They immediately reported it to the Nambuca Valley Council, who, upon inspection, chose to close the walkway to minimise any risk to the public and allow a more detailed inspection underneath between tidal flows.

Acting General Manager Paul Gallagher said the matter was reported to the council at their September 24 meeting.

"When the walk way was constructed the piles were placed in a water environment on concrete footings. We have found pile damage from borers in a number of sections along the walkway and staff are assessing the cost of repair," Mr Gallagher told the Nambucca Guardian.

"It will be expensive as it is in a harsh environment plus there may also be substantial works which are presently unfunded."

He said a report was being prepared for Council on funding options.

Related: Foreshore Boardwalk opens to the public

A 20-tonne load limit placed on Talarm Bridge recently has now been lifted following the completion of repairs.

Mr Gallagher said the load limit was put in place in the interim until work to replace a failing mid span outer pile was done.

"When we opened the deck up, we also replaced the two adjoining piles in the mid span - although they were in a reasonable condition, they were subject to borers."

He said the bridge was closed for three days while work was in progress but has now reopened with the load limit removed.

Family fun in the sun on our COVID-free coast

New tool up and running to manage wild deer