Minnippi Parklands Shared Path

QLD
Brisbane City Council
2022

Abergeldie was engaged by Brisbane City Council (BCC) to construct a 1.2km shared path including a 45m long elevated structure and a 60m retaining wall, in the Minnippi Parkland area in inner Brisbane. The shared path connects Wynnum Road and Creek Road along the northern boundary of Cannon Hill Bushland Reserve, improving connectivity for the local community and forming part of a larger network of paths around Cannon Hill to encourage recreational activity. This project was funded by the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. 

Scope of works

The scope of work included: 

  • Construction of 1.2km, predominately 2.5km wide shared path as per supplied design drawings and specifications. 
  • Installation of a 45m long elevated structure to protect six large trees from being removed and allow emergency maintenance vehicles to the bushland reserve. 
  • Landscaping of the project area as per design drawings and specifications. 

Navigating a tight site and protected tree root systems

Careful consideration was given to construction methodologies with the extremely tight site footprint that had heavy vehicle restrictions along most of its length (80%) due to Tree Protection Zones. To aid delivery planning, the 1.2km project was divided into 3 areas. Concrete pours were completed using line pumps and boom pumps, and in some areas, this meant liaising with neighbouring stakeholders to ensure access of the concrete trucks would not be impeded on the designated concrete pouring days, whilst ensuring relevant stakeholders would still be able to receive deliveries as needed. 


Improved environmental footprint

The project team, in collaboration with BCC, diligently managed Calyptochloa Gracillima subsp. Ipsviciensis (CGI) grass, a rare and protected species found only in the southern region of Brisbane. Prior to construction, CGI grass specimens were collected, cultivated, and carefully replanted to mitigate any potential impact. Recognising the fragility of CGI, efforts were made to minimise disturbance to its habitat. Cuttings were taken and nurtured, resulting in 600 successful strikes, yielding 920 shoots in the nursery. Additionally, 100 more shoots were later collected. In total, 1,020 CGI shoots were transplanted into more suitable ground conditions, alleviating the impact of the heavily compacted area from which they were originally sourced. The restoration efforts extended beyond CGI, with 289 new trees and 2,750 plants, including groundcover vegetation, being strategically planted in and around the Minnippi Parklands area.

 

Community connectivity  

The project was completed on time and on budget, with no environmental incidents or major non-conformances. The path joins existing infrastructure at Wynnum Road and Creek Road in Cannon Hill and promotes active transport and leisure opportunities for the community. Path users can connect with nature and socialise. The quality of the build ensures future generations can enjoy the path for years to come.