A ‘smart’ upgrade for popular foreshore park

One of Mooloolaba’s most-used parks has received a $2.5 million upgrade as part of Sunshine Coast Council’s program of works to improve infrastructure.

Already popular with locals and visitors, Charles Clarke Park is now even better.

Sunshine Coast Council Division 4 Councillor Joe Natoli said many in our community were familiar with the park’s stunning views of the marina at the Wharf Mooloolaba and the Mooloolah River.

“The park was supported by an ageing revetment wall which was starting to fail in some sections and no longer effective,” Cr Natoli said.

“We have reconstructed 184 metres of the existing wall at this busy area, using more than 3000 tonnes of local quarry rock.

“The renewed wall will protect the parkland and footpath from coastal hazards now and into the future, with a 50-year design life.

“It adheres to modern coastal engineering standards, designed for the specific coastal conditions at this location to keep our community safe, and protect the park and foreshore.

Making a great park even better

“It’s great news for all those who use the park and enjoy our beautiful coastline, as we have also rebuilt the coastal path in this area with improved and wider pathways.

“The new coastal path is 3.6m wide, making it even better for our community, with enough space for pedestrians and riders to pass each other comfortably.

“It is part of the 73km Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway that stretches from Bells Creek in the south to Coolum in the north.”

Council also installed an irrigation system that monitors the weather and adjusts water usage accordingly to optimise water delivery within the park.

There’s also a new LED lighting system that will be monitored and controlled remotely to enable more efficient maintenance.

“The new irrigation system will provide sustainable and efficient water management and care for our environment through water conservation,” Cr Natoli said.

“It enables us to remotely manage and optimise water consumption at this very popular park while responding to the ever changing environmental and weather conditions. 

“It supports up to 50 per cent in water savings as we provide high quality recreation and landscape solutions for our community.

“The new LED lighting system will be managed remotely to reduce brightness late at night which is better for dark sky and wildlife.

“LED lights are far more efficient than traditional lighting technology and are also about five times cheaper to run.

“New, smart switchboards now include an events section, where power can be accessed for use in events in the park, making it easier for public use.”

Charles Clarke Park also received a facelift, with 184m of long-lasting, polished stainless-steel handrails and balustrades to keep cyclists and pedestrians safe.

“The marine-grade polished stainless-steel is in keeping with the balustrade design in other locations along the Mooloolaba foreshore and the aesthetic of polished metal on the yachts and watercraft in the marina,” Cr Natoli said.

“With additional trees planted and with new park furniture, we’ve made the park even more beautiful for our community and visitors to enjoy.

“These upgrades at Charles Clarke Park are a great example of how we are working with our community to nurture and enhance our environment and quality of life.”

Sunshine Coast Council provided funding of $2 million and proudly partnered with the Australian Government, which contributed $500,000 through its Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program to reconstruct the revetment wall and upgrade the park.

Federal Member for Fisher and father of four, Andrew Wallace, hailed the upgrade as a big win for Mooloolaba families.

“Projects like this ensure that families can get outside and get active in a safe environment, and take advantage of all that Mooloolaba has to offer,” Mr Wallace said.

 “Whether it’s Mooloolaba, Maleny, Mount Mellum or Moffat Beach, locals know that there’s no better place to raise a family, start a business, retire in comfort, or give back to the community.”