects the delicate mangrove wetland of Duckhole Creek, leading in from Pindimar Bay and Port Stephens, while allowing pedestrian and pushbike traffic vital and time-saving access between North and South Pindimar. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Importantly, the Boardwalk also gives people on either side a pedestrian escape route in the case of bushfires. The Boardwalk was originally constructed and opened back in October 2004, funded by the then-Great Lakes Council’s $10,000 grant and community-raised funds. At Easter this year, News Of The Area reported on the decrepit state of the Boardwalk, with exposed, tyre-puncturing nails and woefully withered support posts, much of it due to the naturally caustic nature of a saltwater environment, and all in desperate need of attention and rectification. “Major maintenance works to replace decking, posts and joist started mid-May 2023 and took one month to complete,” said MidCoast Council’s official spokesperson. “Construction cost $90,000, materials were $45,000, and the work was completed under the 2023 major works program.” The old boards and rusty nails have been completely replaced with screwed-down ‘Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic’ sheets, and the rotten bearers, joists and posts were replaced with new hardwood and turpentine timbers. Ambulators can now enjoy a safe and steady stroll along the new surfaces composed of durable plastic, between the two villages of Pindimar. Peering over rails, the old support posts are still visible next to the new ones, providing a stark contrast and justification for this project’s execution this year. “The Pindimar-Bundabah Community Association (PBCA) are delighted that it has been completed, and hope it lasts another 20 years,” Vivien Panhuber, President of the PBCA, told NOTA. “Many thanks especially to Brock Simpson’s team from MidCoast Council.” The PBCA has mentioned hopes of organising an official opening, complete with ribbon-cutting, and some of the people who were involved in original construction 20 years ago, too. By Thomas O’KEEFE Updated Council signage on the Boardwalk’s main bridge span contains history of the structure. The main bridge is nail-free and safe to cross over Duckhole Creek and regular king tides. The withered, old pylons are visible next to the strong, new posts.
