Stotts Lane projects highlights Council’s commitment to environment
Published on 22 October 2021
Frankston City Council has underscored its commitment to the environment and sustainability with the completion of another major project incorporating a new innovation in soft plastics recycling.
South Ward Cr Brad Hill said the recently completed shared user path at Stotts Lane, Frankston South, includes Polyrok – a sustainable alternative to mineral aggregate in concrete for pathways, kerbs and channels that find a home for the most problematic waste stream, soft plastic.
Cr Hill added the shared user path is a great outcome for the local community, adding: “This project was identified as a high priority in Council’s Path Development Plan and responds to requests from the local community and schools for a paved path along Stotts Lane.
“Many residents have contacted me about the project and said they’re excited about the benefits it provides for the community,” Cr Hill said.
Cr Hill said: “The Stotts Lane path highlights Council’s commitment to sustainability and protecting our precious environment while also responding to requests for greater connectivity from residents.
“The new concrete path, incorporating recycled materials, will improve connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists along the western side of the Stotts Lane between Golf links Road and Escarpment Drive.
South Ward Cr Liam Hughes noted the Stotts Lane path construction had been completed, with some minor ancillary works to finish off the project.
Cr Hughes said the Council is committed to sustainability, adding: “That’s why we opted to use materials embedded with recycled content in this instance. In November 2021, Council made history as the first Council in Australia to use Polyrok in one of its projects – a footpath in Seaford.
“This innovative and ground-breaking product highlights Frankston City’s commitment to sustainability and 21st century innovation,” Cr Hughes said.
Cr Hughes said Polyrok is a sustainable alternative made from recycled soft plastics such as frozen pea bags and bread bags, adding: “It’s made right here in Frankston City by Carrum Downs firm Replas – Australia’s leading mixed recycled plastic manufacturer. It’s great to see waste such as soft plastics being repurposed for footpaths.”
Cr Hughes noted that Council has also used Polyrok in another major project in Brighton Street, Frankston South.
Replas Managing Director, Mark Jacobsen, said: “Congratulations to Frankston City Council, sustainability pioneers leading the way with Polyrok installations in local footpaths.
“From the first footpath in Seaford to the recent pour in Stotts Lane, Council is demonstrating their commitment to circular economy practices. Their great work using the most problematic plastic, soft plastic, shows what is possible when we see this waste stream as a viable resource,” Mr Jacobsen said.
Frankston City Council have been customers of Replas for over 20 years. In the past three years alone, Council have diverted over 7.5 million pieces of soft plastic packaging by installing products like 150 mm bollards, Premier Benches, Wheelchair Access Settings, Dog
Agility, and more. Frankston have shown sustainable procurement for their municipality through recycled plastic products.