Mayor seeks seawall funds

Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington says securing funding for a multi-million -dollar seawall at Middleton Beach is a priority heading into next month’s State election.

The sea wall will be necessary to protect any development as part of the proposed major redevelopment of the Middleton Beach activity centre, which includes the former Esplanade Hotel site, from the potential rising sea levels and beach erosion.

Planning for sea level rises in the next 100 years is part of the conditions on any new hotel development at the beach.

Mr Wellington said the business case for the sea wall was still in its initial stages but estimated the wall would cost between $7 million and $10 million.

With the election campaign now in full swing Mr Wellington said it was the right time to bring the sea wall to everyone’s attention.

Mr Wellington said the ideal commitment from a prospective State government would be $5 million to $10 million.

Mr Wellington said the sea wall would extend from the Surf Life Saving Club to Ellen Cove, and incorporate storm water drainage and a board walk to form a public promenade.

“It would be a fantastic place for people to use and enjoy, it will look much better and will have the effect of the sea wall and will protect the hotel and anything else that is built there,” he said.

The Middleton Beach redevelopment plan was approved late last month by Planning Minister Donna Faragher.