New coastal protection measures endorsed for Cable Beach foreshore

Published on 25 June 2021

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The redevelopment of the Cable Beach foreshore is one step closer after Broome Shire Councillors endorsed new coastal protection measures at last night’s June 2021 Council meeting.

Cable Beach is a world-class tourism attraction but lacks surrounding infrastructure and the Shire has plans to redevelop the foreshore to improve the precinct’s amenities.

However, with a significant future coastal erosion risk, the Shire has moved to ensure Cable Beach can continue to be loved by residents and visitors alike.

Protection options and geotechnical investigations have been undertaken to inform the development of six potential mitigation measures.

At Thursday night’s meeting, two options were endorsed – sand nourishment and the implementation of an exposed geotextile sand container revetment.

Sand nourishment is based on increasing the coastal dune buffer using sand and will require ongoing coastal monitoring and maintenance of erosion buffers to be effective.

The sand container revetment will help to protect the existing dune system by providing a more robust dune edge and is a method used frequently in other coastal areas of Australia.

It is important to note there will be minimal impact to the current dune system, while the other options that were not endorsed would have had a more significant environmental, aesthetic and cultural impact.

Also, by endorsing two appropriate protection options, Council has pledged to explore these measures in more detail and flexibility is provided on how the upgrades can be implemented.

The Council decision comes after the State Government announced a $68,988 grant earlier this week, with the money to be used in the detailed design stage of the project.

Shire of Broome president Harold Tracey said mitigating coastal erosion was critical to Cable Beach’s continued status as an iconic location.

“The Shire has moved decisively to ensure one of Broome and Western Australia’s biggest drawcards remains an amazing asset long into the future,” he said.

“We have undertaken significant work over a number of years, undertaken extensive community consultation and opted for a ‘protect’ strategy in relation to erosion.

“Our work in this space was recognised when the Shire landed an award for Planning and Management at the 2019 Australian Coastal Awards.

“We have seen amazing positive transformations at Town Beach and in Chinatown over recent years – upgrading the Cable Beach Foreshore is now a priority for the Shire.

“I’m also delighted that the 2021-22 Budget was adopted at the Council meeting, which includes a funding commitment of $867,815 towards the detailed design phase of the project.

“Community engagement and consultation will continue as the project progresses, with a Cable Beach Stakeholder and Community Reference Group to be formed in the future.”

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