Martin Kennealey
Camera IconMartin Kennealey Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey

Two Rocks development talks switch to concerns about seaweed

Lucy JarvisNorth Coast Times

DISCUSSION about future development of Two Rocks prompted concerns about seaweed and its smell on the local beach.

At the Two Rocks Yanchep Residents Association (TRYRA) meeting this week, resident Peter Stainthorpe asked what would be done about seaweed that accumulates on the beach south of Two Rocks Marina.

Secretary Lorraine Jackson said the group had been told the State Government policy did not allow removal of the seaweed, preferring to let tides wash it away naturally.

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Wanneroo councillor Nat Sangalli said she had asked City staff to look at “alternative methods” of dealing with the seaweed issues.

“There has been quite a lot of disruption lately to tourism and business,” she said.

“The seaweed is not coming because it is natural; it is coming because of the marina and it is not dissipating either.”

Cr Sangalli said one option being considered was to blanket the seaweed with sand before it breaks down in the air, but that may be too expensive.

Residents echoed concerns that seaweed levels were higher than normal.

“I’ve seen it higher than the sea wall on the beach side,” TRYRA president Peter Wimsett said.

“A big storm will remove it, but then sometimes you will lose a big chunk of the beach too.

Resident Peter Stainthorpe said it would make “wonderful fertiliser” if people were allowed to remove it, however Cr Sangalli said the State Government did not allow removal.

“It’s creating a protection barrier for the beach against erosion,” she said.

The association has also raised concerns that the volume of seaweed makes much of the dog beach unusable.