SOLUTIONS FOR SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENTS
11 Jul 2019
Utilising its team's expertise, Evolve Environmental was instrumental to the upgrade of public leisure space in Springbrook National Park, identifying construction challenges and finding solutions to minimise environmental impact.
Evolve Environmental Solutions was awarded the tender by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) to undertake the upgrade of the Goomoolahra Day Use Area, a part of the Springbrook National Park.
The work initially tendered was to replace two aging wood-fired barbecues and replace three timber picnic table sets on the banks of Mundora Creek, which cascades over Goomoolahra Falls at the very end of Springbrook Road.
Being part of the national park, the existing environment is fully protected, meaning that any construction work undertaken had to be done as carefully as possible to ensure no long-term damage was done to the vegetation and with no canopy loss. As an environmentally responsible company, Evolve was perfectly placed to identify where works would impact the environment and has the experience to provide solutions for the client that minimised budget and environmental impact.
The use of small machinery with operators familiar with working around and within significant vegetation enabled the installation of electrical cable to run two new electric barbecues and provide full accessibility to four new all-access picnic tables.
Evolve identified the unsuitability of concrete under a fifth table and an existing information signboard cement slab that was heavily impacted by the root system of a significant canopy tree. Excavating around and through this root system would have caused significant instability to the tree that alone provided the canopy cover of around 5 percent of the picnic area. Rather than risk losing the tree over time or possibly destabilising it, only to have it fall during a storm – potentially causing further damage – Evolve suggested the use of an alternate product. This product ensured there was no impact to the tree while still providing an accessible surface. A win for everyone, including the environment.
Evolve built and finished the bespoke BBQs, forming the concrete benchtop in situ and facing the blockwork with a specific stone provided by QPWS, resulting in a refined, durable and elegant finish. The Evolve design team worked closely with QPWS to ensure the pedestrian transitions between existing pathways and new facilities would work to keep visitors off the sensitive vegetation without impeding their visit or access to the creek.
The end result is a fully accessible picnic area with brand new barbecues and picnic tables – well worth a visit. Returning visitors will appreciate up-to-date facilities and be amazed by how this was achieved while preserving a truly beautiful southeast Queensland location.