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3.1.9
Pedestrian Accessibility and Open Space Links
(a) Structures should not impede public access to and along the shoreline
except where access control is their primary function.
(b) Developments
should provide planned and controlled pedestrian access to the shoreline
in appropriate locations.
(c) Alternative
modes of transport such as bicycling and rollerblading should be given
access to the foreshore whilst not conflicting with pedestrian flows.
- Where possible, single access points to the shoreline should serve
groups of structures or car parks.
- Paths and other development should be located to direct people away
from environmentally sensitive areas.
- The number of access points and the type of access will vary with
intensity of use, topography and soil type of the area. For example,
in dune and cliff areas access should be limited to specific locations
where adequate provisions, including fencing and path surfacing, can
be made to minimise erosion.
- Where possible, suitable access to the shoreline should be provided
for disabled persons.
- Locate pedestrian pathways and roads so as to minimise impact on
the viewshed and work with the existing topographic conditions.
- Link hinterland open space with coastal parks to provide maximum
connection of areas.
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3.1.10
Materials
All materials and finishes should be durable in the coastal environment.
- The durability of materials in the coastal environment is determined
particularly by their resistance to wind, salt spray and sand blasting.
Deposition of salt on structures, in particular, increases the rate
of deterioration of a wide range of materials by facilitating the
corrosion of metals, and by retaining moisture which accelerates the
breaking down of materials such as timber.
- Conditions around the bays and inlets, while being more severe than
those inland, are not as harsh as in other coastal areas where salt
spray is carried inland from ocean surf. Most common building materials
are suitable for use, although increased maintenance is necessary.
Materials commonly
used are:
> Timber
Durability varies with species and finish. Generally the more dense
the timber, the greater its durability. Examples of the most durable
timbers which are suitable for structures in the water are Red Gum,
Jarrah and Tallowwood. For ecological sustainability reasons the use
of plantation-grown and recycled timbers is recommended.
The durability
of timbers is generally improved by treatment with preservative followed
by surface coating. Painting usually gives longer lasting protection
than treatment with stains or varnishes. Treatment of timber with
preservatives under pressure is particularly effective and CCA treated
radiata pine is a durable, commonly available material.
> Aluminium
This material has a high durability rating which is increased by anodising.
A roof pitch greater than 5 degrees should be used to ensure self-washing.
Aluminium window frames are suitable but require regular washing to
reduce corrosion.
> Galvanised
Steel
Particularly susceptible to salt attack and should be painted regularly
to prevent rapid corrosion. Increased durability is achieved by using
pre-coated products. A roof slope greater than 10 degrees is recommended
to achieve self-washing. Regular maintenance, particularly washing,
will also improve the performance of this material in coastal areas.
The robustness and ease of handling of steel are considerations in
the design of public structures, however, allowance should be made
for replacement at appropriate intervals.
> Compressed
Cement Sheeting
Durable in the marine environment, however the thinner sheets are
susceptible to impact damage in public areas and may discolour and
become brittle with age.
> Terracotta
Unglazed tiles are more resistant to salt attack than glazed, with
those tiles fired at high temperatures being the most durable.
> Concrete
Durable, providing there is adequate cover to all reinforcement to
prevent corrosion (in accordance with relevant Codes of Standards
Association of Australia). Concrete tiles are durable although fungal
growths may cause a change in colour.
> Glass
The use of glass on the coast needs special consideration to avoid
glare and reflection. As a material it has a most logical use in the
coastal environment, but extreme care is needed to ensure that the
glass recedes into the landscape, particularly where the sun could
be reflected (eastern, northern and western orientations).
> Environmental
materials
Ecologically friendly materials such as low embodied energy materials,
recycled/recyclable materials and earth construction should be given
preference and used wherever appropriate.
Clay bricks, natural
stonework and plastic products are all durable and require no special
treatment.
- Most building materials benefit from the application of a protective
surface treatment, such as paint. Where the finish is applied to protect
a material which is prone to corrosion, such as galvanised steel,
regular repainting is necessary to ensure a complete cover is maintained.
Similarly with timber, any breakdown in the paint surface will result
in salt accumulation with a resultant build-up of moisture and deterioration
of the material.
- In all cases the aesthetic qualities of the materials should be
considered in conjunction with their durability. Where visual requirements
predominate and less durable materials are used, these should be finished
and located in such a way as to maximise their durability. The need
for future regular maintenance should be considered before surface
treatment, such as paint, is applied to durable materials, such as
concrete or brick. Siting and Design Guidelines Neglected, poorly
maintained buildings such as this have an unfortunate impact on the
appearance of the area.
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