Beach plan is set for review

Following the appointment of seven Waroona residents to a new committee, the Waroona Shire Council has decided to review its Preston Beach Foreshore Management Plan.

The aim of the review is to improve management and sustainable tourist use of the area, ensure management of the coastline is consistent with State Government frameworks, and implement meaningful protection and maintenance of the coastline.

“Our long-term vision is how we manage the foreshore and meet the ongoing challenges it faces,” Waroona shire president Mike Walmsley said.

The committee has been formed to provide technical coastal and planning skills to the council and ensure the project progresses in line with milestone and progress reports.

“Input from the community is so important, and I think this committee will do a great job at providing us with feedback and suggestions on how we can better manage the foreshore,” Mr Walmsley said.

“We have invited four local residents and three members who have significant experience and expertise in the areas we need, including Cr Noel Dew.

“The more community input we have, the better this document will be.”

Funding of $55,000 has been allocated towards reviewing the foreshore management plan, with $30,000 provided by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.

“It is quite an expensive thing to do, but we were lucky to get some help and are using all the resources we can,” Mr Walmsley said.

“As a kid I spent most of my summers at Preston Beach, and now as a father I go there with my family,” Mr Walmsley said.

“I love the fact that Preston Beach has generational use and hopefully with this management plan in place it can continue to be that way.”

It is expected the management plan review will be completed and endorsed by mid-2021.