ENCAT: Garden suburb boardwalk infrastructure upgrade

boardwalk

"I am very proud to see our modular boardwalks applied to so many different situations. It protects the environment but also gives people the chance to experience nature safely."

KCE Civil Logo

ENCAT recently completed the design and construction of a new 40-metre boardwalk and 6-metre pedestrian bridge in the Garden Suburb Nature Reserve, located near Cardiff, Newcastle.

The project was delivered for KCE Civil as part of a broader infrastructure upgrade supporting a nearby residential development, providing local residents with safe and reliable access through the natural reserve for walking and recreation.

Prior to construction, the existing walking track was boggy, uneven, and prone to erosion, making it unsuitable for regular public use. ENCAT’s boardwalk solution stabilised the pathway while protecting the surrounding vegetation and soil structure from further damage. The raised, modular boardwalk design now allows rainwater to flow naturally beneath it, helping to preserve the reserve’s delicate ecosystem.

Given the location deep within the reserve, access for materials and machinery was extremely limited. ENCAT successfully managed the logistical challenge by transporting components using 4WD vehicles, ensuring no environmental disturbance or damage to the native flora. 

This careful approach enabled our team to complete the full installation in just two weeks, demonstrating ENCAT’s capability to deliver complex works efficiently and with minimal site impact.

A boardwalk designed for any conditions

The boardwalk features Encats Premium Slimline Modular Structural framing, footings, kickrails and FRP high grip walking surface. This combination was chosen for its exceptional durability, non-slip properties, cost effectiveness and low maintenance requirements.

On completion, ENCAT provided a structural engineering certificate, confirming compliance with all relevant Australian Standards and guaranteeing the integrity of the installation.

This project is a great example of how thoughtful design and engineering can balance functionality, environmental protection, and community benefit. 

The new boardwalk and bridge now form an inviting, all-weather link through the reserve, encouraging residents to explore and enjoy their natural surroundings safely for years to come.

Boardwalks and walking platforms

The photo gallery below showcases ENCAT’s proven capability to design and construct access structures that adapt seamlessly to challenging natural terrains.

From traversing uneven ground and crossing sensitive waterways to spanning rock formations and negotiating steep gradient changes, our modular boardwalk and bridge systems are engineered for precision and stability in any environment.

Each installation demonstrates how thoughtful design, accurate site surveying, and durable materials work together to deliver safe, long-lasting pedestrian access without disturbing the surrounding landscape. Whether it’s a wetland, bush track, or coastal escarpment, ENCAT’s solutions provide reliable performance where conventional construction methods simply can’t reach.

Learn more about our civil use boardwalk products

ENCAT regularly works with civil works contractors, local or state government departments  or national parks services to design, manufacture and install civil use structures to suit any type of application or existing site.

We have been doing this since 1989

Learn more about our range of products

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Picture of John Ford
John Ford

Engineer and Director, ENCAT Australia

John Ford founded ENCAT in 1989 as an engineering firm helping BHP, BlueScope and their suppliers reduce their maintenance costs.

In 2001 he was asked to install balustrades around a school where a young student had lost her life crossing the main road. From that day ENCAT has focused on one thing: products that keep people safe, comply with Australian Standards and cost less to own.

Today John leads the design, manufacture and supply of pedestrian fencing, balustrades and handrails, bus shelters, boardwalks and other public infrastructure from ENCAT’s factory in Unanderra, Wollongong, for councils, Transport for NSW, national parks, schools and contractors across Australia.

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