Proposal to landscape Hardys Bay foreshore

A proposal to reinvigorate the foreshore of Hardys Bay has been developed by local residents and community-minded landscape architects.

Local community groups have supported the project, including Wagstaffe-Killcare Community Association, Killcare Wagstaffe Trust, and the Hardys Bay Residents Group.

"The concept design brings into focus the bayside setting through themes of identity and connection," said Community Association president Ms Peta Colebatch.

"Celebrating the region's beach and bay culture, the foreshore and the Yum Yum trees, this special place has the potential to become a vibrant node within the region providing new pathways, foreshore access and planted with new vegetation," Ms Colebatch said.

"The site beneath the Yum Yum trees beside the public wharf is highly valued by the community as a gathering place and the design proposes to renew this area with paving, furniture and pathway connections to both the foreshore and the bus stop," she said.

Connecting Wagstaffe to Hardy's Bay along a continuous foreshore walk through "simple clarity of space and accessibility" was an "essential component of the concept".

"Access to Brisbane Water is provided at multiple points along the bay with the design drawing on the robust coastal vernacular of the region with local sandstone, timber detailing and indigenous species.

"The site is envisioned with shared pathways, green open space, indigenous trees and shrub plantings and the restoration of mangrove habitat.

"Sandstone steps provide people with access to the water, opportunities for play and invites local ecologies to take up residence amongst the thoughtfully placed blocks.

"Indigenous trees are proposed to be situated throughout the area with careful consideration of the views from the properties that overlook the bay, providing amenity for the fore-shore users and habitat for local wildlife.

"The renewal of this site will provide the community with an open and inviting foreshore place that can be used for gathering and events, celebrating this place as the setting of some of our fondest memories," she said.

Detailed plans can be viewed and commented at website: sites.google.com/view/hardysbayforeshore.

The cut-off date for comment is August 15.

Plans will be refined in the light of input received.

SOURCE:

Newsletter, 6 Jun 2017

Peta Colebatch, WTKCA