Adding a jetty or pontoon to your waterfront development will ensure your development stands out from the rest and that’s exactly what our client will achieve for the new 90-unit Azure project on Duporth Avenue.
Once complete, the Azure pontoon will create a water feature that includes a new revetment wall (replacing the existing, failing one), two connected pontoons (with a combined length of 21m), two catwalks connecting the pontoons to the boundary complete with lighting, security gates and emergency ladders.
However, approval of maritime structures isn’t always straight-forward as there’s a multi-layer approval and consent process to be navigated.
Typically, approvals for marine structures involve multiple layers of consents and approvals, however it’s well worth the effort, as maritime structures can improve amenity and add value of waterfront properties.
Similar to a new building, structures on water also need to be mindful of neighbouring buildings and boundary setbacks.
Here are some of the design requirements that needed to be met for the Azure pontoon:
- the pontoon needed to be clear of the navigation channel
- remain within the water allocation boundary (which is at least 1.5m from the prolongated side boundaries)
- be suitable for the specific riverside conditions (including strong currents, boat wash and tidal surges)
- meet the needs of the pontoon users (the size and type of motorised boats, non-powered water craft, frequency of use) and
- ensure the boating requirements of adjoining owners was not compromised.
In the Azure pontoon case, the existing revetment wall along the river bank was dilapidated and failing so a new revetment wall was required to protect the property from erosion.
This new wall needed an approval under the Coastal Protection and Management Act, including owner’s consent from the Department of Natural Resources and Mines.
The revetment wall design was located wholly within the property boundary and the cat walk connection was recessed into the top of the wall to reduce trip hazards.
Because the Maroochy River is a designated natural waterway, the Azure pontoon needed an application to Council for ‘prescribed tidal works’.The application also needed owner’s consent for the land below the high-water mark, which in this case was Department of Environment and Science.
The pontoon provides improved access to the water, a usable facility for residents, and is a showcase for the specialist skills we bring to maritime infrastructure approvals.
Project Urban’s Marine Structures division specialises in coordinating approvals required for Jetties & Pontoons; Boardwalks & Revetment Walls; Public Facilities and Marinas.Please contact us for more information.
