Nambucca Shire Council wanted to provide easier access to a viewing platform located up a steep slope at Shelly Beach, Northern NSW. Recycled plastic Enduroplank™ was used to create 30 m of board and chain beach access and 40 m of floating deck. Jacqui Ashby, Environmental Resource Officer at the council said they, ‘wanted a harder wearing product that had a more sustainable tick’. Locals and tourists report it is much easier to walk up the solid path rather than soft sand and as an added bonus they can take a rest on a recycled-plastic bench once they get there. Beach access prevents sand erosion ‘Cheap pine does not stand up against heavy pedestrian traffic over time.’ Jacqui Ashby, Environmental Resource Officer, Nambucca Shire Council.

After installing a range of furniture along the coast and a new beach access at Evans Head Surf Club, NSW, Graeme Robertson from Richmond Valley Council says, ‘Replas is now the first place we look to find products to suit our needs’. Adding that he, ‘would recommend other Councils to look at the products. ‘It was an extreme marine environment and the Replas product was the only one which fitted the bill. No rust, no degradation of material, easily maintained, good environmental footprint.’ Graeme Robertson, Assests – Administrator, Richmond Valley Council.

Previously, hardwood board and chain systems were used to maintain access and offer traction to service vehicles at Cronulla beach, NSW. However, as timber is subject to breaking and splintering it created an OHS issue for users. Enduroplank™ was chosen to provide a safer, more durable solution. ‘User safety was increased as the Enduroplank™ product has far more flex than the timber hardwood alternative meaning no splintering or snapping.’ Kurt Laboyrie | Operations Manager, Cronulla Coastal Management Centre.

 
Recycled-plastic bollards are the affordable alternative to timber. They provide rigid, resistant barriers to define boundaries, or to deter vehicle or pedestrian access. They are also perfect where an economical and simple sign is needed.

The City of Charles Sturt, in South Australia, has embraced the use of recycled plastic bollards, installing 167 Signage Bollards over the last 2-3 years at all of their beach and river entrances. They have also used our 145mm square Bollards for fencing.

‘Council has chosen these bollards for their cost effective materials and because they are easy to maintain and clean. Charles Sturt is committed to providing its residents with affordable and attractive infrastructure.’

Dani Vukoje, Project Officer, City of Charles Sturt.

When an existing timber beach access ramp adjacent to the Otaki Surf Lifesaving Club in New Zealand had deteriorated to the point where it was a safety hazard,  Kapiti Coast District Council needed to consider their options. KCDC Planner Stu Kilmister said, ‘We have been looking for 

some time at using recycled-plastic products in our parks and elsewhere and the Otaki Beach project presented a suitable opportunity to trial the new material’s benefits.‘We could have simply replaced like with like,’ said Mr Kilmister, ‘but it is a very hard site for treated timber.’ An Enduroplank™ recycled-plastic deck from Replas proved to be the ideal solution in this harsh marine environment.

The use of recycled plastic fits well with the council’s stance on sustainability, however Mr Kilmister said, ‘any new material or process must prove its economic benefit’. Metal Art—the New Zealand distributor for Replas— worked closely with the council to ensure the project brief was met within budget.

"We will be watching the performance of the product closely over the next 12-24 months and will be looking for other opportunities to roll this product out on other beach access ways in future". Stu Kilmister, Planner, Kapti Coast District Council.

Port Stephens Council, New South Wales, has recently installed a beach access staircase in Shoal Bay. Using timber or steel in a harsh coastal environment results in a relatively short life span for the product, making recycled plastic the ideal option.

The new staircase will not rot or splint, as the plastic does not absorb water, and there is no need for painting maintenance as the colour does not fade.