Barnett pledges $70m for Perth beaches

Three Perth beaches will be revamped with a $70 million State Government investment that will see roads realigned to keep heavy traffic away and picnic areas established.

An initial contribution of $30 million has been provided to transform Scarborough beach and its surrounding areas.

Up to $40 million has also been set aside for the realignment of Curtin Avenue, south of the Marine Parade roundabout in Cottesloe, which will assist Leighton and Port beaches.

Premier Colin Barnett said the Scarborough works would include the beachfront, as well as the entire precinct through a collaboration between the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA), the City of Stirling and the private sector.

“Scarborough is a favourite tourist destination, but the area has recently suffered from a lack of new investment and a poor reputation, so this decision will help fulfil its enormous potential as one of the nation’s best beaches,” he said.

Works will include new pedestrian promenades along the beachfront, cycling paths, landscaping, a children’s playground, public art, fitness equipment, barbecues, seating and shade along the beach, and improvements to access and car parking.

Mr Barnett said realigning Curtin Avenue, so it ran along the railway line and drew heavy traffic away from Leighton and Port beaches, would also open up more land.

“While there have been many improvements in the last decade at Leighton Beach, the Leighton Marshalling Yards remain a barren wasteland and potential danger for beachgoers,” he said.

“The realignment of Curtin Avenue south of the Marine Parade roundabout will completely open up the area and bring back families and beachgoers to a revitalised beachfront.

“This is particularly significant for south of the river beachgoers, who have grown up loving Port and Leighton beaches, but have had to dodge cars and trucks to get to the ocean.”