Kananook Creek Reserve, Long Island, Dune Boardwalk

Kananook Creek Reserve, Long Island, is an important piece of open space that connects Frankston beach to the Frankston Central Activities District (CAD). The dune boardwalk contributes to the long term rejuvenation of the reserve and foreshore. The foreshore is the essence of Frankston and the need to refocus Frankston on the foreshore is a key objective of this project. In connecting the CAD and the foreshore also comes the need to protect and enhance the coastal dunes in between, carefully managing use and further erosion from the natural systems at work.

The boardwalk better connects the Frankston CAD to the waterfront and allows people to experience the scenic, scientific and recreational values of the area while at the same time providing for effective management of the dunal environment.

Frankston City Council adopted the Kananook Creek Reserve, Long Island, Development Plan in 2006 and the dune boardwalk was the first stage of implementation.

The planning, design and construction phases were led by Councils Landscape Architect, Project Engineer and Urban Planner in collaboration with numerous dedicated community stakeholders. Research was undertaken during planning and design to develop a site appreciation. Local knowledge was gathered and specialist advice sought from a coastal geomorphologist, ecologist, archaeologist and engineer.

The Broadwalk
The boardwalk was arrived at as a solution to stabilize the dunes, provide access and reduce indiscriminate foot traffic to allow indigenous vegetation to re-establish. As a result, it is sensitively designed to protect the dune system from further environmental damage whilst providing shared pedestrian and cycle access.

The dune boardwalk route highlights the natural geomorphology of the primary dune and discourages random access to the beach where foot traffic destroys sensitive dune structures and vegetation.

Two viewing platforms with stair access to the beach provide shelter and views of the coastline. They are strategically located to coincide with well worn pedestrian desire lines through the Foreshore and with natural 'blow-out' zones of the dune.

The boardwalk is three metres wide to allow for shared use by pedestrians and cyclists. It is lit at night via lights placed in the plinth boards which provide minimal but effective illumination whilst protecting night sky views.

Since its opening in 2007, thousands of pedestrians and cyclists have enjoyed the boardwalk in all seasons.

Three funding streams were coordinated to achieve this project - Parks Victoria grant, Frankston City council rates contributions and Rotary Sponsorship.
Rotary Club members also contributed up to 100 hours of work towards the success of the buy a plank scheme.

This project won two awards, Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPEWA) Victoria Excellence Award
and the LGPro Excellence Award for Community Asset under $1million.

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