Manly Dam: Controversial boardwalk opens in waterside bushland park
A boardwalk through “undisturbed” bushland with spectacular views across Sydney’s largest freshwater lake has opened despite a campaign to have the project scrapped.
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A $1.7m boardwalk through a northern beaches bushland park is now open despite a three-year campaign by environmentalists to have the plan scrapped.
Critics of the 400m raised Link Trail, along the southern shore of Manly Dam, argued it would destroy sensitive, undisturbed bush and have a disastrous effect on threatened animals and plants.
But Northern Beaches Council says the elevated path, with spectacular views across the lake, will make Manly Warringah War Memorial Park more accessible for wheelchairs, prams and people with walking difficulties.
The 1.8m wide raised path, which links two large picnic areas on the of Sydney’s largest freshwater lake, will protect low-lying vegetation from being trampled and allow small animals to pass beneath it, the council explained.
The new trail, which features viewing platforms and seated areas, means pedestrians will not have to dodge cars while walking between the picnic areas along a roadway.
As part of its “Keep Manly Dam Wild” campaign, the Save Manly Dam Catchment Committee had called for the plan to be dumped.
The committee’s Malcolm Fisher said threatened species such as the pygmy possum would be put in danger.
“Why would anyone want to clear a 4m-wide corridor through intact bushland when it’s the beautiful nature that makes Manly Dam’s environments so special,” he said.
“Keep Manly Dam as nature intended.”
The boardwalk begins where the concrete path ends just before picnic area 2 and follows the waterline through the bushland and on to picnic area 3.
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins, who was at the opening of the Link Trail on Thursday, said the elevated boardwalk was a significant benefit for the environment and visitors.
“With a unique landscape, natural biodiversity and a rich Aboriginal history, Manly Dam is a very special reserve for local residents and visitors,” Mayor Heins said.
“You can find remnants of Aboriginal camps and a wide diversity of flora and fauna, including a number of threatened species.
“Extensive works to upgrade and improve the recreational trail will protect flora and fauna, while improving accessibility between popular picnic areas.
“This makes the trail easier and safer for older adults, children and people using wheelchairs and the viewing platforms are a great addition for soaking up the beautiful surrounds.”
The council will begin construction of a water access platform at picnic area 1, near the playground, this month.
It will make it easier for paddlers and swimmers, especially people with reduced mobility, to get in and out of the lake.
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