COMMUNITY comment is being sought on a draft blueprint for the iconic Mandurah Eastern Foreshore recreation space.
The existing Eastern Foreshore retaining wall urgently needs replacing and has reached the end of its useful life.
Mandurah City is making plans to replace the retaining wall and redesign the precinct.
The new concept for the wall features a curved design and would extend between 10-20m into the water body to allow for extra recreation space.
After extensive consultation with the local Indigenous community, the proposal is to create a curvilinear wall which is in line with the shapes of the Waugal Serpent.
The proposed design includes a two-level limestone construction that provides protection against storm surges now and for a 1-in-50-year‟ design. In allowing consideration of future impacts of sea level rise, the replacement wall would need to be a minimum of 0.75 metres higher than its current level.
The wall could also feature steps and ramps to allow better access to the water.
Construction is likely to start later this year and is expected to cost $2.2million, part of which has been funded by the City in the 2012/13 budget.
The City is also seeking the community‟s input into the future vision for the wider Eastern Foreshore precinct, which has been a popular recreation and leisure spot for locals, families and visitors for many decades.
The proposed foreshore redevelopment is part of the bigger vision for the much-visited city centre and foreshore precinct.
Proposed concept designs have been prepared for the foreshore, which includes activity and recreation 'nodes'‟, integrated kiosks, seating and shaded areas and water access points.
The $10million foreshore redevelopment plan is yet to secure funding.
Mandurah chief executive Mark Newman said replacing the foreshore wall and the overall future redevelopment was a chance for Mandurah to create a unique foreshore experience.
“This is our chance to create an exciting, iconic foreshore design for the Mandurah community and our visitors, with the hope of increasing visitation and usage of the Eastern Foreshore area,” he said.
“We want to develop the Eastern Foreshore into an area that has the 'wow'‟ factor, and something our community can be proud of. It will be a place where people can come and relax with their families and enjoy top-class public amenities and a variety of water‟s edge experiences.
“We have been presented with a real opportunity to make the Eastern Foreshore a stand-out, vibrant feature of the city. The community is encouraged to tell us their visions and hopes for what this area could look like in the no-too-distant future.”
There are a number of ways the community can get involved in the discussion. To have your say on the replacement of the Eastern Foreshore retaining wall and the future vision of the area, go to haveyoursaymandurah.com.au
There will be displays at Ac-cent Mandurah, both Mandurah libraries and the City‟s administration building. Drop-in information sessions will be held at the following locations: Miami Shopping Centre: Tuesday, April 23 – 10am-2pm Centro Mandurah: Thursday, May 2 – 10am-2pm
