Proactive Works to Enhance Coastal Protection in Shoalwater

Throughout April and May the City of Rockingham will be carrying out works to proactively reinforce the coastline in Shoalwater. Approximately 60 metres of coastline to the east of the existing Mersey Point Granite Seawall will be reinforced with a three-metre high temporary granite seawall.

The temporary seawall will protect the footpath that runs adjacent to the beach, the Arcadia Drive Road Reserve, and nearby homes from the threat of erosion and coastal inundation during severe winter weather.

The work will be delivered by WA Limestone for the City and the project is expected to be completed in May 2023. Works will occur from 6am – 5pm from Monday to Friday, and 7am – 2pm on Saturdays.

During the works access to the footpath in the area will be unavailable, and there will be short-term road closures along Arcadia Drive between Mersey Road and Carlisle Street. Traffic management will be in place during these closures.

City of Rockingham Mayor Deb Hamblin said it was important for the City to strategically deliver this project before the worst of the winter weather arrived.

“The Mersey Point area is one of the most dynamic coastal environments in our community, and the City has closely monitored the impact of erosion in the area for more than a decade,” Mayor Hamblin said.

“While the City successfully delivered the Mersey Point Granite Seawall last year, damage from storms in August 2022 highlighted the need for continual efforts to preserve a vulnerable section of the City’s coastline.

“Due to the weather in winter, and high public use of the area in summer, the City has a limited window to deliver these works. By proactively taking action now, the City is attempting to mitigate the risks and avoid the cost of carrying out reactive emergency repairs later in the year.

“The City understands the road closures may cause some inconvenience for community members, and we appreciate their patience while this important work is carried out.”

For more information on the project visit rockingham.wa.gov.au/planning-and-building/current-projects-and-works/mersey-point-granite-seawall-construction