Milton-Mollymook Coastlink Pathway repairs
Repair work on a severely damaged footpath connecting the village of Milton with Narrawallee and Mollymook is due to begin in early October.
The Coastlink Pathway on Matron Porter Drive was impacted by the severe weather that devasted parts of the Shoalhaven in 2022, resulting in a landslip and closure of a section of the path.
Since that time, Shoalhaven Council has been working through the process of accessing natural disaster funding and designing the engineering solution of the minor landslip.
The project is being jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Work includes:
- Clearing and removal of loose material from the remediation site to construct a mass-block concrete retaining wall (made from large pre-caste concrete blocks) to support the bank.
- Backfilling behind the mass-block wall with engineered fill (such as sand or soil) and geogrid, used to stabilise soil or granular material in layers.
- Reinstating the verge and table drain on the southern side of Matron Porter Drive.
- Reconstructing the boundary fence and the shared user path adjacent to the site.
The community is advised that Matron Porter Drive may be reduced to one lane during construction and people should allow a few extra minutes travel time.
Weather permitting, the path is expected to be finished and reopened to the public by early November. Head to Shoalhaven City Council’s project page for updates.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips is pleased to have delivered natural disaster funding to repair the popular pathway between Milton and the coast.
“The community and members of the Milton Coastlink Pathway group lobbied really hard to have this pathway built and I know how important it is to those that use it, Mrs Phillips said.
“For almost ten years, the pathway had provided a scenic and safe route through the rolling farmland that local residents and visitors enjoy.
“It is very popular with school kids and families attending games at Frogs Holla oval, keen cyclists and walkers.
“Whether it’s riding from Milton to beautiful Mollymook Beach for a dip, or from Narrawallee into Milton for a morning coffee, this shared pathway is well utilised throughout the year, but especially during the summer months when the sunsets from the top of the hill are just spectacular.”
State Member for South Coast Liza Butler said she was “thrilled to see that the project about to start”.
“I’d like to thank the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments for funding this vital repair work,” she said.
“The repair of this important pathway is an important step toward reconnecting our community and restoring access to one of the most scenic routes in the area.
“I know how much this pathway means to both residents and visitors, and we are committed to ensuring the work is completed to the highest standard.
“This project will not only stabilise the slope but also provide a safe and long-lasting solution for everyone to enjoy.”
Shoalhaven City Council Natural Disasters Senior Project Manager Beorn Hulme from Shoalhaven Council said, although only a 35-metre section of path was impacted, the challenge was the remediation of the steep slope.
“From early October, we’ll have crews on site to stabilise the landslip and create the firm foundation needed to rebuild the pathway,” he said.
“The start of works will be welcome news to locals and visitors who enjoy walking and riding between Milton village and the coastal suburbs along this picturesque path.
Photo: Repair works on the Coastlink Pathway east of Milton will commence in early October 2024.
