Multiple vehicles use the verge on Bay View.
A recent council meeting at the Shire of Peppermint Grove has led to a significant decision regarding the maintenance of local verges. Following a presentation from resident David Singleton, the council will trial a new treatment method, potentially saving $80,000 that would have been necessary to restore the grass verges on Bay View Terrace and Keane Street. This issue arose as the verges have been heavily worn due to parking by visitors to the nearby Peppermint Grove Tennis Club and events at the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club.
The expansion plans for the tennis club are expected to further increase the demand for off-street parking, complicating the maintenance of these public spaces. The Shire had already allocated $350,000 in its budget for the 2025-26 financial year to address the verge restoration and had invited six contractors to quote for the work. Unfortunately, only one contractor responded, and their bid exceeded the budget by $80,000, a figure that Shire President Karen Farley described as “way above” expectations.
During the meeting, Shire staff initially recommended proceeding only with the works on Bay View Terrace using aggregate concrete. However, Singleton, an engineer with over 22 years of experience in the field, suggested exploring alternative products such as Geohex mesh. He argued that these materials could be more effective and economical.
Singleton pointed out the visual impact of the current state of the verges, noting, “You can see in some areas it’s pretty untidy and the car movements have broken through the grass.” He suggested that the cost of using Geohex would be around $1,000 per parking space, significantly lower than the approximately $18,000 per space estimated for the recommended concrete method.
In addition to the cost-saving potential, Shire CEO Don Burnett highlighted the importance of addressing the area’s water allocation. He stated that the shire is “right on the limit” of its water allocation, making it challenging to ensure adequate watering of restored grass areas. “We can’t guarantee water can be put back in to grass it unless we can save water somewhere else,” Burnett explained. He noted that some areas currently lack grass, and watering them would result in only maintaining sand.
The council supported Singleton’s proposal to investigate the costs associated with using Geohex for several parking bays on Bay View Terrace. Burnett emphasized the logic of this approach, stating, “If it works in Bay View, then it’s going to work in Keane.”
This trial represents a proactive step by the Shire of Peppermint Grove to explore innovative solutions for local infrastructure challenges while considering budgetary constraints and environmental factors. The outcome of this trial could reshape how the shire manages its public spaces in the future.
