Work is set to begin this month on an $8.5 million upgrade of the Macleay Island foreshore precinct, providing substantial long term improvements to island parking issues, greater access for recreational boaties and sealing asbestos contamination on the foreshore.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said civil construction group Pensar Civil Pty Ltd had been awarded the contract to construct a new seawall and sealed car park, associated road works and marine infrastructure, a new two-lane recreational boat ramp, a third lane for a future floating walkway, and access stairs.
“This is the largest single infrastructure project in the 2017-2018 budget and the entire foreshore project has been designed to entomb any possible presence of asbestos at the site,” Cr Williams said.
“The redevelopment will provide an additional 147 car parks [please see correction regarding the number of parking spaces for this project], including an additional six disabled car parks, 26 car-trailer parks and eight motorcycle parks, as well as an improved drop-off zone and safer vehicle access.
“The new precinct has been designed to minimise interaction between vehicles and pedestrians by having designated walkways throughout the facility.
“Barge traffic and recreational boat ramp users will also be separated in the new design, with the new boat ramp being constructed to the west of the ferry terminal.
“The existing rock revetment wall will be extended and a formalised beach landing area designed to minimise the impacts of the expanded facility.
“Fully landscaped bio retention basins will also be built to ensure that stormwater discharged from the site will be of the highest quality possible.”
Divisional Councillor Mark Edwards said the Macleay Island foreshore upgrade reflects years of effort to gain works approval and will benefit all the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.
“The SMBI are a unique part of our city and the Macleay foreshore project is just part of Council’s ongoing commitment to investing in and improving infrastructure, parks and community facilities on the SMBI,” he said.
“In addition to Macleay island foreshore works, Council’s 2017-18 budget includes additional investment towards improved SMBI liveability and strengthening island economies with $3.4 million for more green road sealing and a further $1.15 million for boat ramps and marine infrastructure.”
Main Roads and Ports Minister Mark Bailey said the Queensland Government had contributed more than $1.9 million towards the construction of the new recreational boat ramp from the Marine Infrastructure Fund.
“I am pleased to see this project coming to fruition as the new boat ramp will be a vital piece of public marine infrastructure for the island community”.
“This is a great example of the state and local governments working together to deliver benefits for Queenslanders,” Mr Bailey said.