Tallebudgera Creek Track Reopens

15 Oct 2012 12:00 AMMichael Hart

Mr Hart said the 2km track from Ocean Parade, Burleigh Heads to David Fleay Wildlife Park had recently undergone a major face lift.

“The walking track system within Tallebudgera Creek Conservation Park has two sections – a 1.5 kilometre bitumen walking track along the northern bank of Tallebudgera Creek and a mangrove boardwalk next to David Fleay Wildlife Park.

“Both sections of the track system were closed in 2008, as the boardwalk and bridges built in the 1980s were rotting and corroding in the saltwater environment and were becoming unsafe.

“The mangrove boardwalk rebuild was completed in 2011 at a cost of $1.4m, incorporating a new entrance to the David Fleay Wildlife Park.

“It looked like the walking track would cost $1.5m to fix, but Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing (NPRSR) staff found some ingenious solutions and the work was done for just $30,000”.

Minister for National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing, Steve Dickson said the rejuvenated walking track system has design features that will minimise future maintenance.

“Instead of rebuilding two bridges, NPRSR installed steps in the gully crossings, rerouted sections of the bitumen walking track and conducted repairs on the remaining four bridges. Fibreglass-reinforced plastic mesh decking and fibre-reinforced concrete piers have also been used extensively on the mangrove boardwalk so it withstands the marine environment.

“On the boardwalk section, interpretative signage reveals the world of mangroves and the importance of estuarine habitats. I encourage locals and visitors to come and explore the area’s last intact estuarine environment.”

Neil Cambourn, Karen Andrews MP and Michael Hart MP

15 October 2012