Damage to fencing frustrates community

Ongoing incidents of vandalism to temporary fencing erected to stop erosion on Whitehill Road in Drummond Cove are causing frustration among the community as the City is left to foot the repair bill.

The fencing has repeatedly been cup open or knocked over to enable vehicle access to the area since it was installed in July 2016, prompting the City of Greater Geraldton to urge the perpetrators to stop.

City of Greater Geraldton chief executive Ross McKim said although the fencing cut off access between the John Batten Community Hall and Drummond Cove Road, it was an important community safety measure.

“The City undertook sand nourishment along Whitehill Road north of John Batten Community Hall as a temporary measure to mitigate further erosion of the site while a community-wide coastal adaptation plan was developed,” he said.

“As the road was almost completely eroded and could no longer be utilised as such we had to fence the site to ensure the community and visitors to the area didn’t put themselves at risk.

“Until a long term solution to the erosion of Whitehill Road is identified and implemented, the fences will have to stay in place.”

The City of Greater Geraldton is inviting the community to offer suggestions for coastal erosion solutions at a coastal planning workshop held at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre Upper Hall on Saturday.

Anyone interested is asked to RSVP by 5pm tomorrow by calling 9956 6945 or emailing janellk@ccg.wa.gov.au