Commercial Carpark,
Avalon Beach Boat Ramp
Coastal Infrastructure | City of Greater Geelong
Avalon Beach Boat Ramp was identified by Better Boating Victoria as priority in the Victorian Recreational Boating Action Plan 2022-23.
During peak periods, the current formal car park does not meet the growing demand for boat users and the overflow parking is exposed to inundation and sea level rise, whilst uncontrolled overflow parking can impact surrounding sensitive vegetation. To address these challenges, Better Boating Victoria and the City of Greater Geelong have initiated a collaborative upgrade project.
Challenges
The project research conducted by Toby Devlin, Coastal Engineer at Water Technology, encompasses that during peak periods, the current formal car park does not meet the growing demand for boat users and the overflow parking is exposed to inundation and sea level rise, whilst uncontrolled overflow parking can impact surrounding sensitive vegetation.
The work originally proposed to use gravel pavement only in this area, but Stormwater runoff was an important design factor and as this is a Ramsar protected area, with very sensitive nearby vegetation the gravel pavement was not an acceptable outcome.
Additionally, the low-lying area and loose coastal soils made conventional pavement technologies and drainage solutions difficult to achieve.
Our Approach
TRUEGRID Permeable Pavers were chosen by the design team at Water Technology to deliver a drive on surface that allowed water to infiltrate in as similar a way as the ‘natural’ site.
In conjunction with the contractor Pearson Plant, TRUEGRID has delivered Better Boating Victoria and the City of Greater Geelong, a cost effective, low maintenance, upgrade to the Avalon Beach Ramp overflow parking that protects the native vegetation and limits pollution runoff into the coastal environment.
Implementation
Concept plans for the Boat Ramp Upgrade were completed in November 2021 following extensive consultation with boat ramp users and the community. The upgrade would deliver designated parking to cope with the demand and protect the surrounding environment and native vegetation.
The project includes:
- Upgrades to the main carpark including new asphalting and line marking.
- Upgrades to the overflow parking to provide formal parking
- Upgrades to the two existing jetties, including extending and re-configuration to improve berthing capacity and wave attenuation.
- Protection of nearby native vegetation and management of stormwater runoff. Construction activities have been timed to occur outside of the peak boating season and will also reduce impacts to migratory birds.
Outcome
The use of TRUEGRID has enhanced the natural vegetation, detained over 3 million litres of Stormwater and delivered sustainable car parks. This innovative approach not only addresses the practical needs of stormwater management but also contributes positively to the surrounding ecosystem by promoting the growth of vegetation.
Moreover, the City Council acknowledges and appreciates Better Boating Victoria’s substantial funding investment in making boating and fishing more accessible for the community. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities while promoting environmental sustainability.
A fantastic product! We’ve used this at Avalon recently and we’re now using it at Limeburners.
Why choose
TRUEGRID Pro Plus S Flex 48?
TRUEGRID Pro Plus S Flex 48 is the only permeable paver specifically engineered for commercial development and industrial-grade parking lots that can handle heavy loads, and high traffic and maximise land utilisation.
● 100% Permeable Paver
● 100% Post-Industrial Recycled HDPE
● S-Flex prevent cracking with the movement of soils and change in seasons
● X anchors leverage gravel to anchor grid
● Rated 25 tonne per axle
● Deep cells eliminate gravel migration
● Works with SuperSpot Parking Markers
● 40 + years, virtually maintenance-free