Walk with the Pelicans over Wallis Lake
Published on 10 December 2024
MidCoast Council is constructing a new 120-metre section of suspended boardwalk over Wallis Lake in Forster.
The new work will extend the much-loved Memorial Drive Pelican Boardwalk that forms part of the scenic Forster Tuncurry Foreshore Walk. It provides an exciting new experience for residents and visitors to the area as it will be built out over the water.
“We have been working on improvements to the walk over the past few years, with funding from the Australian Government’s Local Roads, Community and Infrastructure Grants helping to replace the deteriorated timber decking in the existing boardwalk back in 2022,” said Amanda Hatton, Manager Strategy and Projects.
“We have also recently completed a new low-level landing to provide a safe, ramped access into the water for the community for swimming and paddleboarding.”
The new section of boardwalk will be accessible to people of all ages and abilities. It will provide an excellent vantage point for water-based sports and other major events throughout the year such as the New Year’s Eve fireworks display.
“We are working with the Forster Local Aboriginal Land Council regarding the cultural significance of the foreshore area.
“We will provide interpretive signage with information on the cultural significance of the site, the ecological values of the waterways and the history of the area, including the punt which used to ferry passengers and vehicles across the lake prior to the construction of the Wallis Lake Bridge,” Ms Hatton said.
Work is expected to start in mid-2025 and take around six months to complete, weather permitting.
The sand beach access to the Breckenridge Channel and the carpark may be impacted during construction. Once construction begins please follow signage on site.
The project has been funded via two streams – the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund Round 2 - $2,649.501 and Forster Developer Contributions, with a total project value of $3,507,668.
To keep up to date with the project, visit https://haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/marine-facilities-upgrades/pelican-boardwalk-forster