Frequently Asked Questions

The first step in the process is for a feasibility study to be undertaken to assess, across various criteria, whether the project is likely to result in postive community and enviromental outcomes, as well as it being financially justified.

This detailed assessment would assess the route options, the various ecological communities such as mangroves etc, and identify the best path. The assessment would also consider the views of stakeholders such as the local indigenous community members, neighbours and potential users.

This assesment would assess alternatives such as not proceeding and the consequences of such. In this case cyclists and pedestrians would continue to use the steep busy street route with its lack of footpaths and safety concerns.

If the feasibility study resulted in a recommended route, the project could proceed to the next step which is to gain approval for the construction of the project.

Once this is achieved, the project becomes ‘shovel ready’ and is eligible for state or federal funding to build it.

Yes, the route is known as OS001. Most projects such as this are funded by grants from the state or federal governments.

As an example, this boardwalk – the Huskisson Mangrove Boardwalk – was recently completed with a $2.5m grant from the NSW government.

The way to realise the Marshalls Creek Boardwalk is, as a start, for the community to demonstrate its support for the concept to be investigated. As a first step funding is needed for the feasibility study which answers the current unknowns about the project.

While Council may be unlikely to be able to fund this first step in the short term, a potential fertile avenue to explore for funding is for the community to lobby their state and federal members and candidates.