Member for Moore, Shane Love MLA says a new policy launched today by The Nationals WA will bring urgent attention and funding to address coastal erosion impacting regional Western Australia.
The $50 million policy and funding package announced by Leader Mia Davies in Geraldton is designed to help local governments, coast care and community groups fund programs and initiatives to manage fragile coastlines.
Mr Love, also The Nationals WA environment spokesperson, said several locations in Moore would benefit from the commitment if The Nationals WA form government in 2021.
“Moore takes in a large expanse of WA’s coastline and is home to several identified erosion hotspots including Grace Darling Park, Lancelin, Ledge Point, Seabird foreshore, Cervantes, Horrocks foreshore and Grannies Beach in Port Denison,” he added.
“Our policy will direct much-needed funding and attention to help management authorities preserve natural assets and protect private and public infrastructure at these locations.
“The policy also commits to creating specific integrated coastal management legislation similar to that in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.”
Legislation in other states defines coastal zones, outlines protection, conservation and rehabilitation requirements, recognises cultural and economic importance and ensures land use planning decisions safeguard life and infrastructure.
A State Government report on WA coastal erosion hotspots released in July 2019 identified 55 locations as being of high management importance within the next 25 years.
Of those 40 are in regional WA, with 12 identified as requiring urgent action in the next five years.
Ms Davies said her party’s policy and funding commitment would prioritise locations at highest risk of erosion, inundation and deposition.
“A dozen iconic coastal hotspots in regional WA are at significant risk of coastal erosion and inundation if no action is taken in the next five years,” she said.
“The McGowan Government has failed to address this matter with any sense of urgency despite coastal erosion being a major issue for residents, communities and businesses in regional WA.”
