Tensions ignite over Trigg to Scarborough coastal boardwalk

A proposed coastal boardwalk is stirring up residents in Trigg as for and against campaigners take new steps to have their voices heard.

The proposed “environmentally friendly” boardwalk connecting Scarborough and Trigg beaches is currently the subject of a $500,000 feasibility study investigating costs and potential environmental impacts on a prime Bush Forever site.

But since the City of Stirling approved the feasibility study in July, residents – via the Friends of Trigg Beach – have continued to express strong environmental concerns.

A new group is pushing for the upgrade of the existing dual path and added pedestrian safety measures such as guard rails along West Coast Highway.Credit: Claire Ottaviano

More recently a second group, Bush NOT Boardwalk – Protect South Trigg, lets fix the path, formed to push for the upgrade of the existing dual path and added pedestrian safety measures such as guard rails along West Coast Highway in favour of a boardwalk through the dunes.

Long-time Trigg resident Mike Masiello petitioned Main Roads to extend the 60-kilometre zone a further 300 metres north leading out of the Scarborough commercial district and to install extra signage for increased driver speed awareness.

“We are starting to build a logical case against a boardwalk through the dunes because it just seems a little bit of a ridiculous concept when you look at all the environmental, social and economic evidence that exists,” he said.

“Especially the claims regarding traffic and pedestrian safety when there are cost-effective solutions that our group has instigated already.

“Preserving this fragile Bush Forever Quindalup dune system for future generations to enjoy is priceless.”

Group member and construction manager Dylan Pentz says a path upgrade would also be cheaper than an elevated boardwalk – speculated by Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin to be circa $20 million.

Answering a question from Pentz in September alleging the cost could be greater than $10 million, Irwin said it would be surprising if the cost “was not double that” but that the decision was “a long way off yet” and would form part of future public consultation.

However, in a statement to WAtoday, the council said there were no design or costs yet associated with the project and that the Mayor’s comments were made during “a light-hearted exchange during public question time”.

In a new twist, City of Stirling staff were sighted by WAtoday on Friday removing non-approved signs titled “Trigg-Scarborough Coastal Boardwalk access path – Have your say”.

The City of Stirling removed signs that led readers to an independent community survey about a proposed boardwalk.Credit: Facebook

Following the QR code takes readers to an “independent” survey led “by the community, for the community, on behalf of the community”.

Pro-boardwalk campaigner Deane Pieters – who runs the Trigg-Scarborough Coastal Boardwalk Facebook group and commissioned the survey – initially denied having installed the signs himself, but later issued a statement that implied the group was responsible for the signage and was unaware it needed permission.

“We informed the City about the group’s intentions to conduct independent, community-led research to get qualified data to debunk the claim made by critics that 85 per cent of people opposed the boardwalk in 2013, and a report dating back to 2005 citing 75 submissions of which 55 were against, and 20 supported the project which hardly reflects the broader views of City residents,” the statement said.

“The group wasn’t aware that temporary signage approval was required to raise awareness about an important matter of interest for the local community – In hindsight, we got that wrong if that’s the case, and will consider submitting an application for consideration, keeping the community’s best interests in mind.”

The survey is being conducted by a third party, with the results being freely available to the public when complete.

“This solution helps prevent a potential catastrophic event along West Coast Highway, while connecting Scarborough and Trigg, enhancing tourism, improving beach access, promotes community wellbeing, and redirects pedestrians from the 40,000 daily commuters,” he said.

A city spokesperson said Friday’s removal of the non-approved signs was a first occurrence.

“The City is committed to working closely with the community to make sure the consultation is meaningful and inclusive,” they said.

In 2021, the City asked Main Roads to install a crash barrier along West Coast Highway from Scarborough to Trigg and suggested a speed limit reduction from 80km/h to 60km/h.

The spokesperson said Main Roads did not support these suggestions at the time, but they were aware a speed limit review was under way.

“A coastal boardwalk could create an opportunity to separate pedestrians from bicycles and e-scooters on the current congested pathway on West Coast Highway,” they said.

“This type of infrastructure is common around the Australian coast, giving access to recreational and tourism activities such as walking, bird watching, photography and connecting with nature.”

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