Goulburn-Murray Water said the installation of steel sheet piling along River Rd in Yarrawonga was finished.
Stage three of the foreshore protection works have started to help develop the Yarrawonga Tourism Trail; a shared pathway improving pedestrian access from the current traffic bridge on the foreshore through to the Silverwoods development.
The first stage of works, comprising 160 m worth of retaining wall, was completed in 2015 along Bank St, while the second stage saw a further 160 m, along River Rd, completed last year.
Storage services general manager Martina Cusack said since site works started in August they had removed old vegetation, temporarily shifted jetties from the water and completed the most difficult aspect of the project — installing the sheet piling in the lake floor which forms the retaining wall.
‘‘The wall will protect the foreshore from further erosion and allow for a waters-edge pedestrian footpath and attractive landscaping consistent with previous stages.
‘‘We encountered more difficult pile-driving conditions than anticipated however these works have now been successfully completed,’’ she said.
While the authority said the third stage was closer to residential homes than the first two stages, Ms Cusack thanked residents for their continuing co-operation and understanding as the works progress.
Backfilling with the pedestrian walkway, landscaping, public seating and access steps would be completed during October and November, following the retaining wall’s construction.
The aged willow trees which had contributed to bank erosion were removed and would be replaced with Australian native trees and vegetation consistent with previous stages.
Major works are expected to be completed late next month with re-installation of private jetties, the removal of construction fencing and return of pedestrian and two-way vehicle traffic, the statement read.
‘‘We have consulted with each and every jetty owner since May,’’ Ms Cusack said.
‘‘Jetties in good condition have been removed and will be replaced while those in poor condition are being replaced with new structures at no cost to the owner.’’
The project was auspiced by Moira Shire Council, jointly funded by the Federal Government’s Regional Jobs and Investment Packages, Murray-Darling Basin Authority and Lotus Living.
A G-MW statement said once the stabilisation and pathway works were complete, the tourism trail was set to provide safe, off-road passage and uninterrupted views across Lake Mulwala for residents and tourists.
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