Upgrades improve resilience and accessibility of popular GC boardwalk

Following a series of volatile summers that left many community assets damaged, City of Gold Coast is moving ahead with upgrades to one of the southern GC's favourite creekside boardwalks.

The Beree-Badalla Reserve Boardwalk at Palm Beach will be expanded and extended, with the $3.9 million project jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Widening of the existing boardwalk will improve accessibility and safety for locals and visitors alike, while a new 640-metre boardwalk extension will guide users through saltmarsh and mangrove wetlands along Currumbin Creek from Thrower Drive Boat Ramp to Salk Oval Parklands.

Built in the 1990s, the original boardwalk has become increasingly popular in recent years, however, this has sped up deterioration of the public asset that's been further exacerbated by storm surge events.

The upgrade is being supported through the DRFA Community and Recreational Assets Recovery and Resilience Program, delivered in the wake of significant rain and flooding across early 2022.

It will ensure the boardwalk's longevity and resilience against severe weather events and degradation from the marine environment, with a 100-year design life that will minimise the need for significant maintenance in the future.

The revitalised boardwalk will increase public safety and offer full access for the tens of thousands of Gold Coasters and visitors who use it each year.

Council are committed to safeguarding and growing the region's enviable lifestyle while also protecting its unique and treasured natural environment.

Additionally, the project aims to accommodate projected population growth by encouraging increased active travel and improved access to the city’s active transport network.

Also costed as part of the upgrades are new shower facilities, seating areas, fishing platforms, and a launch ramp for canoes and kayaks into Currumbin Creek.

Council are anticipating project completion in mid-2025, weather permitting.

To learn more about the Beree-Badalla Reserve Boardwalk renewal visit the City of Gold Coast website.