DMM Beecroft Staircase 2009

Case Summary

Client - Defence Maintenance Management

Task - Provide safe access to the 'Outer Tubes' fishing platform and the protection of indigenous heritage

Value - $339,500

Date - May 2009

Background

Defence Maintenance Management Pty Ltd (DMM) is the Comprehensive Maintenance Services Contractor to the Department of Defence for establishments in the Sydney and Shoalhaven regions. DMM is responsible to Defence for the maintenance of infrastructure and the delivery of a program of works each year.

The Beecroft Weapons Range (BWR) is located on the northern side of Jervis Bay on the Beecroft Peninsula. The BWR is 4500 hectares of Commonwealth land with designated use by Defence as a weapons and training range. However, when not being used for Defence purposes, BWR is open to the public. The range is popular with campers and other recreational users, including rock-climbers, bush walkers, whale watchers and fishers. It is also used for scientific research. The BWR is bordered by National Park, Crown Land and the village of Currarong on its north western border.

On the southern edge of the peninsula in a location known as Outer Tubes, many fishers use rock ledges for land based deep-sea fishing. Access was via a one kilometre long walking track through rugged terrain. This was not considered safe at some points and continued use had notably increased erosion of the trail and nearby aboriginal shell midden deposits. Furthermore, the fishers often camp on the rock platform, headland or on top of the midden area, degrading the natural ecological and indigenous heritage value of the area.

Objective

• Provide for safe access to the Outer Tubes
• Protect areas of indigenous cultural significance, by rectifying the present damage caused to the aboriginal midden and walking track and generally minimise human impact.
• Implement appropriate erosion controls to prevent further erosion
• Create greater access (suitable for quad bike access) so that Defence Environment Team Rangers can better manage causal issues

Works Undertaken

• The completion of an environmental review under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999). This included a broad assessment of potential environmental impacts that would be associated with the construction activities, with particular assessment of matters of environmental and heritage significance.
• The design and construction of a 2.5m wide access track from the Lighthouse Car Park to the 'Outer Tubes'.
• The design and construction of a fenced-in viewing platform at the headland.
• The design and construction of a timber and recycled plastic boardwalk to conserve aboriginal midden areas and the stabilisation of the eroded shell midden with the provision of drainage and erosion controls.
• The design and construction of an engineered gated pedestrian stairway from the headland down to the rock platform fishing area and the provision of a Certificate of Compliance for the works.
• The installation of a proprietary sel-composting toilet at the headland.

Outcomes

• The provision of safe access to the Outer Tubes fishing platform and headland for fishers and bush walkers.
• The protection of an area of significant heritage value.
• Defence Rangers now have safe access for quad bikes and light 4wd vehicles to enable efficient site management.

Referee

Client Contact

Shannon Chisholm, DMM

T: 02 4424 1543

SCS Contact

Andy Crofts

T: 0428 118 916