- Cook Government welcomes progress on the artificial 'Southern Ocean Surf Reef' at Middleton Beach in Albany
- The reef will attract surfers and tourists to the Great Southern region
The much-anticipated Southern Ocean Surf Reef has taken an exciting step forward, with construction underway and the first rocks arriving on site this week for the unique drawcard off the State's south coast.
The project at Middleton Beach in Albany is set to become a significant recreational and tourism asset for the Great Southern region.
The Regional Development Minister visited the Port of Albany with local member Rebecca Stephens MLA today, where local quarried rock and specialist marine equipment is being moved to be used during the construction period from January to March.
This will involve the placement of rocks on the seabed floor of the artificial reef location, about 140 metres offshore.
The Cook Government is contributing $4.75 million towards the build being managed by project contractor Heron Construction Limited. The project is being delivered by the City of Albany and has also secured funds from the Federal Government and local funding sources.
It will give Albany an easily accessible surfing site close to the town centre, local businesses and amenities including the Albany Surf Life Saving Club, with surf conditions suitable for beginner to intermediate surfers.
The design provides surfing rides of up to 100 metres during average conditions, with surfable waves expected for 41 per cent of the year over the reef, and further surfing opportunities inshore of the reef.
Currently, the closest suitable surfing locations to Albany are about 40 minutes' drive away.
The project is due for completion by mid-2025.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"This is a significant milestone, with the Southern Ocean Surf Reef one step closer to reality.
"The project will add yet another drawcard to the spectacular Great Southern region, attracting keen surfers and tourists.
"The artificial surf reef will create a more consistent quality, surfable wave for a range of target surfer groups from beginner to intermediate abilities.
"The Cook Government is committed to delivering quality tourism infrastructure to create long-term jobs and economic growth in regional WA."
As stated by Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens:
"I have been working closely with the City of Albany, along with the Albany Boardriders club and Surfing WA to make this project a reality.
"I thank the local surfing community for their dedication to bringing an accessible surfing site close to town.
"The Albany Boardriders and Surfing WA have already committed to holding surf competitions at the site, which is set to become a unique and accessible tourism drawcard for the Great Southern region."
