The Bundian Way project is engaging architects and planners to design buildings and how the place will be used and is thrilled to announce renowned architect Glenn Murcutt has come on board.
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“Glenn Murcutt is probably Australia’s most renowned architect, with many links to important Aboriginal projects and communities,” Bundian Way project officer John Blay said.
“His South Coast house is recognised worldwide. He is prepared to design all facilities along the Bundian Way, including developments at Bilgalera and the Wilderness Lodge.”
Mr Blay said Mr Murcutt’s preliminary design for the Yarn-Up Place at Bilgalera would be iconic.
“It’s the sort of unique building and landscape that would appear on postcards and tourism information for the region.”
The roofed building will hold up to 12 people, with a heavy wooden floor that might project as much as 20-50 metres from the grassy flat over the lagoon.
“It will make the perfect place in which to dramatise and teach land and sea country culture,” Mr Blay said.
Glenn Murcutt will also design the whole Bilgalera primitive camping area; all facilities and amenities at Bilgalera; caretaker/visitor info accommodation and kits for shelters and info bays and interpretation shelters for entire route, including the Twofold Bay sections.
“The certainty is that all designs will be appropriate and look good in the landscape where they are located,” Mr Blay said.
Stage 1 of the project will be to build the Yarn-Up Place development.
Various levels of camping area could follow in further stages.
Murcutt’s designs are just part of the exciting new tourism developments and public infrastructure planned for Twofold Bay as the Bundian Way progresses.
One of these new developments includes a public walkway around the bay from Eden to Bilgalera (Fisheries Beach).
The Bundian Way is a shared history pathway between Targangal (Kosciuszko) and Bilgalera that connects the highest part of the Australian continent and the coast.
On its way to the coast the Bundian Way crosses the Snowy River and passes through some of the wildest, most rugged and yet beautiful country in Australia.
It is the first Aboriginal pathway to be listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.
John Blay said there is little doubt the Twofold Bay section of the pathway will become a popular tourist feature.
“I’ve done many walks in my life, but the bay walk is by far the most beautiful.
“The coloured rocks, the vistas of Balawan, the many little beaches, it’s wonderful.”
Parts of the walkway require funding and the project has the support and cooperation of the Bega Valley Shire Council.
Work is being planned by newly appointed manager of the Bundian Way, Noel Whittem.
Mr Blay said other walks will connect Eden to the Bundian Gateway at the Aboriginal Culture Centre Monaroo Bobberer Gudu Keeping Place at Jigamy Farm, north of Eden, on the shores of Pambula Lake.
Mr Blay said completion of a turning lane on the highway will allow tourism development and visitor centre facilities.
The public walkway around Twofold Bay is just one of a number of major changes for the bay.
An application has also been made to restore the old names for parts of the district, including Balawan (Mt Imlay), Bilgalera (Fisheries Beach and Flat), Turamullerer (the southern part of the Twofold Bay) and Beermuna (south of Boydtown).
The names were all recorded by the old surveyors and journal-keepers as the Aboriginal names for those features.
Another change is the closure of public camping this season at Bilgalera (Fisheries Beach).
“There have been too many safety, risk and insurance issues for its Aboriginal owners to allow free camping any longer. Lawlessness had crept in and rubbish was being left there,” Mr Blay said.
“But the good news is that Bilgalera will be open again for primitive camping, perhaps by next Christmas, with updated facilities and the problem issues resolved.”
