The City of Port Phillip, an inner city council in Melbourne, Victoria, would like to distinguish itself as a leader in sustainable procurement. So when an existing timber boardwalk structure along St Kilda foreshore had reached the end of its useful life expectancy the council looked for an alternative product.
Alison Breach, Landscape Architect with the City of Port Phillip, says, ‘The site is a protected foreshore vegetation area. It seemed hypocritical to fell trees to protect plants.’ After considering a variety of options, Replas products were chosen because they are durable in foreshore conditions as well as being attractive, long lasting and sustainable.
The result is a 300-metre non-slip boardwalk, made from Enduroplank™, with a sand-coloured composite fibre sub-structure that blends beautifully into this beach location. With no metal or timber, the boardwalk will have a greater life expectancy and reduced maintenance costs.
Importantly, the boardwalk is raised to protect the flora and fauna in the surrounding area. Three floating pathways leading to the beach also encourage visitors to keep to the path and help preserve this sensitive environment.
Alison says, ‘The community has been very supportive,’ of the installation, adding they are pleased that a recycled local product which is both environmentally and aesthetically pleasing was used.
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