City to Develop Long Term Solutions for Geraldton Coast

Subject to State Government funding, a proposed total of over $23 million has been allocated to various erosion works along the Geraldton coast.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, said that the City had been working closely with the State Government to help develop long term solutions.

“We’ve been working constructively with Terry Redman, the Minister for Regional Development and Lands, for more than two years and we’re hopeful that discussions and negotiations will bear fruit for us in our plan to combat erosion,” he said.

“We will continue to have open discussions with Mr Redman in the hope that we can put in long-term solutions to stabilize our coastline.”

If funding is secured, the Beresford Foreshore is set to undergo a transformative development to help ensure the longevity of the area as well as to protect essential community infrastructure as well as works at St Georges and Whitehill Road in Drummond Cove.

Construction of a low level sandbag groyne and sand nourishment works at St Georges is currently underway and the City have engaged specialist consultants Royal HaskoningDHV to develop a foreshore protection scheme.

Whitehill Road in Drummonds has also been severely damaged by erosion and the City’s goal is to implement a long-term solution.

“Sand is moving from the south to the north and we are working with specialists on a plan for the Beresford Foreshore and are following the Department of Planning’s coastal hazard risk management and adaptation planning guidelines (CHRMAP) process,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“We will change for the better the way we combat erosion and how we protect our coastline and essential community infrastructure into the future.

“A long term solution is something that cannot be rushed and we are taking the necessary steps to ensure the best outcome for our community.”

The City has undertaken engagement workshops with the community to develop a priority list of amenities to be included in the staged development of Beresford Foreshore.

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