Reef project gathers momentum

Dreams of a Middleton Beach surf reef could be a step closer to reality next week when the City of Albany council meets.

The Albany council is set to vote on February 26 to endorse an application to the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund for four local projects, including the Amazing South Coast Surf Reef.

The reef project has been costed at $9,472,000. The City will likely apply for nearly $4 million from the Federal Government, following a WA Government commitment for $5 million.

It has earmarked $500,000 from its own wallet.

An announcement of the successful applicantions is expected by July, with submissions being made across Australia.

If funded, the reef would be built at the southern end of Middleton Beach, and designed for beginner to intermediate surfers.

The proposal for an artificial reef in Albany has been around for some 20 years.

In 2015 a survey found local support was nearly unanimous with a feasibility report finding the reef could bring in as much as $36 million through tourism.

The City is also likely to apply for this round of BBRF funding to support development at the Town Hall, the Great Southern Youth Challenge Park and the National Anzac Centre’s Butterflies of Corbie exhibition. It will likely request about $2.3 million for those projects.