THE Town of Cottesloe will install new beach footpaths, showers and car bays in a bid to encourage kitesurfers and windsurfers to rig, launch and land on a 300m stretch of the 4km coast.
“It’s a constructive first step in restoring the kite surfing and windsurfing locations, and having the carpark, showers, and moving the playground, will help consolidate use of those areas,” Cottesloe Mayor Jo Dawkins said at Tuesday’s meeting.
The proposal attracted 51 public submissions after the council released plans to restrict kiting and windsurfing between Rosendo and Beach streets, near the Dutch Inn Groyne.
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READ NOWThe proposal followed a report of a windsurfer’s equipment hitting a member of the public near the groyne.
The report triggered long-standing council and residents’ concerns about public safety at the adjacent Telephone Box surf break, about 300m north of the groyne, where kiter Marc Sprod was killed in 2012.
A council staff report said the submissions highlighted the different safety profiles of kite surfing and windsurfing, and recommended replacing the proposed restriction with a full review of the local laws for beaches.
The review last at least several months will include definitions of the watersports and advertising for comment on any proposed changes.
It was agreed rebuilding the beach footpath used by most kitesurfers opposite Salvado Street would be a priority in work to start in the next six months.
A shower and car bays would be constructed nearby, before upgrading three adjoining beach paths.
The playground near the groyne will be moved so windsurfers and the public do not clash.
“In a convoluted way, this is a good approach,’ Cr Sally Pyvis said.
For the next 12 months, the council will monitor kitesurfers’ and windsurfers’ use of the improved area between Rosendo Street and the groyne, before deciding whether restrictions are needed in the new local laws.
Kiters will be encouraged to use the foreshore between Rosendo and Princes streets, and windsurfers between Princes street and the groyne.