Leader of The Nationals WA, Shane Love MLA, says immediate action is needed to address escalating coastal erosion threatening communities, infrastructure and local economies at North Lancelin and Port Denison.
Mr Love today raised a Grievance in Parliament, using the final sitting day before the winter recess to again highlight the urgent need for State Government intervention.
Recent severe weather, including the storm event on 31 May, has significantly accelerated erosion along Western Australia’s mid-west coastline, with severe impacts at North Lancelin, Granny’s Beach and Ocean Drive.
“If we sound like a broken record, it’s because we have been calling for WA Labor to plan for this since 2020,” Mr Love said.
“North Lancelin is in crisis, with around 50 metres of foredune lost in just 15 months, six metres of that during the May storm alone, leaving a dangerous cliff face along the beachfront.
“Yet, despite the urgency, not a single State Government Minister or MP has visited to assess the situation firsthand.”
Mr Love said The Nationals WA had initiated work to study coastal erosion and develop a coordinated response while in Government, but Labor abandoned the program after taking office.
Local business owner Glen Trebilcock, proprietor of the Lancelin Sands Hotel, has taken matters into his own hands, installing sandbag defences at his own expense.
“Like others in this community, Glen has been forced to fight this battle himself, and many across WA have seen his efforts to protect his business and community.”
Previous State funding of $150,000 for sand renourishment lasted only six months, while a further $100,000 from the Shire of Gingin lasted just 10 days—highlighting the need for a long-term solution.
With erosion continuing, there is now an immediate threat to homes, businesses and critical infrastructure including power, sewerage and roads.
Shire President Linda Balcombe has also raised serious concerns about the State Government’s focus on Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plans and “managed retreat”.
“She is asking the obvious questions—who pays, how much, and what does retreat actually mean? Those answers simply aren’t there,” Mr Love said.
Port Denison has also been heavily impacted, with erosion at Granny’s Beach and Surf Beach placing Ocean Drive and key community infrastructure at risk, including a recreation centre, bowling club, skate park and over 55s retirement units—assets valued at up to $40 million.
Despite a rate base of just $6.9 million, the Shire of Irwin has led the response, delivering innovative, low-cost sand stabilisation works that have protected the coastline for years.
However, recent storms have caused damage that now requires relatively modest funding—around $50,000 to $100,000 for repairs and $100,000 to extend protection for another five years.
“These local governments are showing leadership, but they cannot do it alone,” Mr Love said.
“This is an emergency. There is no time for four-year studies while coastlines collapse.
“I am calling for immediate action—real funding, practical solutions and leadership from this government.”
Mr Love also urged the Minister for Transport to visit the affected communities.
“The Minister needs to get on the ground in North Lancelin and Port Denison, meet with local governments, residents and businesses, and see firsthand the scale of this crisis.
“The question is simple—will this government act?”
