City of Joondalup report gives results of coastal survey

THE City of Joondalup has released a report following feedback received from its coastal survey.

Run from May 31 to June 29, the survey results will be used to develop a Coastal Hazard Risk Management Adaptation Plan to address the risks of erosion and inundation along the City’s coastline.

The City collected 1318 responses, with 88.6 per cent saying they visit the coast at least once a week in summer and just under 80 per cent visiting at least once a week in spring.

Respondents were asked to rate from zero to 10 how important it was to them to be able to visit the coast, with 69.2 per cent rating it 10 – very important – and more than 90 per cent rating it at 8 or higher, with an average rating of 9.5.

The most popular coastal areas that are potentially vulnerable to future climate change impacts were Mullaloo and Hillarys beaches with 62.1 per cent and 57.1 per cent visiting most often, along with Pinnaroo Point/Kallaroo (35.8 per cent) and north Burns Beach (32.9 per cent)

The most popular activities were walking, running or sitting on the beach, walking, running or cycling on the coastal path and visiting cafes, restaurants and shops.

Other feedback included the need to limit development and to protect and maintain the City’s coastline and its ecosystems.

However, respondents also indicated a general desire to develop the coastline in an appropriate way, particularly with the addition of cafes, as well as providing more animal parks and beaches along the coast, particularly for dogs.

The full report is available at the City’s website.