Saltwater Park upgrade
About the park
Saltwater Park is a 9.8 hectare park adjacent to Saltwater Creek and Helensvale Road, Hope Island.
The park consists of:
- an off-leash dog area with mown lawn
- pedestrian pathway
- informal parking area
- two tidally-influenced lakes with sea grass and fish nursery areas and juvenile mangroves establishing on the banks
- open grass/marsh land with remnant eucalypts, slash pines, rushes, grassland and weed species
- saltwater couch areas in varying condition
About the project
Gold Coast City Council is planning to improve the community and environmental values of the park. In the short term, this includes formalising the existing off-leash dog area, the installation of dog agility equipment, and fencing in the eastern section of the park. In the longer term, a range of improvements are planned for the western section of the park, including wetland areas with a bird hide, board walks, fishing platforms and general revegetation.
What’s happened so far?
One of the first improvements was a pathway through the park, which delivers the added benefits of better pedestrian connection with Oyster Park and Halcyon Waters.
Preliminary concepts for the next stage of work are now being developed.
We have started design work for the next phase of the upgrade and recently engaged environmental and geotechnical experts to assist with planning the remainder of the project.
Geotechnical studies to determine soil quality and type will further clarify design constraints on the site.
Because Saltwater Park is a sensitive environmental location, relevant approvals must be obtained prior to progressing on-site works.
The environmental studies required for these approvals are almost complete. They encompass detailed surveys of vegetation, birdlife studies, and reports on fish trapping to determine the species in the existing water bodies.
These investigations will determine the true environmental issues and potential of this site, as well as provide detailed information on the bird and fish habitats that are most suitable for the site, and how best to preserve or encourage these in future stages of work. They will help to refine the detailed design for the next stage of works and also for planned future works.
The studies and approvals are expected to take about 12 months. Pending preliminary approvals, the next stage of work to be implemented will be the off-leash dog area and immediate surrounds.
Funding has been set aside in Council’s 10 year financial plan for implementation of the plan for Saltwater Park.
Want more information?
Contact Andrea Hamann, Project Manager phone (07) 5667 3668
