WANNEROO councillors have deferred making a decision on beach access for Two Rocks.
Cr Dianne Guise successfully moved to refer a March 7 report recommending a $250,000 staircase and viewing platform solution back to a council forum so councillors could get more information from consultant MP Rogers and Associates.
The previous staircase was built in 2002 with a 15-year design life, but the City decided to demolish it late last year after severe storms caused the beach to recede about 9m and dunes to collapse.
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READ NOW“(That) caused significant damage to the beach access structure and undermining of the piled foundations,” the report said.
“The City is currently in discussion with the State Government regarding coastal management responsibilities and future requirements to manage the ongoing coastal issues north of Two Rocks Marina.”
While the staircase option had general community support, the Two Rocks Beach Action Group said the ideal solution would be to build a $600,000 octunda if the City could secure State Government funding.
MP Rogers and Associates had investigated several options at three locations, with costs varying between $210,000 for stairs at Sceptre Court to $800,000 for a ramp at the mid-way location.
The consultant said stairs were the preferred option due to low environmental impacts and community support.
The report said that would not provide disabled access, although the viewing platform would enable people using wheelchairs to look out over the beach.
“The construction of a disabled access ramp to the beach at the preferred location will not be feasible in terms of cost and environmental damage (dune clearing) due to the substantial height difference between the dune and beach,” it said.
“Formal universal beach access is available at Quinns Beach from the Quinns Mindarie Surf Life Saving Club.”