A re-elected Morrison Government will provide the remaining $5 million needed to get the Southern Ocean Surf Reef built, which aims to improve consistency of waves, ensuring central Albany has a reliable surf break.
Liberal Member for O’Connor, Rick Wilson, said he had fought hard for the $5 million funding commitment, showing the Morrison Government is serious about regional development.
“Albany has long been an idyllic seaside holiday spot, but the nearest reliable surf breaks to the centre of town are at Nanarup and Muttonbird, each more than 20 kilometres away,” Mr Wilson said.
“The reef will ensure surfers from the urban areas of Albany, and tourists who mainly stay close to town, will no longer have to travel far to catch a great wave.
“Creation of a consistently surfable wave will increase tourism and economic development and help retain younger people in Albany by providing another recreational opportunity.”
Mr Wilson said that Morrison Government investment in the surf reef would build upon the $4.5 million provided through the Commonwealth’s Building Better Regions Fund for the Middleton Beach Foreshore Enhancement that he opened in January.
“Middleton Beach is now looking better than ever, and has been safeguarded against rises in sea level,” he said.
“Major works at the beach, and the planned surf reef build upon other Federal funding for recreational facilities including $4.99 million for the Albany Motorsport Park, and $1.01 million for the Albany Youth Challenge Park that I was proud to launch in September.
“These transformative projects are designed to provide recreational options, particularly for young people, so that the likelihood of retaining younger people in Albany and the wider Great Southern region is increased.”
Mayor of Albany, Dennis Wellington, said the project is construction ready, and a community survey in 2015 showed that 90 per cent of respondents support the surf reef.
“Local jobs will be created during the construction phase and once complete the reef will be a significant tourism drawcard in summer but also during winter when visitor numbers tend to be low,” Mayor Wellington said.
“The surf reef will be a sustainable and exciting addition to the amazing array of recreational options now available in Albany.
“And expert modelling indicates the reef will be beneficial to the longevity of the beach.”
The $11 million project at Middleton Beach, will be delivered in partnership with the City of Albany, should the Morrison Government be re-elected.
Only the Morrison Government will continue to deliver a better future for O’Connor as part of our plan to build a strong economy and a stronger future.