New boom gates installed along Point Moore to restrict beach access to vehicles when conditions are too risky

New boom gates are being set up this week as part of a council commitment to help manage and protect the coastal vegetation at Point Moore.

The new gates will be installed at key access tracks along the beach and comes following extensive community consultation, in which almost 800 locals were surveyed.

Following that process, the City of Greater Geraldton council decided to introduce the gates — rather than proceed with a proposed vehicle ban — to protect the coastal vegetation while also allowing vehicle access and prioritising the safety of beach users.

“The majority of people (surveyed last year) were deeply concerned about protecting the sensitive coastal ecosystem,” Mayor Shane Van Styn said.

“Most people who drive on the beach are respectful of pedestrians and the environment, so we did not want to ban vehicle access.

“However, due to the changing nature of the coast, it is important to be able to prevent vehicles from driving on the beach when there is insufficient space between the dune and the waterline.”

The boom gates will allow beach access when the conditions permit, and restrict access when the conditions are deemed too risky.

The contractor expects all the boom gates will be installed by Friday.

Their installation is partially funded by a $76,000 Coastwest grant awarded to the City by the Department of Planning, Lands, and Heritage.

Additional works will include sand trapping fences, brushing and potential CCTV installation pending budget approval.