Two Rocks Beach Action Group pushing priciest path plan

Following the February 15 community information session on beach access north of Two Rocks Marina, the group wrote to the City asking it to build an octunda rather than the stairs recommended by coastal engineering consultant MP Rogers.

“The report recommends the staircase option two but actually states that the octunda is equal or better in all respects except price, of all the options,” member Elysia Regan said.

“On this result we, the TRBAG, representing the residents and community |accepted the option two recommendation.”

Ms Regan said the octunda option |offered the least invasion of the dunes and the best lookout site.

“Octunda does not rely on erosion getting worse (and) will outlast the other structures,” she said.

The City’s assets director Harminder Singh said estimated costs ranged from $210,000 to $800,000 for options outlined at the meeting, including ramps or staircases, at three different locations.

“The preferred option is expected to cost $250,000,” he said.

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“The preferred option is a replacement staircase at the previous staircase location set back from the original location in order to accommodate ongoing coastal erosion over its design life.

“The structure includes a sheltered viewing platform at the top of the stairs similar to the previous structure and both the stairs and viewing platform will be piled down into bed rock.”

At the meeting, Butler MLA John Quigley gave Mayor Tracey Roberts a letter promising the City $400,000 from Labor if it is elected next month.

Ms Regan said it was a welcome surprise and would mean, added to municipal funds, the City could have about $650,000 available to use.

If Labor does not win the State Election on March 11, she said the City could revert to the recommended option.

Mr Singh said administration planned to present its recommendations at the March 7 council meeting.

Writing to the group in December, Transport Minister Bill Marmion said the City could apply for the State Government’s 2017-18 coastal adaptation and protection grants, with applications closing on April 3.

Mr Marmion said the Department of Transport would continue to work with the City on other funding options and was preparing longer-term plans to redevelop the marina.

Another member, John Young, said the group appreciated the City’s consultation process so far.

“The community is very appreciative of council allowing us to be involved in the |decision-making process,” he said.

“We appreciate the fact that the council is keeping us right up to speed.

“Our community wants to get the best outcome – the erosion has to be dealt with as well.”

Mr Singh said people could still access the beach south of Two Rocks Marina in the interim.

“The new staircase structure is expected to be installed in spring 2017 to be ready for summer,” he said.

“Fencing and signage have been installed at the previous staircase location along with a fenced temporary observation point including a bench seat and concrete hardstand at the end of the concrete path.”