Denmark Surf Life Saving club receives $1.14 million to relocate facilities as Ocean Beach washes away

More than $1 million will be spent fighting erosion at Ocean Beach which is affecting the Denmark Surf Life Saving Club. The State Government has given the Shire of Denmark $1.14m from its coastal adaptation and protection grants program for the site, which is facing significant erosion that has put the club building at risk during rough storms. The funding has been long awaited for after the project missed out on a $4 million Building Better Regions Federal Government grant in 2021. The $1.14m is the largest single amount allocated to any of the 37 projects to receive a share in the $3.6 million available. The SLSC will use the funds to move its boat shed and replace a retaining wall. Warren-Blackwood MLA and club patron Jane Kelsbie said CoastWA grants continued to support adaptation projects and she was pleased the Shire had been successful in its application. “Our community has seen the deep impacts of severe erosion and the consequences of inundation from storm events to the dunes, foreshore and footpath at Ocean Beach,” she said. “This funding will strengthen our Shire’s partnership with the State Government as we work to manage the threats to our precious coastline and will ensure the solutions for the protection of Ocean Beach are the right fit and draw on the most appropriate expertise.” Planning Minister John Carey said the funding was vital to manage erosion on the fragile coastline. “WA has some of the most pristine coastline in the world and almost $19 million has been provided by our Government to 187 coastal projects since 2020,” he said. “The grants are also targeted to help coastal land managers prepare and implement plans and strategies, and partner with community groups to undertake on-ground activities identified in coastal management plans and strategies.”