Commercial Carpark,
Tallebudgera Pony Club
Equestrian Club | Tallebudgera, QLD
The Tallebudgera Pony Club was established in 1967 and is a well-respected club with a rich history. The Tallebudgera Pony Club was originally rooted in Tweed Heads and Kirra where they operated on primary school grounds near the local zoo.
In 1974, the club relocated to its current premises in Tallebudgera, QLD. The Club’s parking area was prone to frequent flooding, with many events cancelled at the last minute due to on site conditions. Recognising the issue, the Club engaged with the Gold Coast City Council as the Landlord to implement a long-term solution complying with council requirements, including a prohibition on any change to the existing ground level.
In conjunction with their appointed Engineer, an Operational Works Approval was lodged and subsequently approved by Gold Coast City Council which included the selection of TRUEGRID Pro Plus S Flex 48 permeable paver as the preferred solution for the horse float parking areas due to its exceptional durability to withstand heavy loads as the TRUEGRID permeable paver surface remains stable when inundated with floodwaters and continues to function effectively as sub-ground water tables rise.
The Club received a Stage 1 grant for the car park area which was then constructed over 2 weeks by the team at PowerTrak Civil..
| Client | Tallebudgera Pony Club |
| Type | Flood-Resistant Car Park – Improved Durability and Permeability for All-Weather Use |
| Surface | 150mm Road Base on Geofabric |
| Load Capacity | Heavy 4X4 with Floats and Commercial Horse Vehicles |
| Area Size | Stage 1: 1,120 sqm |
| Product Used | TRUEGRID Pro Plus S Flex 48 |
| Time | 2 Weeks |
Project Scope
The Tallebudgera Pony Club parking area sits in a floodplain turning to mud after rain which caused vehicle, horse floats and even their customers to get bogged. PowerTrak Civil was engaged by the Tallebudgera Pony Club to construct a flood-resilient parking area for cars and horse floats by taking advantage of what TRUEGRID permeable paver has to offer to resolve their parking area site issue.
TRUEGRID Pro Plus S Flex 48 permeable paver was selected due to its durability and permeability, ensuring a stable and useable surface even during wet weather conditions.
The project involved:
- Ground Preparation
- Rock Mattress Construction
- Road Base Installation
- TRUEGRID Pro Plus S Flex 48 Installation
- Final Compaction and Finishing
Challenges
| Council Compliance with Floodplain Restrictions | Unstable Soil Composition | Flood-Prone Area and High Water Table |
|---|---|---|
| The project had to comply with local council regulations for floodplain management, which required the area to maintain natural drainage and remain permeable. Any changes to the parking area had to meet strict compliance with the existing ground levels without raising flood risks or disrupting the natural flow of stormwater. | The area consisted of a soft topsoil layer with approx. 1 meter of river sand below. This made the existing structure unstable and not able to support the direct weight of vehicles and horse floats. Over time, if not treated, the ground will continue to erode and move, causing potential safety hazards and threatening the longevity of any hard surface laid on top. | Constant waterlogging of the parking area rendered the area unusable for extended period, raising concerns about climate adaptability and weather resistance. The floodplain has a high-water table just 400mm below the existing ground level which made excavation difficult with constant entry of water through the river sand and into the sub-grade. |
Our Approach
TRUEGRID Pro Plus S Flex 48
The Engineer chose this solution to create a drivable surface that addresses the flooding and soil instability of the Club’s parking area. By effectively capping the underlying river sand to give a high load-bearing permeable structure suitable for supporting horse floats and heavy vehicles without compromising the parking area’s stability.
150mm Road Base
A 150mm road base was installed to provide a stable foundation beneath the TRUEGRID permeable pavers. This layer helped improve ground stability to prevent shifting and erosion over time. It helped enhance the area’s durability and slip resistance for the parking surface to remain safe and functional in all weather conditions.
Implementation
The Tallebudgera Pony Club engaged PowerTrak Civil to implement a solution using TRUEGRID Permeable Pavers. To address these conditions, the Engineer designed a solution that complied with local floodplain regulations and maintained existing ground levels. The implementation started with constructing a rock mattress for stability and drainage. Bidin geofabric was laid across the area, followed by the installation of a 150mm thick CBR 15 road base with 95% compaction rate.
The TRUEGRID Pro Plus S Flex 48 permeable pavers were installed over the prepared base and then backfilled with 15-20mm angular gravel to enhance drainage and stabilise the surface. Specialised equipment, including a 14-tonneexcavator and a 5-tonne compaction roller, was used to ensure proper installation and compaction.
Despite delays due to wet weather, the project was completed within two weeks. A key lesson from the installation was to avoid using a bobcat with a spreader bar for the gravel, as it could deform the TRUEGRID permeable pavers. The Possie Track was used instead to backfill material, followed by a broom for even distribution.
TRUEGRID Pro Plus S Flex 48 permeable transformed the parking area into an all-weather surface, allowing vehicles and horse floats to park safely even during heavy rain.
Shortly after installation, the parking area withstood a test during an event that saw heavy rain, and patrons were able to park without any issues.
The TRUEGRID permeable pavers were filled with 20mm angular stone to reinforce the structure while providing superior water permeability in compliance with council regulations and eliminating the need for extensive drainage infrastructure. To achieve precise levelling and compaction, 5-tonne excavator, a 5-tonne positrack, and a compaction roller were employed, ensuring a smooth installation process.
Outcome
The Tallebudgera Pony Club rated the project 10/10 for satisfaction. The results exceeded their expectations, leading them to consider expanding the car park and possibly applying the same solution to the rest of their drive-on surfaces. Project outcome are as follows:
● Improved Surface Stability: The installation of TRUEGRID Pro Plus S Flex 48 and the road base created a stable parking surface. It prevented vehicles and horse floats from getting bogged, even in wet conditions.
● Effective Drainage: The TRUEGRID permeable pavers allowed water to drain through the surface, mitigating flooding and preventing water build-up, which was a major issue due to the high water table at the site before the TRUEGRID permeable pavers installation.
● Compliance with Local Regulations: The project adhered to council floodplain management regulations by maintaining the natural ground levels and ensuring proper stormwater drainage.
● All-Weather Accessibility: The parking area remained fully functional during heavy rain events, enabling year-round use for club events without safety or usability concerns.
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