Published on Tuesday, 23 June 2020 at 3:59:53 PM
Lights Beach is closer to receiving a much-needed upgrade, with Council adopting a concept plan that will make the site more sustainable and accessible for visitors.
The plan includes toilet upgrades to water-wise, accessible facilities, sealed parking and formal traffic circulation, improved signage distinguishing off-leash dog areas and national park, and east and west lookouts redesigned to provide an experience for people of all abilities.
Director Assets and Sustainability David King said in his report to Council that the increasing visitor numbers in peak season exacerbates the site’s current problems, leading to poor visitor experience.
“The carpark is sealed in part, but is not engineered to contemporary safety standards. Anecdotally this has resulted in a number of minor crashes due to the poor circulation spaces. Access to the beach is steep with little to no provision for the less able.
“The improvements will see Lights Beach able to accommodate the growing visitor numbers we are experiencing year on year without the damage that currently occurs due to poor design, and a better, more inclusive experience for people of all abilities,” he said.
Public feedback focussed on usability throughout the site which was incorporated into the final concept plan. Other suggestions including bike racks, rectifying the blind summit leading into the car park and parking bay size will be addressed during the design phase.
The Shire is considering applying for funding for the project through the Federal Government’s Drought Community Program. This program funds projects that boost the local economy and provide jobs for those who may be affected by drought.
The estimated cost to complete works is estimated at $750,000 and will be refined through the detailed design process once funding becomes available. Local businesses will be contracted to the works, with the call for tenders anticipated in December 2020.
The concept plan was developed by the Shire’s Lights Beach Concept Plan Working Group made up of community members, Shire staff and Councillors, with input from the Shire’s Disability Services Advisory Committee.
Lights Beach is a key tourist node in the Shire of Denmark, intersecting the nationally recognised Munda Biddi cycle Trail and Bibbulmun Track walk trail.
View the adopted Concept Plan here
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