New Palm Beach boardwalk helps increase resilience and accessibility
- New Beree-Badalla Reserve Boardwalk opens at Palm Beach after sustaining major flood damage in 2022.
- The project underwent $4 million in renewal works which was jointly funded under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
- The 640-metre pathway upgrade increases safety and accessibility for thousands of visitors who use it each year.
The Crisafulli Government and Gold Coast City Council have reopened a popular Palm Beach boardwalk after it sustained major flood damage in early 2022.
The Beree-Badalla Reserve Boardwalk underwent $4 million in renewal works to strengthen resilience and improve accessibility under the State and Commonwealth Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The renewal project widened the path to three metres and installed public amenities such as fishing platforms, shaded seating areas, launch ramp and shower facilities, as part of the Community and Recreational Asset Recovery and Resilience Program.
The 640-metre pathway upgrade ensures it is safe and fully accessible for the thousands of Gold Coasters and visitors who use it each year.
The renewal will allow for improved active transport access and new recreational facilities for residents and visitors and will host NaturallyGC workshops that will showcase the local marine environment.
The boardwalk has been rebuilt with fibreglass reinforced plastic, which is a sustainable material ideal for corrosive wet areas that provides better grip and longer life.
This material also reducing the impact the new boardwalk will have on local wildlife and vegetation. It does not rust, break down or require continual coatings, making it ideal for saltwater and exposed marine environments like Beree-Badalla Reserve.
Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the boardwalk's reopening highlighted the value of government investment in disaster affected community assets.
"The Gold Coast is no stranger to natural disasters, but this project is a showpiece to what can be delivered for Queenslanders when all levels of government work together to help communities recover and rebuild," Minister Leahy said.
"This project is a prime example of the Crisafulli Government's commitment to build back better, delivering renewed infrastructure that will last for generations and withstand future severe weather events."
Gold Coast Division 13 councillor Josh Martin said the renewed Beree-Badalla boardwalk would help increase resilience against storm surge and the natural marine environment.
"The newly constructed boardwalk has already proven its resilience, withstanding recent storm surges," Cr Martin added.
