The long awaited Springfield Boardwalk was officially opened on October 30, fulfilling a 20-year dream of the Springfield community.
The Boardwalk is an 80-metre-long walkway over Springfield bushland, that connects Willow Rd and Balfour Cls. Central Coast Mayor, Jane Smith, said the boardwalk was a great example of Council providing access and opportunities to engage with the local environment.
“Residents will now be able to use a more convenient route between their homes and the local school that also allows enjoyment of the beautiful wetland,” Mayor Smith said.
“We’ve ensured the design minimises any impact on the environment and local native species, and by restricting passage to a defined walkway, surrounding vegetation will be protected from incidental damage caused by foot traffic. “This is a great example of Council, with the assistance of the Federal Government, balancing the needs of the community with those of the local environment,” she added. Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the dream for an ecologically friendly boardwalk for the community has now become a reality.
“This project was funded as part of our $2.2m Environmental Plan and a 2016 election commitment,” Wicks said. “Creating a formal walkway will ensure that local students and their families can safely access Chertsey Primary School and local shops, while also helping to protect any sensitive vegetation and local wildlife in the area. “Thank you to, Gail Santi, and the Springfield Residents Association, along with the staff and students at Chertsey Primary School, who have been instrumental in advocating for a boardwalk for this community.
“It’s also fantastic that Central Coast Council has worked on this project, consulting with the community and coming up with such a beautiful, functional and environmentally sensitive design,” Wicks said.
Robynne Scott, Acting Principal of Chertsey Primary School, said she was delighted that the boardwalk was complete and ready for the community to use. “This boardwalk has also meant that our teachers will now be able to safely use the area for environmental education and activities that explore biodiversity,” Scott said. Gail Santi from the Springfield Residents Association, said that the community was thrilled with the boardwalk.
“This has been the dream of my community for almost 20 years, but funding was always an issue. “I want to thank Lucy Wicks, and Central Coast Council for coming through with this funding. “Their continued efforts on the boardwalk show how important it is for the students at Chertsey Primary School, and local residents, to have a decent walkway for Springfield,” Santi said.
Source: Media release, Oct 30 Central Coast Council Media Media release, Nov 1 Charlotte Bowcock, Office of Lucy Wicks MP