The Mallacoota Streetscape Upgrade is now practically complete – with contractors demobilising this week and final line marking to follow shortly. The new-look Maurice Avenue is ready to be enjoyed, bringing safer, more accessible and more welcoming spaces to the heart of Mallacoota.

What’s been delivered

This project has transformed Maurice Avenue into a more pedestrian-friendly and functional space, with key features including:

• raised crossings and traffic-calming measures to improve safety

• wider footpaths and better footpath connections

• new street furniture, native landscaping and upgraded car parking

• dedicated disabled parking and a new EV charging bay

Importantly, there has been no reduction in car parking spaces. In fact, the new layout has added two extra spaces on Maurice Avenue. Accessibility has also been enhanced, with improved footpath connections and four newly designated disabled parking bays located near important destinations such as the pharmacy.

Complementing this project, an additional 11 parking bays and an EV charging space have been installed in nearby Greer Street. The charging station is East Gippsland’s most visually appealing to date – the unit is adorned with beautiful artwork thanks to a collaboration with the Croajingolong Centre for Communications and the Arts. This creative touch integrates local culture into the project and enhances its visual appeal.

The focus of this upgrade has been on creating a safer, more accessible town centre for pedestrians and supporting local business activity. Council is continuing work on preferred routes and parking for caravans and other long vehicles and will continue to work through potential solutions to support visiting guests.

Celebrating community and local character

The streetscape upgrade was shaped by community input through a dedicated Project Reference Group, which included representatives from Friends of Mallacoota, Traditional Custodians, seniors, youth, arts groups, local business and accessibility advocates.

As a result of community feedback, Council:

• retained large native trees, mosaics, commemorative bricks and the rotunda

• worked with local groups to select plant species that are native and reflect Mallacoota’s existing gardens

• improved safety at the bus stop and ensured new footpaths are accessible to all

Artistic elements on the way

Local creativity will continue to shine through the project. In the coming months, new public art will be installed to celebrate Mallacoota’s culture, natural surrounds and community identity. Council officers will oversee the installation in partnership with the artist.

Council extends its thanks to the Mallacoota community and local businesses for their patience and support throughout construction.

This project has been delivered with funding support from the Australian Government’s Community Development Grants Program, the Victorian Government’s Tiny Towns Fund, and Council’s capital works budget.

The Mallacoota Streetscape Upgrade is a key initiative of the Mallacoota Structure Plan and Recovery Plan – supporting commercial activity, tourism and community resilience well into the future.

Keep an eye out for final line marking and the upcoming art installations – and enjoy the new Maurice Avenue streetscape.