Stop Destruction of Wellington Point Bush Track - Paper Petition 905 Signatures
Principal Petitioner: Alison Sutherland
Closing Date: 13 February 2024
At 10 signatures, this petition will be considered properly made.
Petition Request:
For years the bush track has been a necessary part of our daily lives. It is a section of a circuit much used for walking, running, jogging or just strolling. The bush track provides access to natural vegetation, numerous bird calls, a place away from traffic noise an includes views of Moreton Bay. A natural resource not possible for any human to replicate. It is a vital part of our well-being. The track's environment enhances emotional and mental health and gives opportunities for physical activity for all. The failure of Council to incorporate the track in recent works must now be corrected and the scheduled complete destruction of the bush track stopped. It is necessary for all of us to protect nature, not destroy it.
Petition Response:
Thank you for your petition requesting the track to Wellington Point be reinstated in its original position across the recently completed slope stabilisation work.
Your petition was tabled by Councillor Wendy Boglary at Councils general meeting on 21 February 2024 (Resolution 2024/22). Defined as operational in nature, the petition was referred to officers to respond on behalf of Redland City Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Andrew Chesterman. As the Principal Petitioner, Council provides this response to you.
We are pleased to inform you that on 23 Feb 2024, the remaining section of the old walkway was reopened after restoration works, creating a looped walking track leading to the lookout overlooking the Moreton Bay Marine Park (Ramsar wetland). This loop provides access to experience the mangroves and Ramsar wetland area but does not access or connect to the Wellington Point via the old walkway.
To ensure the safety of all visitors, a barrier and signage has been strategically positioned just beyond the lookout to prevent pathway users from accessing the landslip area. Community safety is our top priority, and these measures are in place to protect both the public and the integrity of the landscape.
Council investigated three potential options to reinstate the walking track to Wellington Point:
1. Construction of an elevated platform: This option would involve building a platform across the landslip site to restore the track to its original location and alignment.
2. Construction of inground stairs: The proposal to install stairs at the northern end of the Esplanade to connect the southern and northern sections of the walking track.
3. Reliance on existing footpath network: This option suggests not reinstating the walking track and instead relying on the existing footpath network along Main Road for pedestrian access to the recreation reserve.
Option 1: Construction of an elevated platform
This option would require building a platform across the landslip site to restore the track to its original location and alignment. While it may seem straightforward, several factors make it unviable. Council met on site and discussed this option with a contractor who has experience not only in the Redlands in environmentally and cultural heritage constrained sites (Minjerribah Panorama Coastal Walk), but also other complicated site construction works due to location and accessibility.
The advice received, and Council Engineers agree, that there are considerable environmental, health and safety risks associated with this option.
Council takes its environmental credentials seriously and this option would have the most significant environmental impacts of the three options. Several large regrowth trees would be at risk of removal, where the current preference, from a stabilisation and environmental perspective is to retain. The Ramsar wetland boundary lies within a few metres of the bottom of the stabilisation works. Due to the location of this boundary, a walking track on the lower side of the embankment cannot be positioned outside the slip as it would encroach into the Ramsar wetland boundary. In addition, due to the boundary of the Ramsar wetlands and the location of the walkway, it is likely that this may trigger an assessment under the EPBC Act based on a Biodiversity Assessment in June 2023. It should be acknowledged that the extended timeframe for construction of this option, including these environmental approvals and the additional environmental studies associated with such approvals, would also add to the cost of this option.
Installing footings would compromise the structural integrity of the mesh leading to significant design certification concerns and, in a future potential failure, rendering it useless. Access for machinery would also be challenging due to the site's isolation and steep, heavily vegetated batter.
In the mid-1900s, unauthorised dumping activity occurred in the area by the community, where rubbish was disposed of over the edge of the road above. This included household rubbish and occasionally some asbestos-containing material was previously found at the bottom of the landslip, usually after bank erosion during weather events. Excavating the area for the construction of a walkway across the landslip area is likely to risk disturbing asbestos fragments and uncover additional rubbish, posing a potential health risk to both workers and the public.
Therefore, leaving the area undisturbed with the mesh in place is critical in mitigating any potential public health risks associated with the asbestos presence as the mesh stabilisation works serve as a control measure to contain these materials and prevent their migration out of the embankment. Exclusion of the public from the area is an additional control from a potential exposure perspective.
In addition, the costs associated with constructing and maintaining an elevated platform are significant, with estimates ranging up to 25 times more than costs associated with option 2.
Taking all these factors into consideration, the construction of an elevated platform is not deemed a viable option.
Option 2: Construction of inground stairs
The recommended option of the construction of inground stairs involves installing inground stairs at the northern end of the Esplanade to connect the southern and northern sections of the walking track via directing users along an approximately 130m section of The Esplanade.
This solution addresses the need for pedestrian connectivity in a safe and cost effective manner. It considerably avoids the complexities and risks associated with options 1 and 3, making it the preferred choice.
Incorporating inground stairs at the northern end of the Esplanade and establishing a connecting route will significantly bolster safety measures within the area. This initiative not only prioritises the well-being of our community but also emphasises fiscal responsibility by offering a solution that maximises value for money and effectively reduces overall costs. Additionally, it also significantly enhances the overall user experience. By offering an immersive journey through natural habitats such as mangroves, foreshore, and wetland areas, and providing breathtaking views of North Stradbroke Island, serene blue ocean waters, and clear skies along the elevated section of the Esplanade, this option largely meets the needs of the community.
Option 3: Reliance on existing footpath network
This option suggests not reinstating the walking track and instead relying on the existing footpath network along Main Road for pedestrian access to the recreation reserve.
Although it may seem like the most economical option initially, it does not fully address the community's need for connectivity to Wellington Point and additional environmental experience. Furthermore, relying solely on the footpath network may not provide the same recreational experience as the original walking track. Therefore, this option is not considered viable compared to option 2, which offers a more comprehensive solution to pedestrian connectivity while still being cost-effective.
The investigation has conclusively determined the most suitable option for both Council and the community. Council intends to move forward with option 2, which involves installing inground stairs at the northern end of the Esplanade. The feasibility of installing a boardwalk across the landslip has been thoroughly assessed and deemed not viable.
While the outcome of the petition may not be what you were hoping for, council would like to thank you for your interest in making the city better.
Please note that this response has been sent to you as the head petitioner, and it is your discretion to notify other persons listed on the petition of the outcome.