New boardwalk already winning awards

The Park Road boardwalk is not only impressing residents and visitors, it is also making an impression on awards judges. It won its first national award before even being completed.

“At the Australian Institute of Horticulture Annual Awards held on October 27, the project was awarded the Regional Green Space Award,” Mayor Tony Wellington said.

“This national award recognises the careful preservation of the environment during the design and construction of the facility.

“Many trees and vegetation were preserved during construction, which made the whole process quite complicated. Koalas and other native animals use this section of coastline, and it is the gateway into the National Park, so environmental sensitivity was paramount,” the Mayor said.

“There are many unique design features. For example, we have added in a shower designed in the shape of a surfboard, which recognises the area’s World Surfing Reserve status.

"I wouldn’t be surprised if this highly original and incredibly graceful boardwalk structure wins more awards. It will certainly become an iconic piece of public infrastructure of which Noosa can be very proud.

"This public walkway is for residents and visitors. Indeed, when I go surfing in the early morning, many of the people I see using the boardwalk are locals enjoying their morning walk.

“I frequently begin surfing at Boiling Pot, and gradually surf my way down to Little Cove or First Point. I then use the boardwalk to get back to the car. This new section is much wider than the old boardwalk, and it will be far easier to navigate my surfboard past walkers and joggers heading in the opposite direction,” the Mayor said.

“The boardwalk will soon feature a tribute to resident Bob Ansett, recognising his essential role leading the Friends of Noosa during the battle to get our Shire de-amalgamated. As Bob himself is a regular user of this walkway, it will be a very fitting place for the commemorative plaque that has been funded by Friends of Noosa.

“I urge residents to take a stroll, particularly at dusk when the lights along the boardwalk come on. All the lighting is LED, and after 10pm it is movement activated.

“There are a few people to acknowledge. For a start, I must pay tribute to my fellow Councillors for holding true to the vision. The Community Reference Group played an important role helping steer the project. And of course Council staff, the designers, and Hutchinson Builders all did a magnificent job, bringing in the project well ahead of schedule and under budget,” Mayor Wellington said.

5 November 2018