THE $300,000 Coogee Maritime Trail will officially open on February 26.
The transformation of the century-old Omeo wreck, just metres from the North Coogee shoreline, includes an artificial reef, underwater sculptures and interpretive signage to provide information on the site and local marine industry.
On land, there will be a new pathway and stairs to access the shore, and a viewing area to glimpse the old vessel.
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READ NOWCockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said the new attraction would form part of a larger educational experience.
“The trail will not only provide additional habitat for marine creatures but it also provides scope to learn about history and the marine environment,” he said.
The opening will form the centrepiece of the City of Cockburn’s Salty Fest.
Other attractions will include live entertainment, monsterball soccer, maritime and diving displays, face painting and food and drinks.
The trail is one of a number of council-led projects along the Cockburn coast.
At CY O’Connor Beach close to 60,000 cubic metres of sand was moved recently from the northern end of Port Coogee to the Catherine Point groyne, an area severely impacted by coastal erosion.
“Extreme storm events have caused severe erosion to the south of the Point Catherine Groyne,” Mr Howlett said.
“Sand supplementation was required to stabilise the area and reduce further loss of the foreshore dunes.”
Work on stage one of the North Coogee Foreshore Management Plan should be finished in June, while the City is about to seek quotes for the upgrade of Coogee Beach’s Powell Road entrance.
The City is also considering a light and laser cultural event and the possibility of hosting an Australia Day fireworks show in 2018, while a commemorative horse race is also in planning for later this year.
What: The Salty Fest – Coogee Maritime Trail launch.
When: 10am to 2pm, February 26.
Where: North Coogee foreshore park on the corner of Socrates and Napoleon Parades.
Activities: Snorkelling, stilt walkers, live music from Barefeet Sojourns and The Lost Quays, face painting, monsterball soccer, live streaming underwater footage, maritime and diving displays, market stalls
Information: Visit www.cockburn.wa.gov.au.