FAQs

Stage 2 works include upgrades to Mooloomba Road, continuation of the pedestrian pathway and new boardwalks from Frenchman’s Stairs to Point Lookout Village, complete replacement of Frenchman’s Stairs down to Frenchman’s Beach and fresh new picnic areas and seating to replace the existing.

With roadway upgrades completed in August 2022, the focus of works is now completion of the pedestrian pathway and boardwalk and finishing the replacement of Frenchman’s Stairs.

Work on the stairs will take place between late January and mid-2023. During this time, access to Frenchman’s Beach will be via Deadman’s Beach. During this time the stairs will be closed.

Frenchman’s Stairs will be closed from late January 2023 until mid-2023.

While the stairs are being replaced, access to Frenchman’s Beach will be restricted from the Mooloomba Road entrance, and access to Mooloomba Road will be restricted from Frenchman’s Beach.

During this time, access will be possible from Deadman’s Beach.

Please keep to the existing path networks to avoid damage to the sensitive dune and coastal environment.

Roadway upgrades are now complete. Motorists will notice periodic traffic management during construction of the pathways and boardwalks. The 30km/hour speed limit along this stretch of Mooloomba Road helps ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians and wildlife. Please observe all traffic controllers’ directions to ensure the safety of other road users, workers and pedestrians.

Pedestrian movement will be managed by traffic control measures with safety a priority. Please observe all directional signage for your safety. The beach side of Mooloomba Road will be closed during construction of the pathways and boardwalk. Pedestrians can use the footpath on the western side of the road between Midjimberry Road and Point Lookout village.

Council does not anticipate any issues with residential driveway access. No driveways will be impacted by the works.

Roadway upgrades were completed in August 2022.

Works will pause from 9 December 2022 to support local businesses and residents during the Christmas holiday period. Works will recommence in late January 2023.

The remainder of works are expected to be completed by mid-2023, subject to material and contractor availability and weather permitting.

The Minjerribah Panorama Coastal Walk boardwalk and walking trail was designed and constructed in accordance with the relevant building codes and regulations such as Australian Standard AS2156.1 – Walking tracks classification and signage, and AS2156.2 – Walking tracks infrastructure design, and the applicable design guidelines

A principle of minimal infrastructure and disturbance has been applied throughout the design and construction phases. When risks are identified in these types of constrained natural areas, additional safety measures may be implemented to mitigate the risk of harm or injury.

The project is being managed under approved traffic management and environmental management plans.

The walkway will incorporate balustrades in areas where it is considered necessary for safety, in accordance with the relevant building codes and regulations such as Australian Standard AS2156.1 – Walking tracks classification and signage, and AS2156.2 – Walking tracks infrastructure design, and the applicable design guidelines. Where adjacent footpaths are close to areas of steep slopes, wildlife friendly two rail fencing will be used to ensure pedestrian safety.

Dust suppression and erosion control measures will be implemented for the road upgrade works. Boardwalks with screw piles will minimise excavation and ground disturbance, and materials have been chosen to balance lifecycle, safety, recyclability and carbon footprint to achieve the best outcomes for the environment.

Council’s environmental extension officers are working closely with the project team to manage the movement and care of the islands’ wildlife by installing wildlife awareness signage and coordinating measures with the contractor’s work methodology.

Variable Message Signs warning people to be aware of kangaroos on the road will be installed at each approach to the project site and will remain in place until works are complete.

During holiday periods when works are paused, the construction site area will be fenced off for public safety and two wildlife refuge areas will be created to allow for wildlife movement only. Visitors are encouraged to observe all safety and construction signage and keep a safe distance from worksites and local wildlife.

The temporary construction fencing in place for Stage 2 works secures the immediate area where works are being undertaken. In its entirety, the fencing spans approximately 260m along the beach side of Mooloomba Road.

Construction fencing is a legal requirement that keeps community and wildlife safe from harm and allows the contractor to carry out works in an accessible and safe environment. Construction sites can be dangerous, with hazards such as ground excavations, heavy machinery, sharp tools and hazardous materials. Community safety will always be Council’s priority, including when constructing important infrastructure like the coastal walkway.

Mooloomba Road is signposted 30km/hour due to factors including road geometry, sight lines, high pedestrian traffic and movement of wildlife including koalas and kangaroos. Observing the 30km/hour speed limit helps ensure a safe environment for everyone, including wildlife.

Two rail fencing consists of an upper handrail and mid-section rail that allows wildlife to pass underneath. It is primarily used to protect pedestrians from the edge of steep slopes where wildlife movement is also a priority.

Pedestrians will be directed to walk along the path on the built-up, non-ocean, side of Mooloomba Road, in accordance with the existing Traffic Management Plan.

Picnic facilities in the parks will be renewed, which means new facilities will be provided at the same level of service as they are replacing (like for like). However, street furniture will be contemporised to better match the materials used along the new stairs and boardwalks.

The works area contains numerous hazards, including deep excavations, changing levels and heavy machinery. For the safety of workers, the public and wildlife, these areas are fenced off. This also reflects contemporary workplace health and safety legislated requirements.

In addition to installing additional speed limit and wildlife signage in the immediate vicinity of project works, Council also plans to refresh existing signage on Mooloomba Road at each end of the 30km/h zone from just past Snapper Street to Kennedy Drive. Council encourages drivers to observe the speed limit and keep an eye out for wildlife and pedestrians in this busy tourism hotspot.