Kick Back Special Episode: Merimbula Traffic Debate EXPLODES! - Part 1

Haydos and Stewie are back for a massive special episode of Kick Back, tackling some of the biggest talking points around Merimbula, the NRL Grand Final and the town's controversial traffic changes.

First up, Stewie gives us another Bumble update — although there's not much romantic success to report just yet! The boys then discuss the NRL Grand Final entertainment, comparing the NRL's last-minute arrangements with Kylie Minogue's much-praised AFL Grand Final performance. They also break down the performances, the controversy surrounding the entertainment and the big game itself.

Then it's time to get into the main event: the Merimbula traffic changes. After plenty of discussion in the Kick Back Facebook comments, Haydos and Stewie share their experiences and debate whether the new arrangements are improving traffic flow or creating more problems.

From the new roundabouts at Club Sapphire and Top Fun to Beach Street's controversial one-way system, the boys explore what's working, what could be improved and whether there might be a better solution. Haydos even presents some alternative intersection designs, including his own proposal for traffic lights, improved lane markings and pedestrian crossings.

As always, the boys welcome feedback and encourage listeners to share their opinions respectfully.

And just when you think Haydos has run out of ideas, he reveals that he's come up with another proposal that could rattle the entire town…

This is only Part 1. The debate continues in Part 2!

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Episode Timestamps

00:00

Welcome to the Kick Back Special – setting the scene for a huge episode

01:39

Keeping the Merimbula traffic debate respectful

02:02

Stewie's Bumble update – still waiting for those likes!

03:28

NRL Grand Final chat begins

03:47

AFL vs NRL: Comparing the Grand Final entertainment

05:39

Kylie Minogue's performance and the NRL's entertainment dilemma

08:35

Is the NRL trying too hard to outdo the AFL?

10:36

Amy Shark, Dave Gleeson and the NRL's musical choices

12:09

Missed opportunities and the tribute to Jai

14:31

The Grand Final itself – the Roosters, the Knights and a dramatic finish

15:19

Could the Dragons make a comeback in 2027?

15:40

Refereeing the Grand Final – giving Andrew Gee some credit

17:28

Merimbula traffic trial: Let's get into the big debate

19:00

Club Sapphire and Sapphire Coast Drive roundabout – is it working?

20:00

Roundabout indicators – when should you signal?

22:15

Roundabouts, near misses and road safety concerns

25:15

Haydos unveils his alternative roundabout design

26:40

The dangerous problem of drivers going the wrong way around roundabouts

29:05

Would traffic lights have been a better option?

30:56

Top Fun roundabout – another controversial intersection

33:03

Haydos reveals his proposed traffic-light redesign

35:11

Slip roads, turning lanes and improving traffic flow

36:45

Pedestrian crossings near Aldi – are they causing congestion?

39:59

Could Haydos's proposed design make the intersection safer?

41:49

Moving on to Beach Street's one-way system

42:07

The Beach Street debate begins

43:01

Stewie's compliment sandwich – the positives and negatives of the one-way street

44:33

Should Beach Street run one way in the opposite direction?

45:32

Could the alternative direction improve traffic flow and emergency access?

47:34

Pedestrian crossings and congestion around Market Street

49:15

The positive side – angled parking and Beach Street's new layout

50:24

Is 45-degree parking a better option for Merimbula?

52:00

More parking, loading zones and ideas to improve Beach Street

54:22

Looking ahead: Main Street traffic and the long-weekend congestion

56:11

Haydos's next big idea – to be continued in Part 2!