Who the project was for:
DBCA, (Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions), brings together the Parks and Wildlife Service, Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, Zoological Parks Authority (Perth Zoo), Rottnest Island Authority, Conservation and Parks Commission, Swan River Trust (Swan Canning Riverpark) and Biodiversity and Conservation Science.
They work with the community to ensure that Western Australia’s environment is valued, protected and conserved, for its intrinsic value, and for the appreciation and benefit of present and future generations.
Mangrove Cove in Kalgulup Regional Park has become home to a new 190-metre-long boardwalk, replacing the site’s 20-year-old walkway.
Following the same footprint as the original, the new boardwalk winds through the State’s southern-most outcrop of white mangroves in the Leschenault Inlet and adjoins an 820-metre dual-use pathway.
Both are accessible to people using wheelchairs and with prams, providing improved and safer access to meet increasing demand.
Industry:
Government – Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions
Location:
Bunbury, Western Australia
Purpose:
Refurbishment of Mangrove Cove Walkway.
Challenges:
- Cutting and fabrication for frame required to be completed at DBCA workshop.
- Tight time constraints for state government to have opening.
- Previous decking used timber; this was very slippery and had begun to splinter and rot, leaving a dangerous safety issue for users.
Reduce:
- Reduce public OHS risks and downtime for access.
2. Design:
- Choosing a grit that would be suitable for the wet slip conditions and remain tidy in appearance.
3. Longevity:
- Make sure the new structures withstand the weather and water/ outdoor environment exposure.
Solutions:
Design:
- The discussion was had about the practicality of FRP, the lifespan and reduced thermal heat output for users.
- Selected colours and grit.
- Utilised FRP C-Channels additionally to support the underneath frame in conjunction with steel.
- We utilised a DBA compliant FRP for disability accessibility.
Install:
- We had a team member visit site and get ready for install – completing the cutting and fabrication at the DBCA workshop.
- Installation began quickly after initial contact for quote and design.
The Future:
- Eco-Tourism is set to boost in Bunbury and the Mangrove Cove Boardwalk is set to see thousands of visitors every year.
- This product will long-outlast the previous 20-year lifespan of the boardwalk.
Project Outcome:
The site’s 190-metre-long old boardwalk has been replaced with a new boardwalk following the same footprint as the original. The new boardwalk opened to the public on 3 February 2025. The previous boardwalk had reached the end of its life after more than 20 years.
These upgrade works at Mangrove Cove have improved park accessibility, creating safer access and maintaining and enhancing the biodiversity, recreational, social and cultural values for Bunbury residents and visitors.
- Meets compliance standards.
- The strength of the flooring shows much less wear and no damages.
- Quick installation from start to finish with no compromise on quality.
- Reduced OHS Risk Rating.
- We met opening deadlines for State Government.
- The end product is DBA compliant.
Delivery:
- The delivery of the product was close to our main headquarters in Mandurah – meaning we could get there quickly and use our local team for install.
Install:
- The install caused minimal disruption to the public and was completed in a timely manner.
Withstand:
- The product is beyond tough enough to withstand the environments conditions and use from person traffic.
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