Chapman Valley Shire Council is in the process of upgrading and improving its premier nature based camping area, Coronation Beach. This work will protect and restore the coastal environs.
Located 25 kilometres north of Geraldton in Western Australia, Coronation Beach is used year round and is one of the most popular windsurfing locations in the world. However, mounting pressure on this area, along with unregulated access and minimal facilities, was leading to degradation of the foreshore and camping grounds.
In acknowledging this issue and the need for improved management to address emerging conflict issues between different recreational users, Council commissioned a planning study in 2002. This study determined the measures needed to protect and restore the coastal environs, while adequately catering for various recreational uses.
Chapman Valley Shire President, John Collingwood, said the study involved extensive public consultation.
“The endorsed option focuses on redevelopment of the camping reserve as a nature based camping area with improved facilities and level of management,” he said.
The Shire began implementing the study recommendations in early 2003, with funding support from Coastwest and the Department for Sport and Recreation, along with a number of in kind contributions.
Coastwest is an initiative of the Western Australian Planning Commission. Its grants are available for projects designed to improve the condition and amenity of the coastal zone in Western Australia.
Councillor Collingwood said a number of works have already been completed Using this combined funding.
“We have three new unisex/disabled toilets, a designated sewerage dump station, and five varying size gazebos providing shade,” he said. “Council has rearranged the day use car parking areas, established a dedicated windsurfing rigging/recreational area and a separate kite surfing rigging area. We have also seen delineation of specific camp/caravan sites, revegetation of degraded and eroded areas, barrier fencing to protect remnant vegetation and improved signage.”
Additional tourist information signs and realigning and sealing of the road leading into the reserve has also been completed.
Council is now in Stage 2 of the redevelopment process, constructing a timber boardwalk and lookout on top of the fore dune.
“This will provide excellent views of Coronation Beach and the pristine Batavia coastline,” Councillor Collingwood said.
Council is now developing a feasibility study for the creation of boat launching facilities in the area. If the facilities are approved, the entire project is expected to be complete in mid 2008.
For further information contact Chapman Valley’s Natural Resource Management Officer, Kirrilee Mincherton, on (08) 9920 5011.
