$90,000 cash boost for beaches

Myalup and Preston Beach coastal management projects have been given a boost in the latest round of funding from the State Government.

More than $90,000 has been granted to coastal management projects across the South West and Peel regions.

The State Government awarded $45,675 towards stage three of the Myalup Beach dune work.

A grant of $30,000 went to the Waroona Shire Council towards the long-term management of the Preston Beach foreshore. The South West and Peel Coastal Management Group received $15,000 towards coastal forums across the Peel and South West regions and to support the Coast Swap group to provide training and support for volunteers.

The funding for these projects is part of more than $1.54 million from the State Government to 39 projects across the State to help councils, community groups and schools prepare and implement coastal management strategies, as well as manage risks and hazards.

The announcement follows the release of the Coastal Erosion Hotspots report, which outlines areas with accelerated coastal change and will form part of a long-term plan for addressing coastal management.

Waroona shire president Mike Walmsley said the funding would help combat damage caused by storm surges and erosion at Preston Beach.

“The guys have been doing a great job over the years but we needed to do some extra work to protect our beautiful beach,” Cr Walmsley said.

“We are conscious of what we’ve got and that we need to protect this beautiful part of the world.”

Harvey shire chief executive officer Annie Riordan said the council, in partnership with Bruce Ivers from Trees for Change, had been working with schools to rehabilitate degraded land and stabilise the Myalup sand dunes.

“This project continues on the work completed at Myalup in 2018 and 2019,” Ms Riordan said.

“We look forward to continuing the work in this area to rehabilitate the dunes.”

Transport and Planning Minister Rita Saffioti said the grants would help to conserve WA’s internationally recognised and unique coastline.

“Supporting and fostering partnerships with coastal managers and local groups is key to ensuring the best outcome for the WA coastline as it is challenged by climate change and other pressures,” Ms Saffioti said.

“I am proud that we can support groups who not only manage but also restore our precious coastline which will help ensure our coast is protected for generations to come.”