Coastal Boardwalk Feasibility Study

The City’s Coastal Boardwalk Feasibility Study aims to understand the viability of constructing a boardwalk in the South Trigg coastal reserve. The first step in this process is to conduct a preliminary environmental assessment to identify the constraints and opportunities that exist in the area.

The South Trigg coastal reserve – through which the proposed boardwalk would be constructed – is classified as an ‘A Class Reserve’ under the Land Administration Act 1997 and a Bush Forever site. Class A Reserve status does not prohibit all works, particularly boardwalks and paths that provide access and enjoyment.

The Preliminary Environmental Opportunities and Constraints Assessment Report by consultancy Coterra Environment, provides independent advice to balance the consideration of designing and constructing a coastal boardwalk between Trigg and Scarborough Beach.

The City is carefully considering the recommendations to ensure the boardwalk proposal aligns with environmental standards and community expectations. These findings are informing the next steps of this project which will include concept designs, further environmental studies, an economic impact assessment and extensive community engagement.

Through the Coastal Boardwalk Feasibility Study, the City aims to enhance and protect the coastline, improve safety for pedestrians and enable visitors to take in the picturesque conservation area.

Please see the preliminary environmental assessment under Useful Documents at the bottom of this page.

A boardwalk has been identified as having the potential to create a unique attraction along our coastline that could be used by locals, visitors and tourists alike.

An independent economic study will consider:

• Visitor attraction
• Revenue for City businesses
• Projected employment opportunities in the area
• Economic stimulus in the area
• Benefits for other sectors (outside tourism)
• Spending pattern of visitors
• Overnight stays and length of stays.

During the initial phase of community engagement, we invited the submission of questions about the proposal through this webpage. Below, you'll find answers to your most frequently asked questions.

Will special interest groups be engaged?

We are committed to working closely with all groups via extensive engagement, including the Noongar community, special interest groups and locals.

How will the community be canvassed?

We want to share and receive information from the community, bringing you along on the journey. We will provide updates via the City’s project webpage, Facebook page and our newsletters and host ongoing conversations with the community about what matters most when it comes to our coast.

Why is $500,000 required for a feasibility study?

The Coastal Boardwalk Feasibility Study includes funds for an independent environmental impact assessment, an economic study, developing design options and extensive community engagement.

Why is it taking so long?

The City is aware proposals have been raised since 2005. We want to ensure a thorough, open and transparent process, which can take time.

How is the City considering coastal hazards like erosion and inundation?

The City has prepared a Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan to enable long-term management of areas that may be impacted by coastal hazards. This CHRMAP will be used to inform the environmental considerations for this project.

What would a Coastal Boardwalk be made of?

If the project proceeds beyond the feasibility study, consideration will be given to materials that are eco-friendly and sustainable.

Will it be for pedestrians only?

As part of the community engagement for the project, the City will seek feedback from the community on how they would like the boardwalk to be used. With the continuing popularity of bikes and e-rideables, along with increasingly high levels of recreational users on the existing path, pedestrian safety perceptions are decreasing. Feedback will inform consideration of the future use of a coastal boardwalk.

Is upgrading the existing pathway an option?

Yes, all options will be considered by Council as part of the next steps of the project. Like a coastal boardwalk, upgrading the existing pathway would involve works through the Class A reserve and would be subject to a high level of scrutiny. The City is focused on understanding the potential environmental impacts of all options.

What considerations are being given to car parking?

Parking options will be considered as part of the concept design of the boardwalk which will occur following the environmental and economic studies. The economic study will estimate foot traffic and increased visitation to the area and feedback will be sought from the community to inform transport modelling and parking considerations for Scarborough and Trigg.

What considerations are being given to the site’s environmental status?

The South Trigg Coastal Reserve – through which the coastal boardwalk would need to be constructed – is classified as a Class A reserve under the Land Administration Act 1997 and a Bush Forever site. Class A reserve status does not necessarily prohibit all works, particularly properly managed and controlled paths providing access and enjoyment. This Coastal Reserve is protected by legislation which requires a high level of scrutiny and will require appropriate design solutions to meet environmental conditions. Additional environmental requirements will be considered as part of the project including the City’s Coastal Hazard and Risk Management Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP) and relevant State and Federal Government approvals.  

What would a boardwalk cost?

There are no designs or costs associated with the project at this early stage. The City is focused on environmental and economic assessments, developing design options and undertaking extensive community consultation to inform future cost estimates of a boardwalk.

We’re inviting questions about the Preliminary Environmental Opportunities and Constraints Assessment through the link below. Here are answers to your most frequently asked questions. 

What considerations are being given to the proposed location in an environmentally sensitive area and erosion zone? 

The report references that the South Trigg coastal reserve is classified as an ‘A Class Reserve’ under the Land Administration Act 1997, as well as a Bush Forever Site. We note that the reserve is Sector 6 of the Trigg Bushland Reserve Bush Forever Area 308 and features include Quindalup Dunes. These classifications provide extra protection and approval requirements, however, do not prohibit all works, particularly boardwalks and paths that provide access and enjoyment. Aligning with the City’s Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan, the report recommends that the boardwalk should be mostly situated to the east of the 2070 coastal erosion hazard extent.

Will a boardwalk hinder the current views of the ocean and horizon? 

The assessment notes that the boardwalk would provide a unique opportunity to showcase the visual amenity of the area. It recommends that a drafted design is evaluated by an independent landscape architect or visual amenity specialist from various viewpoints and nearby residential areas. Those considerations should inform the siting of lookout points along the boardwalk. Careful positioning and material selection for the boardwalk will be paramount to minimise visual intrusion. 

How would the dune ecosystem, flora and fauna be protected during construction? 

The study suggests that the design process avoids places of unique landscape and scientific significance including the Callitris preissii (or Melaleuca lanceolata) Forests and Woodlands of the Swan Coastal Plain Threatened Ecological Community. One of the highest recommended priorities is minimising vegetation disturbance during construction, with a suggestion to engage a landscape architect and engineer to provide specialist advice. If unavoidable, disturbed areas should be rehabilitated with native species, noting that successful revegetation works have occurred within the area. The report references the Trigg Bushland Reserve Management Plan and recommends further studies include a flora and vegetation survey, fauna survey and land quality assessment. It notes that a Native Vegetation Clearing Permit will be required.

How will you control foot traffic, manage rubbish, and protect the safety of walkers especially at night? 

The report recommends controlling public access through fencing or balustrading, citing examples of other boardwalks in similarly environmentally sensitive areas, often used to control access and protect the natural environment while showcasing the area. It states that litter does not pose a constraint to the boardwalk but recommends consideration of providing rubbish bins. Another consideration is passive surveillance of the area such as CCTV. 

How will you control costs of building and maintaining the structure, including carparks? 

The economic study will consider many factors including estimated foot traffic and increased visitation to the area to inform parking considerations for Scarborough and Trigg.  

What about the environmental buffer? 

The Trigg Bushland Reserve Management Plan recommends, though does not mandate, a buffer of at least 50 metres around the Callitris preissii (or Melaleuca lanceolata) Forests and Woodlands of the Swan Coastal Plain Threatened Ecological Community (TEC). The Plan notes that a buffer cannot be established in all locations due to existing development, such as the area to the south east in Sector 6. The Preliminary Environmental Opportunities and Constraints Assessment recommends that where possible the boardwalk design should be setback approximately 15 metres from the TEC patch. The patch should also be fenced prior to construction to provide additional protection from potential direct impacts. The buffer to the TEC should be reassessed when the exact extent of the TEC is known. 

What considerations are being given to lighting? 

Potential lighting options will be part of future considerations. While lighting can significantly enhance safety and visibility, it is essential to balance this with the need to protect the natural environment.