Published on Wednesday, 6 December 2017 at 12:00:00 AM
The Beresford Foreshore has reopened to the public following the completion of coastal protection works to mitigate erosion.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he was pleased the first stage of the Beresford Foreshore Coastal Protection and Enhancement Project was finished and looked forward to Stage 2 getting underway.
“I am very happy the protection works are finally done and the Beresford Foreshore has reopened for use just in time for summer,” he said.
“This is especially true for the shared footpath, which was really missed by the community during the ten month construction period.
“Midalia’s Beach, which reopened to the public in August, hasn’t lost any of its popularity with the community even though it’s still settling following the works.
“Until it reaches its natural equilibrium, we can expect occasional changes to the beach profile over the coming months,” Mayor Van Styn said.
Project protection works involved a 45m extension to the existing marina groyne; a 100m extension to the detached breakwater; and constructing three shore based rock revetments along the 1.8km long foreshore.
The foreshore area between Midalia’s Beach and Mabel Street has also been planted with more than 18,000 native coastal seedlings to help stabilise the shoreline.
Mayor Van Styn said the second stage of the project, which is about replacing amenities lost to coastal erosion over the years and beautifying the area, would soon be underway.
“The tender to undertake enhancement works including landscaping the entire foreshore area and constructing amenities such as a toilet block at Midalia Beach and shaded picnic areas will be awarded before Christmas with works scheduled to begin in January 2018,” he said.
He also thanked project funders for supporting the City to undertake this legacy project.
“The Beresford Foreshore Protection and Enhancement Project has been ten years in the making and I’d like to thank the State Government, the Mid West Development Commission and Mid West Ports Authority for funding the project,” Mayor Van Styn said.
“Without their support, $55 million of State and Local Government owned infrastructure located along Chapman Road would still be at risk from coastal erosion.
The Beresford Foreshore Coastal Protection and Enhancement Project is jointly funded with the State Government Royalties for Regions administered by the Mid West Development Commission providing $17.28 million, Mid West Ports Authority contributing $4 million. The City is contributing $1.85 million for the amenity phase of the project.
For more information on the Beresford Foreshore Landscape Master Plan, visit www.cgg.wa.gov.au
PICTURE CAPTION:
Representatives of the Beresford Foreshore Coastal Protection and Enhancement Project funding bodies meet on site to mark the completion of protection works along the 1.8km long Foreshore. From left City of Greater Geraldton Acting Manager Engineering Services Mike Dufour; Mid West Development Commission’s CEO Gavin Treasure and Chairman of the Board Todd West; the Hon. Mick Murray, Minister for Seniors and Ageing, Volunteering, Sport and Recreation; City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn; Senior Projects Engineer Mid West Ports Authority Peter Duplex; and Member for the Agriculture Region Laurie Graham MLA.
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