The timber stairway at Moorooduc Quarry has had a new-age facelift.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council last year upgraded the stairs refurbishment project to include the landing of the stair to long-lasting fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP).
The fire access to the quarry was also repaired and the two timber foot bridges at the top of the reserve were upgraded with FRP material, including new handrails.
The cost, including the fire access track, stairs, and bridges, was $90,000.
The mayor Cr Simon Brooks said the project involved labour-intensive work due to accessing the site, transporting materials and removing waste. He said the stairs had taken more than one month to complete.
“Moorooduc quarry is a fantastic open space for our community and we want to ensure residents are able to enjoy it for many years to come,” Brooks said.
“I’m pleased we have been able to incorporate fibre-reinforced polymer into our upgrade of the quarry access steps and track. It’s a more effective material than wood and lasts significantly longer, so there should be little or no ongoing maintenance needed.
“Trying to juggle the many competing infrastructure maintenance priorities across the peninsula is a perennial challenge with the limited resources we have as a council.”
Members of the project crew were on site last week for an extra three days for minor repairs on the stairs and to carry waste to the bottom of the stairs.
Fibre-Reinforced Polymer is a composite material made of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibres. With one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any material, it is strong and durable, ready for years of dependable use.
First published in the Mornington News – 20 February 2024