Coastal erosion threatens road in Dongara

The risk of coastal erosion causing damage to homes and infrastructure is back in the spotlight after last month’s ex-Tropical Cyclone Mangga hit the region. In a story familiar to communities along WA’s coastline, storm and swell damage has caused a headache for authorities in the Geraldton and Irwin shires. Irwin Shire parks and gardens supervisor Mark Jones said a month after the storm hit the region, there was still significant erosion along the coast at Dongara. “I think we’re about two and a half to three metres off Ocean Drive right now,” he said. Speaking at Irwin Shire’s ordinary council meeting on June 22, Mr Jones said repairs to the damage at Grannies Beach in Dongara would likely cost $50,000. Shire president Mike Smith said coastal erosion had been a “massive concern” for the Shire and would threaten Ocean Drive, one of the Shire’s main roads, soon. “It’s an ongoing issue for us,” he said. “After the storms last year we added a limestone structure at sections along Grannies Beach which has been very successful. “We’re keeping a close eye on this, we’ll be able to sort it out.” Over in Geraldton, MP Ian Blayney said the State Government should prioritise funding to tackle the coastal erosion, singling out Drummond Cove and Sunset Beach as hotspots. “Having seen the effects of Mangga on Geraldton’s coast after it raged through the State last month, I have called on the WA Government to prioritise much needed funding,” he said. “Geraldton residents cannot afford to have their homes destroyed by coastal inundation.”