Published on Tuesday, 11 June 2019 at 9:22:54 AM
The City of Greater Geraldton has won an award for successfully integrating a high quality public open space with coastal works designed to protect more than $55 million of government owned infrastructure along the Beresford Foreshore.
The Beresford Foreshore Coastal Protection and Enhancement Project has taken out the Best Regional/Rural Industry Contribution Award in Western Australia by the Industry Association Parks & Leisure Australia, an honour given to regional towns or small cities who make a significant contribution through community initiatives which contribute to the parks and leisure industry.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the Foreshore’s success is owed to the community who shared their aspirations for the Beresford coastline with the City during the initial enhancement design phase of the project.
“Before we secured $18.8 million in funding from the State Government and Mid West Ports Authority to protect the Beresford Foreshore from further coastal erosion we asked the community how they used the area and what types of facilities or amenities they wanted in the area,” he said.
“The most popular activities mentioned in the survey and workshop were dog walking, jogging and riding bikes on the footpath along with swimming, picnics and family get togethers.
“Given the sheer size of the nearly 1.8km long site, the City’s $1.8 million investment in amenities including a shared coastal path, upgraded playground, lookouts, shade structures, seating, tables, BBQs, drink fountains, a toilet block and quality landscaping featuring trees, shrubs and grassed areas has certainly gone a long way.
“In the 20 years I’ve lived in Geraldton I have never seen so many people visit the area on a daily basis and is testament that we have delivered what the community said they wanted.”
Local contractors have also been big project winners with the protection and enhancement works injecting over $20 million into the local economy.
“The Beresford Foreshore Project was 90 percent externally funded and provided an important economic stimulus for our community,” Mayor Van Styn said.
“Geraldton based civil contractor Central Earthmoving constructed the 100m breakwater extension to the detached breakwater, a 45m extension to the existing groyne and three shore based rock revetments, whilst In-Situ Construction and Maintenance beautified the Beresford coastline and replaced amenities lost to erosion.”
The Beresford Foreshore Project has also been named as a finalist in the Parks and Leisure Australia National Awards of Excellence. Winners will be announced on 29 October 2019.
More information on the Beresford Foreshore here
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