Bemm River - Footpath Development

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This project is complete. We are proud to deliver this transformative project for the Bemm River community, enabling people of all ages and abilities to actively move around town in a safe and comfortable manner. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all who provided feedback and input to inform the development of this project.

Funding for this project is provided by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.

Council secured funding from the Australian Government through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program to construct approximately 1.7km of an all-weather pathway in the township of Bemm River. The pathway will be a combination of concrete footpaths and wooden boardwalks in areas subject to inundation.

Bemm River was severely impacted by the Black Summer bushfires, at times completely surrounded by the fire front, and isolated for weeks while the Princes Highway was cut. The community also had to endure power outages and issues with food, water and fuel supplies. The development and implementation of safe pedestrian access in Bemm River was identified as a priority during the recovery process, and in the Bemm River Community Plan.

Project objective and scope

The objective of this project is to improve physical and mental health for the community through the provision of safer and more accessible walking and cycling paths, and increased opportunity for informal gatherings and conversations. The footpaths will support people of all ages and abilities to actively move around town, in a safe and comfortable manner.

Concept planning was conducted by Council’s Infrastructure Projects team, who have a high level of experience in the delivery of footpath projects across the Shire.

Scope for this project includes:

  • New 1,500 mm wide concrete footpath, 125mm thick, grade N32 concrete with SL72 mesh placed on 75mm compacted depth of class 2 Fine Crushed Rock (FCR).
  • New 2,000 mm wide boardwalk with 30 mm thick (18.5 kg/sq.m) fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) mini mesh on treated pine bearers founded on driven treated pine piles.
  • All new footpaths are to be constructed in accordance with IDM SD 205 and footpath surfaces are to be constructed with a non-slip broom finish.
  • Existing concrete driveways intersecting the footpath will be reinstated and other driveways trimmed to match footpath levels and resurfaced with 100 mm compacted depth of FCR.


Project activities include detailed designs and approvals; delivery (tendering and procurement), awarding contract, site establishment, construction works, final inspections and project closure including project handover and project opening.

Community engagement

Significant community engagement was undertaken with the Bemm River Community, including several community meetings. 

As part of the recovery process, Council Place Managers have been working in the community to understand the community needs and priorities. The Bemm River Community has been exceptionally practical about this process. From all the possible priorities to work toward, the Bemm River community strongly supported the development of the footpaths identified in the 2014 Urban Design framework. 


Funding for this project is provided by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.


Project updates will be provided on YourSay in the tab below. Please choose to follow this project on Your Say to receive important information regarding this project directly to your inbox.

Should you wish to search for other projects in your town, simply type the town name in the search bar.

Council secured funding from the Australian Government through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program to construct approximately 1.7km of an all-weather pathway in the township of Bemm River. The pathway will be a combination of concrete footpaths and wooden boardwalks in areas subject to inundation.

Bemm River was severely impacted by the Black Summer bushfires, at times completely surrounded by the fire front, and isolated for weeks while the Princes Highway was cut. The community also had to endure power outages and issues with food, water and fuel supplies. The development and implementation of safe pedestrian access in Bemm River was identified as a priority during the recovery process, and in the Bemm River Community Plan.

Project objective and scope

The objective of this project is to improve physical and mental health for the community through the provision of safer and more accessible walking and cycling paths, and increased opportunity for informal gatherings and conversations. The footpaths will support people of all ages and abilities to actively move around town, in a safe and comfortable manner.

Concept planning was conducted by Council’s Infrastructure Projects team, who have a high level of experience in the delivery of footpath projects across the Shire.

Scope for this project includes:

  • New 1,500 mm wide concrete footpath, 125mm thick, grade N32 concrete with SL72 mesh placed on 75mm compacted depth of class 2 Fine Crushed Rock (FCR).
  • New 2,000 mm wide boardwalk with 30 mm thick (18.5 kg/sq.m) fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) mini mesh on treated pine bearers founded on driven treated pine piles.
  • All new footpaths are to be constructed in accordance with IDM SD 205 and footpath surfaces are to be constructed with a non-slip broom finish.
  • Existing concrete driveways intersecting the footpath will be reinstated and other driveways trimmed to match footpath levels and resurfaced with 100 mm compacted depth of FCR.


Project activities include detailed designs and approvals; delivery (tendering and procurement), awarding contract, site establishment, construction works, final inspections and project closure including project handover and project opening.

Community engagement

Significant community engagement was undertaken with the Bemm River Community, including several community meetings. 

As part of the recovery process, Council Place Managers have been working in the community to understand the community needs and priorities. The Bemm River Community has been exceptionally practical about this process. From all the possible priorities to work toward, the Bemm River community strongly supported the development of the footpaths identified in the 2014 Urban Design framework. 


Funding for this project is provided by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.


Project updates will be provided on YourSay in the tab below. Please choose to follow this project on Your Say to receive important information regarding this project directly to your inbox.

Should you wish to search for other projects in your town, simply type the town name in the search bar.

This project is complete. We are proud to deliver this transformative project for the Bemm River community, enabling people of all ages and abilities to actively move around town in a safe and comfortable manner. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all who provided feedback and input to inform the development of this project.

Funding for this project is provided by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.

  • 12 September 2024

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    We are pleased to announce that the Bemm River Footpath Development project has reached practical completion.


    We are proud to deliver this transformative project for the Bemm River community, enabling people of all ages and abilities to actively move around town in a safe and comfortable manner. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all who provided feedback and input to inform the development of this project.

    Funding for this project is provided by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.

  • 1 August 2024

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    The Bemm River Footpath Connections project has advanced significantly.

    We’re now proceeding to the installation of handrails, concrete ramps, and abutments. The site has been impacted by localised flooding followed by ongoing wet weather causing construction delays; however, our contractor anticipates completing the works within the next 4 weeks.

    Despite the weather hiccups, the community response has been positive throughout the construction period and we thank them for their patience and support as we work to improve.

    Additional photos are available in the photos tab - Bemm River Footpath Development - Photos


    We welcome your continued interest in this project. Please choose to follow this project on YourSay to receive important information directly to your inbox.

  • 13 June 2024

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    The boardwalk and footpath along Boat Ramp Access Road were completed and open for the King's Birthday long weekend mid-June 2024.

    The estuary closure in May created localised flooding in the area, however once it was manually reopened the issue was resolved.

    The Sydenham Parade boardwalk structure, on which the grid mesh is laid, is now approximately 80% complete. Entry ramps will be introduced to every 80m approximately along the boardwalk, with hardwood handrails constructed to provide added support for users.

    A small viewing platform will be installed to enhance the visitor experience by offering the opportunity to relax, reflect, and appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings.

    Community feedback received has expressed content regarding the progress of the boardwalk, and excitement for the completion of the project which will provide safe pedestrian access around the township for locals and visitors to the area.

    The boardwalk is anticipated to be completed by the start of July 2024.


    We welcome your continued interest in this project. Please choose to follow this project on YourSay to receive important information directly to your inbox.

  • 19 April 2024

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    The works on the Bemm River footpath connections are progressing well.

    The construction of the footpaths and a low-level 2-metres wide boardwalk, spanning 130m from the Toilet block to the Main Boat Ramp, is currently in progress. This section is anticipated to be accessible to the public in the coming weeks.

    A new elevated boardwalk, 2-metres wide and 250-meters long, featuring a small viewing platform, is currently being constructed along Sydenham Parade. This project aims to offer a safe and enjoyable walking experience for both residents and visitors in the area. There will also be enhancements to concrete footpaths and drainage systems in the same vicinity.

    Further development in the area will provide both concrete and boardwalk links between the two sites and along Sydenham Inlet Road, connecting into the Caravan Park.

    Please choose to follow this project on Your Say to receive important information regarding this project directly to your inbox.

  • Project Update - 16 February 2024

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    GBM Contracting VIC Pty Ltd has commenced works on this exciting project for the Bemm River Community.

    The Luderick Point footpath works are underway, with approximately 50 linear metres of concrete footpath almost completed already.

    A low-level boardwalk is currently under construction along Pearl Point Road, designed to minimise any ground disturbance within the tree protection zones.

    The contractor will continue works from the toilet block towards the boat ramp over the coming weeks.

    We anticipate works to be completed by the end of May 2024.


    Additional photos are available for viewing in the photos tab.

    Photos - Bemm River Footpath Development

  • Project Update - 21 December 2023

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    The contract for construction was awarded at the 28 November Council meeting.

    The contract was awarded unanimously, with Councillors speaking in support of this great project.

    The contractor GBM Contracting will commence works shortly after the Australia Day weekend. Works will be staged to lessen the impact on community and visitors to the area.

    Completion of this project is expected to be in May 2024


    East Gippsland Shire Council Meeting - 28 November 2023 (youtube.com)

    2:32:27 Bemm River Footpath development

  • Project Update - 13 November 2023

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    Tender submissions are scheduled to be presented to Council at the 28 November Council meeting.

  • Project Update - 4 September 2023

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    Detailed Design is now complete and residents directly along the proposed alignment will be receiving planning advertising notices shortly.

    Construction tender is being finalised for release in September and construction is planned for an expected completion in March 2024.

    March 2022

    • vegetation investigations and assessments commenced;
    • designer engaged to commence preliminary design with consideration to avoid and minimize vegetation removal

    June 2022

    • Cultural Heritage consultants engaged; delivery of the assessment is expected in November 2022

    September 2022

    • field investigations complete

    October 2022

    • pathway alignment redesigned to meet 1.8 metre Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliance requirements.

    November 2022

    • Cultural Heritage Management Plan investigations complete
    • no artefacts found

    March 2023

    • designer has adopted recommendations provided to reduce impact of projects
    • investigation assessment results will inform the development of the detailed designs

    June 2023

    • Revision of the plans undertaken to meet project budget and delivery time constraints to meet funding agreement deadlines.

    July 2023

    • project scope revised due to price increases.

    August 2023

    • Site investigations and assessments are complete; this includes vegetation, Cultural Heritage, and flood levels.