COTTESLOE Beach’s iconic offshore pylon will be replaced with a sculpture or diving pontoon if public opinion favours getting rid of the expensive-to-maintain structure damaged by erosion.
At a special meeting behind closed doors last night, the town’s councillors agreed to investigate a commissioned sculpture offshore.
They will also ask residents if the 1920s-era pylon should be kept, replaced or improved in its current form, or the site used for a diving platform.
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READ NOWThe council is spending $243,000 from the sale of its depot to repair erosion to the pylon, which Mayor Philip Angers said will last for 25 years.
Another $117,000 was obtained for repairs from the Federal Government and Lotterywest when the structure toppled over in a storm in 2009.
Last night, councillors were asked to top up the current spend, and agreed to add $28,620 for 3m sea anchors to secure the structure after it was surveyed at the end of last month.
Councillors also agreed to continue with the current work while investigating if previous maintenance is still guaranteed.
All the decisions would be considered only when the costs had been obtained, while “noting what has already been spent on preservation of the pylon”.
Asked about the survey’s impact, the extra costs and any new funding, a Town of Cottesloe spokeswoman said the current refurbishment of the pylon would continue.
The spokeswoman said work to the structure would be investigated further, before options brought back for councillors’ decision.
“Council will consult with the community before finalising any further plans for the pylon,” she said.
Funding would be investigated after the consultation.
