Beach foreshore improvement works

Construction works to deliver the remaining stages of the Yorkeys Knob foreshore improvement plan were completed in July 2017. This included the following elements:

• A new 3 metre wide all abilities pathway extension onto the rockwall  groyne,  including handrails and additional seating;
• New covered picnic BBQ areas, additional seating, park furniture, upgraded pathways  and new bollards along the esplanade road frontage;
• New adventure playground, new turfed open space recreational areas and additional foreshore carparking;
• New toilet block facility with CCTV approximately midway between Wattle and Kempton streets.

Vegetation removal has been avoided as much as possible however there are some trees to be removed on the esplanade foreshore for these new facilities. Trees proposed to be removed have been marked.

Background

The Foreshore Improvement Plan was developed after the Yorkeys Knob community petitioned Council to undertake better vegetation management of the foreshore and indicated a desire to see improvements to the foreshore and Goodwood Park.  Broad community consultation was undertaken in 2015 and Council endorsed the plan in May 2016.

Precincts

Four precincts are identified within the plan:

• Stay and Play. This precinct is located at the northern end of the foreshore where the existing improvements are located. It is proposed to enhance this space by adding new picnic facilities, landscaping, relocated and renewed play facilities, an improved circulation layout and improved viewing and access opportunities to the rock wall.
• Connect. Landscaping, new boardwalk and all abilities access to the beach is proposed.
• Action Stations. Provides an expanded open space hub for kite surfing, triathlons and other sporting events. Improvements proposed include an amenities block, picnic facilities, formalised car parking, boardwalk to access/view the beach and fitness station.
• A Natural Setting. New picnic facilities, play space, boardwalk and fitness station are proposed.

The precincts will be linked by a multi-use path for walking, running and cycling, which is to eventually join with the northern cycleway.

This $2 million project is being delivered under the Queensland Government's Works for Queensland (W4Q) program, which has provided $15.5 million to Cairns Regional Council to fast-track job-creating community and infrastructure renewal works.