Member for Mid-West, Shane Love has welcomed emergency funding of $150,000 to address coastal erosion adjacent to the Lancelin Sands Hotel.
Making the announcement today, Minister for Transport Hon Rita Saffioti said the funds were to support immediate dune stabilization works, as recommended by the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure, following a site inspection on 29 May.
The Minister said the emergency contribution recognizes the urgency of the situation and the importance of protecting critical community assets including the motel, restaurant and caravan park.
Mr Love said the funding, as requested by the Gingin Shire, would treat coastal erosion that had escalated rapidly since September, with an accelerating loss within the past two months.
“It’s good to see the state government have responded to persistent community pressure on this issue,” he added.
“Erosion at this particular section of the Lancelin coast is unexpected and unexplained and it has demonstrated the need for Local Governments to be able to access emergency funding to treat unforeseen erosion.”
Mr Love said the State government will need to work on a longterm plan to address coastal erosion and inundation in Lancelin.
“State government support is essential – small local governments such as Gingin do not have the funds nor the technical expertise to treat coastal erosion of this scale,” Mr Love said.
“I note the WA Local Government Association have called on the state government to boost funding for coastal erosion and inundation to $150 million in the forthcoming five years.
“We did not see that request granted in the latest state budget.”
Mr Love said he will continue to advocate for coastal communities impacted by coastal erosion in his electorate of Mid-West which extends from Guilderton to Coral Bay.