Our coastline is one of our proudest and most valued assets. It is deeply cherished by locals, and it attracts visitors from all over Australia and abroad.

There is currently a proposal to develop a boardwalk connecting Scarborough & Trigg Beach. I know that locals have different views about the project and I want to thank each one of you that has reached out to my office to give me their feedback.

As you may know, the coastal foreshore between Scarborough and Trigg is partly within Bush Forever Site 308 and is a Class A Reserve (46248), which is managed for conservation purposes by the City of Stirling. The site is also reserved for Parks and Recreation under the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS).

The decision about the boardwalk project rests with the City. They are currently undertaking a feasibility study to explore the environmental and economic impacts of this project, and the community is invited to participate in the study submitting their views.

Here are the things the study will need to consider:

• Flora and fauna assessments to determine vegetation types and fauna habitats present.
• State and Australian Government requirements with respect to any Threatened Ecological Communities or species present; as well as any policy requirements for Bush Forever matters under State Planning Policy 2.8 - Bushland Policy for the Perth Metropolitan Region.
• Compliance with the City’s Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan and State Planning Policy 2.6 - State Coastland Planning Policy.

If the City decides to go ahead with the proposal, it will need to engage with the Western Australian Planning Commission to demonstrate that it is consistent with the purpose of the reserve under the MRS, orderly and properly planned, and considers the preservation of the amenity of the locality. If the boardwalk is deemed feasible, its design would need to meet environmental conditions and be sensitive to the natural environment.

At the same time, one of the reasons driving the push for the construction of the boardwalk, are the concerns around pedestrian safety along the West Coast Highway. Main Roads is investigating options to address these concerns.

The preservation of our coastline is something that I, and the Cook Labor Government, take very seriously. Through Coast WA Grants, we have delivered almost $160,000 to the Stirling Natural Environmental Coast Care Group, for dune restoration & vegetation protection. The City of Stirling received Coastal Adaptation Grants for over $140,000 to design and construct the Mettam’s Pool Disability Ramp, and carry out coastal monitoring and sand nourishment.

Like you, I appreciate the importance of making sure we get the best possible outcome, both environmentally and economically, to protect our local coastline. I’m pleased that the City of Stirling is undertaking an extensive study involving the community and I encourage you to share your thoughts with the City, by following this link.