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‘Iconic’ aim for foreshore

Michael TraillAlbany Advertiser
Work on the Middleton Beach sea wall is under way.
Camera IconWork on the Middleton Beach sea wall is under way. Credit: Laurie Benson Albany Advertiser

Civil works are in progress on the Middleton Beach foreshore enhancement project, with the construction of a buried rock seawall the first major step.

In a bid to attract private investment and incorporate the State Coastal Planning Policy, contractors will install a seawall, block retaining wall, concrete wave deflector and storm water drainage while taking sand nourishment measures.

The State Coastal Planning Policy sets out that coastal planning must allow for a 0.9 m rise in sea level over a 100-year period.

The potential impact of coastal erosion from severe storms has also been taken into account in the beachfront works.

The $9 million enhancement project is part of the City’s vision to make Middleton Beach regional WA’s “most iconic and active” beach precinct.

In an information document distributed to the community, the City of Albany explained that the rock seawall would not be visible under usual conditions.

“It is accepted that rock structures may not be the most aesthetically pleasing structures, and for this reason, the rock is being buried under the beach,” the City said.

“Using this approach, the rock would typically only be exposed after a severe storm event — think of it as an insurance policy as it will sit under the beach out of sight until it is needed.”

If it becomes uncovered, the seawall would be reburied either naturally or with extra sand.

The City reassured residents there would be limited access restrictions to the Middleton Beach precinct during stage one works, which are expected to be completed by mid-2020.

“During the construction period, the City will take every effort to ensure minimal disruption to traffic and access to Three Anchors, Albany Surf Life Saving Club and public access ways along Flinders Parade,” the City said.

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