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businesses traders.
addressed by the new boardwalk.
2. E nhance the economic value of the boardwalk to the region by providing an improved tourism experience: This outcome was achieved by: a. Improving the peak capacity of the boardwalk with a wider deck, viewing platforms and seating;
The new boardwalk also provides high standards of safety that considers falls, crowd loading, trips and lighting. Review of these items was carried out by range of consultants including; Building Certifiers, Engineers, Architect and Arborist.
b. P roviding improved accessibility for people with disabilities and prams from the Hastings Street to the Noosa National Park. Now the Park Road Boardwalk caters for pedestrians, joggers, parents with prams and surfers carrying surfboards and those with a range of impairments. The economic development assessment of the boardwalk build on the local community estimated an increase in tourism spend by $1,200,000pa. 3. I mproved site accessibility and safety: Council’s attention to detail in the development of design ensured that attention to detail was focused on the multitude of accessibility standards. Whilst wheelchair compliant access is not environmentally possible along the full length of the boardwalk, many other accessibility issues have been
4. Reduce the financial burden of rising maintenance costs to Council: Research into the types of materials to be used in the construction of the Park Road Boardwalk required thorough attention to provide for a high level of infrastructure durability in an ocean front environment. High grade stainless steel finishes and the use of pressure treated Accoya wood has significantly improved the boardwalks durability against environmental elements, which was further assessed field tested prototypes. This has also provided for a significant extension of the life of the boardwalk asset. Currently there are no maintenance requirements of the boardwalk, and due to the expectation of the Accoya to turn a uniform grey, as designed for
Engineering for Public Works | December 2019
and therefore requiring no further wood treatment, which in turn has provided saving regard the cost of maintenance. The Noosa Park Road Boardwalk demonstrates a very comprehensive planning, consultation, planning, design and construction project in a very environmentally sensitive area. And the judges commented that: The Noosa Park Road Boardwalk project overcame many challenges during the planning, design, delivery and operation phases of the project. Key to its success was the close involvement of a Community Project Reference Group engaged two years prior to commencement of construction. The project was successfully delivered in a high-profile, high value environmental area using a detailed project management plan which considered the economic and social benefits of the project, the protection of the environment, and delivering the project within budget and ahead of time. This iconic project achieved more than just a structure but the provision of another jewel in the crown for the Noosa attraction package.
