City of Rockingham signs off new seawall

A project to preserve infrastructure and prevent erosion at Mersey Point in Shoalwater has been approved by the City of Rockingham council, with funding of almost $2 million from the Federal Government.

At a council meeting last week, the City awarded a tender to Neo Civil for the replacement and extension of the existing limestone seawall by a new granite seawall.

The contract is worth $1.9 million and will involve the demolition and removal of the existing limestone seawall, with a new 325m granite seawall to be constructed in its place.

Supporting infrastructure including beach access stairs will also be included in the works to provide greater accessibility to the water.

Works on the seawall are expected to begin in September, once the worst of the winter weather has subsided.

Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said recent erosion in the area, combined with the potential for further erosion, meant action needed to be taken.

“For more than a decade the City has conducted coastal monitoring at Mersey Point and this analysis has enabled the City to consider informed coastal protection measures,” Cr Sammels said.

“Sound management of current assets is a strategic objective in the City’s Strategic Community Plan, and the delivery of the granite sea wall at Mersey Point will improve coastal protection to existing City infrastructure located behind the seawall, including the Arcadia Drive road reserve.

“In the past, temporary repairs have been carried out on the seawall following storm damage, and the construction of the granite seawall will provide a long term solution.”

Construction has been fully funded under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.