Not only did the installers of a new-recycled plastic staircase, at Coomba Falls in Queensland, have the steep terrain and granite cliffs to contend with, but they also had to be mindful of the native grass trees. Some of these trees are extremely old with one of the largest estimated to be aged approx. 550 years. Any interference with one of these could result in a $50 000 fine. While the staircase presented many challenges it now extends 120 metres, improving access to the Falls while also protecting these significant trees.

Under construction in the picturesque Kholo Gardens, in Ipswich Queensland, is a new 70 metre floating deck which meanders its way through surrounding trees and over a small stream. The new pathway, made entirely from recycled plastic saved from landfill, is now just another reason to visit this idyllic haven on the banks of the Brisbane river.

The 22nd bi-annual North Queensland Field Days event was held at Townsville in May 2012. The event which is held at the Stuart Correctional Farm Reserve over two days, features 500 blocks with power and water facilities for exhibitors prepared by the Correctional Centre. The Field Days are without a doubt the largest and most successful of their type in Queensland and one of the biggest in Australia.

Mackay Regional Council was looking for a product to build a staircase at Salonika Beach that required minimum maintenance and which could also withstand hostile coastal conditions. They chose recycled-plastic Stair Treads to create an instant and long lasting staircase. The Stair Treads not only provided the perfect solution, but were also simple to install. Tony Ahern, Techinical Officer Assets, Mackay Regional Council, said, ‘Initially the staff, who have not installed anything like this, were a bit daunted, but did a very good job without any plans.’

The Queensland town of Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast was announced the Overall Winner of the Keep Australia Beautiful, Australian Tidy Towns Awards 2012. The announcement was made at the national awards ceremony and Vice Regal Reception hosted by the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO at her Yarralumla residence in Canberra.

As well as winning the overall Australian title, Caloundra won the Community Action & Partnerships and the ‘Dame Phyllis Frost’ Litter Prevention category awards.

Replas presented a $500 gift voucher to Caloundra and would like to congratulate them on their outstanding effort.

Enduroplank™ was used to replace a rotting timber deck at Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club providing them with a deck and walkway that is not only durable, but has also put an end to splintered feet. According to Matt Stokes from Plants Whitsunday, who installed the deck, Enduroplank™, ‘is easier to cut / drill than hardwood. The wide decking boards and single screw makes installation quick’. ‘This will provide a longer lifecycle with minimal maintenance to any other product we were looking at.’ Tony Ahern, Technical Officer Assets, Parks and Environment, Mackay Regional Council.

Heading to the Gold Coast these holidays? Why not check out the Gold Coast Caravan Park, not only is it located close to three of the major theme parks, but it also features a new 50 metre recycled plastic floating deck.
The caravan park needed a clean walkway to allow visitors to cross a grass area as when it rains it turns to mud underfoot. Having researched all the options Wayne Eaton, Manager at the caravan park said, ‘Doing the numbers this one bubbled to the top’.
The floating walkway complements the environment as it follows the natural contours of the ground. It was also quick and easy to install and will require minimal maintenance.

‘Our guests love it, & when they learn that it is made from approximately 45000 recycled milk containers it’s giving us wow factor in their eyes. This is a modern smart looking solution giving our park, I believe, a little X factor.’
Wayne Eaton, Manager, Gold Coast Caravan Park.

It’s not too late to take advantage of our end of year signage run out sale. With our new machinery, lead times have dropped, and quality is up. Here’s what one happy customer had to say about our signs: ‘We are extremely happy with the signs, they are great looking, the artwork on them is flawless and they blend in with the natural environment on the Barcoo River well. There have been many positive comments from locals and tourists alike. We are very satisfied customers!!!’ Alison Shaw, Community Facilitator Officer, Blackall-Tambo Regional Council.

Call 1800 REPLAS for a great deal on signs today!

Green Island is a popular national park which offers visitors the opportunity to experience a small tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef close to Cairns.

A timber boardwalk in the tropical forest of the island had deteriorated, creating ongoing maintenance problems and presenting a potential safety risks to visitors.

Alan Clackson from the Department of Environment Resource Management - Marine Parks, said they decided to replace the boardwalk with Enduroplank™ recycled-plastic decking as it is durable, requires minimal maintenance and the product is aesthetically pleasing to look at.

A 300 metre floating deck was created by attaching Enduroplank™ to rectangular profiles which sit directly on the sand. As no sub-structure is required a floating deck is easy and cheap to install. The boardwalk was completed with 100 metres of deck raised on a composite fibre sub-structure.

A major benefit of this method is that the path will not be damaged by the tree roots as they grow underneath. As the path is continuously joined, if the tree roots try to lift the path, the whole path will lift, avoiding any possibility
of a trip hazard developing.

Alan said the department felt that in this sensitive environment it was, ‘their responsibility to the public to lead the way and use recycled products,’ adding that the use of, ‘recycled plastics reduced the demand on limited timber resources’.

DURING-

AFTER-

This original bitumen pathway in Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens had been damaged by the park's extensive tree root systems. The pathway needed constant maintenance and was losing it aesthetic appeal. As it had also become a safety hazard, Brisbane City Council decided to install a floating recycled- plastic boardwalk. The product is ideal for this environment as plastic boardwalk planking is flexible, and therefore allows for movement. The end result looks fantastic, will be around for visitors to enjoy for many years and most importantly preserves the root systems of the trees.