Funds for Beresford Foreshore erosion works

Works to address erosion of Beresford Foreshore in Geraldton are part of a $23.1 million project announced today.

Nationals WA Member of Parliament and candidate for the seat of Geraldton, Paul Brown MP, said this project is vital to protect an important part of our community and is supported by $17.28 million from the Royalties for Regions program, and would address an ongoing and expensive erosion problem along the Beresford Foreshore.

“The Beresford Foreshore, along with St George’s Beach, Sunset Beach and Drummonds Cove, all located north of the Geraldton port, have all been severely impacted by coastal erosion in recent years,” Mr. Brown said.

“Works will soon begin on the Beresford Foreshore to address the threat to the sensitive coastal environment and critical public and private infrastructure including a protective breakwater extension and an extension to the existing groyne.”

Also speaking at the event on behalf of the Minister for Transport Dean Nalder MLA was his Parliamentary Secretary, the Hon Jim Chown MLC.

“I have actively been lobbying for a state government solution for the Beresford foreshore and it is pleasing to see the Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister for Transport acknowledge the role that the Geraldton Port and its infrastructure have played in hastening coastal erosion in the City,” Mr Brown said.

The Beresford Foreshore project will involve off-shore works to mitigate erosion including a protective 100m breakwater extension to the detached breakwater, an extension to the existing groyne and three retaining structures.

“This project is the outcome of multiple coastal engineering investigations based on extensive wave, current and sediment flow data gathered over a decade,” Mr. Brown said.

“The detailed sand nourishment and protection structure designs have been heavily scrutinised and peer reviewed by national and international experts.”

Mr. Brown said the project will reactivate and revitalise the Beresford shoreline making it a more attractive and versatile public space for locals and visitors alike

The project will be managed by the City of Greater Geraldton and is expected to be completed in 2018. 

Mayor Shane Van Styn, Ian Blayney MLA, Paul Brown MP and Minister Terry Redman MLA.