John Vaughn, Byron Bay
It seems to demolish the Golden Beach viewing platform is totally unnecessary. It does not need to be removed. It’s an opportunity to put in extensions on the current treated poles. We know how dynamic the beach is.
Material required:
Required three 3.3m treated poles connectors pref stainless
Cross bracing treated pine three lengths 6m 99mm x 45mm
20 x 150mm stainless bugle screws for bracing
One x 6m length 150mm drainage pipe cut into three pieces
Equipment:
1 backhoe with narrow trench bucked
Method:
Dig narrow vertical slot for first pole at centre of viewing platform.
Backhoe takes the platform’s weight, with a slight lift of platform.
Workmen place new extended pole in place – with 2m plastic drainage pipe sleeve.
Backhoe puts platform weight on new extended centre vertical pole.
Sleeve is moved up to the base of platform.
Backhoe firms sand at base of pole then fills slot, firms.
Stainless connectors fixed (structure largely stabilised)
Repeat steps above for the two poles on the corners of platform.
Dig out in front of three poles and add bracing material with sliding PVC sleeves below bracing.
If the base is washed out again the PVC will slide down and this could be filled with concrete at another time.
Backfill and minor sand nourishment around extended poles from the beach. Wait patiently for sand to return to beach and replenish dune – as it does. A sensible solution, I would have thought.