Shire of Northampton proposes six beach showers for Kalbarri and Horrocks at cost of $42,000

The Shire of Northampton is considering spending more than $40,000 on six new outdoor showers for Kalbarri and Horrocks as part of the 2022-23 budget. It comes in response to parents raising concerns about the existing showers being too far away from the main beach in Horrocks, with children getting their feet covered in sand, grass and sticks on the journey between the ablutions block to the car. Shire chief executive Garry Keeffe said this “defeats the purpose of rinsing (the children) down before entering their car.” He said there were no outdoor showers available at the newly installed ablutions blocks at Chinaman’s Beach, Sally’s Tree and the mariner in Kalbarri, and suggested the town was also in need of beach showering facilities. “It is recommended that for Kalbarri two showers be provided for at Sally’s Tree and Chinaman’s and one at the marina ablution. With the Horrocks shower, this will require the purchase of six showers total,” he said. “For the Horrocks shower it is suggested that it be placed near the access ramp to the main beach area. This area will provide easy drainage, however will require a water source to the site from a supply within the foreshore park.” The estimated cost of the six showers, plumbing and installation, and other provisions is $42,000. Council will vote on the motion at Friday’s meeting.