Izaak (10) and Jasmyn (8) Chilman, with concerned resident Vicki Jenkins in the background.
Camera IconIzaak (10) and Jasmyn (8) Chilman, with concerned resident Vicki Jenkins in the background. Credit: Supplied/Emma Reeves

Extent of clearing ‘shocks’

Lucy Jarvis, North Coast TimesNorth Coast Times

About 50 people attended an information session about the planned foreshore protection works last month.

Most people gathered at Gumblossom Community Centre at the start of the three-hour question-and-answer session run by the City of Wanneroo.

Among them was Ocean Drive resident Vicki Jenkins, who expressed concerns about the extent of clearing required south of Frederick Stubbs Park.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

‘It was a shock for myself and other residents to see how extensive the works are going to be,’ she told the Times.

Quinns Rocks Environmental Group spokesman David Wake said the group recognised the need to tackle the erosion, but was also concerned at the extent of clearing of coastal dune vegetation proposed.

‘The vegetation stabilises the sand dune and provides habitat, as well as contributing to the character of the town,’ Mr Wake said.

‘A relatively large area is proposed for clearing ” this is the largest patch of vegetation in the narrow foreshore reserve here.

‘We urge the City to minimise disturbance to the dune and coastal habitat for the short-term coastal protection works, including a review of the southern extent of the revetments work and the proposed slope of the dune.’

Mr Wake said it was important to address the risk of sand drift during construction works and use local plant species to rehabilitate areas affected.

The QREG spokesman said that any works should contribute to retaining habitat for flora and fauna, maintaining usable recreation space and protecting homes and infrastructure along Ocean Drive.

Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts said the clearing was necessary above the proposed reshaped batters to build the sandbag embankment which was designed to prevent further erosion.

‘The southern extent of the embankment is in accordance with the design prepared by the City’s coastal engineering consultants following consideration of historical shoreline movement,’ Mrs Robert said.

‘It has been positioned in a low-risk area of the coastline due to the wider buffer provided by the dune system.

‘The southern extent and tie-in to the dune lies outside of the area of influence from the existing rock headland to the south of the project area and therefore minimises the risk of significant shoreline movement and erosion at the southern end.’