The Western Australian government is dispatching experts to evaluate the erosion damage in Lancelin, situated approximately 115 kilometres north of Perth. However, local residents express concern that this response may arrive too late. Compelling before-and-after images taken five years apart starkly illustrate the ongoing erosion in this beachside community.
Glen Trebilcock, owner of the Lancelin Sounds Hotel, voiced his apprehension, stating, “Once the beach is gone, Lancelin is disappearing one grain at a time.” What was once an easy walk down a dirt path to the water now presents a daunting six-metre drop. Trebilcock fears for his establishment’s future, quipping that if the erosion continues, by Christmas he may be left with the only “slip and slide” in town.
Nearby, the local marine rescue centre is also at risk, as community members worry that Lancelin could meet the same fate as Seabird, a neighbouring town that has suffered similar coastal losses. Peter Murphy, a local resident, remarked on the inefficiency of the current method of yearly dredging and sand replenishment, indicating it lacks sustainable logic.
Gingin Shire President, Councillor Linda Balcombe, highlighted that recent measurements indicate a staggering loss of at least six metres of beach within the last three months. Earlier in the year, authorities had to remove part of a path along the shoreline due to safety concerns, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Balcombe admitted uncertainty about what has triggered such drastic changes in the area. However, Transport Minister Rita Saffioti announced that more than $20.6 million has been allocated to tackle erosion issues since 2020, with an additional $33.6 million pledged through to 2026. Coastal engineers from the Department of Transport are expected to visit soon to inspect the site.
In light of these developments, Trebilcock hopes that authorities will begin to address the erosion more seriously, suggesting that measures like constructing rock walls or groynes could offer some protection against the relentless advance of the sea. The ongoing situation underscores the urgent need for effective and timely interventions to preserve the coastal integrity of Lancelin before it is too late.