Quinns Rock: displaced sand at access to dog beach causing issues

ISSUES of displaced sand at the northern access to the Quinns Rocks dog beach arose at this week’s Wanneroo council briefing.

Acting planning and sustainability director Mark Dickson showed councillors pictures of the difference to the access path off Waterland Point over a two-month period.

Comparing photos taken on March 8 to May 17 images, Mr Dickson said there had been “some deterioration” on the northern access.

The access is the focal point of a 1976-signature petition submitted in January by resident Rob Nelson that called for a 150m extension northward to the existing dog exercise area.

The May 17 report to council recommended it decide not to extend the dog beach at next Tuesday’s meeting based on historical public feedback and the council’s decision in April 2014 to not consider any future extensions.

However, if the council did approve an extension, the report said the cost of locating signs and advertising and extension would be about $1640.

During the briefing session, councillor Samantha Fenn asked for estimated costs of upgrading the existing access.

Mr Dickson said an estimate was not available as they had not done detailed designs, although upgrades involving widening the path and removing vegetation would have a “significant cost”.

“It would be significantly more than changing the location and signage of the dog beach farther to the north,” he said.

Mr Dickson said the City had not yet listed an upgrade in its 10-year capital works program as it ranked 15th of 21 beach access points that needed improvements.

“At the moment, the City is upgrading one access way per year,” he said.

“It’s not likely that we will be getting around to undertaking these improvements any time in the near future.”

Cr Fenn said she had concerns about the existing access, and there was another “reasonable and safe access” 150m up the beach.

Mr Dickson said planning staff would work with the assets directorate to get a cost estimate before the May 24 meeting.

He said the assets team did regular maintenance on the beach access, and sand erosion was common at this time of year.

Mayor Tracey Roberts foreshadowed an amendment to discuss creating a dog beach in Tamala Park.

With existing dog beaches in Yanchep and Two Rocks, the City’s coastal management plan identifies Alkimos for a future dog beach.