- $18.8 million Beresford Foreshore Coastal Protection Project now complete
- Chapman Road infrastructure worth $55 million saved
- New coastal link already stimulating the local economy and secures the coastline for future generations to enjoy
The completion of an $18.8 million project to address longstanding erosion issues at Beresford, Geraldton, has transformed the coastline and saved government infrastructure worth more than $55 million.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti visited the project site today to see firsthand how coastal engineering investigations based on extensive wave, current, and sediment transport data gathered over a decade, assisted in deciding the best way to address the erosion at the site.
The multimillion dollar works involved a raft of erosion mitigation mechanisms including installing a 100 metre breakwater extension, lengthening the existing groyne, sand replacement at Marina Beach and the construction of three retaining structures.
The recently completed second stage of work has revitalised the foreshore with landscaping, an improved shared use pathway, barbecues, picnic settings, benches, bike racks, showers, play equipment, lighting, drinking fountains, bins, shade structures, pram ramps and car parking.
Together the two elements of the project provide an important link for the community between the Geraldton foreshore, Batavia Coast Marina and Bluff Point, creating a continuous high-quality and appealing coastal environment from Bluff Point to the Esplanade.
The $18.8 million project was guided by the Beresford Foreshore Coastal Protection and Enhancement Working Group and managed by the City of Greater Geraldton.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Without the protection measures, it's estimated $55 million of State and local government infrastructure along Chapman Road would still be at risk from coastal erosion, and we would have run the risk of losing this piece of foreshore.
"In partnership with the Mid West Ports Authority and the Department of Transport, the City of Greater Geraldton have delivered this project to the highest level and created a community asset for current and future generations."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"This investment will not only prevent, mitigate and remediate erosion damage along the Beresford foreshore north of the Geraldton marina, but also further improve links to the town centre to boost regional economic growth opportunities.
"This adds to a suite of projects that have been added to Geraldton over the past 18 years to upgrade its amenity and connectivity.
"With the development of the Beresford foreshore area, the foreshore will be connected all the way from the iconic Geraldton foreshore to Bluff Point, offering attractive and permanent open space for residents, local business and visitors."
