About this project
Environmental values, meeting safety standards, and local needs can go hand-in-hand in this major infrastructure project at Urunga.
The Urunga Boardwalk is an integral part of the seaside village on the Mid North Coast of NSW. It runs along the Kalang River to the ocean at the Bellinger River mouth. Known as one of the best boardwalks on Australia’s east coast, it covers about 3.4 km and is popular with both tourists and locals for its views and surroundings.
Project Scope
Bellingen Shire Council (BSC) needed to replace the boardwalk to ensure ongoing environmental protection, while also improving accessibility to the coast and the longevity of the asset. This includes ensuring the entrance channel, coastal wetland environment, mangroves, and dunes are protected yet accessible for both residents and visitors.
Replacement ensures its environmental protection role is maintained, while also making it wider, safer, and more usable. BSC secured $3.96 million from the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund to replace the boardwalk to boost local tourism, improve accessibility, and protect the surrounding environment.
Project Details
The new boardwalk design focuses on inclusivity and environmental sensitivity. Widening the boardwalk better accommodates people with mobility challenges, including those using wheelchairs. Several wider sections are also included for seating, scenic viewing, and fishing platforms, making it a space for everyone to enjoy. Importantly, the boardwalk’s replacement brings environmental benefits, helping protect sensitive marine environment and wetland areas by keeping foot traffic to designated elevated paths.
Bellingen Shire Council engages GeoLINK
GeoLINK was engaged by BSC to provide planning approval advice and prepare the environmental assessment for the Urunga Boardwalk Replacement Project. Our team delivered the following:
- Planning approval pathway advice.
- A comprehensive Review of Environmental Factors (REF), supported by key specialist assessments.
- Expert advice to assess and manage works, considering the complex zoning and environmental features of the site, which includes public recreation, natural waterways, and Coastal Wetlands.
Project Details
The new boardwalk design focuses on inclusivity and environmental sensitivity. Widening the boardwalk better accommodates people with mobility challenges, including those using wheelchairs. Several wider sections are also included for seating, scenic viewing, and fishing platforms, making it a space for everyone to enjoy. Importantly, the boardwalk’s replacement brings environmental benefits, helping protect sensitive marine environment and wetland areas by keeping foot traffic to designated elevated paths.
Approach for a smooth project outcome
The project presented a number of complexities, especially regarding the appropriate approval pathway for the Boardwalk replacement. The site is affected by up to five different zones, including:
- RE1 – Public Recreation Zone
- W1 – Natural Waterways Zone;
- W2 – Recreational Waterways Zone;
- C2 – Environmental Conservation Zone; and
- C3 – Environmental Management Zone.
Part of the site traverses mapped Coastal Wetlands and therefore subject to two State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs), which govern the approval pathways relevant to the boardwalk.
Legal clarification regarding the appropriate approval pathway was recommended, which the client undertook. The Boardwalk was deemed ‘environmental protection works’ rather than an ‘environmental facility’. The boardwalk replacement’s main objective was considered to be for environmental protection works with complementary recreational use and benefits.
GeoLINK was therefore asked to prepare a Review of Environmental Factors (REF), with supporting specialist assessments for heritage, biodiversity, and aquatic ecology.
Project pathway for effective outcomes
With this in mind, we took the following steps to ensure all requirements were met:
- Project Establishment and Site Assessment
We conducted a review of the statutory approval pathway, background documentation, clarified project scope with Council, and undertook a comprehensive site assessment. - Heritage Assessments
A Statement of Heritage Impact (SoHI) for the project was carried out by Heritage Management & Planning Pty Ltd in accordance with the NSW Guidelines for preparing a Statement of Heritage Impact. An Aboriginal Cultural Heritage (Due Diligence) Assessment was completed to identify any Aboriginal cultural heritage values or constraints within the project area. This included database searches, literature review, and a visual inspection to ensure compliance with relevant guidelines and that suitable safeguards were recommended.
BSC also engaged with members of the Coffs Harbour & District Local Aboriginal Land Council. - Biodiversity Assessment
The team assessed the biodiversity values of the site, including threatened species, habitats, and ecological communities. Field surveys and desktop analysis identified any important ecological features and informed recommendations for impact avoidance, minimisation, or management. - Aquatic Assessment
An Aquatic Assessment was prepared by Aquatic Science and Management to assess potential environmental impacts of replacing the existing boardwalk on the aquatic environment. This included flora, fauna, aquatic habitat, riverbank and riparian vegetation, hydrodynamics, and water quality. - Reporting and Recommendations
GeoLINK integrated the outcomes of all assessments into a comprehensive report, presenting findings, recommendations, and compliance requirements to BSC for determination and implementation.
Urunga Boardwalk construction commenced
Construction is underway, with expectations it will reopen to the public in December 2025. When complete, the new Urunga Boardwalk will provide ongoing environmental protection for the marine environment as well as a safer, more inclusive experience, with improved pathways and better access to this great coastal environment. The project is a great example of how environmental values, meeting safety standards, and local needs can go hand-in-hand in major infrastructure projects.
Contact GeoLINK to find out how our multi-disciplinary services can help advise and streamline your next project.