Anthony James and Robyn Murphy with other Beach not Bitumen members.
Camera IconAnthony James and Robyn Murphy with other Beach not Bitumen members. Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie

Beach not Bitumen: New group forms to fight Scarborough redevelopment road extensions

Kate LeaverStirling Times

NEW protest group Beach not Bitumen has formed, boosting efforts to block “last century solution” road extensions as part of the $75 million Scarborough foreshore redevelopment.

The umbrella group will incorporate other groups, including Friends of Trigg beach and Save our Sand Dunes, in opposition to planned Scarborough Esplanade extensions through Bush Forever sites 308 and 310.

Group convener and Scarborough resident Anthony James said freedom of information documents obtained by the Friends of Trigg Beach group indicated a strong community opposition to the roads.

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MORE: Questions raised over Scarborough Beach master plan

“The roads will destroy the character of Scarborough, what makes it unique to both residents and tourists,” he said.

“There are many examples from all over the world, that prove that building new roads is a ‘last century’ solution and out of step with property development and urban planning trends – as well as the State Government transport plan, which aims to increase cycling and public transport options.”

Mr James, who works in sustainability and community development, said his family had lived in the Scarborough area for generations.

“We have got professional surveys from a botanist and an ecologist and saying the dune system is really unique, rare in Stirling and highly valuable, so why not work to rehabilitate it?” he said.

Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority chief executive Kieran Kinsella said the nine-member Scarborough Redevelopment Advisory Group (SRCAG) was the established channel for the community to provide feedback in regards to road design associated with the extensions of The Esplanade.

“The master plan provides for a 30-year vision of which the road extensions are one element,” he said.

“The extensions do not form part of the current works package which will prepare the beachfront for construction of the future public spaces and facilities.

“The road extensions are only in the preliminary design phase and are subject to further analysis that will include a further 12 to 18 months of detailed design and environmental approvals.”

Members of the community can lodge submissions for consideration by the Scarborough Redevelopment Community Group via email at scarboroughcommunity@mra.wa.gov.au.

Read more in the Stirling Times on Tuesday.

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