Have your say: City of Greater Geraldton calls for public feedback on state of Point Moore beaches

The state of local beaches is always a passionate subject, especially with erosion fuelling fears about their future.

Now, the Geraldton community can have their say on Point Moore beaches.

The City of Greater Geraldton is looking for community feedback to understand how and why people use these popular beaches. The results will inform management of the dunes and beaches, including vehicles driving on beaches.

A councillor’s motion to ban four-wheel-drives from a section of Point Moore was defeated at last month’s council meeting.

But Mayor Shane Van Styn said concerns raised about vehicles driving on heavily eroded beaches in Point Moore and the impact of coastal erosion on the area’s sand dunes had triggered the community consultation.

“Over the past months, our coastline has been smashed by winter storms, high swells and high tides, the likes of which haven’t been seen in years,” he said. “The beaches at Point Moore have eroded right up to the base of the dunes, making it unsafe to drive on at times, which is the reason why the vehicle access tracks were temporarily closed last month.

“Our changing climate, rising seas levels and the resulting coastal erosion have sparked a conversation about how the ongoing recreational use of Point Moore beaches and the much-needed protection of the coastal dunes must be balanced. If we can’t find a balance, the dune ecosystem, already under threat from significant coastal erosion, will be further impacted by drivers who create new tracks in the dunes when the beach gets too narrow to drive on.”

Residents wanting to contribute feedback can go to the City’s website to complete an online survey.

Hard-copy surveys are also available at the civic centre, Geraldton Visitor Centre and Geraldton Regional Library.

People have until 8.30am on Monday, September 20 to take part.

Community members are also invited to a Point Moore drop-in information session with City staff on Saturday, September 18 from 9am-11am at Bob Davies Park.