Buckley’s Hole Asbestos Removal Contract Awarded
Published 05 September 2023
A much-loved Bribie Island icon is about to get a long overdue makeover with a $640,000 contract awarded to remove asbestos from Buckley’s Hole and repair the staircase. Councillors voted unanimously in support of the project.
Mayor Peter Flannery said the project was possible thanks to the State Government’s support.
“Safety is critical here and we’ve got two sites covering roughly 4,200m2 where asbestos has been illegally dumped,” Mayor Flannery said.
“So, we will fence those areas off for the safe removal and disposal of that material, taking all necessary safety precautions including air monitoring and only authorising qualified people to enter the site.
“This is part of our mission to ‘Go Green As We Grow’ by remediating important environmental areas and habitat which, in this case, has been damaged by dumping of waste.
“Fortunately, the project is located away from the water areas that the migratory birds largely use.
“I want to thank the State Government for partnering with us on this important project and agreeing to contribute 50% of the project costs.
Member for Pumicestone Ali King said the entire conservation park covered an area of 87.7 hectares containing a freshwater lagoon, woodland, open forest and beach.
“The area is home to more than 190 species of birdlife making it a bird watchers paradise that needs to be protected,” Ms King said.
“Buckley’s Hole Conservation Park is also home to numerous native fauna species and is recognised nationally as important habitat for migratory shorebirds.
“This significant area is precious, and this funding improves public safety while restoring local environmental values.
“So, in addition to removing the asbestos, there will be weed treatment and removals, revegetation works, and ongoing maintenance of the area over the next two years to get it back in shape,” Ms King said.
Cr Brooke Savige (Div 1) said according to local legend the body of water was named after a local angler who knew this area made for particularly good fishing.
“It’s our responsibility to return this natural wonder to its former glory and also ensure that there’s infrastructure here for locals and visitors to actually get down and enjoy Buckley’s Hole,” she said.
“That’s why part of the project will also involve replacing the dilapidated staircase, which locals have brought to my attention many times.
“We’ll be replacing that with a new reinforced polymer material to withstand the coastal conditions and stainless steel fixtures to prevent rusting.
“This will provide access down the steep embankment from the road level (The Boulevard) down to the beach.
“So, I hope to see more local families packing a picnic and coming down to enjoy and appreciate this special environmentally significant area once the works are complete, which we’re hoping will be before the end of this year.”
Construction of the projects will commence on site in mid-September 2023 and is scheduled to take 12 weeks to complete, which includes an allowance for wet weather.
For more information on Buckley’s Hole visit here.