Works to start on new path along Stotts Lane, Frankston South
Published on 13 May 2021
Frankston City Council is continuing to mark its territory as a Local Government sustainability leader with plans to include a new ground-breaking recycled product in a shared user path earmarked for Stotts Lane, Frankston South.
The path will include 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.
South Ward Cr Brad Hill said the path highlights Council’s commitment to both sustainability while also responding to requests for greater connectivity from residents.
Cr Hill said the path, featuring recycled materials, will improve connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists along the western side of the Stotts Lane between Golf links Road and Escarpment Drive.
Cr Hill said: “This project has been 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.
“The 1.5 to 2.5 metre wide plain grey path will require the removal of some vegetation together with the construction of concrete sleeper retaining wall where necessary along the designed path alignment,” Cr Hill said.
Cr Hill said many residents had contacted him about the project and they were looking forward to the benefits it will provide for the community.
South Ward Cr Liam Hughes stressed the Council is dedicated to sustainability, adding:
“Council is all about pushing the envelope when it comes to using recycled products in construction projects – that’s why we opted to use materials embedded with recycled content in this instance.
“Last November, 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 underscores Frankston City’s commitment to sustainability and 21st century innovation.
“Polyrok is a sustainable alternative made from recycled soft plastics such as frozen pea bags and bread bags. 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 said.
Replas Managing Director, Mark Jacobsen, said: “Post-consumer soft plastic is the most problematic plastic in the world and we needed a scalable approach to solving this problem.
“We are proud of Frankston City Council for not only being the first to pour Polyrok, but to now pour one of the largest footpaths in Australia.
“Frankston Council are showing true leadership and a great understanding of the circular economy by driving the sustainable procurement of Polyrok in their municipality.”
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.
The Stotts Lane project is budgeted at $785,000 (excluding GST) with works on site to commence late May and delivered through to August 2021 – weather conditions permitting and no delays encountered.