STAGE 2 of the Airlie Beach Bicentennial Boardwalk was reopened on Friday (December 8) – on budget and on-time – by Deputy Mayor Gary Simpson.
The reopening – from Shingley Drive to the VMR boat ramp – was perfect timing, as the popular Airlie Beach parkrun can now return to their standard course for their 8th Anniversary Run on Saturday morning.
The boardwalk, which connects Airlie Beach to Cannonvale Beach along the edge of the Coral Sea, required an upgrade to ensure its longevity and to continue its role as a vibrant hub of connectivity for residents and visitors.
Deputy Mayor Gary Simpson said the upgraded Airlie Beach Boardwalk provided a safe and accessible pathway for pedestrians and joggers.
“Pedestrians and joggers can explore the stunning Coral Sea vistas and savour the unique atmosphere that Airlie Beach offers,” he said at the opening.
“The old timber boardwalk has been replaced with a composite fibre material that is environmentally friendly and has a 100-year design life, significantly reducing future maintenance costs.”
The old timber boardwalk has been replaced with a composite fibre material that is rust, rot and corrode resistant.
The material has a 100-year design life, which will significantly reduce future maintenance costs on ratepayers, according to a council spokesman.
The width of the boardwalk has also been increased by one metre, which will increase capacity for users and allow pedestrians and cyclists to better share the boardwalk.
Council has also embraced sustainability in the project by integrating eco-friendly features.
Solar-powered lighting illuminates the boardwalk at night, ensuring a safe and environmentally conscious experience for users.
It’s important that council also supports local business, so it has worked with Matt and Dan and the team from Plants Whitsunday, Cannonvale, on the upgrade.
“A big thanks to Mirage Whitsundays Accommodation, for offering a detour during the works, and other affected accommodation providers and local businesses for their patience while these works were completed,” the spokesman said.
