The City of Stirling has taken a significant step forward in its ambitious plan to construct an $18.5 million coastal boardwalk connecting Scarborough and Trigg Beach, with councillors voting to advance the project to the next development phase.
Council Vote Paves Way for Coastal Icon
In a decisive meeting on Tuesday night, Stirling councillors voted 8-5 to progress the long-discussed boardwalk project. The approval means the city will now commence detailed design work, pursue formal environmental approvals, and actively explore funding opportunities from both government and external sources.
The project has already consumed more than $295,000 during 14 months of feasibility studies, environmental assessments, and preliminary design work. City officers presented a comprehensive report recommending the project move forward, citing strong community support and multiple benefits.
Design Features and Economic Benefits
Concept plans released in July reveal an innovative design that will see the boardwalk travel above the dunes within a class-A nature reserve. The centrepiece will be a striking shade shelter shaped like a humpback whale's tail, complemented by six key nodes featuring interactive cultural displays and public artworks representing the six Noongar seasons.
An economic study commissioned by the city projects substantial returns, estimating the boardwalk will generate $3.30 for every dollar invested. This equates to approximately $100 million in economic benefits over 30 years, making it not just an aesthetic improvement but a sound financial investment for the region.
Community Support and Opposition
Community consultation conducted in July demonstrated significant public backing, with 70 percent of 2,499 respondents expressing support for the proposal. However, the project has also faced organised opposition, with a petition containing 1,032 verified signatures calling for the council to scrap the plan and consider alternative options.
The debate has been vigorous, consuming considerable council question time over the past year. Deputy mayor Karlo Perkov expressed disappointment at some opposition tactics, noting he had "never seen some of us be attacked that way on social media to change public opinion" during his eight years on council.
Councillor Lisa Thornton was among the five who opposed the project, arguing that the costs and benefits didn't stack up, particularly during a housing crisis. "This is not the time for expensive follies, optional infrastructure that diverts skilled workers away from desperately needed housing supply," she stated.
Environmental Considerations and Future Steps
The proposed location presents environmental challenges, as the dunes between Scarborough and Trigg Beach are designated as a class-A reserve and Bush Forever site, home to a threatened community of Rottnest Island pine.
Mayor Mark Irwin remains confident the boardwalk can be built responsibly, arguing it represents a safer and more scenic alternative to simply widening the existing path along West Coast Highway. "It would encourage people to stop and smell the ocean air, watch the surf breaks, and enjoy the journey along our world-class coastline," he said earlier this year.
This marks the third time a boardwalk proposal has been presented to council since 2005, but it's now progressed further than any previous attempt. The current initiative began in July 2024 when the council allocated $500,000 for a feasibility study in its 2024-2028 corporate business plan.
While celebrating the project's advancement, Mayor Irwin cautioned that important milestones still need to be achieved, including environmental approvals and securing government funding, before construction can commence on what promises to become an iconic Perth coastal attraction.
