Fantastic plastic for Ma:Mu canopy walk

The $10 million Ma:Mu canopy walk under construction west of Innisfail will use recycled plastic for its decking, saving on maintenance costs.

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr and local member Warren Pitt said Replas Australia had been contracted by project managers Hutchinson’s Builders to supply planks made of recycled plastic for the decking.

“The plastic planks are good for a hot, wet area as they won’t rot like timber, and will require less maintenance in a difficult-to-access area,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“Using waste plastic to manufacture these products stops it going to landfill.”

Mr Darren Nash of Replas said the grooved jetty planking was 100 per cent recycled plastic made from domestic and commercial waste.

“It’s a special honour for us to be involved with this project, working in conjunction with Hutchinson’s Builders and the Environmental Protection Agency,” Mr Nash said.

“Recycled plastic decking and other products are being used in other Far North Queensland locations, including national park boardwalks at Mossman Gorge and Josephine Falls, Babinda Boulders, finger wharves in the Torres Strait and at Coastwatcher Park Trinity Beach.

“Most people don’t realise that they are walking on, sitting on, leaning on or using a recycled plastic product.

“The inert nature of plastic makes it ideal for areas of high rainfall and also resisting salt water spray, insect and micro-organism attack, wet rot and general corrosion. The plastic components can be expected to outlast timber by many years, even under the most severe conditions,” he said.

Local member Warren Pitt said construction of the walkway started in May and would be finished mid 2008.

“The walkway at the entrance of the Wooroonooran National Park will be the gateway to the park’s other natural and cultural values including the Misty Mountains trails, Henrietta Creek and South Johnstone camp sites, and the Tchupala Falls and Nandroya Falls walking tracks.

“Hutchinson’s will build the forest walkway, 400 metres of elevated canopy walk, a cantilevered lookout, a 31 metre tower, reception building, toilets, car park and intersection with the Palmerston Highway.

“Hutchinson’s has committed to sourcing local materials and contractors, which will include purchasing $2.2 million worth of steel from Innisfail and Cairns, and contracting $1.5 million worth of civil works from Innisfail.

“Local business will benefit substantially from the walkway which is expected to attract some 200,000 visitors a year and bring major economic benefits.

“The project demonstrates the commitment by the State Government to invest in the area and to continue its support following Cyclone Larry last year,” Mr Pitt said.

Ms Nelson-Carr said since the proposal was put forward, the EPA had been working very closely with the traditional owners, the Ma:Mu people, and this strong association would continue when the facility was up and running.

Media contacts: Minister Nelson-Carr’s Office on 3224 7468; Minister Pitt’s Office on 3235 4280