The McGowan Government has allocated almost $7 million to four high priority coastal erosion hotspots and an additional 42 coastal management projects across Western Australia.
Transport and Planning Minister Rita Saffioti today announced $5 million would be allocated to four high priority coastal erosion projects across WA including:
- $3.25 million to the City of Fremantle for the Port Beach large-scale sand nourishment project to provide up to 10 years of protection for one of the State's most iconic beaches;
- $500,000 to the City of Wanneroo for Quinns Beach groyne construction;
- $600,000 to the City of Greater Geraldton for Drummond Cove groyne construction and sand nourishment; and
- $650,000 to the City of Rockingham for Point Peron coastal management including sand management and spur groyne refurbishment construction works.
All four of these projects were classed as high priority projects by the State Government's 2019 'Assessment of Coastal Erosion Hotspots in Western Australia' report, which identified 55 coastal erosion hotspots across Western Australia.
An additional $1.76 million will be allocated to 42 projects across WA to assist local governments and communities to plan, protect, manage and enhance Western Australia's coastal areas.
More than $150,000 has been awarded to the Shire of Gingin to undertake strategic coastal planning for Ledge Point, Guilderton, Seabird and Lancelin, including the Grace Darling Park foreshore, and investigate more long-term solutions to managing coastal erosion in the area.
Another 28 coastal erosion hotspots have also received grant funding, including the Shire of Esperance who were awarded $300,000 for a collaborative trial project with the Department of Transport to use dredged sand to widen its town beach and a further $39,000 to protect Duke's Dunes.
Funding has been provided through the State Government's $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan and through annual grant programs administered by the Department of Transport and the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.
This year's grants will bolster coastal manager and community partnership projects while providing a welcome employment boost for those actively working in environment and coastal planning and management.
The State Government is continuing to push for a co-ordinated national approach to managing coastal erosion, with the Premier raising the issue at COAG last year.
As stated by Transport and Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Today we are announcing $5 million to go towards four high priority coastal erosion hotspots across Western Australia including the much loved Port Beach in Fremantle.
"We are also allocating an additional $1.76 million to another 42 coastal management projects.
"This funding will support local governments, community groups and coastal managers to ensure appropriate measures and coastal management plans are in place to secure our natural asset for many years to come.
"Infrastructure Australia has listed coastal erosion as a priority project and we will continue to lobby the Federal Government for a co-ordinated approach to manage this national issue."
