UPDATE: The City of Stirling has just advanced a controversial $25 million boardwalk project connecting Scarborough and Trigg Beach, igniting heated public debate over its financial and environmental implications. The council’s decision, made earlier this week, has prompted accusations of fiscal irresponsibility, as local groups voice concerns over the spending of taxpayer dollars on what some term a “passion project.”
The proposed 850-meter boardwalk aims to unite two of Perth’s most popular beaches, with plans dating back nearly two decades. The latest push for this development comes as the council seeks funding options and environmental approvals. Critics argue the funds could be better allocated to pressing community needs, especially amid a housing crisis plaguing the region.
According to a council-commissioned economic impact statement, the estimated cost of the boardwalk could reach nearly $25 million, despite council estimates placing it at $18.5 million. Plans include a whale tail-inspired shade structure and six cultural display nodes celebrating the six seasons of Noongar culture.
Supporters argue that the boardwalk will significantly enhance public safety and accessibility. Currently, pedestrians and cyclists rely on a shared path dangerously close to the busy West Coast Highway, which sees 40,000 vehicles daily. Advocates, including former Australian Olympic swimmer Deane Pieters, emphasize the economic benefits, projecting over $100 million in returns within three decades.
“It prioritises public safety. It connects Perth’s best beaches. It enhances tourism,” Pieters stated. However, the project faces formidable opposition. Local activists, including Robyn Murphy from the Friends of Trigg Beach, argue that the boardwalk threatens the environmentally sensitive dunes, designated as a Class-A reserve and Bush Forever site. Murphy contends that resources should instead focus on upgrading the existing shared path, proposing simple enhancements like bollards to improve safety without encroaching on natural habitats.
Council members hold divided opinions, with Lisa Thornton, a councillor from Osborne Park, voicing her opposition based on the project’s equity and necessity. “I’ve got serious doubts about the economic, environmental, and social aspects of this boardwalk,” she warned.
Despite the backlash, Mayor Mark Irwin maintains that the project can be executed with minimal environmental impact while maximizing tourism potential. “The boardwalk will improve safety, preserve the natural environment, and create a drawcard for locals and tourists,” he asserted in a statement to local media.
As the community grapples with the implications of this ambitious initiative, the next steps include securing environmental approvals and finalizing funding arrangements. The City of Stirling’s decision to proceed is set against a backdrop of rising public dissent, as many citizens feel that their priorities are being overlooked in favor of a high-cost project.
This developing story highlights the ongoing tension between community interests and governmental planning. With significant local investment at stake, the outcome of this project may set a precedent for future developments in the area.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story evolves.
