Burns Beach MLA Mark Folkard, Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts and Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob.
Camera IconBurns Beach MLA Mark Folkard, Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts and Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

State Govt allocates $2m to build dual use path from Burns Beach to Mindarie

Lucy JarvisNorth Coast Times

THE State Government has allocated $2 million to build the dual use path from Burns Beach to Mindarie.

The 4.9km section through Tamala Park Conservation Reserve will be the final link in a 58km coastal route from Quinns Rocks almost all the way to Fremantle.

A State Government statement said the path alignment would ensure the protection of the foreshore dune system and “minimal vegetation disturbance while optimising coastal views and appropriate path levels to suit all users”.

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A WA Planning Commission (WAPC) grant will help with construction of the path following planning and environmental approvals to be progressed by the end of the financial year.

The cities of Joondalup and Wanneroo will fund the remaining cost and contribute resources including technical support, labour, materials and equipment.

“This dual use pathway will be a great enhancement to the Tamala conservation park bushland, which has long been recognised as a special natural area,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.

“I have also worked closely with the WAPC to address the large number of millipedes invading the park’s neighbouring properties.”

The path will also include a physical millipede barrier and biological controls, stopping a pest plague that has previously affected the park’s neighbouring properties.

Burns Beach MLA Mark Folkard said the community would welcome the path, which he said would be well-used.

The two Cities have been advocating for the $3 million project for several years and expect to do the design and development, including environmental approvals and processes, this financial year.

Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts said she was happy to see the project coming to fruition.

“There has been strong community support for this much-needed infrastructure which will see the northern suburbs linked by a highly anticipated dual-use path,” she said.

“The pathway will enable residents and visitors to enjoy this stretch of our beautiful coastline through activities such as walking and cycling, in addition to increasing visitors to Burns Beach and Mindarie.

“The path will be designed to accommodate prams and wheelchairs to maximise accessibility for all users.”

Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob said he had spent many years collaborating with key stakeholders about the coastal dual-use path project, including in his former roles as State MP and environment minister.

“Credit must also go to the local Joondalup ward councillors and residents’ associations who have continually supported and promoted this project,” he said.

“All partners involved in this exciting project will continue to ensure the rich biodiversity values found along the shared coastal path remain a priority and are protected and maintained.

“Many local residents have spoken to me about their excitement at the prospect of taking their family for a ride or walk along the path.”

Both cities have worked closely with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation to thoroughly consider the environmental factors,

The path is likely to meander through the Tamala Park Conservation Reserve to minimise impact on Bush Forever sites.

The design and development phase is expected to start in February.

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