This popular trail meanders through the natural bushland and creek from Mount Martha beach to The Briars, and connects with the Wildlife Sanctuary and Harrap Creek walking trails. Unfortunately, back in November 2022 the boardwalk was severely damaged in a storm. The extreme weather event brought on a flood that destroyed and relocated the boardwalk in some areas. Since the flooding, this section of the boardwalk within the Briars has been closed to the public.

A thorough evaluation on a boardwalk replacement was completed and we are now excited to present three options to the community to have their say for rebuilding the Balcombe Creek Boardwalk (Briars section).  

The options vary in price and have different effects on local floral, fauna and cultural heritage considerations. Another key consideration is ensuring the infrastructure is resilient enough to withstand future extreme weather events. Costs are determined based on features and related works (e.g such vegetation removal). At this stage, we will not disclose cost estimates to ensure a competitive tender process and fair pricing for community assets.  

Option 1: Rebuild in existing location (replacement like-for-like)

  • Highest priced option – construction and third party offset requirements.
  • Similar/high level immersive walk experience.
  • Installation of extensive flood-proof infrastructure. To ensure the new path can withstand future storms and extreme weather, the new infrastructure will need to be flood-proof, which means that more significant footings than what was in place previously are required.
  • Significant vegetation removal. There would likely be considerable loss of Swamp Paperbarks and other trees such as Wattles and remnant Eucalyptus trees on the sides or close to existing path and boardwalk.
  • Potential for significant impact on Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.
Aerial image of Briars Boardwalk with white orange and blue lines to map options

Option 2: Combination of restored boardwalk sections and pathway outside the creek (partial like-for-like)

  • Mid-priced option.
  • This option would deliver a boardwalk that is partially in the original location and partially running along the tree line between the creek and Briars entry road.
  • Mid-level immersive walk experience (more plantings in the future will add to the experience).
  • Most of the new path is outside of the flood zone and therefore would only require flood-proof engineering in some parts. This means that the cost is reduced and the impact on the natural environment is less than option 1. However, there would still be a significant impact on the vegetation near the creek where the boardwalk would be reconstructed in the original location.
  • Potential for some impact on Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.
Aerial image of Briars Boardwalk with white orange and blue lines to map options

Option 3: A new path outside of the creek area

  • Lowest cost option due to the fact that the proposed path runs through the pastureland.
  • Minimises native vegetation impact as minimal vegetation removal is required.
  • Low-level immersive walk experience (more plantings in the future will add to the experience)
  • This path would be located closer to the vehicle entry road. This would hopefully help reduce the number of visitors who enter through the main car gate on foot, which is a safety concern.
  • Potential for some impact on Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.
Aerial image of Briars Boardwalk with white orange and blue lines to map options

All options might be required to undertake Cultural Heritage Management Plan and permit applications with relevant government agencies.