Community invited to have their say on Beresford Foreshore amenities

Champion Bay Marina.

If you love the Beresford Foreshore you won’t want to miss the opportunity to have your say on the amenities you believe would improve this popular stretch of Geraldton once erosion protection is in place.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said although the engineering design solution to combat erosion and protect valuable infrastructure has already been approved, the City is keen to hear from the community about amenities for this Foreshore space.

“To prevent further erosion of the Beresford Foreshore and mitigate the risk to $55 million of State and City infrastructure located along this part of the coastline a multi-agency Ministerial Working Group has worked extensively with coastal experts to develop the Beresford Foreshore Coastal Protection and Enhancement Project Engineering and Detailed Design Solution,” he said.

The earthworks required to construct extensions to the offshore breakwater and marina groynes and to build three revetments to stabilise the beach present an opportunity for the community to have their say on the repair of damaged paths and landscaping, the replacement of amenities already lost from erosion and the inclusion of other amenities.

“The Beresford Foreshore is very popular and the City is keen to collaborate with the community to develop a priority list of amenities to be included in the staged development of the Foreshore and map out where these attractive extras should be placed,” said Mayor Van Styn.

There are two opportunities for members of the community to have their say on the amenities. The first is to complete the online Beresford Foreshore Amenities Survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/Beresfordforeshore  Hard copies of the survey can be found at the Civic Centre, Geraldton Regional Library and Aquarena.  Survey closes on 2 May 2016.

The second opportunity is to take part in the Beresford Foreshore Community Workshop on Saturday 14 May 2016 from 1.30pmto 3.30pm at the City Civic Centre.  Interested members of the community must register to secure a spot as participation numbers are limited.

Partial funding for construction of the project has already been secured.

“Mid West Ports Authority and the Mid West Development Commission have already agreed to partially fund the project and the City has also applied for grant funding to cover the remaining costs,” said Mayor Van Styn.

“By combining the engineering design solution with community priorities for amenities the Beresford Foreshore will continue to be part of the coastal lifestyle that makes our City such a great place to live.

If you would like to register for the workshop contact Communications Officer - Engagement Janell Kopplhuber on 9956 6945 or email janellk@cgg.wa.gov.au

For more information on the engineering solution search Beresford Foreshore Project on the City website www.gg.wa.gov.au.