Merimbula Central Business District Upgrade

Traffic changes, public space upgrades and detailed CBD planning for Merimbula town centre.

Project summary

The Merimbula CBD Upgrade is a staged project to help deliver the long-term vision for Merimbula as a vibrant seaside destination that prioritises people, improves public open space and strengthens the town centre.

The original proposal placed on public exhibition between 23 April and 21 May 2026 included changes to traffic flow, parking and public space in the Merimbula CBD, based on recommendations from the Merimbula Transport Study. The proposal included new mini roundabouts, changes to traffic movements on Market Street and Beach Street, public space activation areas, upgrades to Hylands Corner and the detailed design of a future Merimbula CBD Master Plan.

For more information on the original proposal, view the Traffic Plans – Merimbula CBD Upgrade – Proposed Changes(PDF, 6MB).

Following consideration of community feedback, Council resolved at its meeting on 22 June 2026 not to proceed with the proposed traffic trial or the detailed design component of the project.

Instead, Council endorsed a revised traffic configuration that includes:

• two new mini roundabouts at the intersections of Sapphire Coast Drive and Main Street, and Main Street and Market Street
• retaining two-way traffic along Market Street
• retaining existing turning movements at the Market Street traffic lights
• a new pedestrian crossing on Market Street, including lighting
• traffic monitoring following implementation.

Funding originally allocated to the detailed design work will instead be redirected towards landscaping, beautification, traffic and parking improvements along Beach Street. These improvements include:

• a new fenced playground
• landscaping and beautification works
• one-way eastbound traffic
• new 45-degree nose-to-kerb parking
• additional public space improvements.

A revised scope of works for Hylands Corner was also endorsed, including minor landscaping, seating and pedestrian safety improvements.

The traffic changes will be monitored following implementation, with the community also invited to provide feedback. Council will consider the monitoring data and community feedback in March 2027 to determine which changes will remain in place or be amended or removed.

Project background

Planning for improvements to the Merimbula CBD has been underway for more than a decade.

In 2015, a Merimbula CBD Landscape Masterplan(PDF, 10MB) was developed by Spiire for Bega Valley Shire Council. The masterplan aimed to create more comfortable public spaces, support economic activity and enhance cultural expression in the town centre.

This work was guided by Council’s Local Strategic Planning Statement 2040(PDF, 13MB), which establishes a long-term vision for Merimbula as a vibrant seaside destination. The vision focuses on orienting development towards the lake, prioritising pedestrians and improving public open space, while strengthening the role of the town centre as a key economic and community hub.

Building on this work, Council undertook the Merimbula Transport Study, adopted in November 2023. The study examined traffic volumes and vehicle movements, pedestrian and cyclist access, parking supply and usage, safety data, peak holiday congestion and future growth projections.

A major community consultation was undertaken for the Merimbula CBD Landscape Master Plan and Transport Study and is outlined in the Merimbula Transport Study – Recommendations Report(PDF, 4MB).

The study identified that Merimbula CBD is currently a car dominated street network. During peak holiday periods in particular, congestion, limited pedestrian priority and complex turning movements can affect safety, accessibility and amenity.

Following extensive technical assessment and previous community consultation, the Merimbula Transport Study recommended a series of traffic flow and public space changes to:

• Improve pedestrian safety and access
• Simplify traffic movements
• Reduce vehicle dominance in key areas
• Reclaim parts of the road network for public use
• Support a more vibrant and walkable town centre

Council adopted the recommendations of the Merimbula Transport Study in 2023, noting that further funding would be required to test and validate the proposed changes.

In 2024, Council secured $2.8 million in Australian Government funding to implement the recommended traffic changes, upgrade Hylands Corner and complete the detailed design of a future Merimbula CBD Master Plan.

Purpose

Merimbula CBD plays an important role as a retail, tourism and community hub for the Bega Valley. As the town grows and visitor numbers increase, the street network must balance the needs of drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, businesses, visitors and residents.

The purpose of this project is to progress the long-term vision for Merimbula as a vibrant seaside destination by improving public space, supporting local activity and creating a more people-focused town centre.

This project will:

• Help move towards the long-term goal of Merimbula CBD being an even better retail, entertainment and tourism precinct
• Implement temporary infrastructure and streetscape treatments to test how changes to movement and public space can improve the function of the town centre
• Improve the balance between people and vehicles to create a safer, more welcoming and more engaging CBD
• Support safer vehicle speeds in a town centre environment
• Improve active transport connectivity through the Merimbula CBD area.

Community Strategic Plan (CSP) link

This project aligns with Bega Valley Shire Council Community Strategic Plan through:

Our Infrastructure: Our transport networks support our community to work, learn and socialise.

• D.3 Plan and provide for improved access to community facilities and leisure and recreation assets that will meet current and future needs
• D.4 Plan for, develop and deliver active transport options by creating paths and tracks for walking and cycling.
• D.6 Our transport network makes it easy to move through and beyond the shire

This project is outlined in Council’s Delivery Plan 2025-2029:

• Deliver trial of traffic calming measures and design for the Merimbula CBD upgrade project
• Progress the pre-construction phases for Investing in Our Communities Merimbula CBD upgrade