Copyright © Bouvard Coast Care Group
Designed & Hosted by Westcountry
Bouvard Coast Care Group
Working for the future to protect our coastal dune system, fauna and wildlife

2023 Local Government Election

To keep our members informed of the views of the candidates for this years Local Government Election, we wrote to all Coastal Ward Candidates asking them for their views on issues close to the heart of Bouvard Coast Care. Here is our email, the candidates response will be published as they are received and can be read from the link next to each candidates name. Dear prospective Coastal Ward councillors, We are Bouvard Coast Care and we’re a volunteer organisation that have been maintaining the dunal system from the Dawes Cut to the southern city border over the last 30 years. We are grateful for your nominations and wish you all the best for your election endeavours. At election time we like to ask a few questions that come from our members. If you would like to answer our questions, your answers will be published on our website page and we will alert our members, via email, to your replies. Our questions are as follows: 1) Dawesville has some beautiful beaches and coastal walkways, we would like to ask about your views on coastal management in the face of climate change? 2) Given the significant increase in population in Dawesville, will you advocate for the city to complete the coastal path between Melros and Tim’s thicket? 3) We have significant issues of dune and beach destruction by rogue 4WD users and off road bikes. Will you advocate for the city to enforce its existing laws on these issues, and how do you think this could be solved given our distance from Mandurah police and ranger support. We very much look forward to your replies by close of play on Monday. Our website will be updated and our Mailchimp email will be sent out to our full mailing list of over 900 residents on Tuesday. Please feel free to request further information either by email or phone over the next few days. Once again we wish you well in your election endeavours, Kind regards, Bouvard Coastcare Members

Candidates for Coastal Ward & Response to Our Email

You can view the official candidates page on the City of Mandurah website Each candidates official submitted profile is available by clicking on their name.

Coastal Ward - 2 Vacancies

Merv Darcy

Response

Jacob Cumberworth

Response

Stephen Carter

Response

Chris Smith

Response

Jason Webb

Response

Brad Bedford

Response

Jess Smith

Jenny Green

Candidates Response to Bouvard Coast Care

Chris Smith - Coastal Ward

Overview You will see in my short bio that I have stated my interest in “the environment and waterways”. I have also listed my Local Government experience as CEO of Councils in SA & WA. The District Council of Franklin Harbour on the Eyre Peninsula is a similar environment to the City of Mandurah. Franklin Harbour has approx. 150 kilometers of coastline to the Spencer Gulf and an internal harbor similar to the Estuary here with a 50 kilometer shoreline. Approximately a third of the States oysters are grown within the harbor. We had the problems of a coastal intervention being a man made harbor being constructed many years ago at Lucky Bay with caused destructive effects to longshore drift and secretion. I see The Cut producing similar intervention and question the current attempted solutions…..so onto the questions: 1. Dawesville has some beautiful beaches and coastal walkways, we would like to ask about your views on coastal management in the face of climate change? I am a climate change believer and environmentalist. On my watch in SA, Council engaged the advice of some of Australia’s most prominent coastal engineers (Magryn) to guide us to the best solutions for our situation. We were involved to some major studies performed using CSIRO data which is closely held and interrogated by Professor Wilson from Sydney University (now retired). It is a dynamic and ever changing environment and needs to be monitored closely. I applaud the work done by your group and volunteers. 2. Given the significant increase in population in Dawesville, will you advocate for the city to complete the coastal path between Melros and Tim’s thicket? There is no doubt that the population increase in Dawesville provides the City with additional funds through rates received. There is no reason why they should not be asked to account for parallel expenditure within the area the funds were collected. I note that in conjunction with the State the City is focusing on Yalgorup and this may well fit into a longer term feeder strategy to the National Park development. I do support coastal paths so long as they are properly engineered and built in a sustainable way. My observation of the area immediately North of The Cut where I live does not evidence the same. I am happy to examine the proposal for the coastal path and support it if it is considered environmentally sustainable. 3. We have significant issues of dune and beach destruction by rogue 4WD users and off road bikes. Will you advocate for the city to enforce its existing laws on these issues, and how do you think this could be solved given our distance from Mandurah police and ranger support. I fully support your views on this. There are also a number of other interventions which can assist in such situations. These include constructing barriers to entry, blocking off access points. Also with current technology to install camera surveillance with direct feeds back to the city to collect vehicle information to enable enforcement along with increased presence and surveillance by the City. In conclusion much of my approach to being a Councillor focuses on the need to have Councillors who are capable of providing guidance to what is a major business undertaking managing a $120m enterprise, assets approaching $ one billion dollars and a massive workforce. Efficiency in these aspects should be the first consideration in selecting candidates. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Chris Smith

Jason Webb - Coastal Ward

1. Dawesville has some beautiful beaches and coastal walkways, we would like to ask about your views on coastal management in the face of climate change? I fully agree with your statement that everyone is responsible in preventing erosion. I can see that your volunteers and group as a whole has done an amazing job thus far in maintaining our beautiful coastline. In the face of climate change and rising water levels more needs to be done as it is an ongoing challenge that won’t go away. Local and state governments should be supporting groups like yours with greater funding, it is a no brainer for me. We need to maintain our coastline for future generations to enjoy. 2. Given the significant increase in population in Dawesville, will you advocate for the city to complete the coastal path between Melros and Tim’s thicket? Having been a member of the Cut golf course I have personally observed people utilising the coastal path and I myself have walked along it. I will advocate for the city to allocate funding to complete the path in the near future. My wife and I have been long time sponsor of the Port Bouvard Life Saving Club through our business and regularly attended functions there so we know the importance community groups and the infrastructure that surrounds them. 3. We have significant issues of dune and beach destruction by rogue 4WD users and off road bikes. Will you advocate for the city to enforce its existing laws on these issues, and how do you think this could be solved given our distance from Mandurah police and ranger support. Having previously been a Police Officer serving Mandurah for 4 years I am fully aware of the issues relating to the proximity of Dawesville to the nearest Police Station. Many years ago it was proposed to have a Police Station in Falcon. At the time the population was significantly less than it is now so it was shelved. I believe it is time to revisit this proposal and even consider placing it in Dawesville due to the hugely growing population through the southern corridor. I have investigated the distance between Police Stations in the metro area and population density and Mandurah now fits into the category of requiring another Police Station desperately. Another station was also proposed for Secret Harbour which should also go ahead. For too long Mandurah, Pinjarra and Rockingham Police Stations have attempted to cover a massive area with one of the largest growing populations in Australia without appropriate funding. They have been putting a band aid on a shark bite for too long and it doesn’t cut it anymore. With regards to the rogue vehicles causing issues in the dunes I do recall a state government initiative this year utilising number plate recognition using covert surveillance in Mandurah and Dawesville. I believe targetted video surveillance in the problem areas is a must, with significant signage to make those aware they are being filmed, will be prosecuted and made to pay reparation for damages.

Stephen Carter - Coastal Ward

1) Dawesville has some beautiful beaches and coastal walkways, we would like to ask about your views on coastal management in the face of climate change? We are so lucky to have them and it is so important that we protect & preserve them, especially as we experience the effects of climate change. It is clear that Climate change does increase coastal erosion and the recession of most sandy beaches. These changes will damage coastal ecosystems, infrastructure and industries. The city is about to undertake a coastal hazard assessment for the southern beaches. I expect to support strategies coming from that. I’d like to continue to support Bouvard Coast Care in coastal management wherever possible and continue to advocate for new initiatives to continue to combat the effects of climate change to minimise the impact on our local environment. 2) Given the significant increase in population in Dawesville, will you advocate for the city to complete the coastal path between Melros and Tim’s thicket? Yes, of course. We need to find the right balance between the public enjoying our surroundings but also protecting and preserving. Extension of the path from Melrose to Tim's is a great idea and in keeping with Mandurah strategic community plan I’d be happy to support. 3) We have significant issues of dune and beach destruction by rogue 4WD users and off road bikes. Will you advocate for the city to enforce its existing laws on these issues, and how do you think this could be solved given our distance from Mandurah police and ranger support. The existing laws are suitable but yes we just need greater enforcement. I would advocate for more resourcing for rangers and ranger staff to increase compliance and enforcement in the south, not just for 4x4s but for illegal dumping as well.
Elected Elected

Jacob Cumberworth - Coastal Ward

1) Dawesville has some beautiful beaches and coastal walkways, we would like to ask about your views on coastal management in the face of climate change? First and Foremost is to Support and Supplement the work of Coast Care. Examples would be, Large Scale Coastal Brushing efforts with Heavy Machinery as was conducted in Falcon with great success. Realistically we need to facilitate study and understanding of our patterns of Erosion and Accretion in relation to El Nino and La Nina Patterns. We need a Marine Science Research Centre in Mandurah, Funded through the Universities. The dunes need to be protected! We need to start planning for coastal structures to protect our coast and property. Mermaid Marine recently installed a huge artificial reef in Cockburn sound to combat erosion for $1.8 million. (Meanwhile the City of Mandurah has just approved a new toilet block for $700,000!) With a strategic and long-term approach, we can easily protect against climate change. 2) Given the significant increase in population in Dawesville, will you advocate for the city to complete the coastal path between Melros and Tim’s thicket? I absolutely support the extension of the coastal path to Tims Thicket. I actually think extending the coastal path all the way to Estuary Drive past White Hills to create a great loop track would be very spectacular and could easily link to the Thrombolites. What a magnificent natural experience that would be, and if the path went under Old Coast Rd you would create a complete circuit approx 27km able to host sports events like fun runs, multisport races including paddling, running, cycling etc with zero major road crossings. I think Mandurah should be a pedestrian mobility focused city. 3) We have significant issues of dune and beach destruction by rogue 4WD users and off-road bikes. Will you advocate for the city to enforce its existing laws on these issues, and how do you think this could be solved given our distance from Mandurah police and ranger support. The destruction of the dunes by 4x4's is purely through negligence by the council and failure to maintain the controls. We need heavy machinery to place rocks and logs to prevent access into the dune system. Some areas are now so wind scoured that they will require large scale brushing and rehabilitation. It's been let go for too long. The cost is growing exponentially. The Shire of Waroona has a Diligent Ranger that patrols their beach around Preston. Whether there's a Ranger station in Dawesville or not doesn't change the responsibilities of the City to enforce our local laws. If Hoons can drive down from Perth to tear up the Dunes. Surely a Ranger can drive down from Mandurah to issue fines and Patrol the Beach. It needs to be stamped out immediately. The state of the dunes at Yalgorup is a disgrace and an embarrassment. I will lobby directly and immediately for a dedicated Ranger resource to be stationed south of the Dawesville Channel. Kind Regards Jacob Cumberworth

Merv J Darcy JP - Coastal Ward

1) Dawesville has some beautiful beaches and coastal walkways, we would like to ask about your views on coastal management in the face of climate change? I Would fully support the development, assessment and consultation in relation to the development of the South beaches Coastal Hazard Risk Management and adaptation process similar to the development of the Northern beaches plan. 2) Given the significant increase in population in Dawesville, will you advocate for the city to complete the coastal path between Melros and Tim’s thicket? I would wholeheartedly support the completion of the coastal walkway between Tims thicket and Melros. Whilst serving as Costal Ward Councillor from 2017 to 2021, I worked closely with Bouvard Coastal Care and was instrumental in having the patio placed over the seating at the lookout at Melros. Further, I was able to gain support to have the Waste Water Treatment plant at Tims thicket shut down. 3) We have significant issues of dune and beach destruction by rogue 4WD users and off-road bikes. Will you advocate for the city to enforce its existing laws on these issues, and how do you think this could be solved given our distance from Mandurah police and ranger support. I most certainly will ensure that existing bylaws are enforced if elected and further will push for barriers being placed along the beach which will stop vehicles from accessing the coastal dunes. Further, see that Rangers make regular patrols of this area and also investigate the possibility of a dedicated ranger service for the South corridor, as this would also discourage the dumping of rubbish in the dunes and surrounding bushland. I would like to add that my election material already included supporting conservation initiatives for the Peel Harvey Estuary & Coastal Dunes . Regards, Merv J Darcy JP

Merv J Darcy JP - Coastal Ward

1) Dawesville has some beautiful beaches and coastal walkways, we would like to ask about your views on coastal management in the face of climate change? I Would fully support the development, assessment and consultation in relation to the development of the South beaches Coastal Hazard Risk Management and adaptation process similar to the development of the Northern beaches plan. 2) Given the significant increase in population in Dawesville, will you advocate for the city to complete the coastal path between Melros and Tim’s thicket? I would wholeheartedly support the completion of the coastal walkway between Tims thicket and Melros. Whilst serving as Costal Ward Councillor from 2017 to 2021, I worked closely with Bouvard Coastal Care and was instrumental in having the roof placed over the seating at the lookout at Melros. Further, I was able to gain support to have the Waste Water Treatment plant at Tims thicket shut down. 3) We have significant issues of dune and beach destruction by rogue 4WD users and off-road bikes. Will you advocate for the city to enforce its existing laws on these issues, and how do you think this could be solved given our distance from Mandurah police and ranger support. I most certainly will ensure that existing bylaws are enforced if elected, and further will push for barriers being placed along the beach which will stop vehicles from accessing the coastal dunes. Also, see that Rangers make regular patrols of this area and investigate the possibility of a dedicated ranger service for the South corridor, as this would also discourage the dumping of rubbish in the dunes and surrounding bushland. I would like to add that my election material already included supporting conservation initiatives for the Peel Harvey Estuary & Coastal Dunes . Regards, Merv J Darcy JP

Jacob Cumberworth - Coastal Ward

1) Dawesville has some beautiful beaches and coastal walkways, we would like to ask about your views on coastal management in the face of climate change? First and Foremost is to Support and Supplement the work of Coast Care. Examples would be, Large Scale Coastal Brushing efforts with Heavy Machinery as was conducted in Falcon with great success. Realistically we need to facilitate study and understanding of our patterns of Erosion and Accretion in relation to El Nino and La Nina Patterns. We need a Marine Science Research Centre in Mandurah, Funded through the Universities. The dunes need to be protected! We need to start planning for coastal structures to protect our coast and property. Mermaid Marine recently installed a huge artificial reef in Cockburn sound to combat erosion for $1.8 million. (Meanwhile the City of Mandurah has just approved a new toilet block for $700,000!) With a strategic and long-term approach, we can easily protect against climate change. 2) Given the significant increase in population in Dawesville, will you advocate for the city to complete the coastal path between Melros and Tim’s thicket? I absolutely support the extension of the coastal path to Tims Thicket. I actually think extending the coastal path all the way to Estuary Drive past White Hills to create a great loop track would be very spectacular and could easily link to the Thrombolites. What a magnificent natural experience that would be, and if the path went under Old Coast Rd you would create a complete circuit approx 27km able to host sports events like fun runs, multisport races including paddling, running, cycling etc with zero major road crossings. I think Mandurah should be a pedestrian mobility focused city. 3) We have significant issues of dune and beach destruction by rogue 4WD users and off-road bikes. Will you advocate for the city to enforce its existing laws on these issues, and how do you think this could be solved given our distance from Mandurah police and ranger support. The destruction of the dunes by 4x4's is purely through negligence by the council and failure to maintain the controls. We need heavy machinery to place rocks and logs to prevent access into the dune system. Some areas are now so wind scoured that they will require large scale brushing and rehabilitation. It's been let go for too long. The cost is growing exponentially. The Shire of Waroona has a Diligent Ranger that patrols their beach around Preston. Whether there's a Ranger station in Dawesville or not doesn't change the responsibilities of the City to enforce our local laws. If Hoons can drive down from Perth to tear up the Dunes. Surely a Ranger can drive down from Mandurah to issue fines and Patrol the Beach. It needs to be stamped out immediately. The state of the dunes at Yalgorup is a disgrace and an embarrassment. I will lobby directly and immediately for a dedicated Ranger resource to be stationed south of the Dawesville Channel. Kind Regards Jacob Cumberworth

Brad Bedford - Coastal Ward

1. Dawesville has some beautiful beaches and coastal walkways, we would like to ask about your views on coastal management in the face of climate change? Dunes and vegetation need protecting, maybe more plants to stop sand movement? Installation of artificial reefs to stop tidal flow? 2. Given the significant increase in population in Dawesville, will you advocate for the city to complete the coastal path between Melros and Tim’s thicket? I believe the path is a good idea and will reduce people walking on vegetation and dunes .. 3. We have significant issues of dune and beach destruction by rogue 4WD users and off road bikes. Will you advocate for the city to enforce its existing laws on these issues, and how do you think this could be solved given our distance from Mandurah police and ranger support. Huge issues have been witnessed on many occasions. I have formulated a petition with around 2000 signatures for a Police Station at Dawesville. The population is too big and the response time from Mandurah to Dawesville is at least 15 to 20 minutes. I’m also calling for a 24 hr Ranger Patrol which need 4WDS, Eyes on the Street and cameras with better lighting. I also believe if there was an area set aside for motor cross maybe waroona or Harvey would take them away from the coast line. Places like Tims Thicket Preston Beach could have cameras Duty Rangers and areas set aside for beach fishing Kind regards Brad Bedford
Con

Congratulations to Jacob

Cumberworth and Jess

Smith on their election for

the Coastal Ward

Copyright © Bouvard Coast Care Group
Designed & Hosted by Westcountry

2023 Local Government

Election

To keep our members informed of the views of the candidates for this years Local Government Election, we wrote to all Coastal Ward Candidates asking them for their views on issues close to the heart of Bouvard Coast Care. Here is our email, the candidates response will be published as they are received and can be read from the link next to each candidates name. Dear prospective Coastal Ward councillors, We are Bouvard Coast Care and we’re a volunteer organisation that have been maintaining the dunal system from the Dawes Cut to the southern city border over the last 30 years. We are grateful for your nominations and wish you all the best for your election endeavours. At election time we like to ask a few questions that come from our members. If you would like to answer our questions, your answers will be published on our website page and we will alert our members, via email, to your replies. Our questions are as follows: 1) Dawesville has some beautiful beaches and coastal walkways, we would like to ask about your views on coastal management in the face of climate change? 2) Given the significant increase in population in Dawesville, will you advocate for the city to complete the coastal path between Melros and Tim’s thicket? 3) We have significant issues of dune and beach destruction by rogue 4WD users and off road bikes. Will you advocate for the city to enforce its existing laws on these issues, and how do you think this could be solved given our distance from Mandurah police and ranger support. We very much look forward to your replies by close of play on Monday. Our website will be updated and our Mailchimp email will be sent out to our full mailing list of over 900 residents on Tuesday. Please feel free to request further information either by email or phone over the next few days. Once again we wish you well in your election endeavours, Kind regards, Bouvard Coastcare Members

Candidates for Coastal

Ward & Response to

Our Email

You can view the official candidates page on the City of Mandurah website Each candidates official submitted profile is available by clicking on their name.

Coastal Ward - 2 Vacancies

Merv Darcy

Response

Jacob Cumberworth

Response

Stephen Carter

Response

Chris Smith

Response

Jason Webb

Response

Brad Bedford

Response

Jess Smith

Jenny Green

Candidates Response to Bouvard

Coast Care

Chris Smith - Coastal Ward

Overview You will see in my short bio that I have stated my interest in “the environment and waterways”. I have also listed my Local Government experience as CEO of Councils in SA & WA. The District Council of Franklin Harbour on the Eyre Peninsula is a similar environment to the City of Mandurah. Franklin Harbour has approx. 150 kilometers of coastline to the Spencer Gulf and an internal harbor similar to the Estuary here with a 50 kilometer shoreline. Approximately a third of the States oysters are grown within the harbor. We had the problems of a coastal intervention being a man made harbor being constructed many years ago at Lucky Bay with caused destructive effects to longshore drift and secretion. I see The Cut producing similar intervention and question the current attempted solutions…..so onto the questions: 1. Dawesville has some beautiful beaches and coastal walkways, we would like to ask about your views on coastal management in the face of climate change? I am a climate change believer and environmentalist. On my watch in SA, Council engaged the advice of some of Australia’s most prominent coastal engineers (Magryn) to guide us to the best solutions for our situation. We were involved to some major studies performed using CSIRO data which is closely held and interrogated by Professor Wilson from Sydney University (now retired). It is a dynamic and ever changing environment and needs to be monitored closely. I applaud the work done by your group and volunteers. 2. Given the significant increase in population in Dawesville, will you advocate for the city to complete the coastal path between Melros and Tim’s thicket? There is no doubt that the population increase in Dawesville provides the City with additional funds through rates received. There is no reason why they should not be asked to account for parallel expenditure within the area the funds were collected. I note that in conjunction with the State the City is focusing on Yalgorup and this may well fit into a longer term feeder strategy to the National Park development. I do support coastal paths so long as they are properly engineered and built in a sustainable way. My observation of the area immediately North of The Cut where I live does not evidence the same. I am happy to examine the proposal for the coastal path and support it if it is considered environmentally sustainable. 3. We have significant issues of dune and beach destruction by rogue 4WD users and off road bikes. Will you advocate for the city to enforce its existing laws on these issues, and how do you think this could be solved given our distance from Mandurah police and ranger support. I fully support your views on this. There are also a number of other interventions which can assist in such situations. These include constructing barriers to entry, blocking off access points. Also with current technology to install camera surveillance with direct feeds back to the city to collect vehicle information to enable enforcement along with increased presence and surveillance by the City. In conclusion much of my approach to being a Councillor focuses on the need to have Councillors who are capable of providing guidance to what is a major business undertaking managing a $120m enterprise, assets approaching $ one billion dollars and a massive workforce. Efficiency in these aspects should be the first consideration in selecting candidates. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Chris Smith

Jason Webb - Coastal Ward

1. Dawesville has some beautiful beaches and coastal walkways, we would like to ask about your views on coastal management in the face of climate change? I fully agree with your statement that everyone is responsible in preventing erosion. I can see that your volunteers and group as a whole has done an amazing job thus far in maintaining our beautiful coastline. In the face of climate change and rising water levels more needs to be done as it is an ongoing challenge that won’t go away. Local and state governments should be supporting groups like yours with greater funding, it is a no brainer for me. We need to maintain our coastline for future generations to enjoy. 2. Given the significant increase in population in Dawesville, will you advocate for the city to complete the coastal path between Melros and Tim’s thicket? Having been a member of the Cut golf course I have personally observed people utilising the coastal path and I myself have walked along it. I will advocate for the city to allocate funding to complete the path in the near future. My wife and I have been long time sponsor of the Port Bouvard Life Saving Club through our business and regularly attended functions there so we know the importance community groups and the infrastructure that surrounds them. 3. We have significant issues of dune and beach destruction by rogue 4WD users and off road bikes. Will you advocate for the city to enforce its existing laws on these issues, and how do you think this could be solved given our distance from Mandurah police and ranger support. Having previously been a Police Officer serving Mandurah for 4 years I am fully aware of the issues relating to the proximity of Dawesville to the nearest Police Station. Many years ago it was proposed to have a Police Station in Falcon. At the time the population was significantly less than it is now so it was shelved. I believe it is time to revisit this proposal and even consider placing it in Dawesville due to the hugely growing population through the southern corridor. I have investigated the distance between Police Stations in the metro area and population density and Mandurah now fits into the category of requiring another Police Station desperately. Another station was also proposed for Secret Harbour which should also go ahead. For too long Mandurah, Pinjarra and Rockingham Police Stations have attempted to cover a massive area with one of the largest growing populations in Australia without appropriate funding. They have been putting a band aid on a shark bite for too long and it doesn’t cut it anymore. With regards to the rogue vehicles causing issues in the dunes I do recall a state government initiative this year utilising number plate recognition using covert surveillance in Mandurah and Dawesville. I believe targetted video surveillance in the problem areas is a must, with significant signage to make those aware they are being filmed, will be prosecuted and made to pay reparation for damages.

Stephen Carter - Coastal Ward

1) Dawesville has some beautiful beaches and coastal walkways, we would like to ask about your views on coastal management in the face of climate change? We are so lucky to have them and it is so important that we protect & preserve them, especially as we experience the effects of climate change. It is clear that Climate change does increase coastal erosion and the recession of most sandy beaches. These changes will damage coastal ecosystems, infrastructure and industries. The city is about to undertake a coastal hazard assessment for the southern beaches. I expect to support strategies coming from that. I’d like to continue to support Bouvard Coast Care in coastal management wherever possible and continue to advocate for new initiatives to continue to combat the effects of climate change to minimise the impact on our local environment. 2) Given the significant increase in population in Dawesville, will you advocate for the city to complete the coastal path between Melros and Tim’s thicket? Yes, of course. We need to find the right balance between the public enjoying our surroundings but also protecting and preserving. Extension of the path from Melrose to Tim's is a great idea and in keeping with Mandurah strategic community plan I’d be happy to support. 3) We have significant issues of dune and beach destruction by rogue 4WD users and off road bikes. Will you advocate for the city to enforce its existing laws on these issues, and how do you think this could be solved given our distance from Mandurah police and ranger support. The existing laws are suitable but yes we just need greater enforcement. I would advocate for more resourcing for rangers and ranger staff to increase compliance and enforcement in the south, not just for 4x4s but for illegal dumping as well.

Jacob Cumberworth - Coastal Ward

1) Dawesville has some beautiful beaches and coastal walkways, we would like to ask about your views on coastal management in the face of climate change? First and Foremost is to Support and Supplement the work of Coast Care. Examples would be, Large Scale Coastal Brushing efforts with Heavy Machinery as was conducted in Falcon with great success. Realistically we need to facilitate study and understanding of our patterns of Erosion and Accretion in relation to El Nino and La Nina Patterns. We need a Marine Science Research Centre in Mandurah, Funded through the Universities. The dunes need to be protected! We need to start planning for coastal structures to protect our coast and property. Mermaid Marine recently installed a huge artificial reef in Cockburn sound to combat erosion for $1.8 million. (Meanwhile the City of Mandurah has just approved a new toilet block for $700,000!) With a strategic and long-term approach, we can easily protect against climate change. 2) Given the significant increase in population in Dawesville, will you advocate for the city to complete the coastal path between Melros and Tim’s thicket? I absolutely support the extension of the coastal path to Tims Thicket. I actually think extending the coastal path all the way to Estuary Drive past White Hills to create a great loop track would be very spectacular and could easily link to the Thrombolites. What a magnificent natural experience that would be, and if the path went under Old Coast Rd you would create a complete circuit approx 27km able to host sports events like fun runs, multisport races including paddling, running, cycling etc with zero major road crossings. I think Mandurah should be a pedestrian mobility focused city. 3) We have significant issues of dune and beach destruction by rogue 4WD users and off-road bikes. Will you advocate for the city to enforce its existing laws on these issues, and how do you think this could be solved given our distance from Mandurah police and ranger support. The destruction of the dunes by 4x4's is purely through negligence by the council and failure to maintain the controls. We need heavy machinery to place rocks and logs to prevent access into the dune system. Some areas are now so wind scoured that they will require large scale brushing and rehabilitation. It's been let go for too long. The cost is growing exponentially. The Shire of Waroona has a Diligent Ranger that patrols their beach around Preston. Whether there's a Ranger station in Dawesville or not doesn't change the responsibilities of the City to enforce our local laws. If Hoons can drive down from Perth to tear up the Dunes. Surely a Ranger can drive down from Mandurah to issue fines and Patrol the Beach. It needs to be stamped out immediately. The state of the dunes at Yalgorup is a disgrace and an embarrassment. I will lobby directly and immediately for a dedicated Ranger resource to be stationed south of the Dawesville Channel. Kind Regards Jacob Cumberworth

Merv J Darcy JP - Coastal Ward

1) Dawesville has some beautiful beaches and coastal walkways, we would like to ask about your views on coastal management in the face of climate change? I Would fully support the development, assessment and consultation in relation to the development of the South beaches Coastal Hazard Risk Management and adaptation process similar to the development of the Northern beaches plan. 2) Given the significant increase in population in Dawesville, will you advocate for the city to complete the coastal path between Melros and Tim’s thicket? I would wholeheartedly support the completion of the coastal walkway between Tims thicket and Melros. Whilst serving as Costal Ward Councillor from 2017 to 2021, I worked closely with Bouvard Coastal Care and was instrumental in having the roof placed over the seating at the lookout at Melros. Further, I was able to gain support to have the Waste Water Treatment plant at Tims thicket shut down. 3) We have significant issues of dune and beach destruction by rogue 4WD users and off-road bikes. Will you advocate for the city to enforce its existing laws on these issues, and how do you think this could be solved given our distance from Mandurah police and ranger support. I most certainly will ensure that existing bylaws are enforced if elected, and further will push for barriers being placed along the beach which will stop vehicles from accessing the coastal dunes. Also, see that Rangers make regular patrols of this area and investigate the possibility of a dedicated ranger service for the South corridor, as this would also discourage the dumping of rubbish in the dunes and surrounding bushland. I would like to add that my election material already included supporting conservation initiatives for the Peel Harvey Estuary & Coastal Dunes . Regards, Merv J Darcy JP
Elected

Brad Bedford - Coastal Ward

1. Dawesville has some beautiful beaches and coastal walkways, we would like to ask about your views on coastal management in the face of climate change? Dunes and vegetation need protecting, maybe more plants to stop sand movement? Installation of artificial reefs to stop tidal flow? 2. Given the significant increase in population in Dawesville, will you advocate for the city to complete the coastal path between Melros and Tim’s thicket? I believe the path is a good idea and will reduce people walking on vegetation and dunes .. 3. We have significant issues of dune and beach destruction by rogue 4WD users and off road bikes. Will you advocate for the city to enforce its existing laws on these issues, and how do you think this could be solved given our distance from Mandurah police and ranger support. Huge issues have been witnessed on many occasions. I have formulated a petition with around 2000 signatures for a Police Station at Dawesville. The population is too big and the response time from Mandurah to Dawesville is at least 15 to 20 minutes. I’m also calling for a 24 hr Ranger Patrol which need 4WDS, Eyes on the Street and cameras with better lighting. I also believe if there was an area set aside for motor cross maybe waroona or Harvey would take them away from the coast line. Places like Tims Thicket Preston Beach could have cameras Duty Rangers and areas set aside for beach fishing Kind regards Brad Bedford
Elected Con

Congratulations to Jacob

Cumberworth and Jess

Smith on their election for

the Coastal Ward