Bellingen Shire Council is excited to announce the award of the construction tender to SWF Construction Group Pty Ltd for the renovation of the Mylestom Tidal Pool at the August Council meeting.
This upgrade is long awaited after it was put on hold due to significant damage from Ex Tropical Cyclone (TC) Alfred in February 2025 and the NSW East Coast Severe Weather event in May 2025.
Bellingen Shire Council has received $246,575 in funding from the Crown Reserves Improvement Funding (CRIF) 2023-24 Program, managed by the NSW Government and $269,515.32 from the Boating Infrastructure Emergency Repair Pool (BIERP) Program, managed by Transport for NSW. Additionally, $140,000 has been contributed by Bellingen Shire Council from Council’s S7.12 Developer Contributions.
The CRIF 2023-24 Program supports repairs, maintenance and improvements on Crown Reserves. The BIERP Program provides funding for repairs, replacements or improvements to public boating infrastructure damaged by natural disasters or severe weather events.
Mayor Cr. Steve Allan commented on the Council’s decision: “This upgrade will benefit the community by ensuring the stability of the structure in the event of a flood or severe weather, helping to prevent damage to the pool in the future.”
The full scope of work for the Mylestom Tidal Pool Upgrade includes:
• Cleaning of support piles and ladders from intertidal oyster and marine growth
• Re-attachment of Northern access ladder to one of the piles
• Removal of driftwood and other debris in and around the Tidal Pool
• Replacement of entire shark net enclosure
• Replacement of all stainless-steel bracings
• Replacement of 5 marine piles (foundations placed in the riverbed to support the walkway structure) that have been damaged due to flooding caused by Ex TC Alfred
• Replacement of entire timber decking with fibreglass reinforced polymer (FRP) mesh decking with a mesh width of 6.8mm by 6.8mm
• Replacement of all bench seats with new timber bench seats
• Installation of new capping to all marine piles
• Replacement and installation of new bollards within the Alma Doepel Reserve
• Installation of a debris boom (floating barrier) on the northern angled wall of the tidal pool
Work is scheduled to commence in October 2025 and expected to be completed in late December 2025 (weather permitting).
Mayor Allan highlighted the project’s key benefits in addressing safety and maintenance issues previously experienced at the tidal pool and reserve:
“Replacing the entire timber decking with carefully chosen heel-proof mesh decking made from fibreglass reinforced polymer (FRP) will minimise the risk of trip hazards from uneven boards and splinters.
“A new debris boom will be installed on the northern wall of the tidal pool to help guide driftwood and debris out past the netting. This will further reduce maintenance requirements and prevent damage, especially after major flooding events.
“Additionally, replacing and installing new bollards within the Alma Doepel Reserve will formalise the reserve and prevent further erosion and damage to the sensitive coastal environment,” Mayor Allan said.
In line with Council’s Climate Emergency Declaration, this project reflects Council’s commitment to embedding climate adaptation into the design and delivery of infrastructure. Increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather events means that upgrades must not only repair damage but also anticipate and reduce future risks. The debris boom is a prime example of this approach, designed to limit storm-related debris damage and extend the operational life of the pool. Council teams are integrating these considerations into everyday asset management, ensuring that repairs and upgrades strengthen resilience while protecting community assets and the natural environment.
While construction is taking place the tidal pool will be fully closed to the public. Social media and signage at the reserve will be utilised to notify the community of this closure.
Council is committed to keeping the community informed about the project. Updates will be shared on Council’s website project page and social media accounts.
Mylestom Tidal Pool arial shot