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HOLLOWAYS BEACH FORESHORE

IMPROVEMENT PLAN

DRAFT REPORT

FEBRUARY 2017

In association with:

Cairns Regional Council Holloways Beach Foreshore Reserve Improvement Plan

2 Otium Planning Group

CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL

HOLLOWAYS BEACH FORESHORE

IMPROVEMENT PLAN

Draft Report FEBRUARY 2017

OTIUM PLANNING GROUP

National Expertise. Local Understanding.

CAIRNS OFFICE

Suite 44, 5 Faculty Close

(PO Box 857)

SMITHFIElD QLD 4878

Ph: (07) 4055 6250

E: [email protected]

www.otiumplanning.com.au

In Association with:

Landplan Landscape Architecture

PO BOX 781,

Bungalow QLD 4870

DOCUMENT HISTORY

Doc

Version

Date Checked Distribution Recipient

Final Draft 9/12/16 ML E Mail MS

Final 13/2/17 ML E Mail LJ

Final 5/4/17 ML E Mail LJ

© 2017 Otium Planning Group Pty. Ltd. This document may only be used for the purposes for which it was

commissioned and in accordance with the terms of engagement for the commission.

http://www.otiumplanning.com.au/



CONTENTS 1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 5

1.1 Project Background .................................................................................................................................... 5

1.2 Study Scope and Aim .................................................................................................................................. 5

1.3 Previous Planning ....................................................................................................................................... 6

2. Community Engagement .................................................................................................................................... 11

2.1 Key Stakeholder Engagement ................................................................................................................... 11

2.2 Internal Workshop .................................................................................................................................... 14

2.3 Holloways Beach Market Stall .................................................................................................................. 14

2.3.1 Usage of the foreshore ........................................................................................................................ 14

2.3.2 Positive Features of the Foreshore ...................................................................................................... 15

2.3.3 Main concerns/ issues ........................................................................................................................... 15

2.3.4 Essential Improvements ....................................................................................................................... 16

2.4 ‘Have Your Say’ Council Survey ................................................................................................................ 16

2.4.1 Positive Features................................................................................................................................... 16

2.4.2 Concerns with Current Foreshore ........................................................................................................ 17

2.4.3 Essential Improvements ....................................................................................................................... 17

2.4.4 Additional Comments ........................................................................................................................... 18

2.5 Email Submission ....................................................................................................................................... 18

2.6 Consultation Summary ............................................................................................................................. 18

3. Design Considerations ........................................................................................................................................ 20

3.1 Opportunities and Constraints ................................................................................................................. 20

3.2 Site Appreciation ....................................................................................................................................... 21

3.3 Beach Erosion and Sand Replenishment ................................................................................................. 24

4. Master Plan Rationale ........................................................................................................................................ 26

5. Key Recommendations ...................................................................................................................................... 28

6. Staging Plan and Costs ....................................................................................................................................... 32

7. DRAFT Master Plan ............................................................................................................................................. 34

List of Tables

Table 1: Literature Review Analysis .............................................................................................................................. 7

Table 2: Key Stakeholder Engagement Issues and Improvements ........................................................................... 11

Table 3: Design Rationale ........................................................................................................................................... 26

Table 4 Proposed Improvements ............................................................................................................................. 28



Table 5 Staging Plan................................................................................................................................................... 32



1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Background

Cairns Regional Council has a history of developing plans and policy for improving the foreshore areas

along the northern beaches of Cairns. The Holloways Beach Foreshore was initially included in the

Marlin Coast Landscape Master Plan (1999) for a range of upgrades. Over the last few years Cairns

Regional Council has been master planning and upgrading many of the Northern Beaches. Holloways

Beach is one of the remaining foreshore parklands that is still to go through this process.

The foreshore at Holloways Beach is the main destination park for the Holloways Beach community. It

is also a regional destination attracting residents from surrounding suburbs and visitors to Cairns.

Current improvements include a stinger net, BBQ and picnic facilities, shelters, play spaces and a

designated dog off leash area along the northern end of the beach.

The site is known as the “Holloways Beach Esplanade Reserve”. Council identified the need to

undertake an improvement plan for the reserve to guide future improvements and to identify critical

actions to protect the amenity and functionality of the area. Issues identified by Council included picnic

facilities, paths, landscaping, car parking, drainage and erosion prone areas.

Council engaged Otium Planning Group and Landplan Landscape Architects to work with them on

developing the improvement plan.

1.2 Study Scope and Aim

The overall aim of the project is to:

“Provide for new and upgraded park improvements, access, parking, signage, landscaping and rehabilitation of land.”

The original project scope envisaged that the following would be considered in the plan.:

Park improvements (bins, bubblers, shelters, signage, play areas, BBQ’s, etc.)

Recreational use

Parking, vehicle, bike and pedestrian access

Landscaping

Beach and park foreshore erosion

CPTED



1.3 Previous Planning

An important part of the project is understanding previous attempts to master plan the project area,

and review other documents relevant to the project. This section of the report details the themes

present in the following documents:

Marlin Coast Landscape Master Plan Parts A and B, Cairns Regional Council, 1999

Public Open Space Policy, Cairns Regional Council, 2013

Northern Beaches Leisure Trail, Cairns Regional Council, 2016

Public Consultation Results, Cairns Regional Council, 2015



Table 1: Literature Review Analysis

Themes Document Name

The Marlin Coast Landscape Master Plan was adopted by Cairns City Council as a general

policy and was to provide Council with strategic and design direction for the esplanade

and foreshore areas of the City’s northern beaches.

The purpose of the document was to:

Promote the retention and establishment of appropriate vegetation as the preferred

form of dune/ beach ridge stabilisation;

Preserve the function and sustainability of natural dunal systems;

Provide community guidance on sustainable land use along the esplanade and

foreshore areas; and

Project a positive city image.

In reference to Holloways beach, the Master Plan’s vision was to provide both local and

city wide residents a range of moderately intensive recreational opportunities within a

relaxed family-oriented atmosphere.

The master plan attempted to achieve this by:

Adoption of a community character in the development of recreational facilities;

Rationalisation of parking, pedestrian movements, and facilities in the vicinity of the

existing café and restaurant to reinforce this as a small visitor orientated node;

Maximise parking to the north of this node;

Increased picnic/ BBQ sites within the beachfront parkland with some sites designed

to cater for larger family or extended family groupings, removed as far as possible

from residential areas;

Maintain dune rehabilitation works;

Upgrade the existing boat launching facility; and

Provide pedestrian and cycle linkages to Machans Beach.

The Master Plan also sets out a range of themes that are to create the basis of

redevelopment and refined through community consultation, these include:

Natural theme – to reflect and harmonise with the natural elements of the landscape

in a visually sensitive and environmentally responsive manner.

Community theme – to develop images and characters that complement the

residential communities that are associated with the beach environment.

Tourism theme – to highlight, promote and reflect the attractions of the Marlin Coast

Marlin Coast

Landscape Master

Plan: Part A document

– Report, Cairns

Regional Council,

1999




The architectural drawings of the master plan for Holloways Beach included a number of

key aspects. These included:

3 BBQ/ Picnic nodes in the northern section of the foreshore area

Opening Casuarina Street’s northern end (currently a cul-de-sac)

Converting Casuarina Street to a one-way street

Timber boardwalk outside current location of café.

Relocation of playground equipment and additional play equipment

Possibility of fire pits in place of BBQ nodes in the Northern section

Lighting along the foreshore, at minimum security lighting within BBQ huts

Rationalising entry points at Casuarina Street for both cars and pedestrians

Marlin Coast

Landscape Master

Plan: Part B document

– Plans, Cairns

Regional Council,

1999

The intent of the policy is to establish a document that articulates Council’s overarching

position, vision and objectives for the provision of, and improvements to Public Open

Space.

The Policy objectives are to

Ensure there is sufficient supply of functional and accessible open space to meet the

sport and recreation needs of current and future communities;

Establish a network of public open space that is efficient to manage and maintain;

Ensure effective utilisation of existing open space resources enabling a range of uses

and maintaining equity of access;

Ensure that an appropriate level of development and protection of natural areas and

landscapes are achieved;

Enable multiple use of open space where appropriate;

Set minimum embellishment standards within public parks to ensure that the passive

and active recreation needs of the community are met; and

Allow for the rationalisation and consolidation of open space where appropriate.

The overall public open space network is comprised of a number of elements:

Protection and enhancement of waterways, which assists in managing the city’s

stormwater and provides local habitats and linkages between natural areas.

Provision of a network of linear open space that protects waterways and provides

active transport linkages for local neighbourhoods.

Provision of public parks and sporting fields that support active recreation and lead

to healthier more socially integrated community.

Protection and enhancement of natural areas and local sense of character within the

city’s suburbs.

Public Open Space

Policy, Cairns Regional

Council, 2013

Cairns Regional Council has completed studies on the potential routes for the Northern

Beaches Leisure Trial. The below images show the potential routes identified by Council

for Holloways Beach.

Northern Beaches

Leisure Trail, Cairns

Regional Council,

2016




In June of 2015 Council was interested in residents of Holloways Beach views on the

notion to re-connect Casuarina St to the South of Luke St, to enable two-way traffic. In

total 241 letters were sent to residents, of which 35 responses were received. Of these, 27

objected to the reconnection in the two-way format.

Many of the concerns to the proposed layout were based on safety. Whether that was

from increased traffic volumes or increase speed along the streets adjacent to the

foreshore. It was also considered to be currently work well as a one-way street and there

was no need to alter the design. A number of respondents also were concerned that any

alteration would remove a large eucalypt tree, currently in the centre of the cul-de-sac

and that there were more immediate concerns that Council needed to address in the

area, such as illegal camping and unsociable behaviour at night.

Overall there was a 14.5% return rate for responses, however the majority of respondents

(77%) were opposed to re-connecting Casuarina St to the South of Luke St for two-way

access along the length of the foreshore.

Public Consultation

Results, Cairns

Regional Council,

2015



2. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

As part of the project methodology, a community engagement program sought both stakeholder and

general community input. Activities included stakeholder meetings, online survey, call for submissions,

community based consultation stalls (including the monthly markets) and workshops with internal

(council) stakeholders.

2.1 Key Stakeholder Engagement

The key stakeholders included:

Holloway’s Beach Markets Operators

Traditional Owners

Holloways Beach Community Garden Group

Surf Life Saving North Queensland

Cairns Regional Council departments

These parties were asked to identify issues affecting the foreshore area and provide any ideas that

could be used to address these issues or further improve the foreshore:

Table 2: Key Stakeholder Engagement Issues and Improvements

Stakeholder Group Issues within the Foreshore Potential Improvements

Holloway’s Beach

Markets Operators

Currently the slope of the foreshore

is an issue for stall holders. Empty

spots reduce the appeal of the

markets. This is mostly a problem at

the southern section of the

foreshore.

There is a $90 charge to supply

power to the markets, with limited

available power points

Distance between bollards and the

roads edge. This reduces the

amount of space available.

The location of taps and bins are in

the way of stall holders, especially

in the southern section.

Access to the park is denied for

‘food vans’. They are restricted to

the roads edge.

There is a bottle neck at the Cul-

de-sac, with drainage issues.

Council trucks drive through the

area during the markets to collect

bins

A pathway between the toilet

blocks and the Northern

most BBQ

Reduce cul-de-sac turning

circle to increase accessibility

and food van access

Levelling of the foreshore

area to stabilise for stall

holders

Possibility to align the

markets to one side of the

foreshore to allow for a

larger footpath in the

southern section of the

foreshore

Improve drainage

surrounding the toilets and

the foreshore in general.




Traditional Owners There are no current issues over the

project area

Recognition of the Traditional

owners along the beach through

interpretive signs

Linking interpretive signs between

all the beaches

Investigate the traditional name of

Holloway’s Beach

Holloways Beach

Community Garden

Group

There is a lack of covered tables at

the northern end of the beach

Wire from the fencing along the

foreshore is broken and dangerous

There were ’prettier’ bins along the

foreshore, however these were

removed for no apparent reason

Lack of the history of Holloways

Beach along the foreshore.

The tables at the BBQ’s are too

short for larger families

Poor drainage from the new

shower. It is causing the

surrounding area to become ‘slosh’

Parking can be dangerous during

the markets

A new toilet block at the northern

end of the beach

There is a lack of bins along the

foreshore

Installation artwork on the beach

Dog park at the northern end of

the foreshore (fenced area)

Surf Life Saving North

QLD

Access to the Hut is against the

flow of the area.

Lack of disability access to the

beach

The Hut is currently unshaded

The Hut could be relocated to the

concrete slab if sight lines allow it

Moving a tap to supply a shower

to the Hut would be desirable.

There is currently an inaccessible

tap located nearby. Relocating this

to the hut would remove the

requirement to add an additional

tap.

Increasing the size of the deck and

supplying more shade




Cairns Regional

Council Maintenance

Depot

High tide concerns

Beach erosion concerns

Fore dune stabilisation

Water access in dog-off-leash areas

Replacing timber edging on

playground

Drainage issues at toilet block

No disability access

Protection of tree base

Singapore daisy issue

Residents clearing trees and

vegetation illegally

Number of bins and tables north of

the cul-de-sac

Ensuring there is ample space for

work crews. Machines require a 5

m gap between structures and

vegetation.

Increase the amount of garden

areas in the southern section

Replace timber edging and

bollards with RePlas

Resolve drainage problems at the

toilet block and the service entry

gate

Enhance landscape features and

increase vegetation that supports

foreshore stability.

Council Sport and

Recreation

Department

Provide alternative solutions to on-

road cycling.

The cycle path needs to be along

the esplanade

Car parking at capacity during peak

times – potential dangers to non-

drivers

Access point to the southern

section of the Foreshore

Markets are a funding group in the

community – must ensure there is

no loss of appeal/ business

Issues with current profile of the

Foreshore

Pathway for cycle trail must be 3 m

minimum width

Multi-use path – not just for

cycling

Improving access and use at the

cul-de-sac section of the Foreshore

Location and set up of the markets

Fitness hub(s)/node(s) along the

Foreshore

Focusing entry to the beach to

desired locations

Creating a one-way road along the

southern section of Casuarina

Street, linking both streets along

the Foreshore

Flexible entertainment space to

replace the rotunda

Elected Representative Exit point at the Southern End is

dangerous to both vehicles and

pedestrians.

Parking within the cul-de-sac

during the markets

Some visitors park overnight before

the markets

Any entertainment space needs to

have suitable view lines

General improvements to the

Foreshore

Opening Casuarina Street,

preferably as a one-way street

Replacing/ removing the timber

fencing along the Foreshore

Disability access to the Foreshore

Toilet block at the northern end

Fitness equipment along the

Project area



2.2 Internal Workshop

As part of the consultation process the various departments within Council were asked to note any

issues that are present within the project area and any improvement that were necessary to the

foreshore. The list below represents the key points raised during the workshop:

Erosion and interface between the beach and the foreshore needs to be planned for the long-

term viability of the beach.

o There is currently a large change in level between the Foreshore and the beach at the

southern section of the beach.

o Possible erosion protection through ‘hard engineering’

Maintaining maximum beach use and maximise erosion protection

Incorporating the Northern Beach Leisure Trail within the Foreshore

Ensuring any improvements are ‘low maintenance’

Creating a vegetation barrier to replace the existing wooden fence barrier

Use of picnic huts during the night is a concern for local residents

Replacing bollards with standard RePlas bollards

Introducing new turf species to the area (slow growing varieties)

Rationalising the number of bins, tables, benches and taps along the foreshore

o Issue of users damaging taps with food scraps

Creating better links to ‘points of interest’ for disability access

Linking the pathways with interpretive signs

Possibility of opening cul-de-sac and creating a one-way street

o At minimum create a path through vehicle barrier for cyclists

2.3 Holloways Beach Market Stall

On the 10th of July, Otium Planning Group set up a stall within the Holloways Beach Markets to give

users of the markets and the general community an opportunity to voice their concerns and ideas for

the project area. The stall was open from 7:30am to 1:00pm and offered market goers the opportunity

to complete a survey. The breakdown of those results are in the section below.

2.3.1 Usage of the foreshore

13 of the 20 respondents that completed onsite surveys stated that they use the foreshore area more

than once a week. Those respondents were all residents of Holloways Beach, indicating that the use of

the beach is predominately by local residents. Only four respondents from the market survey resided

outside of Holloways Beach.



2.3.2 Positive Features of the Foreshore

The positive features of the foreshore that were identified by market goers included:

The natural intrinsic value of the foreshore

The installations along the foreshore (Playground, toilets, BBQ, seating)

The quiet, family nature of the foreshore parkland

That the foreshore is a dog friendly area

Below is a cross section of comments made on the positive features of the foreshore.

“It's quiet. Predominately used by families, people walking their dogs.” (25-35, Holloways Beach)

“Beautiful outlook, shade, grass area.” (35-45, Holloways Beach)

“Mainly locals, not Tourists. Dog walking areas” (25-35, Holloways Beach)

“Shade, BBQ’s, Its underdeveloped, dog free, bins.” (Under 15, Holloways Beach)

2.3.3 Main concerns/ issues

Market goers were asked to comment on the concerns that they had with the foreshore. Of those who

engaged with the stall but did not fill out a survey, their comments focused on similar issues raised by

those who completed the survey.

There were three areas of concern with the foreshore, including:

Unsociable behaviour

Erosion

Drainage

There was also concern that the improvement plan would allow for over development of the foreshore,

(which was a majority of concerns identified in surveys). A cross section of comments is stated below:

“That development will take away what’s here.” (25-35, Holloways Beach)

“It will become over developed and inaccessible.” (25-35, Holloways Beach)

“I don’t want any more development, its lovely just the way it is.” (55-65, Palm Cove)

“Noise and unsociable behaviour at BBQ huts after hours on corner of Luke and Casuarina Streets.” (Female, 55-65, Holloways Beach)



“Erosion, loose dogs in areas where they are meant to be tied up, Drainage around the toilets and 1st BBQ area.” (Female, 35-45,

Holloways Beach)

2.3.4 Essential Improvements

There was a wide variety of suggested improvements to the foreshore that were identified through the

Market Survey. These included reducing the amount of dredging that is occurring in the surrounding

area, to groins or rock walls to reduce beach erosion, to general improvements along the foreshore,

including footpaths, table, taps and bins. Below is a cross section of the comments on essential

improvements along the foreshore:

“Sand replenishment at Thomatis Creek end of Beach. It seems all attention spent at Hibiscus Lane end of Beach.” (Female, 55-35,

Holloways Beach)1

“Maintain and improve vegetation.” (55-65)

“Better landscaping, footpath all the way along.” (Male, 25-35, Holloways Beach)

“Improve the drainage near toilets and possibly create wheelchair accessible path.” (55-65, Palm Cove)

2.4 ‘Have Your Say’ Council Survey

The ‘Have Your Say’ survey was posted on the Council website, with core-flute sign and community

poster posted around the Holloways Beach area directing residents to participate in the survey. This

was the same survey that was offered to that which was offered at the Holloways Beach Markets. The

online survey ran for a total of three (3) weeks from 27th June 2016 to 15th July 2016.

During this period there were 13 responses received. All but one respondent was from Holloways

Beach, with multiple respondents from the residential area adjacent to the Foreshore project area. The

survey asked respondents to state the positive and negative features of the foreshore area and any

essential improvements to the project area.

2.4.1 Positive Features

There were two reoccurring aspects that the respondents stated as positive features of the project

area. These were the dog friendly nature of the park and the ‘natural feel’ (grassed play areas and

trees). The following are direct comments from the surveys representing these themes.

1 Sand replenishment has actually occurred all along the beach. This is discussed in Section 3.3



“Grassed areas, free BBQs and picnic tables, dog exercise area, markets” (Male, 35-44, Holloways Beach)

“It is not touristy, dog friendly beach, close to city. It has beautiful palm trees and other plants. It has public toilet and other facilities.”

(Female 45-54, Holloways Beach)

“It’s not over developed & the trees providing a nice shady area off the sand.” (Female, 25-34, Holloways Beach)

2.4.2 Concerns with Current Foreshore

The concerns with the foreshore that were identified through the survey were the environmental issues

surrounding beach erosion, the lack of amenities along the length of the foreshore and drainage

surrounding the current toilet block. The following comments represent these themes.

“Erosion particularly after heavy rain. Runoff from the road causes deep ruts near the 1st. Barbeque area. Also surface moisture near the shower area caused by the fact that there appears to be no drainage

for the shower, irrigation and heavy rain.” (Male, 65+, Holloways Beach)

“The poor drainage/waste water management from the new shower. The fact there is no other toilet block but the cost of the new one

seems too excessive to ask for another.” (Female, 25-34, Holloways Beach)

“Lighting issues at night, lack of amenities (walking paths, BBQ areas, toilets and private enterprise i.e. restaurants).” (Bayview)

2.4.3 Essential Improvements

There was a wide range of improvements suggested ranging from increased maintenance of the site to

‘hard’ engineering and structural improvement along the water. A common item that was suggested

was the introduction of a footpath/ walking path along the length of the foreshore, with possible

lighting along the path for security and safety reasons. There were also calls for an increased number

of covered table and benches.

The comments below represent the suggested essential improvements from the online survey.

“An all-weather walking path along the foreshore/park at least from the children’s playground to Pointsettia St. The children’s

playground could be expanded to include more than 2 swings and a small slippery slide.” (Male, 65+, Holloways Beach)

“Concrete footpath from the lifesaver hut north to HB Environmental Centre. This will allow people to walk the foreshore in any weather.



Bigger playground. Some workout equipment.” (Male, 35-44, Holloways Beach)

“More BBQs and picnic tables, a small stage or soundshell for performances (like Sugarworld), exercise circuit equipment like on

the Esplanade.” (Male, 35-44, Holloways Beach)

2.4.4 Additional Comments

There was an opportunity for respondents to add any additional comments on the foreshore or the

project itself. These comments were mainly used by respondents to either reiterate comments that

were made in previous sections of the survey or statements with personal angle related to their

individual experience with the foreshore area.

2.5 Email Submission

There were two emails submission from local residents who had concerns with multiple aspects of the

foreshore area and the potential improvements that were necessary. The submission focused on

increasing the consultation period to an open-end to allow for all residents of the surrounding areas to

be involved with the project. From an improvement perspective, the submission suggested a new toilet

block at the Northern end of the foreshore, more covered tables, benches and barbeques and

improving the drainage of the foreshore in general.

The second submission made three recommendations. The first was more tables and benches at the

northern end of Holloways Beach. They also suggested a new toilet block at the northern section of

the foreshore. The final recommendation was to alter the landscaping plan to influence and reduce the

ability of residents to remove vegetation on the foreshore to increase the view from their house.

2.6 Consultation Summary

There were a number of key themes that emerged from the consultation period. Below is a summary

of each key theme, which include:

Design aspects

Accessibility and pedestrian movements

Improved maintenance program

Vehicle movements

DESIGN ASPECTS

The consultation program identified a number of design aspects/ features that are common across the

majority of stakeholder groups. These include:

Exercise nodes along the foreshore (preferably in the northern section)

Increasing the number of tables/ shelters



Footpath linking features of the foreshore

Increasing use within the northern section

BBQ facility at the northern end of the foreshore

ACCESSIBILITY AND PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENTS

All stakeholders identified the need for a footpath to service both active recreation needs and the

need to connect various features of the foreshore. The path was also identified as an important

improvement for the Markets to assist with stall placement and wet weather use. Council would like to

see the path become part of the Northern Beaches Leisure Trial and be suitable for active recreation

opportunities.

IMPROVED MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

The consultation program identified that maintenance across the foreshore could be improved. The

following themes emerged to improve overall maintenance of the foreshore:

Rationalising the number of bins along the foreshore

Removal of revegetation fencing

Change the timing of rubbish collection (currently clashes with the Markets)

Using resilient species of flora

VEHICLE MOVEMENTS

Vehicle movements along the foreshore were also noted as a potential improvement for Holloways

Beach. The following aspects were suggested:

Convert Casuarina St (southern section) to a one way north bound road.

Formalise parking in the northern section



3. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

3.1 Opportunities and Constraints

From the consultation, there were a number of constraints that arose. These include

Profile of the Foreshore (meaning the slope in some places prevents use or access and can

contribute to drainage issues)

The number and location of bins, table, benches and taps

The location and material of bollards

Movement opportunities around the cul-de-sac

Condition of the old revegetation fencing along the Foreshore

Drainage issues

Disability access along the Foreshore

Car parking during peak hours

Vehicle movement at the southern end of the Foreshore

Unsociable behaviour during the night

There also exist a number of opportunities that range from maintenance improvements (including

reducing maintenance time and upkeep), improving access and overall park usability. Below is a list of

potential opportunities that arose from the consultation:

Improving disability access to the site

A pathway along the length of the Foreshore

o Incorporating the Northern Leisure Trail into the Master Plan with a minimum width of 3

metres

o Possibility of the Northern Beach Leisure Trail to be the length of the Foreshore rather

than just the northern section

o Improving market operation by providing a footpath through the site and improved

planning of stall sites.

Using vegetation to stabilise the Foreshore dune. This would include not replacing the

existing timber and wire barrier that is currently on site. This barrier would be removed at the

end of its life and the vegetation would act to both stabilise that foreshore and act as a

barrier.

Fitness equipment to activate the northern section of the foreshore

Flexible entertainment space at the southern section of the Foreshore

Rationalising the number of bins along the foreshore to reduce maintenance

Landscape work to improve profile of the Foreshore

Changing the southern section of Casuarina Street to one-way street and open the cul-de-sac

to one-way traffic at the intersection of Luke Street and Casuarina Street.



BBQ and entertainment facilities at the northern end of the foreshore

Kick-about space

Lighting along the foreshore for both security and amenity purposes

3.2 Site Appreciation

A number of constraints are best described visually. This section gives a visual representation of some

constraints.

Figure 1: Erosion, and uneven sloping ground surrounding the bins reduces access to bins

There are numerous spots along the foreshore where overland flow has created drainage and atheistic

issues.



Figure 2: Slope and drainage concerns

Figure 3: Rotting in Timber bollards



Figure 4: Un-turfed areas along the foreshore

There are a number of areas along the foreshore where grass has either not grown due to

environmental reasons or over use.

Figure 5: Slope profile along the southern section of the foreshore



There is a substantial slope in the middle section of the foreshore. This causes stall placement issues

for the Markets as the slope is steep enough to prevent stalls from being placed in this section. The

road edge is approximately 1-1.5 m higher than the flat area of the foreshore.

Figure 6: Former road at cul-de-sac

There is an old road underneath grass at the end of the cul-de-sac.

3.3 Beach Erosion and Sand Replenishment

Holloways has had major issues with erosion and loss of foreshore areas in the past. Several structural

and replenishment efforts have been undertaken with rock walls to the south of the main beach area

and the use of geofabric groynes near the swimming area.

In 2008 the worst beach erosion was much further north in front of the park (right back into the

grassed area, 2 m out from the first barbeque). CRC placed over 35,000 m3 of sand dredged from

Richters Ck, half of which went in north of Oleander St. In 2009 further nourishment was undertaken

(18,000 m3) with sand trucked down the beach from the dredge at Richters Creek. Some of that sand

went on the beach north of Oleander St. There has been sand replenishment as far up as the

Environmental Centre.

The erosion at Holloways has moved around and the attention has been focused on the worst affected

areas at the time. Council has usually addressed this by sand nourishment with some attention around

the stinger net area almost every year.



It is noted that for the last 3 years, apart from local erosion in the area of the stinger net, the beach has

held its profile fairly well, a big improvement on 2008 and 2009. Using groynes has always been an

option and a geofabric groyne trial (sand tubes) was done years ago at the southern end of the park.

However, further pursuit of geofabric or other groyne style systems is constrained by approvals

required from EPA/EHP who appear to be very reluctant to consider these solutions. This has made it

problematic for Council to progress any more stable and lasting solutions to sand loss and beach

erosion.



4. MASTER PLAN RATIONALE

There are a number of key elements that have influenced the design of the foreshore improvement

plan. The table below explains the rationale behind each design element.

Table 3: Design Rationale

Design Element Rationale

BBQ node at Northern

end of project area

It is important to activate the northern section of the foreshore. This can be achieved by

providing recreation opportunities at the northern most section of the study area. A

BBQ/ picnic shelter would provide the local community another location to gather and

would active the space. If complemented with other elements it would add significant

recreation value for residents.

Pathway The path is integral to the foreshore improvement to allow access at all times to all users

and to add an active recreation feature. The path in the northern section would need to

be a minimum width of 3 metres. This would allow for the path to serve as part to the

Northern Beach Leisure Trail (Multi-use). The path should be aligned to ensure the

amount of unencumbered play space is maximised.

In the southern section the path would, at minimum, need to cater for foot traffic

between the existing north most BBQ and the toilet block. The Northern Beach Leisure

Trail could also continue adjacent to the foreshore beside the road.

In a wider context bikeway and pathway planning needs to ensure linkage as part of the

Northern Beaches Leisure Trail south to Machans Beach.

Exercise equipment Exercise equipment along the proposed path would also activate the northern section of

the foreshore. This would also spread the use of the foreshore across the whole length of

the project area. This would also diversify the type of users that would be attracted to

the foreshore.

Formalise entry points

to beach

Design of formal entry points to the beach should seek to identify and stabilise a number

of points which will then allow for remaining areas to be revegetated and enhanced to

protect foreshore and stabilise the beach front. This can be achieved through use of a

formal elements such as the Replas Stabilised Beach Access system.

Improve drainage

adjacent to toilet block

Water currently does not drain from the area adjacent to the toilet block. This location is

in a high traffic area, is a service entry, and links a number of key features in the southern

section of the project area. Improving the drainage in this area would increase the

amount of use possible during wetter periods and ensuring that pedestrian links

between features are always available. This area is also a maintenance access point. To

improve this area reinforced turf cells could be used.

Security Lighting Through community consultation the need for security lighting was identified. The use of

increased security lighting within the BBQ huts could decrease the unsociable behaviour

that has been identified by local residents.

Change of grass

species

There are sections of the foreshore where, due to a number of factors, the grass is dying.

To improve the issue a change of grass species which requires less direct sunlight or

water.



Design Element Rationale

Flexible entertainment

space

There is an opportunity to create a flexible entertainment/ recreation area behind the

Surf Life Savers (SLS) hut. This area would provide the Holloways Beach community with

a new community asset to use for community productions and provide a more refined

feeling to the foreshore.

Improving the quality

of the rotunda area

The removal of the rotunda opens the foreshore to a number of possibilities. The

rotunda will be replaced with a structure or improvements to ensure that there is an

overall improvement to the site. The removal of the rotunda will also allow for a

‘smoothing’ of the elevation between the SLS hut and the toilet block.

Interpretive deck and

seating edge

The current area from the rotunda to south of the BBQ hut currently suffers from

ongoing foreshore erosion. One potential solution it to provide a footpath and edge

seating in this area. This would create a meeting point within the foreshore, limit

foreshore erosion and improve the overall image of the foreshore.

Improving disability

access

There are currently a number of disability accessible features within the Foreshore,

including bubblers and tables. However, there is a lack of disability access to these

locations. Improving disability access to the foreshore across the entire site will provide

more opportunities to a wider range of the community.

One-way Casuarina

Street (Southern

Section)

Currently a two-way cul-de-sac, Casuarina Street could be opened at the intersection of

Luke Street and Casuarina Street. The opening and reducing traffic to single direction-

north bound would allow an increase in the amount of space available in the Southern

section, by reclaiming part of the road. The additional space could be used to ensure the

Northern Beach Leisure Trail was of sufficient width within this area, while not losing

space for the existing use of the Holloways Beach Markets. There would be minimal, if

any, parking loss in this section with the parking remaining as parallel or converted to

angle along one edge.

Improving Markets

Capacity

The pathway and widening of the park area in the southern section will improve options

for stalls and flow of visitors. The reconfiguration of the road will help with traffic flow

conflicts as well. The temporary closure of the roadside bikeway portion during market

days to allow for stalls etc. could be considered as an additional strategy- this could be

achieved with signage and the bike traffic requested to walk through on the path or use

the road.

Replas “Assisted Beach Access”- modular system



5. KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

The following recommendations are made for the Holloways Beach Foreshore area. These

recommendations are:

1. Upgrade the southern area (grassed lawn in front of toilets) as a major focal point for the

community enhance ability to host community events and support the markets.

2. Establish new picnic node at northern end and enhance area for use.

3. Add path network the entire length to improve accessibility and enhance Markets.

4. Install outdoor exercise equipment at a few locations.

5. Improve Playground and upgrade diversity of opportunities.

6. Redevelop the old rotunda and area behind the lifeguard hut to support small community

events/ gatherings and add additional shaded seating.

Table 4 Proposed Improvements

Feature Comments Priority (Short,

Medium and

Long Term)

Formalised Beach

Entries

Stabilise main southern entry point with

Chain and Plank or Replas Assisted Beach

Access Modular system or similar

treatment.

Other entries along the foreshore area

formalised but not stabilised unless it

becomes necessary.

Formal entry points should include post

and top rail or similar to guide users, and

signage.

Allows for revegetation of the foreshore

elsewhere and for vegetation to act as

deterrent to creating informal access

points.

Short

Improve drainage

and service access

Fix levels and drainage at main service

access near toilet.

Fix drainage at shower.

Fix road drainage onto site

Reinforce the grass area with subsoil cells

to prevent erosion.

Short




Medium and

Long Term)

Conversion of

southern section

Casuarina St to one-

way

Open cul-de-sac at Luke St and Casuarina

St and ensure turn angles sufficient for

trucks but tight enough to discourage

“hooning”.

Move parking to western side and angle

only

Allows some movement of foreshore

boundary and increase of space for

foreshore parkland

develop bikeway as on road corridor.

Short

Provide Shared Path

(cycle and

pedestrian) through

foreshore parkland

Minimum 3 m width and constructed in

concrete.

Path in southern section could be

reduced to 2 m as a bikeway is also

provided adjacent to Road.

Shared path designed for recreation use

and to connect the foreshore parkland.

Will also improve provision for markets.

Path to link various features (such as

picnic shelters) along the foreshore and

provide better accessibility to the

foreshore opportunities.

Short-Medium

Increase/ Enhance

Open Lawn Areas

Provide informal picnic and recreation

areas in the high use section (southern

section) of the foreshore.

Consider turf species selection in areas

where storm surge inundates regularly

and chose salt tolerant paspalums or

similar.

Path and seating wall used to ensure that

the lawn area is protected from erosion.

Viewing deck provides feature point of

the foreshore.

Increased space in northern section and

better levelling elsewhere.

Short-Medium




Medium and

Long Term)

Northern Beaches

Leisure Trail

Linking south to Machans and north to

Yorkey’s. Long term plan with staged

implementation.

Holloways Beach section to run along

Hibiscus Lane then link to Oleander

Streets (on road). After the start of

Casuarina St, path to join the 3 m path in

the foreshore reserve.

Dedicated corridor on the southern

Casuarina St section. Needs to allow for

linkage to the south (Hibiscus Lane).

Design to be advised by CRC.

Medium- ongoing

New BBQ and shelter

in Northern Section

Activates the northern section of the

foreshore.

Frequent request from residents

Medium

Exercise Nodes Provision of outdoor exercise equipment

to provide “nodes” along the pathway.

Increase use of the northern section and

to provide further opportunities along

the foreshore.

3 nodes planned: northern section;

midway; and, southern section.

Medium

General Landscape

Enhancements

Reprofile grassed areas in northern

sections to reduce water retention and

improve useable space

Relocate irrigation lines and heads as

needed.

Stabilise edges of garden beds and

equipment slabs.

Retain and create new garden beds

against slopes where needed.

Medium

Shelter and event

space and

community hub

Focal point for southern foreshore.

Event space and adjacent seating and

shaded elements to create a focus for

community life and location for small

community events.

Medium-Long




Medium and

Long Term)

Upgrade play space Mix of elements for very young and

young children.

Design for accessible play, access into

playground and to elements.

Improve shade and diversity of elements

Connects with event space and informal

grass lawn. Linked via path network to

other elements.

Long



6. STAGING PLAN AND COSTS

The following staging plan is recommended for implementation of the concept plan. Costings

are broad estimates only. – Please refer to the Staging Plan outlines on the concept plans.

Table 5 Staging Plan

Stage Details Cost estimate

ONE

Roadworks Reconfigure southern section of Casuarina St to 1-way and

open cul-de-sac at intersection of Luke St and Casuarina St.

Stop sign at Casuarina St intersection.

Add “on road” bike lane to the eastern side of road.

Add angle parking on western side.

$200,000

Path works and park

enhancements to

middle stretch

New path for length of reserve (3 m wide)

Alignment to ensure space for stalls adjacent to path on 1

side.

Install new bench seats.

Relocate Bins to central points (reduce overall number) and

to be adjacent to road.

Number of taps to be reduced and located in conjunction

with shelters/ BBQs/ exercise nodes only

Second exercise node/ outdoor gym equipment

Seal parking areas (currently gravel)

$311,300

TWO

Southern Area –

Main

New beach wall and grassed area

Drainage and stabilisation works

Service access stabilised

Path works for southern section of Casuarina St stretch

(ensure stall space provide along 1 side

Install new bench seats

Levelling and reprofiling to enhance spaces for market stalls

$129,255

Beach Entries and

foreshore

revegetation and

planting

Formalise entry points with post and rail on either side

Stabilise the southern entry with formal surface treatment

(board and chain or Replas)

Enhancement planting along foreshore to fill gaps and

further reinforce formal access points.

$89,500

THREE



Stage Details Cost estimate

Southern Area –

Second Phase

Redevelop rotunda and replace with new meeting and

community use space

Provide service/ vehicle access to beach for lifeguards and

CRC operations

New edge seating along garden beds

Upgrade Playground

Resurface concrete areas and build low deck style platform

through shaded area on top of old concrete. Replas planking

or deck modules to be used.

$308,750

FOUR

Reconfigure/

upgrade picnic area

adjacent to the cul-

de-sac.

New path alignment

Install exercise node

Linkage of path to Bikeway

signage

$45,000

Northern Picnic area New picnic shelter and BBQ

Signage at head of coastal path

Outdoor gym/ exercise node

Large grassed area for informal play and activity

Seal parking bays

Formalise main beach access

New Picnic tables as shown

$144,750

TOTAL $1,228,525



7. DRAFT MASTER PLAN

The master plan drawings are contained within this section of the report.



STAGING

PLAN

1

2 3 2

4 1

4 1

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