The plans to connect Scarborough and Trigg beaches have got the community split on the project.
UPDATE: The City of Stirling has just announced a significant step forward in its $25 million coastal boardwalk project, linking Scarborough and Trigg beaches. Despite this advancement, the decision has ignited fierce public debate regarding the allocation of city funds amid rising concerns over environmental impacts and local priorities.
The proposed 850-meter boardwalk, which aims to connect the southernmost car park at Trigg to the northernmost car park at Scarborough, has been in discussion for over two decades but only gained traction this year. The council voted earlier this week to move forward with planning, funding options, and environmental approvals, igniting backlash from community groups and some councillors who argue the project prioritizes luxury over necessity.
Supporters tout the boardwalk as a much-needed alternative to the existing shared path, which dangerously runs within less than a meter of the heavily trafficked West Coast Highway, currently handling 40,000 vehicles daily and projected to increase to 50,000 by 2041. Advocates like Deane Pieters, a former Olympic swimmer, emphasize that the boardwalk will enhance safety and tourism while preserving the area’s natural beauty.
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The proposed boardwalk presents a practical solution that can help prevent a catastrophic event along West Coast Highway,”
Pieters stated. He also highlighted the expected economic boost of over $100 million within three decades, as the council has already spent more than half of the $500,000 budgeted for feasibility studies over the past year.
However, opposition is mounting. Critics, including Robyn Murphy of the Friends of Trigg Beach, voice strong concerns about potential damage to the environmentally sensitive dunes classified as a Class-A reserve. Murphy argues for a simpler solution: “It would not take much to duplicate the path, put some bollards in, improve the surface,” she said, urging the council to reconsider its priorities in light of the ongoing housing crisis.
Further dissent comes from Lisa Thornton, a councillor representing Osborne Park, who argues the project is an inequitable investment. “I’ve got serious doubts about the economic, environmental, and social aspects of this boardwalk,” she noted. “Our city needs to be balanced in its investments and its priorities. Right now, it is not with this boardwalk.”
While the council defends its decision, emphasizing minimal environmental impact and maximum community benefit, the future of the boardwalk remains contentious. Mayor Mark Irwin insists the project will provide locals and visitors with a new way to experience Perth’s iconic coastline, integrating elements of Noongar culture and promoting inclusivity.
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The coastal boardwalk will improve safety, preserve the natural environment between Scarborough and Trigg, and create a drawcard for locals and tourists that showcases Perth’s world-class coastline and sunsets,”
Irwin asserted.
As the City of Stirling moves forward, the community awaits further developments, including environmental assessments and public consultations. The council’s next steps will be closely monitored as both supporters and opponents continue to voice their opinions on this contentious project.
Residents and stakeholders are urged to stay informed as this story develops, reflecting broader conversations about urban development, environmental stewardship, and community needs across Perth.
