City of Stirling calls for feedback on proposed Scarborough-Trigg coastal boardwalk

The City of Stirling is inviting community feedback on a proposal for an environmentally sensitive coastal boardwalk linking Scarborough and Trigg.
 
The proposed boardwalk would take pedestrians away from the traffic on West Coast Highway and separate them from other users of the highway’s busy principle shared path.
 
With an estimated cost of $18.5 million, it would also aim to create an iconic experience for locals and tourists that showcases the City’s world-class coastline and connects people to nature and culture.
 
“A coastal boardwalk between Scarborough and Trigg is an idea that has been talked about in our community for at least 20 years – the aim of this feasibility study is to find out if it’s a good idea,” City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin said.
 
“We know this area has environmental value, so if we’re going to build a boardwalk, it has to be carefully designed and it has to be worthwhile.
 
“A boardwalk in this location shouldn’t just be another way to get from A to B – it should be something that creates an experience, encourages a greater appreciation of our coastal environment and has significant benefits for our community.

“Now, we’re asking the community to have a look at this proposal and tell us what they think.”
 
On Wednesday, the City released an initial concept design and associated independent environmental and economic reports developed as part of its Coastal Boardwalk Feasibility Study.
 
Council allocated funding for the feasibility study in the City’s Corporate Business Plan 2024-2028, prompting a fresh review focused on the potential environmental, social and economic benefits of a coastal boardwalk.
 
The study area is situated within an A Class Reserve and a Bush Forever site that includes a threatened ecological community of Rottnest Island pine (callitris preissii).

While boardwalks in environmentally sensitive areas are common, the Scarborough-Trigg proposal has been guided by a core design principle of taking a light-touch approach to protect the site’s natural integrity and biodiversity.

The concept design shows a slightly elevated boardwalk that follows a path of degraded vegetation and maintains a buffer of at least 15m from the threatened ecological community.
 
It is also located largely to the east of the 70-year erosion vulnerability line identified by the City’s Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Planning.
 
The materials and construction method have been chosen to minimise disturbance to the dune environment, including screw piling foundations to negate the need for concrete footings.

The open-grid pattern of the decking and sections of the boardwalk without handrails strengthen the connection to nature, making for a more immersive experience.

The immersion is deepened by elements of Nyoongar culture, developed in consultation with members of the Ngalang Maya Wangkiny working group.
 
The six primary nodes are aligned with the six Nyoongar seasons, featuring interactive cultural information, public art and a shade structure in the form of a humpback whale tail.
 
These design choices aim to elevate the sense of place and create a unique experience for Perth that celebrates its culture and iconic coastline.
 
An independent economic impact assessment estimates that for every dollar invested in the proposed boardwalk, the project would return $3.30, generating an estimated $100 million in benefits over 30 years.
 
Community consultation, which opened on 30 July and runs until 30 August, is the important final phase of the Coastal Boardwalk Feasibility Study.
 
Council will then consider whether to move forward with the proposal, with the next steps involving detailed design, further stakeholder consultation and approvals. 

The City would seek government funding to support the delivery of the project if it progressed to that point.
 
To learn more and submit feedback by 30 August, visit the Coastal Boardwalk Feasibility Study webpage.