Geraldton set to benefit from State Government funds to fight coastal erosion

The City of Greater Geraldton has been allocated a big slice of the $3.5 million in State Government funds allocated to help fight erosion along WA’s fragile coast. It will receive more than $645,000 through CoastWA, which has given funds to 37 major coastal planning and protection projects. The Geraldton projects include $615,000 for stage two of the construction of three extra geotextile groynes and sand replenishment for Sunset Beach, an extra $10,000 for the dune stabilisation project at Sunset Beach and $20,809 for monitoring of coastal erosion hotspots in Geraldton. Planning Minister John Carey said the funding commitment was a continuation of plans to protect WA’s coastline. “Western Australia has some of the most pristine coastline in the world and almost $19 million has been provided by our Government to 187 coastal projects since 2020,” he said. “This important funding to coastal projects across the State will ensure we can sustainably manage the threats and pressures on our diverse but fragile coastline.” Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton said the funding was important to mitigate risks to the coast. “As a regional coastal city, we understand how important it is to manage and protect our coast from the impacts of coastal hazards,” she said. “It is great to see the State and our local communities working together to put in place mitigation measures to protect the coastline, flora and fauna.” The City of Greater Geraldton put aside $100,000 in its 2023-24 budget for the possible demolition of the Geraldton Marine Rescue building and public toilets at Point Moore if erosion worsens.